Girl Scout cookie sales start soon

January 12 marks the start of the Girl Scout cookie sale for the largest council in the United states, Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council (GSSJC).

Annually, Wharton County Girl Scouts, which is part of the San Jacinto Council, join thousands of other Girl Scouts in this leadership development program and historic fundraiser. Since 1917, the Girl Scout cookie program has helped girls develop important leadership skills they will use throughout their lives.

The program is a focal point of the Girl Scout business and economic literacy initiative for girls age six through 17, providing finance, marketing and public speaking skills, which in turn builds girls' self-confidence and leadership skills.

Many successful businesswomen got their start selling Girl Scout cookies. Rosi Hernandez, market development vice president with the Houston Astros, sold her fair share of Girl Scout cookies as a girl.

"I think that the cookie sale certainly taught me the true value of a dollar and how hard it is to earn money," said Hernandez. "It is an opportunity for parents to teach their daughters the importance of doing something for the greater good like their troop or Council, rather than something that would only benefit themselves."

Just as Hernandez experienced, the leadership development, teamwork, goal setting, ethical decision- making, money management, marketing and communication skills girls learn truly last a lifetime.

"Through selling Girl Scout cookies I not only gained the confidence needed to speak to the public," said 14 year-old Girl Scout Holly Bosholm, "but I also understand the value of a clear and concise voice."

This year, Girl Scout cookies are available in eight varieties: Thin Mints, Peanut Butter Patties, Peanut Butter Sandwiches, Shortbread, Thanks-A-Lot, Caramel deLites, Lemonades, and the new Cinna-Spins.

The portion-controlled Cinna- Spins have the same great taste you expect from Girl Scout cookies with only 100 calories per individualized pouch. In addition, all varieties of Girl Scout cookies are now "zero trans fat per serving."

The price for a package of cookies is $3.50.

As is customary, girls will be selling the highly anticipated tasty treats starting on Jan. 12. From Feb. 22 through March 30, girls will be selling Girl Scout cookies at cookie booths outside of grocery stores and other retail venues.

The sale ends March 30. There is also a toll-free cookie hotline at 1-888-GS-COOKIE for those who would like to purchase cookies.