National Girl Scout Cookie Day, Friday, has been proclaimed by all 112 councils across the country to celebrate the world’s largest girl-led business which brings in revenue of $790 million and which sells to 50 million cookie fans.

All the revenue earned from cookie activities – every penny after paying the baker – stays with the local Girl Scout council that sponsors the sale.

For those who didn’t have a Girl Scout knocking on their door recently to take a cookie order, there will be another opportunity beginning this Friday in recognition of National Girl Scout Cookie Day. On that day, and through March 18, any girl member in the Girl Scouts of South Carolina – Mountains to Midlands’ council wearing her uniform or Girl Scout t-shirt will have a form with her ready to take orders.

Feb. 8 will also be an opportunity to reflect on the fact that in addition to being a fund-raiser, the Girl Scout Cookie Program teaches girls five essential life skills: goal setting, decision making, money management, business ethics, and people skills.

According to President/CEO, Girl Scouts of South Carolina – Mountains to Midlands, “When it comes to skill building, statistics show the Girl Scout Cookie Program works. According to a survey from the Girl Scout Research Institute, 85 percent of Girl Scout “cookie entrepreneurs” learn money management by developing budgets, taking cookie orders, and handling customers’ money. Eighty-three percent build business ethics; 80 percent learn goal setting; 77 percent improve decision making; and 75 percent develop people skills.”

Cookies will be delivered in late February. In addition, customers can buy directly from Girl Scouts on weekends from Feb. 22 – March 18 at participating local retailers such as Bi-Lo, K-Mart, Lowe’s, Sam’s Club, Walmart, and other area businesses.

For additional information please log onto www.girlscouts.org or call 1-803-240-8213.

For 100 years, Girl Scouting has helped girls develop positive values and become active, responsible leaders in their communities. With emphasis on personal growth and leadership development through service to others, Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. Girl Scouts of South Carolina-Mountains to Midlands serves approximately 12,300 girls, grades K5-12, and 5,00 adults in 22 counties of central and western South Carolina, including Abbeville, Aiken, Anderson, Cherokee, Chester, Edgefield, Fairfield, Greenville, Greenwood, Kershaw, Lancaster, Laurens, Lexington, McCormick, Newberry, Oconee, Pickens, Richland, Saluda, Spartanburg, Sumter, and Union.