In addition to giving girls an opportunity to earn money to fund their Girl Scouting goals, taking part in the Girl
Scout Cookie Program teaches girls five important skills that serve them throughout their lives: goal setting,
money management, people skills, decision making, and business ethics. For more on everything involved in
the Girl Scout Cookie Program, flip to the “Managing Group Finances” chapter of this handbook.
Being outside is a great way for girls to explore leadership, build skills, and develop a deep appreciation for
nature. Whether they spend an afternoon exploring a local hiking trail or a week at camp, being outside gives
girls an opportunity to grow, explore, and have fun in a whole new environment. For more information, visit
www.girlscouts.org/program/basics/camping.
Two of the Journey series—It’s Your World—Change It! and It’s Your Planet—Love It!—are available in Spanish,
as are two new supporting books for Spanish-speaking volunteers to use with Spanish-speaking and bilingual
Girl Scout Brownies and Juniors :¡Las Girl Scouts Brownies Cambian El Mundo! (Girl Scout Brownies Change the
World!) and ¡Las Girl Scouts Juniors Apuntan a las Estrellas! (Girl Scout Juniors Reach for the Stars!). The books,
which introduce the Girl Scout movement to these girls and their families, provide everything you need for a
fun-filled year in Girl Scouting. For more information on these resources, contact your council.
All of this may seem overwhelming, but don’t worry. The next few pages give you an idea of what’s involved
when you use the National Program Portfolio with girls at each Girl Scout grade level.
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