Product Programs

Chapter Overview

• Understand what the Product Programs are and the five skills girls will learn

• Get an overview of the Fall Product and Cookie Programs

• Learn the importance of Troop Product Program Managers and what they do

Product Program

Do you remember what it felt like as a kid to host a lemonade stand? Or maybe you had a bake sale at your school? Or held a car wash to raise money for a local organization? That feeling of accomplishment, earning your own money through hard work is what our Girl Scouts feel when they participate in the Product Programs. Not only are they earning money for their troop, but they are also learning how to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset and be the leaders of tomorrow.

Did you know?

76% of girls are interested in starting their own company?

78% of girls are interested in becoming an entrepreneur in the future?

Girls with entrepreneurial mindsets are:

• Confident in their abilities

• Socially conscious problem-solvers

• Curious learners

What is an Entrepreneurial Mindset?

84% of girls want to lead a cause or campaign for something they believe in?

• Innovative and flexible thinkers

• Challenge-seekers and risk-takers who learn from setbacks

• Collaborative teamsters

Girls with an entrepreneurial mindset have a set of skills or qualities—like curiosity and confidence—that we know are linked to entrepreneurial success. Girl Scouts’ definition of entrepreneurial mindset merges innovation and strategic risk taking with a focus on social impact and collaboration. Participating in the Product Programs will help girls develop this way of thinking!

Five Skills and Entrepreneurship Skills

The Girl Scout Product Programs are so much more than a way for your troop to earn money —they are programs that give girls the skills they need for a lifetime of success! There are five key skills that girls learn and develop by participating in the program. Girls learn the five skills by participating in our Fall Product Program and our Cookie Program, but we also know that as a girl progresses through her entrepreneurship experience, those skills are developed in various ways. We certainly recognize not every girl aspires to be an entrepreneur, but the Fall Product Program and the Cookie Program can help girls develop valuable skills which will benefit her in the future, no matter what career path she chooses!

Goal Setting

Girl Scouts learn how to set goals and create a plan to reach them. Girls set Fall Program and Cookie Program goals, and with their troop, create a plan to reach them. This matters because girls need to know how to set and reach goals to succeed in school, on the job, and in life.

Money Management

Girl Scouts learn to create a budget and handle money. Girls develop a budget, take orders, and handle customers' money. This will help them learn money management—from their lunch money to their allowance and future paycheck.

Decision Making

Girl Scouts learn how to make decisions on their own and as a team. Girls decide how to participate, how to market their sale, and what to do with their earnings. As they make many choices (big and small) throughout the program, they will learn important decision-making skills that will help them throughout their lives.

People Skills

Girl Scouts find their voices and build confidence through customer interactions. Girls learn how to talk (and listen) to their customers. These people skills help them do better with group projects, sports teams, on the playground, and later at work.

Business Ethics

Girl Scouts learn to act ethically, both in business and life. Girls act honestly and responsibly during every step of the Fall Product and Cookie Programs. This matters because employers want to hire ethical employees—and the world needs ethical leaders.