Here Come Thin Mints

Girls in familiar green uniforms will be knocking on doors beginning Saturday, selling the cookies that have become an American icon.

“Thin Mints are my best seller,” says Alexa Shinler.

The fourth-grader hopes to sell at least 110 boxes of cookies over the next few weeks.

Jenna Lulling is a fan of peanut buttery Tagalongs. The Orono sixth-grader plans to sell 2,000 boxes and expects most of her sales to be Thin Mints and Samoas.

Emilie Perman's goal is to sell 100 boxes of cookies. Perman doesn’t have a favorite flavor because she has never tried them due to a gluten allergy. If Girl Scouts offered a gluten-free cookie, she said, she would like it to be Thin Mints.

In addition to the traditional flavors, customers will see a new cookie called Savannah Smiles. The lemony wedges dusted in powdered sugar are offered this year only to commemorate the 100^th anniversary of Girl Scouts, founded in Savannah in 1912.

This is Isabelle Seran’s first year selling cookies.

“She is excited because she loves the idea of doing something ‘big kids’ do,” said mom Renee Seran. “She really loves to earn badges. The badges are huge currency with the girls.”

The Orono first-grader will get help from big sister Carolyn, a seasoned cookie seller.

“Carolyn will go anywhere and talk to anyone to sell a box of cookies,” said Renee Seran. “She’ll go door-to-door, make phone calls to family and friends, come to work with mom and dad and work a cookie booth at the hardware store.” 

Last year, Carolyn’s troop sold nearly 1,500 boxes of cookies. About one-third of those were Thin Mints, although Carolyn’s personal favorite is Samoas.

Her no-fail strategy?

“Spread the news before sales start to let your regular customers know you’ll be selling soon,” the third-grader said.

Other experienced Girl Scouts are happy to share their tips.

“It's good to sell on a really cold day because not many other Girl Scouts are out and lots of people are at home staying warm,” said fifth-grader Emily Clear.

She hopes to sell 250 boxes.

“The girls are basically running their own business for the couple of months of the sale,” said troop leader Brandy Lulling. “They are responsible for everything from marketing to money-handling. These are skills that will be invaluable to them no matter what path they choose for their future.”

Each troop determines how it will use sales proceeds.

“We would like to go on a trip to Chicago and also adopt an animal from the zoo,” said Jenna Lulling.

Carolyn Seran’s troop is saving for their first camping trip.

“We'll most likely purchase items like animal food, toys and cat litter for the Humane Society,” said Kim Milligan, mom of nine-year-old Alena. “We’ll also donate cookies to the ICA food shelf.”

As cookie sales wind down, the troops will be gearing up for the centennial anniversary celebration with Girls Scouts from across the U.S. at the Mall of America March 10-11.