Girl Scout cookies feature package change

Girl Scout cookies are expected to taste the same as always this year, but the boxes they come in will look different.

The new look for boxes of Girl Scout cookies.

The organization is redesigning cookie packaging for the first time in 13 years.

Previous boxes showed images of the cookies inside. The new design calls for pictures of Girl Scouts camping, participating in community service projects and being involved in other organization activities.

That’s a big change that was made to emphasize the positive impact the Girl Scouts has on its members, said Menisa Marshall, director of communications for the Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana.

“We really wanted this year to show the girls and their experiences and how the cookies help support that,” she said.

Pre-order cookie sales are under way and continue through Jan. 19. Cookies can be ordered by contacting a Scout or the local office on Sycamore Street in Elizabethtown at (270) 769-5563.

Boxes cost $3.50, the same as last year.

Orders are expected to be delivered beginning Feb. 11, and public booth sales are scheduled to begin Feb. 22.

The top-selling cookies in the Kentuckiana Council area are Samoas. Across the nation, Thin Mints sell the most.

The sales goal for the council is $2.3 million, slightly higher than last year’s mark of about $2.1 million, Marshall said.

Sales support scouting activities. They also provide the girls who sell cookies with character-building opportunities, she said.

“What a confidence-builder that is, and what a learning opportunity,” she said.

Girls must manage money, set goals, make eye contact and talk to people, Marshall said.

“It really is a terrific learning ground for the girls,” she said.

Amber Coulter can be reached at (270) 505-1746 or acoulter@thenewsenterprise.com.