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Girl Scout Cookies
With Charlene Meidlinger
Assistant Executive Director
Girl Scout Council of the Nation's Capital
Friday, Feb. 22, 2002; 1 p.m. EST

Whether Samoas, Thin Mints or Tagalongs are your favorite, it's not hard to figure out why Girl Scout cookies are so popular. But did you know that people in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area are the biggest consumers of Girl Scout cookies in the country? Last year's total sold was 3,972,324 boxes. With this year's sale in full swing and a preliminary total of 4,115,592 boxes sold, the Girl Scouts in Metropolitan Washington have already exceeded their 2002 goal of four million boxes.

Charlene Meidlinger, assistant executive director of the Girl Scout Council of the Nation's Capital (GSCNC), will be online to take your questions and comments on the cookies, the annual sale and the Girl Scouts in general.

Meidlinger has been with the GSCNC since 1985 and has responsibility for a wide range of activities that include product sales as well as a giant sing-along that will take place on the Mall on June 8. Comprised of 47,000-plus girls in thousands of troops in the District of Columbia and suburban Virginia and Maryland, the GSCNC is one of the largest councils in the country.

Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.

Washington, D.C.: Where did the name "Samoa" come from, and why? It's my FAVORITE cookie!

Charlene Meidlinger: This wonderful cookie covered with caramel on top and bottom, rolled in toasted coconut and striped with a rich, cocoa coating has to remind you of a exotic island. That is where we think the name came from, don't you? Imagine eating a Samoa cookie on a beautiful beach . . . works for me!

Atlanta, Ga.: What is you favorite Girl Scout memory as a child and as an adult?

Charlene Meidlinger: I have so many, many wonderful memories of Girl Scouting both as a "girl" Girl Scout and now as an adult. As a girl -- I loved camping at Smokey Timbers Girl Scout Camp in Kansas. We didn't have a lot of adventurous things to do back in the "olden" days and camping fit the bill.

As an adult, I was blessed to be able to lead a troop of girls that included my daughter for 12 years. We did a lot of great things -- but perhaps the best was a 3 week trip to Europe with 21 girls! What a blast we had! Raised all that money from the cookie sale.

As with any Girl Scout, the joy of memories comes from the great friends, great times and great learning experiences.

Arlington, Va.: Girl Scout Cookies are the best! There are more cookies in my office right now than at Christmas time. Is there any chance that they will ever be sold more than once a year?

Charlene Meidlinger: Part of what makes Girl Scout cookies so tantilizing -- is that you can only get them once a year! They might lose their magic if they were available every day. Remember that they freeze well. Nothing tastes better on a hot summer day than a frozen thin mint!

Vienna, Va.: From all of the little girls in Brownie Troop #805 all the way through the young ladies in Senior Troop #2278: We wanted to let you know that we have grown into incredible women becuse of you. Thank you for making adifference in our lives!

Ruth, Alica and Kim

Charlene Meidlinger: Hats off to troop #805 and #2278 -- they were a magnificant group of girls and now an incredible group of women. We had great times . . you are all the best! Love you!

Washington, D.C.: I am bothered by the fact that little girls are standing on the corners of shopping plazas begging people to but cookies in order to make a buck. Or, they go door to door soliciting for business. Little girls are not supposed to be peddling wares for major corporations for no pay. Your organization has taken the little lemonade stand or the school bake sale concept and decided to capitalize on the free labor of the same children you are supposed to be helping. If your goal is to teach them marketing, than why not let the local troops or the girls themselves keep all of the profits? Otherwise, why not just sell your cookies in local supermarkets and eliminate this nonsense all together. In a way, it's a shame, because the cookies taste great -- but I won't support this kind of sales approach.

Charlene Meidlinger: Girl Scout cookies do taste great, and they are a "great cookie for a great cause!" We believe that the cookie sale teaches girls about following through with a commitment, handling money responsibly, greeting the public, answering questions and learning to set goals. For many girls, the Cookie Sale is their first experience working as a team. They have fun while building self-confidence and learning valuable life skills.

Son-of-a-former-troop-mom: Hi Charlene,

Comment and a question. My sister was in Girl Scouts through middle school. Mom was very involved in it; my favorite memory is my three brothers spending a week at Girl Scout day camp with the other troop moms' sons. What a fun program.

What is the Girl Scouts' policy on lesbians (and gay men as leaders) in Scouts? Why do you think that the Girl Scouts have been so fortunate to be dragged through the mud with the Boy Scouts? (not that I think that the boy scouts are right on this issue.)

Charlene Meidlinger: Growing up with a Girl Scout in the family is great fun! I have three brothers who still say that they were "honorary Girl Scouts" and loved being around at cookie time.

The Girl Scouts value diversity and inclusiveness and, therefore, do not discriminate on any basis. We do not permit the advocacy or promotion of a personal lifestyle or sexual orientation. We believe that sexual orientation is a private matter for girls and their families to address.

Harrisburg, Pa.: Is it my mistake, or were "Samoas" not available last year under the name "Samoa," yet under a new name? If that is so, what was behind the renaming of samoas, and what are they being called this year?

Charlene Meidlinger: The Girl Scout cookies you purchase depend on where you live. Every Girl Scout Council selects its own bakery. In the greater Washington area, our cookies are made by Little Brownie Baker -- and one of their cookies is the Samoa. In Harrisburg your Girl Scout cookies may be made by Interbake Food. They have the Caramel Delite. It's OK -- but not as good as a Samoa.

Always a Girl Scout: Ms. Meidlinger,

I was a Girl Scout throughout grade school, beginning as a Mini (remember those?) and continuing through high school as a Senior Girl Scout. Both my mother and I were EXTREMELY active with the Girl Scout Council of Orange County (California) -- she as a troop leader for many years and also as an instructor of beginning troop camping, and I as a Girl Scout.

I am now living in the D.C. area and I've often felt that I'd like to give something back to Girl Scouting and get involved again in an organization that had such a great impact on my life. Unfortunately, I do not have the time to be a troop leader or co-leader right now. Are there any volunteer opportunities for someone like me?

Charlene Meidlinger: How great that you and your mother were in Girl Scouting together. My mom was my troop leader and I was my daughter's leader -- it is a very special time for mom's and their daughters.

Whether you are single, married, male or female there is a place for you in our organization. We can certainly use your help and expertise on a short-term project or event. No matter how much time you have to give you can become a part of Girl Scouts. We need wonderful volunteers like you! Please call us at 1-800-523-7898 and as for Karen at extension #259! She's great and will have you getting out your uniform in no time!

Fairfax, Va.: Any possibility of bringing back low-fat options? The apple cinnamons sold last year were pretty tasty and went well with tea.

Charlene Meidlinger: Have you tried Ole-Ole? This is our new cookie this year that is a bite-size vanilla cookie with pecan chips, coconut and covered in powdered sugar. These cookies are a fiesta of taste and are REDUCED fat! They also go well with tea!

Fairfax, Va.: How much do the Girl Scouts gets from sales of Edy's Ice Cream in girl scout cookie flavors? Is it done by locality, or nationwide? Any plans on increasing the line? The Samoa and Thin Mint ice creams rock!

Charlene Meidlinger: The only thing better than an actual Girl Scout cookie is Girl Scout cookie ice cream. Local Girl Scout councils do not receive any money from these sales. This is a contract between Edy's and our national headquarters. The revenue is used to create wonderful programs for all girls.

Don't forget to check out Tagalong Ice Cream -- it's lite!

Washington, D.C.: Why DOES Washington, D.C. eat so many girl scout cookies? Is it the phenomenon of government worker supporting the cube-mate's daughter's girl scout troop?

Charlene Meidlinger: It's in the water!

Washington, D.C.: I looked at a box of Girl Scout cookies here at work, (I forget which kind) and noticed that one serving provided 23 percent of the recommended daily intake of saturated fat. I attribute this to the tropical oils listed in the ingredients: palm oil, coconut oil. These oils are said to have more saturated fat than butter or lard. Why must you use them in your cookies?

Charlene Meidlinger: The use of tropical oil in cookies is an extremely small amount used to produce the taste, texture and consistency. The cookie bakeries have been working for several years to find an adequate substitute that will meet quality standards. The FDA has said that tropical oils are only a minor contributor of saturated fats in the American diet.

Remember -- cookies are a dessert item -- not meant to be at the top of the food pyramid.

wiredog: Girl Scout Thin Mints are a Conspiracy! Oh sure, those Girl Scouts selling them LOOK cute and friendly selling those cookies, but I know the truth! Those cookies are addictive! Is there anyone who can open a sleeve of Thin Mints WITHOUT eating the entire thing? You are trying to make us all into fat couch potatos who are hopelessly addicted to chocolatey goodness! That way you can take over the world without any resistance, because the rest of us will be to obese to fight back! Well, it won't work on me! I've seen through your plot! And now I'm going to warn the world!

Charlene Meidlinger: Who better to take over the world than the Girl Scouts! Just think -- you would earn exciting badges such as "Stress Less" and "Fun and Fit". We also firmly believe that we leave a place better than we found it.

Go Girl Scouts!

Fairfax, Va.: Where are the cookies made? How did the whole Girl Scout cookie "thing" get started? How did the thin mint come into being as the signature Girl Scout cookie?

Charlene Meidlinger: The whole Girl Scout cookie "thing" did not start in my kitchen. The first commercially baked Girl Scout cookies were sold in Philadelphia in 1934. I wasn't around then . . . but I believe the story goes that they were a shortbread type cookie (Trefoils) and they didn't have the fancy packaging we have today . . . but were a dozen in a wax bag! How ingenious!

The cookies sold here in the Washington area are made by Little Brownie Baker (honestly that is their name) in Louisville, Kentucky.

And so it goes -- we are selling over 4 million boxes in the greater Washington area alone!

Thin Mints -- they are just the best! They have been the top seller for years. It is a quality cookie with a wonderful taste and is enjoyed by all.

Fairfax, Va.: What addictive additive(s) do you add to your cookies? I can't stop eating thin mints. Please tell me so that I can add it to my kids' vegetables.

Charlene Meidlinger: If vegetables were cookies -- we would all be better off! Maybe try sprinkling cookie crumbles over the brussel sprouts! Good luck!

Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.: I am a fierce GS cookie lover and a former Scout (and Brownie!) A question and a comment: when is the annual sale? I don't know too many Scouts and have missed out the last few years -- unless I happen to catch some Scouts in front of a grocery store.

Second, I wanted to thank the Girl Scouts for not discriminating against gay leaders and Scouts. I have been disappointed with the Boy Scouts' policies in recent years. As a young gay woman, I am proud to be a part of the Scouts.

Charlene Meidlinger: We don't want anyone not to get their thin mint fix! With everyone working in the Washington area . . . it is hard to catch you at home. So . . . voila! Booth Sales!

Starting March 1st you will find cookie sales happening at your local grocery store, video store, gas station . . . just about anyplace where more than two people gather.

To find out where there is a booth sale nearest you, call us starting March 1st at 800-523-7898 and one of our elves will help you.

Omaha, Neb.: Could you please tell us more about how the Girl Scouts contract with the various bakeries? I have lived in many places over the years (Wyoming, South Dakota, Texas, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Nebraska) and am familiar with Little Brownie Bakers and ABC Cookies. Why are there so many companies involved.

I am also constantly confused about the branding of the items. You can go to any McDonald's in the world and a Big Mac is a Big Mac; but if you want the circular cookies with caramel, cocoanut and chocolate you sometimes ask for a Samoa and sometimes a Caramel Delite. Do you have an explanation for the confusing branding?

Finally, how have Girl Scout cookies sales been impacted by comparable products offered in grocery stores. For example Keebler Grasshopers have a very similar taste and texture to Thin Mints.

Thank you for your time!

Charlene Meidlinger: I went to school in Omaha, Nebraska -- what a great town.

There are three bakeries licensed by GSUSA to conduct business with local councils. Every council has its own preference. We have 4 million reasons to have Little Brownie Baker make our cookies. We think they are the best . . cornhuskers may like the cookies from another bakery.

Each bakery designs their product line.

Nothing compares to Thin Mints! During the first quarter of the year, Girl Scout cookies are the #2 in sales in the entire United States. Buy more cookies and we will be #1.

Former Girl Scout Here: Just curious...

Of the $3 I pay for my box of cookies, how much (in cents please) actually goes to the troop??

Charlene Meidlinger: Of the $3.00 you pay for a box of the best cookies ever . . . $.50 stays with the troop. Troops use their cookie money to finance their troop activities and go camping and perform service.

In the greater Washington area, over 2 million dollars stays with the troops.

Re: Washington, D.C. Cookie Hater: I was once a Girl Scout and selling cookies made me feel like I was making a difference for my organization and taught me great selling skills and responsibility! These young women are always accompanied by adults to ensure safety. Girl Scout Cookies have become a fixture in American society. How anyone would compare this yearly ritual to "begging" or a glorified "lemonade stand" is not only ridiculous, but insulting to the organization as a whole!

I'd also like to mention that the young women of the Girl Scouts (and their wonderful leaders) grow into this country's leaders.

Charlene Meidlinger: Yahoo!

Washington, D.C.: How old do you have to be to go into Girl Scouts?

Charlene Meidlinger: Girls ages 5 - 17 may join Girl Scouts. Daisy Girl Scouts are in kindergarten. To find a Girl Scout troop in your neighborhood call 800-523-7898.

Washington, D.C.: If sales don't start until March 1st, how is it that people already have their cookies? I'm jealous.

Charlene Meidlinger: You must be smelling thin mints. Cookie deliveries for pre-orders are happening now! If you ordered cookies from a Girl Scout who came to your door . . . your cookies are on the way.

Booth sales begin March 1st -- buy early and buy often!

Vienna, Va.: I'm submitting this question for my brother who grew up in a Girl Scouting Family! What happened to the Vancho's? They were packaged with 2 packages of cookies in each box -- one row contained vanilla sandwich cookies with vanilla filling, the other chocolate sandwich cookies with vanilla filling. To this day during cookie time I have to hear about those cookies and how disappointed he is that they're gone. Really, you'd make my life easier if you brought them back. Can you look into that?

Charlene Meidlinger: I remember Vancho's -- they were a great sandwich cookie. You had vanilla ones and chocolate ones. Back in my day they sold for .35 -- whoa -- long time ago.

Each year we remember cookies of the past. They were wonderful, but we feel that we have some great cookies now! If you like sandwich cookies try the Do-Si-Do. Or . . how about the new "All Abouts". Think you'll like them.

But for you . . . I'll talk to the elves about vanchos!

Alexandria, Va.: Where are your headquarters located? Do you have a web site where I can learn more about getting involved or even getting a job with you? I currently work for a national non-profit and have a dire interest in working for Girl Scouts, an organization that brings fond memories of childhood into my mind.

Charlene Meidlinger: We have a couple of websites for you to check out. www.gscnc.org is our council site which will tell you all about Girl Scouting in the Washington area and has links to employment opportunities.

Also check out www.gssing.org for information on the greatest happening in Scouting this summer. We are having a massive sing-along on the Washington mall on June 8th. Check out the website . . . and come sing with us.

We are located in Washington, DC and serve the greater Washington area. National headquarters -- or Girl Scouts of the USA -- are located in New York.

Washington, D.C.: What time of year are the cookies usually sold? Do the dates ever change?

Charlene Meidlinger: Door-to-door sales begin in January and the sale continues through the month of March. This is the normal time frame -- actual dates may change.

Arlington, Va.: I don't know anyone with children who sell Girl Scout cookies. Where else can I get them?

Charlene Meidlinger: Call us at 800-523-7898 after March 1st and we can let you know where there will be a Cookie Booth sale in your area.

Bethesda, Md.: I have been a faithful supporter of the Girl Scouts for over 10 years. Recently, I was diagnosed with diabetes and can no longer enjoy your toothsome treats. I was delighted to do something new this year when approached to purchase cookies. I bought half the boxes I normally do and passed those out to friends, family and co-workers with children. I offered the sweet young girl -- and her mother standing nearby -- an additional $50 as a donation directly to the scouts and told her she was welcome to use the cookies it would buy for anything she desired. While it surprised her, it was a welcome suggestion and I thought I would pass it along for anyone who is diabetic, on a special diet, etc. that may not think they can participate in this worthwhile investment in our young girls.

Charlene Meidlinger: You are terrific! We realize that not everyone can or wants to eat a box of cookies. That is why we have the "Gift of Caring". This program allows customers like yourself to support Girl Scouting without eating a cookie. Ask about the "Gift of Caring" at a booth sale.

Your financial contribution to the troop -- without actually buying a box of cookies -- allows the troop to give a box or two of cookies to their chosen charity.

On behalf of over 47,000 Girl Scouts in the Washington area . . . thank you for your support.

Gaithersburg, Md.: I have noticed how well your stores are operated and offer a great selection of Girl Scout product. Can I get cookies at any of your stores?

Charlene Meidlinger: We will have cookies for sale at our shop at our main office. However -- if you are at one of our mini-shops -- ask the sales clerk about cookies. My guess is that she knows where they are at!

Also . . check out a booth sale.

San Mateo, Calif.: How can I find a Girl Scout to sell me cookies? I live in an adults-only apartment complex, and just started a new job, in an office where nobody seems to have daughters/friends/etc. in Girl Scouts. I love the cookies and was a Scout myself for many years, so I'd love to support the program.
Thanks!

Charlene Meidlinger: Call your local Girl Scout Council. They will be happy to help you find cookies!

Charlene Meidlinger: This was fun! Thanks to all of you for your questions. Girl Scout Cookies are "a great cookie for a great cause". If you haven't got a box of Thin Mints, Trefoils, Samoas, Do-si-dos, Tagalongs, Ole-Ole, Aloha Chips or All Abouts give us a call at 800-523-7898 in March and we will help you find your favorites.

Thank you for supporting Girl Scouting!

washingtonpost.com:

That wraps up today's show. Thanks to everyone who joined the discussion.

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