Cookies financed Girl Scout troop activities as early as 1917, five years after Scouting's founder, Juliette Gordon Low, established the organization intended to encourage and prepare girls to make the world a better place.

According to the Girl Scouts of the USA organization, the annual cookie sales enable girls to practice goal-setting, money management and get a taste of the work ethic while being part of a team working toward a common goal.

Locally, the Girl Scouts of Otahki Council will sell cookies between Jan. 11 and 28.

New this year are the Cinna-Spins, which are packaged in five small, 100-calorie packs.

Other varieties available are Caramel DeLites (also known as Samoas), Peanut Putter Patties (Tagalongs), Shortbread (Trefoils), Thin Mints, Peanut Butter Sandwiches (Do-si-dos or Savannahs), Thanks-A-Lots and Lemonades. The name variation stems from the use of several bakers to produce the cookies.

When Girl Scout cookie sales first began, the operation of baking and packaging the cookies took place at homes with technical supervision provided by parents. Wrapped in wax paper bags and sealed with a sticker, a dozen cookies sold for 25 to 35 cents.

In 1934, sales in Philadelphia included the first commercially baked cookies. More than 125 Girl Scout councils reported holding cookie sales in 1937.

Until World War II, when shortages of sugar, flour and butter caused Girl Scouts to sell calendars to raise money for activities, Girl Scout cookies were sold annually. After the war, cookie sales rose annually, and by 1948, 29 bakers nationwide were licensed to bake Girl Scout cookies.

By 1956, there were four types of cookies available -- a vanilla-based filled cookie, a chocolate-based filled cookie, a shortbread and a chocolate mint. Cookie sale volume increased significantly during the 1960s when baby boomers expanded the membership.

Licensed bakers began wrapping the boxes in aluminum foil or cellophane to protect the cookies and preserve freshness. In 1978, baking was streamlined to four licensed bakers. Three bakers produced cookies in 1998, and by 2000, the three mandatory varieties were Thin Mints, Peanut Butter Sandwiches and Shortbread.

The money Girl Scouts earn goes toward program activities, special events and projects and purchasing and maintaining equipment and facilities. It also helps recruit and train volunteer leaders and provides financial assistance that makes Scouting available for all girls.

To learn more about Girl Scout cookies, call the Girl Scouts of Otahki Council at 334-7741. Eleven counties including Bollinger, Cape Girar-deau, Perry and Scott counties in Missouri and Union County in Illinois are part of the council. The organization is open to all girls ages 5 to 17.

cpagano@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 133