By Guest Reviewer Caitlyn G.

I recently had the pleasure of watching “Cookie Queens,” a documentary that follows the lives of four young Girl Scouts from across the country, Olive, from Charlottle North Carolina, age 12, Shannon Elizabeth, from El Paso Texas, age 8, Nikki, from Chino California, age 10, and Ara, From San Diego California, age 5. Some of the girls were just beginning their journey as Daisies, while others were experienced Cadettes, giving viewers a look at multiple stages of the Girl Scout experience. By following girls of different ages and experience levels, the film shows that every Girl Scout’s journey is unique, but they all share the same values of courage, confidence, and character.

The documentary centers on Cookie Season, the six-week period each year when Girl Scouts sell cookies to raise money for their troops. Cookie sales help fund everything from badges and uniforms to camping trips, community service projects, and unforgettable experiences throughout the year. While selling cookies is about raising money, it’s also about teaching girls confidence, goal setting, communication, problem-solving, and leadership. These are skills that stay with them long after cookie season is over.

This film really resonated with me because I am a Girl Scout Brownie troop leader in Charlotte, North Carolina. Every two weeks, I meet with seven amazing girls, and together, we work to build a foundation of confidence, strength, friendship, and support as they navigate life. We work on earning badges, learning new skills, helping our community, and encouraging one another. Watching “Cookie Queens” reminded me of the excitement, stress, and pride that every Girl Scout experiences during cookie season. It also reminded me why I volunteer my time to help these girls grow into strong, capable young women.

One of the things I appreciated most about the documentary was how honestly it portrayed the different kinds of cookie sellers. It featured girls who consistently exceeded their goals, girls who sold a comfortable number of boxes, and one sweet Daisy whose goal was smaller than what some older girls might sell in a single day. Yet the film made it clear that every girl’s success mattered. Cookie Season isn’t about competing against each other, it’s about setting personal goals, working hard, learning from challenges, and celebrating every accomplishment, no matter how big or small.

Many people are surprised to learn that while a box of cookies costs around six dollars, individual troops receive only a portion of that money. At first glance, that may seem like very little. However, the local Girl Scout councils use the remaining funds to support thousands of girls through camps, leadership programs, financial assistance, volunteer training, outdoor education, and countless other opportunities that make the Girl Scout experience possible. The documentary helped explain that the cookie program is about much more than selling cookies. It’s about investing in the future of girls.

“Cookie Queen” captures the emotions of cookie season perfectly, the excitement, the stress, the teamwork, the family support, and the dedication it takes to complete six weeks of selling. More importantly, it reminds us that Girl Scouts is about much more than cookies. It’s about building confident young leaders who learn life skills, whether they’re selling cookies, building a campfire, earning badges, serving their communities, or simply learning to believe in themselves.

I highly recommend watching “Cookie Queens”. Whether you have been involved in Girl Scouts for years or know very little about the organization, this documentary offers a meaningful look at the hard work, determination, and personal growth that takes place during cookie season. And when cookie season returns, remember to support your local Girl Scout council and the girls in your community. Those six weeks of hard work help create opportunities that last all year long, giving girls experiences, friendships, and life lessons they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.

🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 stars