Memories of the first minty bite of a Thin Mint cookie, the coconut goodness of a Samoa, or the rich peanut butter of Tagalongs and Do-si-do cookies fill most peoples minds when they hear the name Girl Scouts.

Current and former members of Girl Scouts across the country will celebrate Girl Scout Week beginning March 11. Several ISU students remember their days selling cookies door to door, decked in brown, green and blue, but said the program offered its members more than just cookies.

“It was a great way to make friends and learn new skills,” said former scout Lisa Klocke, junior in elementary education. “I loved the camping trips and the Girl Scout cookies.”

Selling cookies may be one aspect of this experience, but it lends itself to many others. Revenue from the cookies enables millions of girls across the country to participate in camps, community service activities and other educational ventures, according to the Girl Scout Web site, www.girlscouts.org. Through the cookie sales, girls also learn to manage money, become involved in the community and become successful businesswomen.

Earning badges, going to camps around the country, singing traditional Girl Scout and campfire songs at the fireside and going to meetings with their troop and leaders are also favorite memories.

“My favorite memory of Girl Scouts is going to overnight camps with all the girls from my troop and making friends with other girls from the area,” said former scout Julie Bruxvoort, sophomore in pre-advertising.

There are more than 2.7 million girls around the world who participate in the program, according to the Web site. This makes it the world’s largest organization exclusively for girls, who range in age from five to 17 years. All girls agree to follow the girl scout promise – “On my honor, I will try to serve God and my country, to help people at all times and to live by the Girl Scout Law.”

Years removed from the badges and pledges, the sweetest memories have remained with the former scouts.

“I loved the cookies,” said former scout Melissa Lamkin, sophomore in mechanical engineering. “I didn’t like selling them, but eating them was my favorite part.”