The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

WAITSBURG – When 7-year-old Jessika Lambert wanted to follow in big brother Daltin's footsteps and go into scouting, she was forced to join a Girl Scout troop in Walla Walla since there were no local troops. However, when she sold cookies in Waitsburg, she received so much interest from moms and daughters that she decided to do something about that. Jessika used the money she made from her first cookie sale to help start a troop in Waitsburg.

A year later, local young ladies are busily preparing for their very first Waitsburg Troop 5318 cookie sale. Group leader Amber Lambert says the cookie sales are "crazy" but extremely beneficial. Lambert said selling cookies teaches goal-setting, decision making, money management, people skills and business ethics – skills essential to leadership.

"The girls basically get a taste of running their own business. They are responsible for every aspect of the sale, from setting their sale goals to managing inventory and handling the money," she said.

The girls just finished up their preorders and are scheduled to run booths in Dayton, Waitsburg and Walla Walla. The troop will start door-to-door sales when the cookies arrive on March 16. This year's flavors include Savannah Smiles, Trefoils, Samoa (aka Caramel Delight), Do-Si-Dos, Tag Along (aka Peanut Butter Patty), the ever-popular Thin Mint and a brand new Rah Rah Raisin.

Funds raised from cookie sales are split between the council, the troop and the individual. The girls receive "cookie dough" reward cards with money that can be used toward scout items like uniforms and camps. "Troop funds can be used to pay for whatever the girls in the troop decide to use them for. Last year one troop used their money to go on a horseback ride," said Lambert.

Lambert serves with assistant leader Brandi Hollingsworth and says the group has fluctuated between three and six members throughout the year. She said they would love to have more. The troop is open to girls from kindergarten to twelfth grade from both the Waitsburg and Dayton areas. During the year the girls earn merit badges that relate to giving back to the community, helping others, working together, helping at home, using resources wisely, money management, first aid and more.

On Saturday, the girls attended a World Thinking Day event in Walla Walla. Each year Girl Guides (the UK term for Girl Scouts) and Girl Scouts learn about scouting in other countries and earn the Thinking Day Patch.

"This year's theme was 'peace' and the girls learned facts about Girl Scouts in the United Kingdom, Mexico, India and Africa. They also played games and made crafts from other countries," said Lambert. "Did you know the Queen of England was a Girl Guide?" she added.

Members of Troop 5381 currently meet Wednesday afternoons at the First Christian Church in Waitsburg. Anyone interested in learning more about scouting – or doesn't want to get overlooked during the cookie sale – can contact Lambert at 386-4317.