Girl Scouts in our our area recently received a survey about what cookie prizes they would like to receive in 2017. The prize options they were able to choose from included plush toys, play spatulas, jewelry boxes, nail wraps, mixing bowls and cookie stamps. Of the 20 or so items offered, the only ones that had anything to do with physical activity were a kickball and a water bottle. There were no options in the survey for girls to comment or make suggestions.

We are SCOUTS - why can't the incentives for participation have at least a BALANCE of camping, outdoors or activity themed prizes? Why must girls be offered a majority of items that emphasize traditional feminine appearance, fashion, cooking, etc? Please stop pigeonholing girls into traditional roles and give them choices that reflect their wide range of interests that have nothing to do with gender. Please give them some choices that reflect outdoor activities, sports, science, exploration and creativity. Please reflect what Girl Scouts is really about in the prize incentives for cookie sales.

The Girl Scout program, including badges, journeys and leadership opportunities, teaches our daughters social responsibility, environmental awareness, financial sense, self-awareness, relationship sense, entrepreneurial skills and community service (and more). Girl Scout badges promote outdoor skills, life skills, and artistic skills. The reward program for most popular fundraiser in our country should reflect the values of the program and celebrate the girls who are doing the work.

Stereotyping girls' interests in the prize selection doesn't encourage them to be themselves. Yes, some girls like nail wraps and jewelry boxes, but not ALL girls. Please give them broader options for prizes. Here are some suggestions: 

Money for trips, outings, adventures, programs
Tickets to amazing opportunities
Binoculars to look to the horizon
Telescopes to reach for the stars
Microscopes to focus on the details
Compasses to find their way
Tents, sleeping bags, pads for outdoor adventures
Mess kits and camp stoves for meals on the go
Legos to encourage engineering skills
Science kits for their brilliant minds
Pocket Knives and Multi Tools for their nimble hands
Art sets to encourage their creativity
Sports equipment to challenge their physical abilities
Yoga mats for strength and flexibility
Games - card games and board games, to encourage friendship

And more ideas for small, inexpensive items: flashlights, star charts, lanyards, whistles, carabiner clips, neckerchiefs, sun hats

Please ask the Girl Scouts and their Cookie Bakers to put Scouting emphasis into their prize incentives.

(Signers, please include your Girl Scout level - junior, cadette, etc. -, or volunteer position, or "parent" in the comments.)