This month, Girl Scouts across Central California will venture into the world of entrepreneurship, selling Girl Scout Cookies to fund their troops’ year-long outdoor adventures, community service projects, STEM workshops, and travel excursions.

In addition to helping fund girls’ leadership training and adventures, the Girl Scout Cookie Program is designed to develop five key skills that prepare girls to succeed in life and business: Goal Setting, Decision Making, Money Management, People Skills and Business Ethics.

This year, Girl Scouts will be selling a brand new gluten free cookie, the Caramel Chocolate Chip. This chewy new Caramel Chocolate Chip cookie is basked in a gluten-free, peanut-free bakery and features rich caramel, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and a hint of sea salt.

Friday, Jan. 11 local Girl Scouts can begin taking in-person and online cookie orders. On Friday, Feb. 22, the National Cookie Weekend and the first day of booth sales begin. The last day for sales will be Sunday, March 17.

When you purchase a box of Girl Scout Cookies, you’re investing in programs and experiences that prepare local Girl Scouts for a lifetime of leadership.

Girl Scouts Heart of Central California covers 18 counties including San Joaquin and Stanislaus.

To find a cookie booth, enter your zip code in the Cookie Finder website, www.girlscoutshcc.org/findcookies or by downloading the Girl Scout Cookie Finder app for your IOS or Android mobile device.