The order forms started appearing in homes and common spaces of offices across Connecticut at the beginning of January. S'mores, Samoas, Do-Si-Dos, Tagalongs, and Thin Mints, not to mention Trefiols, Savannah Smiles, and Toffee-tastics, are listed, creating a world of temptation. They are Girl Scout cookies, and the profits from the $5 to $6 per box cookie sales support the life skills and fun programs that enrich the lives of more than 38,000 young women in our state.

For more than 150 years, Connecticut volunteers have been leading troops and teaching girls to be their best, do their best, and do well by others. Along with lessons on respect for themselves and others, Girl Scouts learn to appreciate and respect the natural world. Outdoor skills complement indoor skills, and embedded in each program is the fun of learning.

Every Girl Scout promises to do her best to be "honest and fair, friendly and helpful, considerate and caring, courageous and strong." They are attributes we would want any girl, any child, to embrace. To practice these skills with friends and under the loving guidance of leaders and other mentors is an experience that is bound to reflect on a child's future success - whether it is spent as one year in the fledgling Daisies or multiple years leading up to Senior Scouts.

Selling cookies is one means of helping young women achieve the above-mentioned attributes. The organization touts "Five Essential Skills" learned through the cookie sales program: goal setting; decisionmaking; money management; people skills; and business ethics. What child - what adult - would not benefit from developing financial wisdom, teamwork, and relationship skills?

Truckloads of Girl Scout cookie orders will arrive in early March, along with thousands of additional boxes for those who missed the first round of ordering. You may come across a booth or two about town, as our local youth practice their newfound life skills.

Be a good sport.

Set aside qualms about purchasing "junk" food for the time being. Close your eyes and imagine the positive future you are reinforcing for Connecticut girls by supporting this annual fund drive. Young women are a powerful piece of the future. This is one endeavor that moves that hope forward.

It is a taste worth savoring.