Girls from Suffolk learned finance and good leadership at a Virginia Beach event ahead of next year’s cookie campaign for Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast.

More than 1,600 Girl Scouts, troop leaders and their families celebrated at the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center on Dec. 9 for the upcoming launch of the annual Cookie Program.

Girls at Cookie Kickoff were taught the skills and goals they need to be successful in their cookies sales this year.

“It got everyone excited, and it was an opportunity for some of the new girls to familiarize themselves with the cookies,” said Girl Scouts Troop 273 leader Ciara Summers.

The girls made lanyards with cards that featured complete lists of cookies for sale and tried different cookies for the first time.

Some of the Troop 273 Scouts have made up their minds on their favorites, like Savannah Smiles, Tagalongs or Do-si-dos.

“A Do-si-do is basically a cookie sandwich,” said Aliya Summers, 9.

There’s also Thin Mints, of course.

“That’s my favorite kind,” said Sam Whiting, 6, about the minty treats.

“I like Thin Mints too,” chimed in Nycia Walker, 6.

The troop met on Saturday at the Girl Scout Council of Colonial Coast facility in Chesapeake to discuss rules to follow for when they start selling cookies in January.

They learned when they’re selling cookies door-to-door, for example, not to go into strangers’ homes, always to give the money to the parent or caregiver with them and never to leave their side.

“You have to stay with your parent, so you don’t get lost,” Nycia said.

Scouts can also get permission to run cookie booths at storefronts with an adult or get help setting up a webpage or social media page to sell cookies online.

“I’m going to ask if I can take my list of cookies to school,” said Cameron Wright, 8.

The girls gain salesmanship and money management experience as they sell cookie boxes, Summers said. They also understand the rewards for their efforts, whether it’s money that goes back to troop parties and trips or other forms of recognition.

“If we sell 400 cookies, we can earn another patch,” Sam said.

Alivia Lowe, 6, was the top cookie seller last year with nearly 400 boxes sold. Summers said Shelby Smith, 7, and Aliya also sold more than 300 boxes each.

She said accomplishments like these help them grow into success later in life.

“It gives them confidence and builds leadership skills,” she said. “Even as little girls, they can learn those skills they’ll need as they get older.”

Girl Scouts will begin door-to-door cookie sales on Jan. 6, and booth sales will begin on Feb. 18.