The second Brownie Scout Caitlyn Weathers walked in the door, we knew resistance was futile.

Girl Scouts across the region and nation are selling Girl Scout cookies, that special time that makes you wonder what's wrong with the Hostess corporation that it can't turn a profit selling sugary junk food to Americans.

Weathers, 8, is with Troop 730 in Eagle and she attends Brush Creek Elementary School.

They're supposed to learn stuff, not the least of which is how to close the deal, says Kathryn McCurdy, who leads Troop 730.

Her Troop has sold 1,500 boxes in 10 days and hopes to sell 4,000 boxes before the campaign ends in early March.

There are approximately 160 girls in the Vail Valley. Last year they sold more than 40,000 boxes of cookies.

“They'll learn to run a business, how to meet customers, good manners and especially how to be safe while they're doing all that,” McCurdy said.

Selling cookies is how Brownies and Girl Scouts raise money for things like a trip to Mount Rushmore.

They can market their product, close the sale, handle accounts receivable, take and fill orders and do public relations. You wouldn't be surprised to know that most of their badge sashes have to be expanded because of so many badges.

Among the favorites is the elephant badge. McCurdy and her troop earned it for their overnight at the Denver Zoo. They got to watch the animals at night through night vision goggles.

They also learn how to use that money to help others. Every year they donate money to a hometown hero; last year it was the National Guard, and they used some of the money to go to the zoo at night.

Working up the courage to ask people for something — that helps build their confidence.

“When you sell cookies it makes people happy. I like to make people happy,” Caitlyn said.

Staff Writer Randy Wyrick can be reached at 970-748-2935 or rwyrick@vaildaily.com.