Girl Scouts Home > Stuff To Do > Just for Girls > Candy and Magazines (Be A Reader Program)

Commonly Asked Questions

Q. Why change the name of the fall Product Sale Program to the Be A Reader Program?
A. Our council changed the name to add consistency to the program and further promote literacy.

Q. Why is it important to participate in the Be A Reader Program?
A. By participating in the Be A Reader Program, girls learn life skills such as money management, goal setting, teamwork, and meeting the public. The proceeds help our council to provide books, training and support to leaders; quality program at a low cost; upkeep of day and resident camp and the program center; and learning life skills by participating. Troop dues stay with the troop treasury and national dues go directly to Girl Scouts of the USA.

Q. Why does Girl Scouts of the Fox River Area (GSFRA) offer magazines, books, CDs, nuts, and candy to their customers?
A. GSFRA offers a wide variety of items to customers for two reasons:
1) By diversifying what is offered, customers can choose to purchase something that perhaps hasn't been offered before by a different organization.
2) There is a wide range to the cost of the items so the sale can be affordable for everyone.

Q. Why did the recognition program change from "number of subscriptions sold" to "combined dollar amount sold"?
A. Our council wanted to acknowledge the girls that also sold nut and candy items. The average subscription sold is valued at $20. The recognition levels were set at 5, 8, 12, and 16 items in 2003. By multiplying each level by $20, we were able to keep the recognition levels the same AND recognize those girls that participated in the nut and candy portion of the sale.

Q. Why must customers pay for their orders (nuts, candy, magazines, etc.) upon ordering?
A. By paying for product upon ordering, customers are able to write out one check and troops need to make only one deposit. The "Be A Reader Program" is a family and friends sale; therefore, girls will know their customers and follow through on delivering product that has been paid for.

Q. Why does the Be A Reader Program start in mid-October?
A. The Be A Reader Program start in mid-October to allow as many troops to register prior to the sale. The funds generated through this fundraiser can be used as "troop start-up funds."