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When Debbie Nielson, a longtime leader in the Girl Scouts of Utah, attends meetings and events, she inevitably gets asked this: "Did you bring some Thin Mints or Samoas?"
And while the annual sales program is the most visible activity for Girl Scouts, Nielson wants Utahns to know that "we do more than cookies."
The perception may change this week as Nielson and the rest of the Utah council host the 53rd annual Girl Scout national convention. It runs Thursday through Sunday at the Salt Palace Convention Center in downtown Salt Lake City, with several pre-conference activities taking place Tuesday and Wednesday.
It's the first time the national convention — which is staged every three years — has come to Utah. Nearly 6,000 girls, parents and Scouting leaders from around the world are expected to participate in educational and leadership workshops and, of course, friendship and fun.
The public also can take part in the "Hall of Experiences," which offers more than 70 interactive and educational activities. (See box for details).
During the conference, Nielson, who lives in Ogden, will be one of 13 women nominated to the 30-member national board of directors. It's the first time in more than 70 years a Utahn has served in a national position. Salt Lake City resident Helen Means was the national president in the early 1940s.
Since March, Nielson also has served as the interim CEO of the Girls Scouts of Utah, while the organization searched for a new leader. She stepped down last week, anticipating her new national role and because the state organization is expected to name a new leader soon.
"It's such an exciting time for the Girl Scouts in the state," Nielson said.
In Utah, more than 8,500 girls and 3,500 adults take part in Girl Scouts, she said. It is one of the smallest councils in the country and is a fraction of the more than 200,000 Boy Scouts in the state. However, unlike the Boy Scouts, Girls Scouts in Utah are not sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
"We are small but mighty," said Nielson, who hopes the convention will boost visibility of the group beyond the popular cookies. "This organization is 102 years old, but I still have people say to me, 'I didn't know there were Girl Scouts in Utah,' " Nielson said.
Cookie sales actually are "a small part of the whole Girl Scout process," added Kristi Price, who leads a troop in West Haven that includes her two daughters. Yet they are an important piece, because the money helps pay for some — but not all — troop activities and experiences.
Price said her troop has participated in everything from media and public speaking programs to leadership training, all of which are invaluable for young girls.
"It has given my daughters so many opportunities they wouldn't have been able to experience otherwise," she said.
Girl Scouts participate in a host of projects, service events, camps and travel activities that teach them to be confident, healthy and helpful.
"In my estimation, Girl Scouting is a way of life," said Nielson. "It's a value-based organization, where girls are learning to become good citizens, trustees of the land and resources."
Girl Scouts also want to make a difference in their community. Each year they donate more than a half-million hours of service, Neilson said. "They are accomplishing so much. I wanted the spotlight on that."
Neilson was a Girl Scout for many years while growing up in Wisconsin. After moving to Utah, getting married and starting her own family, she reconnected with the organization. She was her daughter's troop leader for several years and then became a trainer. She later moved into regional and state positions and now will take on the national post.
Her commitment to Girl Scouts has lasted more than three decades for one simple reason: "Because girls that participate in the program gain this confidence and become these amazing adults."
Girl Scout experiences for all
The "Hall of Experiences," part of the National Girl Scout Convention, is open to the public. Explore more than 70 interactive and educational activities. Meet the women of the Harlem Globetrotters, play LPGA mini-golf, work out with celebrity trainer Jeanette Jenkins, check out the U.S. Space and Rocket Center camp, and climb a 25-foot-high treehouse.
Where • Salt Palace Convention Center, 100 S. West Temple in Salt Lake City
When • Thursday, Oct. 16, 1:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.; Friday, Oct. 17, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Saturday, Oct. 18, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Cost • Adults, $30; youth ages 6 to 17, $10; children 5 and under free.
More information • girlscouts.org/convention