In sunny south Florida, a group of seasoned Girl Scouts embarked on a mission that would forever change their perspective on their beloved cookies. As they lent a hand during cookie pick-up day, they were amazed by the meticulous planning and vast quantities involved.
This was the day when troops collected the bountiful cases of cookies they had eagerly ordered, with some even going the extra mile by renting a U-Haul for the purpose.
The girls’ curiosity was piqued, and they longed for a glimpse into the intriguing world behind the scenes of the Girl Scout Cookie program. They wanted to discover the secrets behind where these delectable treats were made and the intricate journey they undertook before reaching their eager hands.
Fueled by this insatiable curiosity, the Girl Scouts of Tropical Florida council joined forces with the Miami-based logistics experts at Ryder to create a pioneering patch program. This initiative, which made its debut in 2020, sheds light on the fascinating supply chain that brings these scrumptious cookies from the baker’s oven to the troops and their customers.
These patch programs, created by various Girl Scout councils, businesses, and even individual Girl Scouts and troops, offer a fresh and engaging way to earn badges.
Ryder is constantly working on developing the supply chain path program. So far, 350 girls have already earned the supply chain patch and they anticipate another 100 girls earning it this year.
Rock the Supply Chain Event
Ryder recently hosted the inaugural Girl Scouts Rock Supply Chain event in April. Partnering with the Girl Scouts of Tropical Florida and the University of Tennessee Global Supply Chain Institute, the event aimed to encourage young women to pursue careers in supply chain.
Around 30 girls signed up for the program, eager to learn about the various aspects of supply chain management, including planning, sourcing, production, and how disruptions like the Covid-19 pandemic can impact the supply chain.
The event also featured a discussion with Romaine Seguin, a respected industry veteran and the CEO of Good360, who shed light on the crucial role of the supply chain in disaster recovery.
Designed specifically for Juniors (4th-5th grade) and Cadettes (6th-8th grade), this patch program recognized the need for engaging, hands-on experiences to keep girls of this age group interested. The activities in the program were actually designed with input from girls themselves, ensuring their appeal and relevance.
Earning the Patch
In order to earn the patch, Girl Scouts must complete four steps, with a choice of activities for each.
- Follow a product you know from its creation to your home.
Discovering the origins of ingredients and their journey in the supply chain can be an exciting exploration. By researching and mapping their route, the girls can visually track the path they take. Alternatively, talking to a retail business owner or manager can offer valuable insights into the procurement process. For scouts who prefer a virtual experience, there are also videos showcasing Domino’s supply chain.
- Learn about supply chain management and logistics and how it impacts everyone’s lives.
Explore different options to gain valuable insights in the supply chain and logistics field. Consider interviewing a knowledgeable professional or student who can provide first-hand insights. Alternatively, immerse yourself in a virtual experience by playing a strategic game like Farmville, which challenges you to think about the skills and strategies needed to progress. Another engaging option is to watch a captivating video showcasing the journey of a Girl Scout Cookie, offering a virtual glimpse into the world of logistics.
- Find out about problems supply chain managers may face.
There are two effectives to gain insights into supply chain management challenges. The first option is to conduct an interview with a seasoned professional in the field. This will provide valuable insights and real-world experiences. The second option is to create a comprehensive list of potential disruptions that could impact the supply chain. Lastly, don’t miss the informative video from Subway, where they share the unexpected obstacles faced during their popular $5 Footlong promotion.
- Learn about women in supply chain fields.
Explore various options to learn more about women in the field of supply chain management. Interview a woman working in the industry, conduct online research, or watch a video featuring inspiring young women who have chosen this career path. Discover their experiences and gain valuable insights into this dynamic industry.
Empower Girls by Educating Them about Supply Chain Opportunities
The supply chain industry has made progress in increasing female representation, but there is still room for improvement. According to the latest research by Gartner, the percentage of women in supply chain roles has risen from 35% to 41% over the past five years.
To shape the future of supply chain, trucking, and transportation, it is crucial to spark interest in girls from an early age. If you work in the supply chain industry, consider reaching out to your local Girl Scouts and offering yourself as an interview resource for their exploration in this field. Additionally, your company could collaborate with the Girl Scouts to organize an inspiring event.
Make a difference today by taking action and educating girls about the wide-ranging opportunities in the supply chain.
Source: TruckingInfo
