Sweet Success: How One Vancouver Girl Guide Is Making A Big Impact—One Cookie Box At A Time

As spring blossoms across Canada, so does Girl Guide Cookie season—and for 13-year-old Isabel Korzeniowski of Vancouver, it’s more than just a time to share delicious snacks. It’s a season of growth, confidence, and community impact.

A proud Pathfinder and longtime member of Girl Guides of Canada, Isabel is on a mission: to raise funds for her troop’s adventures, make meaningful contributions to her community, and show just how empowering this program can be for girls across the country.

In this Q&A, Isabel opens up about her Guiding journey—from selling cookies and leading events, to learning life skills and dreaming big for the future. With every box sold, she’s not just funding camps and activities—she’s building a stronger, more confident version of herself, and inspiring others along the way.

Whether you’ve been a Girl Guide or simply love a good Thin Mint, Isabel’s story is a heartwarming reminder of the power of cookies, connection, and believing in yourself. —Noa Nichol

What inspired you to join Girl Guides, and how has it shaped who you are today?

Actually, it was my dad who originally put me in to girl guides, he had found a local sparks group and enrolled me. He went to every one of my meetings and I loved it. I later switched to a different unit and have continued through the different levels. Even with some close friends who I met in sparks and still are in my unit in pathfinders.

You mentioned that selling cookies helped you gain confidence—can you share a moment where you really felt that growth?

Selling cookies really helped me come out of my shell and feel more confident talking to people I didn’t know. One moment I really felt that growth was when I started taking on leadership roles, like being part of student council and volunteering at community events. I realized I wasn’t nervous anymore about speaking up, sharing ideas, or stepping forward to help. Selling cookies gave me the foundation to feel comfortable communicating—and that confidence has carried into so many other areas of my life.

Girl Guides is about so much more than cookies—what are some of your favourite activities or experiences with your unit?

Some of my favorite experiences with my unit have been going to camps like Woodward’s Landing and Camp Olave, where we’ve had so much fun in the outdoors. I especially love baking at camps—it’s always a highlight for me. I’ve really enjoyed our hikes and being out on the trails. Escape rooms, skating, and visiting places like Extreme Air Park have also been so much fun. Planning sleepovers together is always exciting, and shopping for groceries is my favorite part for some reason. One of the best parts of Guiding has been meeting inspiring women—like my leader, who’s earning her PhD in forestry.

How do cookie sales directly support your troop’s goals, and what adventures are you most excited about this year?

Selling cookies helps us earn money that supports our unit’s activities and adventures. Last year, I was able to use cookie money to help pay around $100 toward Camp Olave, which was amazing. We also use cookie funds for out trips, which means our parents don’t have to pay as much. This year, I’m really excited for more camps, fun outings, and all the new memories we’ll get to make together.

What do you hope people understand about the impact Girl Guides has on young girls like yourself and your community?

I hope people understand how much of a positive impact Girl Guides has on young girls like. Being part of Girl Guides has opened up so many possibilities for what I can do now and in the future. It has taught me valuable life skills like leadership, teamwork, confidence, and problem-solving. I’ve learned how much of a difference I can make, and how important my actions are. One of the most powerful things about Girl Guides is that no idea is ever too small—whether it’s helping someone, raising money for a cause, or working to change the world, everyone is encouraged and supported. It’s a space where girls are empowered to grow, lead, and believe in their potential.

What advice would you give to another girl who’s thinking about joining Girl Guides for the first time?

I think you should definitely join I have met so many amazing people and close friends from Girl Guides. You will get to learn and try so many new things, you will have great support group, and have the chance volunteer and lead events.  Your problem-solving skills and independency will grow. There is something for everyone whether its fashion, nature, leadership, or just having a fun time!

Looking ahead, what are your dreams for the future—either in Girl Guides or beyond?

In Girl Guides I plan on continuing to rangers and hopefully I will get the chance to become a guider. I also hope I will get the chance to travel to the different WAGGGS world centers, I have learned so much about them and the culture in the area.