Kingsport Girl Scout Troop Earns D.C. Trip Through Cookie Sales

Troop 257's growing membership and successful cookie campaign fund educational travel opportunity.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 11:10pm

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A vibrant, abstract silkscreen-style illustration composed of brightly colored, overlapping Girl Scout cookie boxes in a repeating grid pattern, conceptually representing the troop's entrepreneurial spirit and fundraising achievements.The successful cookie sales of a growing Kingsport Girl Scout troop have funded an educational trip to Washington, D.C., showcasing the empowering impact of community-driven youth organizations.Kingsport Today

A Girl Scout troop in Kingsport, Tennessee has earned the opportunity to take an educational trip to Washington, D.C. after doubling its membership and achieving record-breaking cookie sales. The 36-member Troop 257, led by cookie manager and mentor Sandra Townsend, has been working hard to fundraise for the trip through the annual Girl Scout cookie program.

Why it matters

The Kingsport Girl Scouts' success highlights the impact that community-driven youth organizations can have, empowering young people to set ambitious goals, develop entrepreneurial skills, and earn enriching experiences. Their story also showcases the continued popularity and importance of the iconic Girl Scout cookie program as a way for troops to fund activities and travel.

The details

Troop 257 has grown from 18 to 36 active participants over the past year, drawing scouts from across Sullivan County. Under Townsend's leadership, the troop has leveraged this expanded membership to achieve record-breaking cookie sales, generating enough funds to plan an educational trip to the nation's capital.

  • Troop 257 doubled in size over the summer of 2025.
  • The troop achieved its record-breaking cookie sales in early 2026.

The players

Troop 257

A Girl Scout troop based in Kingsport, Tennessee that has grown to 36 active participants and recently earned funds through cookie sales to plan a trip to Washington, D.C.

Sandra Townsend

The cookie manager and mentor for Troop 257, who has led the group's successful fundraising efforts and membership growth.

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What they’re saying

“The cookie sales have really paved the way for this exciting trip to D.C. The girls have worked so hard and deserve this opportunity.”

— Sandra Townsend, Cookie Manager and Mentor, Troop 257

What’s next

Troop 257 will finalize the details of their Washington, D.C. trip in the coming weeks and begin preparing the scouts for the educational experience.

The takeaway

The Kingsport Girl Scouts' story demonstrates how community-driven youth organizations can empower young people to achieve ambitious goals, develop valuable skills, and earn enriching experiences through collaborative efforts and creative fundraising.