PITTSBURGH — Girl Scouts of Western Pennsylvania will celebrate National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend Friday to Sunday.

Patricia Burkart, CEO of GSWPA, said buying the cookies at the booths is not only more personal but also more beneficial to the scouts’ growth.

“They’re helping girls reach their goals, build confidence and develop real-world business skills that will benefit them throughout their lives,” Burkart said.

According to the organization, by following the cookie program, the scouts are learning five essential skills: goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills and business ethics. Also, the money they earn can go toward their community projects.

During this year’s booth sales, customers will be able to buy classic cookies, such as Trefoils and Thin Mints, as well as the newest flavor, the Girl Scout S’mores cookie.

According to the organization, 100 percent of the net revenue raised through the cookie sales will stay within the organization and benefit local troops.

Sylvia Acevedo, interim CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA, said the cookie program, having started in 1917, has stood as a tradition for the organization for 100 years and stands to provide the scouts the same core values since its inception.

“National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend is one of the most significant occasions on the Girl Scout calendar,” Acevedo said. “As an organization, it represents an invaluable opportunity to speak with one unified voice to tell the story of how the Girl Scout Cookie Program effectively prepares the next generation of female leaders.”