Only here for a limited time each year, the sale of Girl Scout cookies will be ending soon.

The last cookie booths will be held through Sunday at Kroger and Walmart in Vicksburg. Cookies may still be purchased after that date for a limited time through individual Girl Scouts and online, but supplies are dwindling.

Kennedy Mullins and Symone Schattilly were in charge of the cookie sales booth for Troop 6150 at Sports Force park on a chilly Thursday night this week in Vicksburg. The girls, both juniors at local Vicksburg schools, formed the troop when they attended South Park Elementary School. Although they are no longer attending the Mullins said, “Girl Scouts is really good. It’s a way to stay in touch and still see each other all the time even though we don’t go to school together anymore.” The troop now includes girls of various ages from elementary school through high school.

Schattilly, who hopes to pursue a career in fashion design, talked about the things she’s learned through Girl Scouts.

“I actually learned how to sew in Girl Scouts,” she said, adding the skill is fundamental for her career of choice. “We learned all kinds of things, like everything from first aid to sewing. We’ve gone places, camping, made pillow cases and a dress once.”

Schattilly added, “we learned how to change a tire.”

Since both girls will soon receive drivers’ licenses, this is a valuable skill to have.

Mullins continued to talk about the benefits of Girl Scouts and the many things she’s learned.

“Real life skills. It’s been really beneficial, because it teaches you so much that you might not learn about, that you’re not taught anywhere else.”

Troop Leader Anne Mullins said some trips with the older girls now focus on college, adding they have been to the University of Southern Mississippi and Belhaven University. Both girls intend to pursue higher education after high school and have found the trips very informative.

Proceeds from the cookies are divided between the local Girl Scout council, the troop and the actual cost of the cookies. Most of the cookies are priced at $5 per box. Anne Mullins estimates troops keep 16-20 percent of the proceeds.

“It doesn’t seem like much, but we sell 20,000 boxes and the profits last us all year,” she said.

The Girl Scout council provides programs and camping facilities for the girls.

The ultimate goal for Troop 6150 is a trip to Universal Studios in Florida. Four of the girls will soon graduate from high school and an adventure into the world of Harry Potter at Universal is something they said will be a thrilling way for them to conclude their Girl Scout experience.

Cookies come in a variety of flavors, with Mullins and Schattilly agreeing the caramel coconut Samoas are the most popular.

There are also gluten free and vegan options. Purchasing Girl Scout cookies encourages girl-led leadership and provides girls with a place to grow and learn, they said.