While the Girl Scouts often get the glory for holding cookie sales and wearing cute green and brown outfits, another group of kids wants islanders to know they’re not the only adventurers in town.

Weekends, now until Feb. 19, local Whidbey Island Camp Fire kids will be outside island businesses trying to spread the word that candy can be good for kids — if selling it helps support educational enrichment programs for youth.

Camp Fire USA predicts two million units of Camp Fire candy are sold nationally each year, generating thousands of dollars for local councils such as the Samish Council that serves Island, Skagit, San Juan and Whatcom counties.

Proceeds from the candy sale are vital to continue Camp Fire programs such as outdoor education and the Samish Council’s annual trip to Camp Kirby on Samish Island.

“I hope people buy Camp Fire candy because we use the money to do good things like service projects and because kids learn a lot in Camp Fire, like how to be responsible, how to help others and how to be proud of ourselves,” 12-year-old Jennifer Madigan said.

Camp Fire USA is a 96-year-old national youth development organization. Although it was originally a program for girls, since 1977 Camp Fire has grown to provide all-inclusive programs for boys and girls that build on the motto: “Today’s kids, tomorrow’s leaders.”

While years ago they were grouped into Sparks and Bluebirds, today’s Camp Fire Kids are known as Starflight, Adventure, Discovery and Horizon. Each age level has a different focus while maintaining Camp Fire’s core values and also having a ton of fun.

During a Camp Fire gathering last week at the Roller Barn, 14-year-old Tauni Moody was the picture of adolescent confidence. She stood tall with her blonde hair peeking out from a brimmed knit cap. As she waited in line for skates she talked about looking forward to hitting the climbing wall at Camp Kirby this summer.

“People only think Camp Fire is for little kids but it goes all the way through high school,” she said. “Camp Fire has taught me a lot of things I’ll be able to use like how to be more sociable and assertive.”

Moody said she’s proud of the many projects she and her Discovery group have performed on island. She even has a visible reminder of one of those community service days.

“We planted a tree in front of St. Stephen’s church for Arbor Day,” she said. “That was fun and it’s cool that I get to see it grow.”

Shelby Kirk, 14, has been in Camp Fire for eight years and has become one of Samish Council’s top candy salespeople.

“I really like selling it because it helps our programs,” she said.

Kirk looks forward to returning to Camp Kirby this summer where she’ll be an ace on the archery range.

“I really like canoeing and swimming too,” she said.

Camp Fire is a family thing for many of the children like Kirk whose little sister Emma, 7, also participates.

For brothers Brandon, 5, and Charles Liberty, 7, Camp Fire is a way to strengthen their brotherly bond.

At the Camp Fire skate party last week they talked in unison of the fun they have in the Starflight program.

“We like going on Camperees,” they said.

“Field trips,” Charles chimed, while Brandon added, “Yeah, like the zoo.”

The Samish Council has set a goal of raising $50,000, according to Ursula Greenough, Samish Council club administrator and leader.

This means that each Camp Fire kid needs to sell around $450 worth of candy to do their part in meeting that goal. Last year, Shelby Kirk sold around $600 worth of candy.

“I want to beat that,” Kirk said. “There’s a lot of programs to help.”