x
Breaking News
More () »

98-year-old Girl Scout has been selling cookies since 1932 -- and she won't stop

Ronnie Backenstoe says scouting helps her to inspire future generations.
Credit: 13News Now

WERNERSVILLE, Pa. — To this day, 98-year-old Ronnie Backenstoe wears the Girl Scout uniform with pride.

And around this time of year, you start to see the uniforms everywhere as young girls sell those oh-so unresistible cookies. Backenstoe will be among the mix, WFMZ-TV reports, as she continues to sell the treats.

"I became a Girl Scout in 1932!" Backenstoe said. "I said, 'When can I be a Girl Scout?' My mom said, 'When you're 10,' so when I was 10, I was ready to go!"

Backenstoe has since retired but continues to be active in scouting -- and there's no way she'll stop, the troop leader told the TV station.

"Her stamina, her energy, her mind, she's non-stop," Barbara Allen Perelli said.

Nowadays, Girl Scouts lists 12 cookie varieties for sale. Backenstoe recalls in the 1930s, there only were three types and each box cost about 15 cents. 

She says scouting "teaches you how to live" and allows her to inspire future generations. Her favorite, by the way: peanut butter.

The young scouts seem to enjoy Backenstoe at their side. 

"In general, she just makes me laugh when I'm with her," Senior Girl Scout Amber Holl told WFMZ.

RELATED: Police caution about 'highly addictive substance': Girl Scout cookies

RELATED: 'Momoas' for sale! Girl Scout markets her cookies with picture of Jason Momoa

What other people are reading right now:

FREE 10NEWS APP: 

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Stay In the Know! Sign up now for the Brightside Blend Newsletter

Before You Leave, Check This Out