The Girl Scout Cookie Program brings newfound confidence, business skills, and friendship. Every cookie package is a building block for whatever future a Girl Scout imagines: going to camp, building robots, sleepovers at a zoo or traveling out of state. Her future is looking sweet!
We are looking forward to sweet success with our new ABC Bakers partnership. This brings us a new, exciting cookie line up for the 2025 Girl Scout Cookie Season!
Indulgent brownie-inspired cookies with caramel flavored crème and a hint of sea salt
French Toast-inspired cookies dipped in delicious icing (Available this year only)
Savory slices of shortbread with a refreshingly tangy lemon flavored icing
a
availability
• Avoid storing cookies directly on the floor (always use a barrier between the floor and the cookies.)
• Keep cookies out of reach of pets.
• Never leave cookies in direct sunlight, in a garage, or in a hot car. (Chocolate melts at 72 degrees!)
chocolate wafers dipped in a mint chocolaty coating
Iconic shortbread cookies inspired by the original Girl Scout recipe
Peanut Butter
Crispy cookies layered with peanut butter and covered with a chocolaty coating
Important Dates:
December 12: Digital Cookie Deep Dive for Caregivers Training.
January 02: Cookie order taking begins. No orders should be taken before this date. Make sure your Girl Scout logs into Digital Cookie to send out her emails and share her site.
January 05: Your troop product manager (TPM) must submit the troop’s initial order. Make sure to have a conversation with your TPM to discuss how many cookies your Girl Scout wants to sell before this date.
January 06 – February 08: Keep up the cookie momentum! After turning in your initial orders, girls can continue to participate by collecting orders in person or online. The orders can be turned in to your troop product manager after you receive your initial order cookies or as they connect with you.
February 09 – February 15: Your troop product manager will connect with you regarding the details for picking up your initial cookie orders. You will be asked to sign receipts whenever cookies or money are exchanged with your troop leadership. Once you receive your cookies, plan to deliver them right away!
February 08 – March 17: Cookies are here! Cookie booth season begins. Girls can participate in troop cookie booths and drive-thrus, host their own pop-up stands, continue sharing their digital link, or walk the neighborhood with cookies!
March 17: The official last day to participate in the Girl Scouts of Gateway Council Girl Scout Cookie Program. Money will need to be turned in to your troop product manager by their specified due date.
May: Rewards should start arriving to troops in May. Once the troop product manager has the rewards available, they will contact you to arrange pickup.
Stay Linked in – Communication
Stay informed with all the latest cookie news by joining our Rallyhood Cookie page! Search for Cookies, Gateway and request to join. This is the one stop shop for all the latest cookie news, in addition to tip sheets and clip art!
Families can support their Girl Scouts as they learn the five skills and think like entrepreneurs. With the encouragement of their family there is no stopping a Girl Scout!
Entrepreneurs can earn these official Girl Scout recognitions by completing requirements that help them develop new business skills. Check with your Troop Product Manager to see if the troop will earn these throughout the season. If not, your Girl Scout can earn them on their own. Look on girlscoutshop.com for the requirements for these great badges.
Support your Girl Scout as she learns new skills!
Goal Setting
Girl Scouts learn how to set goals and create a plan to reach them
Decision Making Girl Scouts learn to make decisions on their own and as a team
Money Management Girl Scouts learn to create a budget and handle money
Support your Girl Scout’s participation
• Attend your troop’s cookie training!
People Skills Girl Scouts find their voice and build confidence through customer interactions
• Help your Girl Scout set up her Digital Cookie online storefront. (see page 6)
• Discuss her cookie goals.
• Review this guide, including the steps to proper money handling. (see page 8)
• Volunteer to assist the troop product manager with cookie related tasks.
Business Ethics Girl Scouts learn to act ethically –both in business and in life.
• Attend the Caregivers Digital Cookie Deep Dive training on December 12th to get the most from Digital Cookie!
• Join the Cookies, Gateway Rally in Rallyhood for the most up to date cookie information and all things cookies.
Support your Girl Scout as she supports the community
Cookie Share Donations
Our Cookie Share Program is getting a refresh. This year our council will donate our Cookie Share cookies to deserving local organizations in our communities. The donated cookies will be distributed directly from the council’s inventory. Troops will have the opportunity to pick up cookies from cupboards to deliver them to local businesses.
1. Connect with your cookie customers and share about the cookie donation option.
2. On your order card, mark the donation column for that customer, collect the funds and turn it in to your troop product manager.
3. Through Digital Cookie, customers can choose the Cookie Share option when making a purchase.
Girl Scout Cookie Goals
I want for my cookie booth partner
GIRL SCOUT COOKIE SEASON BEGINS JANUARY 2ND
Number of cookie booths I want to do Number
my troop wants to spend our cookie
Ways to Participate in the Girl Scout Cookie Program
Connecting with Community
The possibilities are endless!
Girl Scouts can partner with their caregivers to sell cookies to employees, coworkers, places of worship and community groups. They can even craft a corporate pitch to sell in bulk to businesses like car dealerships, real estate agencies, or financial institutions. When these budding entrepreneurs land a big sale, they get a taste of sweet success!
This is the perfect opportunity for Girl Scouts to refine their sales pitch! By going door-to-door, Girl Scouts can stay local and sell within their neighborhoods. They can even leave door hangers and business cards for customers who aren’t home. Plus, they’ll enhance their people skills by meeting new neighbors and building connections – all with the proper adult supervision, of course.
Does your Girl Scout feel more comfortable on her home turf?
Pop-Up Booths, similar to lemonade stands can be set up in front of a residence or other non-retail location. Together with a caregiver, she can market her cookies to local customers (never put your home address on a public social media site). It’s a great way for more introverted girls to ease into community connections-and it can be a fun experience for the whole family
Phone/Text
Friends and Family
Is this your Girl Scout’s first time running her own cookie business? Texting or calling friends and family is a great way to help her feel comfortable reaching out to customers. And for the seasoned cookie bosses with busy flexible schedules – thanks to school, sports, and extracurriculars – this option offers maximum flexibility.
Cookie BOOTHs
This option offers maximum customer interaction, teamwork, and plenty of fun! Troops can collaborate to market their cookies at pre-approved locations like local businesses, banks, malls or even drive-thru booths in parking lots. It’s a great way for them to practice their business skills while engaging with new customers. Note: Cookie Booths must be coordinated by troop product managers; may only happen at approved and appropriate locations; and must be legally open to, accessible, and safe for all girls and potential customers.
Girl Scouts can elevate their digital marketing skills with the Digital Cookie platform! They can ship cookies directly to customers, accept orders for cookie donations or offer Girl Delivery for local buyers. No matter her schedule, your Girl Scout can reach her sales goal with ease.
Participating in the Girl Scout Cookie Program fuels Girl Scout’s adventures all year long, equipping her with essential business skills that will help her thrive in future careers and life. Through various sales methods, girls develop invaluable abilities like goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills, and business ethics. These experiences build confidence and leadership, preparing her for success. Remember, adult supervision is always required to ensure a safe and supportive environment for these young entrepreneurs.
Digital Cookie
This cookie season, embrace more possibilities by extending your sales from the booth to the web. By adding online and mobile channels you can connect with more cookie lovers than ever before. With the Digital Cookie platform, you can easily market everyone’s favorite cookies to customers near and far- all from the comfort of your couch.
4. Track Your Progress
1. Register for Digital Cookie
Look for the Digital Cookie registration email in your inbox on December 5, 2024! Registration emails come from “Girl Scout Cookies” (email@email.girlscouts.org). If you can not find it, contact us at customercare@gsgateway.org. Be sure to add the above email address to your address book so you get your email!
2. Set Up Your Site
Take a few moments to have your Girl Scout set a sales goal, share her cookie story, and upload a fun picture or video. Then publish and go!
Use your Digital Cookie platform to track sales goals and inventory, approve orders and check your progress towards your goal.
Only one Digital Cookie account per girl is permitted. If separate households, caregivers will need to share one login.
Approving Orders
3. Invite Customers
Use the email function in Digital Cookie to reach out to customers. Ask them to visit your site and purchase. Share your site on social media, and ask your customers to share as well!
Use the Digital Cookie app to sell cookies wherever you go!
The app makes it easy for you to take payment from customers purchasing cookies. Get it on Google Play, or download on the App Store.
When customers purchase cookies with your Girl Scout’s Digital Cookie link, they will choose whether to pay for shipping, donate, or have your Girl Scout deliver. For Girl Delivery, the caregiver must approve or deny the order within five (5) days. If an order is not approved, it will revert to the customer’s choice for an alternative delivery method and could be cancelled. Make sure to check your orders daily so you don’t miss anything! All purchases made through Digital Cookie are paid online, so no need to collect later! Let your troop product manager know if you need additional cookies to fulfill girl delivery orders later in the season!
The caregiver can turn off the girl delivery option for customers, allowing them to order shipped or donated cookies only without you needing to deliver.
Digital Cookie Deep Dive for Caregivers
Join us for a live virtual training session to explore all the features of the Digital Cookie platform! While this training is optional, it’s a great opportunity to deepen your understanding of the platform and make the most of the resources available. You’ll gain valuable tips, learn best practices and have a chance to as questions in real-time. December 12, 2024 7:30 pm ET/6:30 pm CT
Safety Resources
Girl Scouts and their caregivers must read, agree to, and abide by the guidelines in the Online Safety Pledge before engaging in online marketing and sales efforts through the cookie program. The guidelines and pledge are located on our website and in the files on the Cookies, Gateway Rallyhood.
Social Media Policy
Product Program participation should always be led by a Girl Scout under caregiver supervision. Families should always use caution when sharing links on public pages. Through Digital Cookie, caregivers can deny any girl delivery orders they do not feel comfortable delivering in person. When posting online follow these guidelines: Girls may:
• Post their digital cookie link on public social media sites, i.e. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
• Post their troop booth location.
• Post a video and include their digital cookie link.
• Ask customers to share their digital cookie link with friends and family. Girls may not:
• Post their digital cookie link on resale sites, i.e. Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, Ebay, or on buy, sell, trade sites such as Swip/Swap and Nextdoor.
• Post content including last name or direct contact details. i.e phone number, address, school or email.
• Direct message anyone that they do not personally know on social media platforms.
Girl Scouts who use Digital Cookie sell an average of 76% more than girls who don’t use digital cookie!
Get WILD About Cookies at Cookie Rally!
Go WILD for cookies as we embrace possibility and unbox the future! Let’s kickoff cookie season at the zoo. Girls will have the opportunity to engage in all things cookie, participate in cookie themed activities and explore the zoo with their Girl Scout sisters.
East Florida
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
January 18th, 2025 11:00 am - 2:00 pm ET
West Florida
Emerald Coast Zoo
January 18th, 2025 11:00 am - 2:00 pm CT
Sweet Transactions
All payment for cookies should be collected from customers upon delivery of their product, except for Digital Cookie orders, which are paid online at the time of order.
• Gateway Council does not recommend accepting checks as a form of payment for cookies. Please check with your Troop Product Manager for clarification of your troop policy before accepting checks. If your troop does accept a check it should be made out to the troop.
• Digital Cookie is a great way to accept credit card payments. Use the Cookies in hand function during booths and walk abouts.
• Do not keep large amounts of cash lying around. Make frequent visits to your Troop Product Manager to give them money so they can deposit into the troop bank account.
• Protect yourself! Whenever you pick up cookies from your Troop Product Manager or turn in funds, always sign a receipt. Never accept cookies or hand over cash without a signed receipt to ensure accurate record-keeping.
• All in-person donations to your troop should be recorded and submitted to your Troop Product Manager along with your cookie payments.
• Cookies cannot be returned or exchanged. Caregivers are fully responsible for all cookies they sign for, including any lost stolen, or damaged product, as well as any missing funds while in their possession.
30% 25% 28% 17%
Delivering the Girl Scout Mission Cookie Program and Vendor Costs Troop Proceeds and Rewards Camp Programing and Properties 100% Local Proceeds!
Cookie Booth Kits
Don’t let Girl Scout Cookie Season get here without being prepared! Order your Cookie Booth Kit today, with four options to choose from. Each kit contains one large item to choose from plus a cookie pennant, foldable cookie sign, cookie money pouch, and cookie tote bag.
Available for PICK UP ONLY at:
⚬ Girl Scout Day with the Jaguars - December 1st (deadline to order November 22nd)
⚬ Cookie Rally Jacksonville - January 18th (deadline to order January 10th)
⚬ Cookie Rally Crestview - January 18th (deadline to order January 10th)
⚬ All Mega Drop Locations - February 7th and 8th (deadline to order January 10th)
$58.50 each
Cookie Booths Etiquette
Girl Scout Cookie Booths give girls the opportunity to achieve their goals by setting up in high-traffic locations within the community. A cookie booth isn’t just a “booth” – it’s the Girl Scout’s storefront business. It’s important to remember that hosting booths is a generous opportunity provided by local merchants. Each venue reserves the right to cancel a booth at any time. To ensure a positive experience for all, please follow the guidelines below, along with any booth-specific requirements.
Cookie Booths give girls the opportunity to achieve their goals by setting up in high-traffic locations within the community. A Girl Scout Cookie Booth isn’t just a “booth” – it’s the troop’s storefront business.
• Arrive no more than 10 minutes before your booth starts. If you are the first booth of the day, talk to the manager of the store to make sure you set up in the appropriate location.
• Start packing up 5-10 minutes before your booth ends. Be ready to do a quick turnover once the next Girl Scout arrives.
• A registered, background-checked adult must be present at each booth.
• Troop Number must be visible.
• The price of cookies must be displayed. Make a cute sign for your booth!
• No siblings or other non-Girl Scouts should be at the booth.
• Cookie Share donations should be promoted. Donation boxes can be made from small boxes or plastic jars.
• Ensure Girl Scouts and the table do not block ATMs or entrances/exits.
Girls/caregivers should…
• Act with honesty, fairness, kindness, and respect, and be a sister to all Girl Scouts.
• Wear your Girl Scout uniform, t-shirt, or other identifiable clothing, and always look clean and tidy.
• Be knowledgeable about the cookie program and your cookie goals.
• Follow all Girl Scout of Gateway Council cookie program standards as outlined in the Participation Agreement and Family Cookie Guide.
• Always say “thank you,” even if someone declines to purchase.
• Respect authority and comply with any requests from security or law enforcement.
• Leave the booth area cleaner than you found it. Take all empty cases with you; do not dispose of them in the booth’s trash.
Girls/caregivers should not…
• Shout, speak loudly, or pressure customers.
• Treat neighborhoods or booth locations as play areas.
• Block doorways, driveways, sidewalks, or other pathways.
• Eat, smoke, or chew gum (water bottles are allowed).
• Set up a cookie booth at an unapproved location.
Security & Safety
• Girls should never be left alone or unsupervised at a cookie booth. An adult must always be present and actively engaged.
• Keep a close watch on the money box. While girls are encouraged to manage payments and make changes, adults should oversee all financial transactions.
• If anyone questions the Cookie Program or Girl Scouting, adults should avoid engaging in debate. Instead, refer the individual to our council customer care line 877-764-5237.
Girl Scouts who participate in the cookie program earn cumulative rewards based on the number of packages they sell up to 720 packages. At 840+ packages Girl Scouts will start to earn Adventure points. They will receive the total number of Adventure Points corresponding to their final achievement level and can mix and match rewards from different AP levels when selecting their prizes. For example, if a girl earns 10 AP points, she can choose one reward from the 10 AP box or she can choose a combination of rewards from any of the lower AP boxes equaling up to 10 points.
840 Boxes = 2 points
1020 Boxes = 4 points
2004 Boxes = 6 points
3000 Boxes = 8 points
4008 Boxes = 10 points
6000 Boxes = 12 points
8004 Boxes = 14 points
Introducing Gateway Green: A new way to enhance your Girl Scout Experience
Girl Scouts can now opt out of a reward at certain levels and choose Gateway Green instead! Gateway Green can be used in various ways to enhance a Girl Scout’s experience.
How it can be used:
⚬ Gateway Council Girl Scout events & programs
⚬ Other councils’ events & programs
⚬ Community events & programs
⚬ Gateway Council Resident Camp
⚬ Resident Camp at other councils (CSA only)
⚬ Camp Trading Post
⚬ Gateway Girl Scout Shop
⚬ GSUSA Girl Scout Shop
⚬ GS Destinations
If Girl Scouts choose Gateway Green, caregivers will receive an email with the details. Girl Scouts can check their Gateway Green balance anytime on our council’s website. Gateway Green expires on July 31st of the following year and is non-refundable once used. It is transferable within a Girl Scout’s family. This is a great option for girls who want to take charge of their Girl Scout experience.
Girl Scout Trips are ready to roll out!
A recurring request on our end of the year cookie survey has been introducing travel. This year we have two exciting trips added to our rewards line-up.
Legoland Resort – 3000 packages
June 04, 2025 - June 05, 2025 1 night/2 days
Get ready for two days filled with excitement, creativity, and fun at LEGOLAND! Girl Scouts will have an amazing time with park hopper passes to Legoland, Peppa Pig and Legoland Water Park. Discover immersive lands like LEGO Kingdoms, Miniland USA and Adventure Land, each filled with exciting rides and attractions. Whether you’re a LEGO enthusiast or just looking for a fun , LEGOLAND offers something for everyone. Trip for Brownies and above. Look for more details to come during the season.
San Diego Zoo Trip – 8000 packages
June 10, 2025 - June 14, 2025 4 night/ 5 days
Join us for an exciting 5- day journey to one of the world’s most renowned wildlife parks – The San Diego Zoo! Known for its incredible collections of animals and stunning natural habitats, this trip promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for animal lovers and adventure seekers alike. Go on an exclusive guided tour with an up close and personal panda experience. Explore iconic attractions in San Diego by trolley and visit the La Jolla beaches and seals. This trip is sure to create lasting memories! Trip for Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors. More details to come!
By choosing these trips, Girl Scouts will forfeit all other reward options. Each trip is supervised by Gateway Council staff, adhering to safety activity checkpoints. Note that caregivers are not included in the trip package. If a caregiver wishes to participate in daytime events, they will need to arrange their own travel, lodging, meals and tickets.
