2021
cookie family guide keep for jan-mar
It’s Girl Scout
! E M I T COOKIE
COOKIE CART $35.00 EA
FUN PATCHES $1.50 EA
BUTTONS $1.25 EA
COOKIE TIME HEART CHARM $6.00 EA
COOKIE APRON $14.00 EA COOKIE ENTREPRENEUR PINS $3.00 EA
TABLECLOTH RECTANGLE $18.50 EA YARD SIGN $9.50 EA
ROLLABANAS $6.75 EA
WINDOW ADHESIVE $4.00 EA
STOP SIGN $8.75 EA
WINDOW ADHESIVE $4.00 EA
COOKIE BANNER $16.50 EA
HANDHELD SIGNS $4.50 EA
TABLECLOTH SQUARE $14.50 EA
CUSTOMIZABLE CAR MAGNET $7.50 EA COOKIE CROSSING SIGN $8.50 EA
MONEY POUCH $6.00 EA
Boost your sales using these cookie-themed items! Available in December at GSGLA stores only!
TABLE OF CONTENTS 03
04
05
06
07 14
Welcome
Important Dates
2021 Girl Scout Cookie Program
Enhancements to the Cookie Program
09
10
11
13
5 Skills for Girls
The Girl Scout Difference
Where the Proceeds Go
Making a Difference: Girl Stories
The Line Up
Tips + Key Players
15
17
18
20
21
29
Top 18 Cookie Selling Tips
Inventory + Getting Started
Ways to Market Cookies
Ways to Sell Cookies
22
23
24
27
Digital Cookie
Online Marketing Guidelines
Virtual Boothing
Cookie Program Requirements, Roles, + Responsibilities
Girl Reward Guide
Cookies for the Community
33
35
37
38
39
Summer Camp
Contests + Fun!
Ways to Support your Cookie Entrepreneur
Volunteer for a Cookie Cupboard
Recipes
Business hours: Mon-Fri, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Headquarters 1150 S. Olive Street, Suite 600 Los Angeles, CA 90015 www.girlscoutsla.org
GSGLA offices are closed on the second and fourth Monday of each month.
GSGLA is committed to the extraordinary legacy of Girl Scouts and its mission to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. For more information on how to join, volunteer, reconnect, or donate, call 213-213-0123 or visit girlscoutsla.org. GSGLA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. InformaciĂłn disponible en espaĂąol o llamando al 213-213-0123.
Dear GSGLA Girl Scouts and Girl Scout Families, I’m so excited for another season of cookies, and I know our community is too! Tested by time, backed by research, and proven by the outcomes of our alumnae, the positive impact of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience in the lives of girls is undeniable. During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles has delivered classic programming in new and innovative ways to serve girls exactly where they are, prioritizing their health and safety above all else. The upcoming Girl Scout Cookie Program is a beloved, time-honored tradition of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience that teaches critical financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills. GSGLA carefully considers the ever-changing health climate and is proactively creating the strongest and safest Cookie Program possible for girls and adults. We are reworking the regular sales channels our girls know and love, introducing contactless sales, pickup, and payment options, and providing new virtual opportunities. We’re ready to pivot as needed, always keeping the health, safety, and wellbeing of our girls, families, and communities top of mind. In true Girl Scout fashion, we will continue persevering to serve girls and adapt programming based on the latest information from the CDC and local and state government organizations. The Girl Scout Cookie Program helps girls develop a strong sense of self, a positive outlook, ethical values, and a way to make the world a better place. This year’s Cookie Family Guide offers tips and suggestions to help your girl set up her cookie business in whatever way makes sense for your family. I can’t wait to see your cookiepreneurs in action—safely and creatively! Yours in Girl Scouting,
Theresa Edy-Kiene Chief Executive Officer Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles
Theresa Edy-Kiene
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IMPORTANT DATES
JANUARY 11
Order taking begins, including through Digital Cookie!
JANUARY 24
GSGLA Cookie Program officially begins. Online and in person orders can now be delivered!
FEBRUARY 5
Distanced cookie boothing begins, as permitted by health and safety guidelines.
FEBRUARY 19-21 MARCH 7
MORE INFORMATION & RESOURCES
National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend GSGLA Cookie Program ends. (No sales allowed after this date.)
⇨ GIRLSCOUTSLA.ORG ⇨ LITTLEBROWNIEBAKERS.COM ⇨ GIRLSCOUTS.ORG ⇨ FACEBOOK.COM/GSGLA
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THE 2021 GIRL SCOUT COOKIE PROGRAM The Girl Scout Cookie Program is the world’s leading business and financial literacy program by and for girls. Are you ready for the fun? Read on to get the basics on how to participate and make this the best Girl Scout Cookie season ever!
5 things to know about the cookie program January 24 to March 7 The 2021 GSGLA Cookie Program runs from Jan. 24 to Mar. 7. Order taking begins Jan. 11. That means girls can sell through Digital Cookie two weeks prior to Go Day! All registered Girl Scouts can participate. Our girls look forward all year to the Girl Scout Cookie Program and their chance to run their own businesses, fund amazing experiences, and join in a tradition that ties Girl Scouts across generations.
1917
Girl Scouts have been entrepreneurs for more than 100 years. In 1917, the firstknown cookie sale by Girl Scouts took place as a way to earn money to support girl-led community service projects and other activities.
Health + Safety Health and safety are our top priority, and we have new online capabilities for your Girl Scout this season. Girls can now take payments via Digital Cookie for all sales. Cookie booths may have a new look this year. GSGLA has carefully considered what distanced boothing may look like in 2021, and the possibilities in-between. Make sure to head to the next section, “Enhancements to the 2021 Cookie Program”, to read more about the new elements coming to the Cookie Program to help keep girls and families safe.
5 Girls
Skills for
Girls who participate in the Girl Scout Cookie Program learn and practice five valuable skills (goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills, and business ethics) that will help them now and in the future. (See 5 Skills for Girls on page 7).
100%
All of the proceeds generated from the cookie program stay within the local council to support Girl Scout programs right here in our community.
ENHANCEMENTS TO THE 2021 COOKIE PROGRAM With the health and safety of our girls and volunteers foremost in our considerations, we have introduced a number of enhancements to the cookie program.
DIGITAL COOKIE
Digital Cookie will open for order taking on Jan. 11, two weeks before the Jan. 24 Go Day (when girls will have cookies in hand). Girls can use this safe and fun accounts to send emails to their customers, and they can post their Digital Cookie links on their social media accounts.
CONTACTLESS DELIVERIES + PAYMENT
We are using the girl delivery function in Digital Cookie, so that customers will pay at the time of their order, and the girls can make contactless porch drop off deliveries. We encourage cashless in-person payments via Digital Cookie, credit cards, and GSGLA’s Cheddar Up POS platform, tied to the troop bank account.
DISTANCE BOOTHING
Cookie booths may have a new look this year. The traditional table in front of a retail location, may now be in the form of a drive-through or curbside pick-up or may take place in a parking lot, driveway, or vacant retail space, using enhanced contactless payment methods. Additional details regarding the changes to boothing will be communicated, and will follow health and safety guidelines.
COOKIES FOR THE COMMUNITY
Previously known as Gift of Caring, we’ve renamed the program to better reflect where the donated cookies go. The numbers don’t lie, year after year, our GSGLA Girl Scouts are dedicated to making their communities a better place. It’s only natural that one of our most beloved programs features an aspect of giving. We can’t wait to see how you and your girls will use Cookies for the Community to spread joy while learning key financial literacy skills.
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1
Goal Setting Girls start by setting a personal cookie sales goal. Then with her troop, the girls work together to set a troop goal. Once the girls set their collaborative goal, they can begin to work with their family and fellow troop members to develop a plan to achieve them.
and ways girls benefit from cookie-selling! Participating in the cookie program gives girls an entrepreneurial edge! Encouraging an interest in entrepreneurship builds curiosity, confidence, and problem-solving skills—qualities that prepare girls for academic and career success. As your Girl Scout runs her own cookie business, she’ll gain five skills along the way that she’ll use the rest of her life. The Cookie Entrepreneur Family pin activity sheet is designed to help you support her, giving you tips for your cookie entrepreneur. Here's what girls learn and why it matters.
Why is this important? When girls set goals it is the first step toward success in school, jobs, and in life.
4
Decision Making Girls will decide how they will market their cookie program and when and where they will sell cookies. Girls will work together as a troop to make the ultimate decision on how they spend their earnings. (Troop activities, community service projects, trainings, travel, etc.)
Why is this important? Throughout their life girls make daily decisions, big and small, and when girls practice and implement decision making, they begin to see the impact of their decisions. They develop a strong process of making good decisions. They begin to see themselves as a confident leader capable of making decisions for themselves, and to make the world a better place.
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3
2
Money Management Girls will have the opportunity to work on developing a budget. After they have set their sales goal, they will be able to determine a budget and manage their funds as they manage their revenue. Girls will take sales orders, count money, and deliver money to their troop volunteers.
Why is this important? Learning to manage their cookie sale funds will also help them understand managing their personal finances. Girls develop a better understanding of managing their allowance and a future paycheck because they learn by doing during the cookie program.
People Skills Girls develop people skills by talking to customers, learning to become good listeners, and building relationships with their sister Girl Scouts as they work as a team.
Why is this important? As girls deliver their sales pitch and interact with customers, their self-confidence flourishes. Girls are ready and able to answer questions about their goals, their favorite cookie, and what they plan to do with their earnings. People skills help girls in school, communicating with their friends, in team sports, group projects, and future job success.
5
Business Ethics During the Girl Scout Cookie Program, girls practice sound business ethics, by being responsible for their cookie inventory, cookie payments to their troop, and their commitment to their customers.
Why is this important? As Cookie Entrepreneurs girls are responsible for managing their own cookie business, while practicing sound business ethics and working cohesively as a team. Future employers want to hire ethical employees with refined life skills. girlscoutsla.org | 213-213-0123 8
THE GIRL SCOUT DIFFERENCE Our Girl Scout Leadership Experience is a one-of-a-kind leadership development program for girls with proven results. It’s based on time-tested methods and research-backed programming that embolden girls to take the lead— both in their own lives and in the world.
Girl Scouts helps girls thrive in five key ways:
ONE Strong Sense of Self Girls have confidence in themselves and their abilities, and form positive identities.
THREE Challenge Seeking Girls take appropriate risks, try things even if they might fail, and learn from mistakes.
FIVE Community Problem Solving Girls desire to contribute to the world in purposeful and meaningful ways, learn how to identify problems in the community, and create “action plans” to solve them.
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TWO Positive Value Girls act ethically, honestly, and responsibly, and show concern for others.
FOUR
Healthy Relationships Girls develop and maintain healthy relationships by communicating their feelings directly and resolving conflicts constructively.
And the inclusive, all-girl environment of a Girl Scout troop creates a safe space where girls can try new things, develop a range of skills, take on leadership roles, and just be themselves.
Did you know? All proceeds from Girl Scout Cookies® stay local! When you purchase Girl Scout Cookies from a young, budding entrepreneur, you’re supporting her success today and tomorrow. Girl Scout Cookies’ proceeds stay local to:
1
2
Cover the costs of running the Girl Scout Cookie Prgoram, including the costs of cookies, materials, and logistics.
Fund Take Action projects for the community and amazing girl-led adventures for troops.
3 Provide Girl Scout programs in STEAM, the outdoors, life skills, and entrepreneurship, as well as camps, leadership training, and more!
HOW A PACKAGE OF COOKIES SUPPORTS GIRL SCOUTS High quality Girl Scout programs, such as leadership, business, outdoor, and STEAM workshops.
26% 47% 27%
Girl and volunteer support, including financial assistance for underserved girls and volunteer training and resources. Troop earnings and rewards, which girls use for activities like travel, camp, and community service projects.
The Girl Scout Cookie Program is the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world! girlscoutsla.org | 213-213-0123 10
Making a Difference
The Girl Scout Cookie Program Allows Girls to Give Back to Their Communities The Girl Scout Cookie Program—the largest girl-led business in the world—helps Girl Scouts earn money for fun, educational activities, and community projects. In an entrepreneurial sense, it helps girls learn the 5 Skills including goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills, and business ethics. As entrepreneurs, girls choose where to invest their money, and quite often, our girls choose to designate their funds to helping others. GSGLA high school senior, Morgan A., started Girl Scouts in kindergarten when she lived overseas in Germany. "I moved to the US in third grade and I've been with the same troop, 6205, since I lived in San Pedro and then moved to Inglewood. I've built a lot of dependable friendships from Girl Scouts." Morgan's troop focuses on helping younger Daisy and Brownies troops and she helps her mother plan activities at their local Service Unit, including teaching painting classes for troops. In addition to mentoring younger troops in the area, the troop spends their cookie proceeds on Bronze, Silver, and Gold awards and occasionally uses the funding to go to camp. This past year, Morgan has been pursuing the Gold Award. She started by creating her program around teaching local schools how to reduce their carbon footprint. Called "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Innovate, and Create" she was inspired to start the program when she was chatting with her friend last spring and made a bet to see who could go vegan the longest. In doing so, her mother encouraged her to research the health pros and cons of switching to a drastic change in diet. "I realized that there were so many environmental issues that stemmed from our diet as young adults. I started 'Reduce,
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Reuse, Recycle, Innovate, and Create' to address this purpose and teach my community how we can build a sustainable future. I wanted to teach my community about environmental protection through fun activities while also keeping them updated on the latest environmental news," said Morgan. Before the pandemic hit, Morgan was going to schools, teaching students how to be more environmentally aware, designing lesson plans, hosting informational meetings, developing fun games, and teaching kids how to make gardens at home. This year, since the pandemic happened, Morgan has had to adjust and move her program online. She said, "I had to create a website (rrric2020.com), an Instagram page, and online lesson plans for schools I was partnering with." Partnering with Metropolitan Water company, Morgan has been learning professional lessons by interacting with directors, teachers and principals over email and by phone. Executing her time management and leadership skills, Morgan has been able to manage her blog, speak with classes virtually, go to school and stay active in her community. Morgan’s leadership skills and strong sense of social responsibility has driven her to continue her environmental pursuits in college where she wants to study environmental biology.
Laila T. is a sixth-grader who has been in Girl Scouts since kindergarten and has sold cookies for over seven years. Although the pandemic has slowed down most troop activity this past year, Laila earned the President's Volunteer Service Gold Award, for volunteering over 100+ community service hours, received a personalized certificate, a signed letter by the President of the United States, and a pin! She's also completed two Journeys and two Cadette badges through Zoom during the quarantine. Meeting over Zoom most of the year, Laila's troop has been staying very active, "I miss my in-person meetings, and especially the troop outings."
PetSpace. "I would have to say that my Service Unit’s Holiday Service Project has been the most impactful for me." says Laila. Every December, the Service Unit makes thousands of holiday ornaments for the Teague Foundation Holiday Party for foster care children and families. Beginning years ago as a Gold Award Project, the Holiday Service Project is unique to Marina Service Unit and has continued the tradition ever since. "In 2019, as a Cadette, I was finally old enough to attend the Teague Foundation Holiday Party. It was so rewarding to see the smiles on the faces of the children leaving with one of our decorated Christmas trees. It made me proud to be a Girl Scout," says Laila.
Demonstrating strong business ethics, Laila sells cookies every day during the cookie season. She dedicates her time to connect with new customers and promoting "Cookies for the Community," as Laila says, "One of my favorite parts about being a Girl Scout is being able to give back to my community.�
This year, Laila's troop is seeking to use cookie proceeds to donate to the Apex Protection Project, a non-profit organization created to help save the wolf species. "Our donation will include one-onone time with each member of the Apex pack. Our troop is really excited about this," says Laila.
Every year, Laila's troop participates in local community activities that focus on helping animals and children. In past years, Laila's troop has used cookie proceeds to create "no-sew fleece" animal beds for their local animal shelter; purchased fabric and hand-sewed seven full-sized curtains to help insulate the infant care unit at the California Wildlife Center; and has donated funds and participated in activities with The Gentle Barn and Annenberg
As an avid traveler, some of Laila's fondest Girl Scout memories are bridging from Junior to Cadette over the Golden Gate Bridge, visiting California Wildlife Center in Malibu, spending weekends at the Girl Scout Camp in Big Bear, Camp Osito, where she rode a horse named Charlie, canoed, zip-lined and climbed a rock wall for the first time! "There have been so many great adventures. Of course, the pandemic has put a stop to things for now, but when it is finally over, there will be so many more places to visit—I cannot wait!"
Morgan A.
Laila T.
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THE LINE UP
Gir l Scout Cookies
Customers love our amazing, name-brand Girl Scout Cookies baked especially for us by Little Brownie Bakers, one of the two bakers that produce Girl Scout Cookies in the USA!
• Real Cocoa • Real Coconut
lemon-ups
®
samoas
®
NATURALLY FLAVORED WITH OTHER NATURAL FLAVORS
Crispy lemon cookies baked with inspiring messages to lift your spirits
Crisp cookies coated in caramel, sprinkled with toasted coconut and striped with dark chocolaty coating
• Made with Natural Flavors • Real Peanut Butter • Whole Grain Oats
• Real Cocoa • Real Peanut Butter
tagalongs
do-si-dos
®
®
Crispy cookies layered with peanut butter and covered with a chocolaty coating
Crunchy oatmeal sandwich cookies with creamy
• Made with Vegan Ingredients • Made with Real Cocoa
trefoils
thin mints
®
®
Delicate-tasting shortbread that is delightfully simple and satisfying
• Made with Natural Flavors • Made with Real Cocoa
girl scout s’mores ®
Crunchy graham sandwich cookies with creamy chocolate
Crisp wafers covered in chocolaty coating made with natural oil of peppermint
specialty innovation
specialty innovation
toffee-tastic
®
GLUTEN FREE
• 12 packages per case • Cookies are $5/package and $60/case, except for the two specialty cookies: Girl Scout S'mores and gluten-free Toffee-Tastic which are $6/package and $72/case, because they cost more to produce • Girl Scout Cookies are date-stamped for freshness • No Partially Hydrogenated Oils (PHOs) • No high-fructose corn syrup; zero grams trans fat, RSPO Certified (mass Balanced) Palm Oil, Halal certification • See order card for nutritional information, or visit littlebrowniebakers.com 13 girlscoutsla.org | 213-213-0123
Tips for Selling Cookies 1. Ask friends and family to buy or donate Girl Scout Cookies. 2. Review last year’s order cards and contact your reliable customers. 3. Need more cookies? Contact your troop cookie chair. 4. Sell online through Digital Cookie (girl delivery, shipment, and Cookies for the Community) or follow our socially distant selling options as your comfort level and current council guidelines allow. Let your creative juices flow on safe and innovative ways to expand your sales techniques. 5. Prior to the end of the program, contact your customers again to place another order.
Key Players There are several groups of people who will make your cookie business a complete success: 1. GSGLA staff will provide the necessary tools to conduct a successful cookie business. 2. Your troop cookie chair/troop leader will organize and guide your troop through the program. 3. Your troop consists of registered Girl Scouts ready to put their leadership skills into action. 4. Your support team consists of family and friends who will encourage and assist you. 5. Customers are the awesome people who will financially help Girl Scouts reach their goals!
How to Handle Cookie Money— Tips for Parents ⇨ Credit cards, Digital Cookie and Cheddar Up’s POS platform are encouraged for in-person payments. Avoid taking cash whenever possible. ⇨ Always count money and only take checks from people you trust. Checks received are to be made payable to “Girl Scout Troop [insert troop number].” ⚬ Accept only preprinted checks with issuer’s address. Write the issuer’s phone number and driver’s license number on the face of check. ⚬ Note the girl’s first name and last initial in the memo line of the check. ⚬ Caution against accepting out-of-state checks. ⇨ While we discourage cash handling, if you do accept cash, do not accept $50 or $100 bills. You would be taking a large risk if they turned out to be counterfeit. ⇨ Turn in funds received from customers to your troop cookie chair (TCC) promptly and frequently, as communicated by your TCC. Don’t hold onto received funds, as they can get misplaced. Always get a signed receipt from your TCC for funds you turn in for your daughter’s individual orders and when you pick up cookies from the troop. ⇨ Parents may use Venmo, PayPal, or Cheddar Up to pay for cookies but may not take payments from customers using Paypal/Venmo. Families are financially responsible for all funds, including any lost, stolen, or counterfeit money. girlscoutsla.org | 213-213-0123 14
E I K O O C 8 1 TOP
“You have to be confident, a good communicator, and a fast thinker.” Sarah C.
s p i t g n i l l se
"Be a great cookie seller by being motivated all the time and always think positive and as soon as cookie selling starts, start selling your cookies.” Sarah B. “I remind customers who don’t want to buy cookies that they can donate them to Gift of Caring (now Cookies for the Community).” Samantha Z. "Get your parents engaged! If you have your parents engaged they can help you a lot, especially when you're selling cookies and you need to drive to different locations to sell!” Hailey M. "Ask open ended questions like: How many boxes would you like today? What’s your favorite cookie? and always go the extra mile." Nyla G. “Let your customers know about your personal goal by making booth signs. Customers really like to see your goal, and they will do what they can to help you achieve it.” Laila T.
“Engage with your customers and introduce yourself. Know your goal and how the money you are raising is going to help your troop.” Makayla C.
"Buyers love to know how we are giving back to our communities so it’s important to let every customer you encounter know how they are specifically helping our communities when they buy our cookies." Ariana C. “When you are selling cookies, be friendly and have fun. When you do that, people will want to have fun with you and buy cookies from you to help you reach your goal.” Christiana R. “Have fun and business at the same time.” Anissa O. “Prepare a contact list of all the people you want to contact first to buy your cookies. Keep building the list through the season and keep it from year to year. You can use your contact list to also send invitations to your booth locations so they know where to find you.” SamiRose H. "Stay in the moment, when you set big goals. Focus on the present task on that day.” Lauren M.
“Be calm and confident in yourself! Know the prices, the names of the cookies and the main ingredients.” Morgan C. “I love making colorful signs to let everyone know that Saela, the Cookie Boss is here!” Saela J. “Speak clearly, be nice to people, and don't worry about the 'No' answers when selling. Ask everyone that walks by if they want to buy cookies!” Autumn Y. "Always be in selling mode, and don't give up! Even when I get tired during mid-season, I stay focused and driven to complete my goals." Sophie P. “In the last few days, when you feel like stopping, but you are still a few hundred boxes away from your goal–keep going!” Quinn W.
“Be persistent with all your sales, make sure that you have good information about the cookie products, have good people skills, and don't be afraid or timid to approach everyone, talk to everyone you see and everyone you know.” Zoe A. QUINN W.
CHRISTIANA R.
SAELA J.
MAKAYLA C. SOPHIE P.
AUTUMN Y.
SARAH C.
ARIANA C.
SAMIROSE H. ANISSA O.
NYLA G.
HAILEY M. SARAH B.
MORGAN C.
ZOE A.
LAILA T.
LAUREN M.
SAMANTHA Z.
INVENTORY + GETTING STARTED COOKIE INVENTORY BASICS ⇨ Families receive cookies from the troop at the start of the program based on the girls’ goals and what the family is initially willing to take responsibility for. Your troop cookie chair will place a starting inventory order (SIO) to provide these cookies to the girls for Go Day. ⇨ Girls can use Digital Cookie and order cards to track sales and customer contact information. ⇨ Families are not limited to the one-time inventory allotment; they should pick up additional inventory as needed throughout the program—check with your troop cookie chair. ⇨ Families turn in funds to the troop for cookies as they sell them and before receiving additional cookies. ⇨ Balance for all cookies is due shortly after the end of the program (Mar. 7, 2021) and MUST be paid by the due date set by the troop cookie chair. Rewards may be held until balances are paid in full.
COMING UP WITH A TROOP INVENTORY Kick off the cookie program with your troop by discussing what to do with troop cookie proceeds as well as what funds are needed for program supplies, registration dues, uniforms, etc. ⇨ ⇨ ⇨ ⇨ ⇨
As a troop, calculate the budget needed for the activities chosen to determine your troop’s sales goal. Relying on the troop's goal, the troop cookie chair (TCC) will submit the starting inventory order (SIO). All members of the troop should support the collective goals that girls discussed and agreed on. The troop is financially responsible for all cookies ordered and received. The troop will get about half of its cookie inventory through the SIO. Cookies are ordered in full case quantities (12 packages per case)—additional cookies may be ordered through the TCC.
STARTING INVENTORY DELIVERY DAY (JAN. 22-23) When picking up your cookies: ⇨ Follow all health and safety guidelines in place. ⇨ Count each package before leaving your TCC. ⇨ Sign a receipt and take a copy. You are financially responsible for each package of cookies you sign for. ⇨ Always keep your cookies in a cool place & elevated off the ground—do not store in the garage. (If cookies are damaged, you are still responsible for paying for them.) ⇨ Store cookies away from strong odors, such as cigarette smoke and pungent foods.
WHEN CAN I SELL GIRL SCOUT COOKIES? (JAN. 11-MAR. 7) No cookie orders or sales can take place prior to Jan. 11. However, you may announce the sale start date in advance. ⇨ It is considered “early selling” any time a girl/adult accepts someone’s request for a certain cookie quantity or variety, takes money for cookies, asks potential customers questions like, “Will you buy cookies from me?” or solicits for Cookies for the Community donations before Jan. 11. ⇨ If a potential customer responds prior to Jan. 11 with comments like “Put me down for…,” an appropriate response would be “Thank you for your pledge. We will contact you at the start of the program to take your order.” 17 girlscoutsla.org | 213-213-0123
EXCHANGING AND RETURNING COOKIES ⇨ It’s the family’s responsibility to exchange or return undamaged, factory-sealed cookies to your troop within the timeframes and guidelines provided by your troop cookie chair (TCC). ⇨ Any cookies not returned to the TCC by the designated date will be the financial responsibility of the family. It’s about teamwork: all troop members can pitch in to help with any unsold cookies.
DISTANCE SELLING OUTSIDE THE COUNCIL AREA Being a sister to every Girl Scout means respecting our sister Girl Scouts in neighboring councils. As such, selling outside the GSGLA council region (AKA “cross-border selling”) is only allowed on an exception basis, as listed below. (Visit girlscoutsla.org to view a council map.) ⇨ Family: Girls can sell to family and to the family’s close neighbors outside of GSGLA's borders. ⇨ Friends: Immediate friends are okay. ⇨ Workplace: In the parent or guardian’s workplace only (to friends and work colleagues only, not to their customers). Friends' and extended family’s workplaces are not allowed. ⇨ Lemonade stands, walkabouts, and distance boothing of any kind: Never allowed outside of GSGLA borders.
SAFETY TIPS WHILE SELLING COOKIES Wear the membership pin and Girl Scout uniform/clothing to identify yourself as a Girl Scout. Follow all health and safety and social distancing guidelines. Always use the buddy system. Be familiar with the neighborhoods where you will be selling cookies. Partner with adults. Never enter a customer’s home. Never approach customers in cars. Follow safe pedestrian practices when crossing streets. Be aware of traffic when unloading vehicles. Have a plan for safeguarding money (avoid carrying large amounts; have supervising adult deposit proceeds immediately). ⇨ Sell only during daylight hours. ⇨ Never provide a girl’s last name, address/phone number, or email address. ⇨ Be web-wise. Take the GSUSA Internet Safety Pledge at girlscouts.org before going online. ⇨ ⇨ ⇨ ⇨ ⇨ ⇨ ⇨ ⇨ ⇨
WAYS TO MARKET COOKIES Marketing your cookie business is extremely important in order for it to be a success! Here are some effective marketing techniques:
DIGITAL COOKIE Digital Cookie is a fun, safe, and interactive website that assists girls in learning the essential 5 Skills and tracking cookie sales. It is a passwordprotected private area for Girl Scouts only. New for 2021, Digital Cookie offers girl delivery, which will take the customer payment at the time of order and allow contacless delivery.
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When using Digital Cookie, girls can: ⇨ Take payment for online and in-person orders. ⇨ Reach their goals from the safety of their home or mobile device ⇨ Enhance their 21st century business skills including marketing and the 5 Skills for girls ⇨ Set troop and individual goals ⇨ Record their customer lists so they can be saved and reused each cookie season ⇨ Send secure emails to customers to take online orders for girl delivery, shipment, and to accept Cookies for the Community donations. Starting Jan. 11, parents can log into gsdigitalcookie.com/gsgla and set up their girl's account. The Girl Scout will have fun creating her personalized avatar and sending out emails to family and friends.
INTERNET Girls can use age-appropriate internet tools to promote their cookie business by posting their Digital Cookie link on approved personal social media platforms. Girls may not sell cookies on resale sites such as eBay, Craigslist, Amazon, Facebook Marketplace, etc. Social media platforms (such as Facebook and Twitter) are a great place for teens 13 and older to promote and ask for cookie orders—with parent permission. Younger girls can work with their parents to post their Digital Cookie links on their parents’ personal social media accounts. Be sure to follow computer/online use guidelines in Safety Activity Checkpoints, Digital Marketing Tips for Cookie Entrepreneurs & Their Families, and Supplemental Safety Tips for Online Marketing. Visit girlscouts.org for complete safety guidelines.
DECK OUT YOUR DELIVERY Health and safety guidelines should be observed at all points of contact from cookie distribution within your troop to delivering your cookies to customers. We suggest placing cookies at a customer’s doorstep and sending them a text to let them know their cookies are ready to be enjoyed. Package cookies in decorated bags with thank you notes for repeat customers. Include a doorhanger with your Digital Cookie link for additional orders. Watch for council communications that advertise contest rules and other ideas. Plus, visit your local Girl Scout store to check out our new cookie carts and other cookie-themed signs, T-shirts, and more items!
OTHER MARKETING IDEAS ⇨ Download your personalized business card from Digital Cookie and send a picture of it to all your contacts. ⇨ Try a troop text-a-thon to let friends and family know “It’s cookie time” or “I have cookies NOW, no waiting!” ⇨ Host a troop virtual sale and sell cookies by the case! Visit littlebrowniebakers.com for details and resources. ⇨ Remind customers that Girl Scout Cookies are only available once a year, and they freeze well. ⇨ Visit girlscoutsla.org for additional marketing downloads.
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WAYS TO SELL COOKIES WORKPLACE SALES AND SELLING TO BUSINESSES: ⇨ ⇨ ⇨ ⇨ ⇨ ⇨ ⇨ ⇨
Girls must contact business owners or managers to request permission to sell at the business. Girls can make a virtual sales pitch to staff or leave an order card in a location visible to employees. Girls can only sell to the employees of the business. Parents may have cookies to sell at their place of work to employees only, but any displays must include a message from the girl. Displays cannot be visible by workplace’s customers/patrons. This includes all retail establishments. Cookies may not be displayed on shelves or counters at business locations and cannot be sold by businesses. Cookies must always be sold by the girl. Girls are not to set up booths at businesses without special booth approval; ask your troop cookie chair. GSGLA's corporate booth program is going virtual. Ask you Troop Cookie Chair for details.
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Photo taken prior to the Covid-19 pandemic
NEW THIS YEAR: Girl delivery is available on Digital Cookie! Customers pay for cookies at the time of order, and cookies can be delivered contactlessly. Digital Cookie is the fun and safe way for girls to reach out to friends, family, and customers. They can send emails through the Digital Cookie platform or post on social media sites. (No resale sites like eBay, Amazon, or Facebook Marketplace.) Girls get a personalized link to share with customers to purchase cookies for girl delivery, shipment, or donation to Cookies for the Community. Payment happens at the time of the order, so cookie deliveries can be contactless! Credit for the packages and payment go directly to the troop.
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Digital Cookie Promotion & Online Marketing Guidelines Digital Cookie provides an exciting opportunity for girls to extend their cookie sales to friends and family nationwide (for girl delivery, shipment, and Cookies for the Community donations). New this season, your customers can purchase cookies online and you can deliver contactlessly! With safety in mind, please review the following guidelines: Marketing as an Individual Seller
Marketing as a Troop
Girls may: • Enhance their Girl Scout Cookie Program experience in the digital world. • Create compelling digital content of goals, images, videos, and/or graphics. • Curate an online customer base of personal friends and family. • Post their Digital Cookie link on public social media sites (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.) • Post messaging and/or video (i.e. social media or email) that includes a cookie pitch and their unique Digital Cookie URL for cookie-purchasing. • Share posts on social media that generally highlight the cookie program, 5 Skills and/or Girl Scout experiences, as long as the information does not disclose any location or contact information. • Ask contacts to share their Digital Cookie link with friends and family. • Post where their troop is distance boothing.
Troops may: • Use Digital Cookie to teach girls about e-commerce, web design, and social media best practices. • Work together to create troop and individual promotional materials to market Digital Cookie as a group and on each girl’s personal cookie site. • Create a social media event or schedule a live stream. • Promote Cookie Season content on social channels with: • General details about the cookie program, 5 Skills and/or the troop’s Girl Scout experiences are highlighted, don't disclose any girl location or contact information. • Direct customers to Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles’ cookie finder (girlscoutsla.org/cookies) as an alternative call to action. • Post their troop cookie booths without disclosing girl information.
Girls may not: • Post last name or direct contact details (i.e. phone number, address, school, location, and/or email) • Post where a girl is distance boothing. • Direct message anyone they don't personally know on social media platforms. • Post their Digital Cookie link on resale sites (i.e. Craigslist, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, etc.)
Troops may not: • Post content including direct contact details (i.e. phone number, address, school, location, and/or email).
NOTE: Public-facing channels and social media accounts include those in which the public can follow, post or interact with anyone within that channel without special permissions. Private accounts denote those in which messaging is only seen by a closed group of personal friends and family. Refer to Safety Activity Checkpoints, Digital Marketing Tips for Cookie Entreprenuers and Their Families, and Supplemental Safety Tips for Online Marketing for complete safety guidelines.
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virtual boothing
BONUS TIP: Explore girlscouts.org and littlebrowniebakers.com to find yummy cookie recipes and creative ways to market your program.
Virtual booths—hosted on social media—give girls a way to achieve their sales goals. In fact, girls may find this allows them to discover new ways to take the lead in their cookie business and stay connected through virtual means. Here's how it works:
STEP 1:
Invite girls to brainstorm how they can promote their Cookie Program online. Depending upon their audience, health and safety guidelines and comfort level, girls can decide the type of sale they can support: girl delivery, shipment, donations, or a combination. HOLD A VIRTUAL MEETING- Use a video conferencing service to stay connected, do virtual activities and discuss virtual booths with your girls. A group text or phone call works too. You can download fun virtual backgrounds available on littlebrowniebakers.com and girlscoutcookies.org/ troopleaders.
STEP 2:
Create a social media event or schedule a live stream. Invite girls (with proper supervision) to go live on Facebook or Instagram to reach large numbers of potential customers. You can also set up a Facebook Event. Remember: Girls should review and apply the Digital Marketing Tips for Cookie Entrepreneurs and Families at girlscoutcookies.org/digitalmarketingtips.
STEP 3:
Make it personal and make it fun. Check out the Virtual Girl Scout Cookie Booth graphics available on littlebrowniebakers.com and girlscoutcookies.org/troopleaders. Customers love to see personal touches from girls at booths, and the same is true online. Encourage girls to bling their virtual booth with custom artwork, photos and videos. Girls have Digital Cookie links to share, so place them front and center.
STEP 4:
Consider the logistics and include the details. How will cookies be delivered? Adult supervision is required to keep girls safe when delivering cookies. Girls are encouraged to leave cookies on customers’ doorsteps for a contactless delivery. Contact the customer to arrange for a time to deliver the cookies and notify the customer when you’re there. Be certain to follow health and safety guidelines. How will you handle payment? Utilize your Digital Cookie site for payment. You can also use other credit card processors like Square or Cheddar Up (linked to troop bank accounts).
STEP 5:
Invite friends and family. Encourage girls to mention their goals, what they are going to do with their troop funds and how they are helping their community.
STEP 6:
Promote on social media and in your community. As you know, go-getter Girl Scouts can and will bring out the good in any situation! Now more than ever, girls are spending time in virtual settings and engaging in social media, so an online experience comes naturally to them. Using Girl Scouts’ online safety guidelines, encourage them to go big with social sharing to drive customers near and far to their Virtual Cookie Booth (their Digital Cookie site). They will love making a virtual pitch or creating videos to direct customers to their site. Be sure to use #VirtualCookieBooth in all your posts AND encourage customers to share a photo with their Girl Scout Cookie packages using the same hashtag. You can even leave a note with their delivery!
STEP 7:
Celebrate and share your success! Let everyone in your social channels see how the girls are helping their community with their #VirtualCookieBooth. Together, we can build momentum nationwide! Be sure to plan for celebrating and rewarding all those amazing girls.
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cookie program I
REQUIREMENTS, ROLES, I RESPONSIBILITIES
FOR GIRLS: ⇨ ⇨ ⇨ ⇨ ⇨ ⇨ ⇨ ⇨ ⇨
Be a currently registered Girl Scout. You may take Digital Cookie or paper orders beginning Jan. 11. Ensure cookie orders are delivered on or after GO DAY, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2021. Set individual goals and help the troop set and achieve overall troop goals. Participate in troop meetings and cookie program discussions. Know your product; learn about the cookies. Be easily identifiable as a Girl Scout. Wear your uniform or other Girl Scout attire, and your membership pin. Tell customers how your troop will use cookie proceeds. Encourage customers to support the Cookies for the Community (C4C) donation program.
FOR PARENTS & CAREGIVERS: ⇨ ⇨ ⇨ ⇨ ⇨ ⇨ ⇨ ⇨ ⇨ ⇨ ⇨
Encourage your daughter to participate in cookie program activities. Work with her to build her 5 Skills. Ensure no cookie orders are taken prior to Monday, Jan. 11, 2021. Ensure no cookie orders are delivered prior to Go Day, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2021. Guide your daughter when making individual learning and sales goals. Work with your daughter and her troop in setting goals to help determine the number of cookies to order. Respect and support those goals. Participate in booth sales as permitted by health and safety guidelines and assist the troop cookie chair and troop leader. Keep your troop cookie chair updated on your daughter’s inventory—request more cookies when you sell out. Be responsible for payment of all cookies received and safeguarding all monies collected from customers. Participate in the receipting for all cookies received and for all money submitted to troop. Retain all receipts. Follow all troop guidelines and timeframes for turning in money and cookie exchanges and returns. Follow all rules and guidelines for selling as defined by GSGLA and understand consequences for noncompliance. Follow all health and safety guidelines provided by GSGLA, in accordance with the CDC and local and state government.
FOR TROOP COOKIE CHAIRS/TROOP LEADERS: ⇨ ⇨ ⇨ ⇨ ⇨ ⇨ ⇨ ⇨
Train the girls and parents and distribute all needed materials, providing ongoing support throughout the sale. Do not set quotas for individual girls. Allow time for cookies to be sold before requiring payment from parents and set up periodic collection dates. Collect and deposit all funds due from the girls/parents into the troop account frequently. Enter all troop and girl orders and money collected into the cookie system (eBudde). Meet deadlines as set by the service unit cookie program chair and as indicated in the troop guide. Keep track of individual girl sales and boothing sales. If your troop is doing additional money-earning events, ensure the troop adheres to the participation definition as outlined in Volunteer Essentials.
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COOKIE CODE OF CONDUCT Girls and adults must adhere to information contained in this family guide and all GSUSA and GSGLA rules and regulations when selling Girl Scout Cookies. These rules are in place so that girls can run a successful, fair, fun, and safe cookie business. Consult your troop cookie chair with any questions.
FOR GIRLS: I will follow any and all CDC, state, local, GSGLA and GSUSA guidelines regarding COVID-19 safety. I will adhere to the principles of the Girl Scout Promise and Law and follow all GSGLA guidelines. I will follow the rules to help make sure program activities are safe, fun, and successful. I will not sell cookies IN ANY WAY prior to Jan. 11, 2021. I will wear appropriate Girl Scout attire and dress neatly and appropriately for the weather. I will treat other people, myself, property, and equipment with respect. I will remove all trash from boothing sites and take it with me when I leave. I will listen carefully to all instructions and appropriately respond to all directions given by Girl Scout leaders, troop cookie chairs, or the adult in charge. ⇨ I will not run or demonstrate any physical activity that could place me in harm. I will not participate in any roughhousing, loud voices, or inappropriate language. ⇨ I will never give out my last name, address, email address, or phone number to customers. Instead, I will refer the customer to the adult volunteer. ⇨ ⇨ ⇨ ⇨ ⇨ ⇨ ⇨ ⇨
FOR PARENTS & CAREGIVERS:
(This document will be distributed by troop cookie chairs for parents to sign and turn in) ⇨ I have thoroughly read and understood everything in the Quick Start Guide and Cookie Family Guide (received through mail in January). ⇨ I understand that there will be consequences for any and all disregard of the rules as clearly outlined in the Quick Start Guide and Cookie Family Guide. ⇨ I have attended a cookie training and understood everything communicated, whether verbally, via PowerPoint presentation, or by the handouts distributed. ⇨ I will adhere to the principles of the Girl Scout Promise and Law and follow the GSGLA guidelines. ⇨ I will follow the rules to help make sure program activities are safe, fun, and successful. ⇨ I will follow any and all CDC, state, local, GSGLA and GSUSA guidelines regarding COVID-19 safety. ⇨ I will make sure my daughter does not sell cookies IN ANY WAY prior to the ONLINE start date of Jan. 11, 2021. Or IN PERSON before Jan. 24, 2021. ⇨ I will be respectful of the Girl Scout leaders, troop cookie chair, or the adult in charge. ⇨ I understand I am responsible for all money collected on behalf of the troop and misuse of council and/or troop funds will not be tolerated. ⇨ I understand I am financially responsible for all product received and all cookies must be paid by the March 2021 deadline set by my troop cookie chair. ⇨ I will treat other people, myself, property, and equipment with respect. I will not leave trash behind. ⇨ I will remove all cardboard boxes and trash from boothing sites and dispose of them at my home.
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⇨ ⇨ ⇨ ⇨ ⇨ ⇨ ⇨ ⇨ ⇨ ⇨ ⇨ ⇨
I understand that siblings (tagalongs) are not allowed at a cookie booth. I will not violate Girl Scout policies, create discord, or damage or misuse property. I will not demonstrate violence of any kind, including inappropriate conduct, profanity, or verbal abuse. I will not be under the influence or hold possession of illegal substances during any Girl Scout activities. Firearms or weaponry are not allowed. I understand smoking is not allowed in the presence of girls during Girl Scout activities. I will support the goals established by my Girl Scout and her troop. I understand that adults may assist, but cannot sell cookies. This is the girl’s business to operate. I will follow all GSGLA rules & guidelines when at a booth, as well as rules established by a business. I will communicate all of the rules and expectations to any adult assisting my Girl Scout with her cookie business (i.e. wife, husband, grandparent, baby-sitter). I will communicate with the troop cookie volunteers in a timely and respectful fashion, including replying to emails, texts, and phone calls. I will arrive on time to any scheduled event (i.e. cookie pick up or drop off times, money drop off times, and booth shifts). I understand I can only drop off money or pick up/drop off cookies during scheduled times.
CONSEQUENCES If girls and/or troops are not selling in accordance with established rules and regulations, girls and/or troops can be penalized by having one or more of the following consequences applied*: ⇨ Removal of the highest reward level earned ⇨ Reduction in troop proceeds or opt-out proceeds ⇨ Reduction in packages sold for girl and/or troop ⇨ Forfeiture of girl and/or troop proceeds/rewards ⇨ No future boothing Examples of rule violations include: ⇨ Taking ANY orders prior to Jan. 11, 2021 ⇨ Selling cookies for the incorrect price ⇨ Selling cookies outside of authorized areas ⇨ Girls selling or delivering cookies alone ⇨ Parent selling cookies without a girl present ⇨ Inappropriate girl or adult behavior ⇨ Failure to pay for cookies and submit money as stated by GSGLA and/or your troop cookie chair ⇨ Not following GSGLA, CDC, state, and local health and safety guidelines ⇨ Conducting a booth without submitting and receiving a special request approval ⇨ Failing to respect booth location guidelines ⇨ Distance boothing with the incorrect girl/adult ratio *Decisions on consequences to apply are decided by the service unit cookie program chair, GSGLA's product programs manager, and/or director of retail & product programs. The severity of the consequence imposed will be based on the rules and regulations broken, impact to others, safety, and if one or multiple rules were broken.
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cookies for the community
RIPPLE EFFECT Your donation of a package of cookies to the Cookies for the Community program starts a ripple effect of support to your community.
GIRLS LEARN SKILLS Girl Scouts learn key business skills, such as goal setting, decisionmaking, money management, people skills, and business ethics
ACTIVITIES & SERVICE Girls earn funds for activities and community service projects.
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HEART-WARMING EFFECT You feel the heart-warming effects of donating to the community.
A TASTE OF JOY The gift of Girl Scout Cookies brightens the days of our INNOVATIVE PROGRAMS Proceeds support innovative programs for Girl Scouts within the Greater Los Angeles area.
HOW IT WORKS: • Girl Scouts can encourage customers to support our Cookies for the Community (C4C) (formerly Gift of Caring) partners by donating money for cookies. • Customers provide monetary donations that the troop or Girl Scout collects.* • The troop or Girl Scout does not hold or store actual cookie packages for C4C. • The donations are tabulated and reported as C4C donations. • The GSGLA product programs team coordinates the delivery of the cookies to our community partners.
TIPS: • Family and friends outside of the GSGLA area are great groups to target for C4C. That way, they can support a girl’s cookie goals without incurring the cost of shipping cookies.
*All monies received as donations are considered a C4C donation. For example, if someone says, “Keep the change,” this money (the change) goes toward C4C. C4C donations are tax-deductible; receipts can be provided to customers upon request.
Last year, our council donated 163,000+ packages to our nonprofit charity partners: Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, Bob Hope USO, Blue Star Mothers, Operation Gratitude, and Goodwill of Southern California. In 2021, let's beat our goal of 170,000 packages! C4C Top Sellers will be invited to an event where they will see C4C in action. 2021 event details are TBD.
Photo taken prior to the Covid-19 pandemic
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And don't forget: Every girl who sells 12 or more packages of cookies towards C4C, earns a cookie program C4C participation patch. Plus the opportunity to earn more rewards at various levels (see page 28 for details).
GS
GLA 2021
CHARITY PARTNERS
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GIRL SCOUTS SHOW GRATITUDE Service members who received Girl Scout Cookies in their care packages through one of our Cookies for the Community partners, Operation Gratitude, expressed their thanks. Operation Gratitude has extended their sincere appreciation to GSGLA—they said our cookies are always a favorite item in the care packages, reminding people in uniform of home.
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COOKIES AND CAMP! Our Summer Camps are back for 2021 and we cannot wait to welcome your camper this summer!
With exciting new adventures ahead including the opening of Camp Lakota, your favorite day camp programs at El Ranchito, Marine Landing and Mariposa, and the introduction of family rental activity weekends at Osito Rancho, our camps have something for every camper this summer! Whether stand-up paddling at Marine Landing, rock climbing at El Ranchito, exploring STEAM activities at Mariposa, or horseback riding at Camp Lakota, campers can use their cookie program credits to get in on the fun! We had the pleasure of interviewing Zoe A., Girl Scout Ambassador from Long Beach to learn how she’s been using her cookie proceeds towards camp. We look forward to seeing your family at camp this summer!
Q: Hey Zoe! When did you start Girl Scouts and why? A: I started Girl Scouts as a Daisy, going into kindergarten, my mom thought it would be a good learning experience for me.
and the beach time and the counselors and CITs there are some of my favorite people Q: Why do you think camp is a good experience for girls? A: Girls have an opportunity to learn how to kayak, paddle board, canoe, and meet new friends at the beach.
Q: What do you like about Girl Scouts? A: In Girl Scouts I like the different people you can meet in the community.
Q: What life skills from camp have you learned? A: I have been going to Marine Landing since I was 6 years old. I liked all the watercraft activities, the crafts, and the friends I made with the girls of all ages and CIT's. As I grew older, I became a CIT and the life skill I learned was being patient.
Q: What have you learned from selling cookies? A: With selling cookies I have learned sales skills. I usually don't take a "no" for an answer. For example, when someone says that they already bought some cookies then I may say with a big smile "Want to buy another box? They will go good with milk!" Or, if they say that they already bought a box of cookies then I'll ask them if they want to give a small donation to the troops overseas...If they say that they already donated then I might say, “Do you want to give another small donation?" Most of all, I like to have fun when I am selling cookies and making my goal! Q: How long have you been using cookie proceeds to go to camp? A: Because I have had conflict in schedule with the cookie reward events from ballet rehearsals, I have used my program credit since I was seven. Q: What kind of activities do you like at camp? A: I have always really enjoyed Marine Landing, with the kayaking, paddle boarding
Q: What life skills/business skills have you learned from selling cookies with Girl Scouts? A: I have learned how to be focused in order to achieve my goal, there is no easy way if you want the best results.
Zoe A. at camp
DID YOU KNOW? If you opt to receive program credits as your cookie reward, you can use those to pay for any GSGLA run summer program! Contact registration@girlscoutsla.org to learn how!
Q: What will you use your cookie proceeds for this year? A: This year I have not figured it out yet, with COVID not being over yet, there is no telling what next year will bring. Q: When have Girl Scouts helped you overcome a challenging obstacle? A: In the beginning of each cookie season, I am a little bit more pulled back and timid, but as the season goes on my confidence rises and I am more willing to talk to everyone and show my selling skills.
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Contests + Fun! GOLDEN TICKET 100 PACKAGE GIVEAWAY On Saturday, Feb. 20, tell customers that if they buy one more package of Thin Mints, they might win 100 packages of Girl Scout Cookies! In celebration of National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend, all customers who buy Thin Mints will be entered in the Golden Ticket Contest, where winners will be chosen at random. Customers will have a chance to win a variety pack of Girl Scout Cookies and 1 lucky winner will get the grand prize: 100 packages of Girl Scout Cookies! Schedule to distance booth or virtual booth on Saturday, Feb. 20—your troop might be selected from the drawing and be a #GSGoldenTicket booth. #GSGoldenTicket clues will be posted on our Twitter and Instagram pages (@GirlScoutsLA) to drive customers to you. Check our newsletters, website, and social media for more details!
DECK OUT YOUR DELIVERY Decorate your cookie mobile (AKA your wagon hauling all those cookies during cookie deliveries), and package cookies with thank you notes (include your Digital Cookie link!) to leave on your customer’s doorsteps. Submit a photo of your creation to cookies@girlscoutsla.org by Sunday, Feb. 7. We’ll place finalists in one of the categories below and then let our Facebook followers vote on the winners. Winners will earn a cookieentrepreneur prize pack! Make sure to follow Facebook.com/GSGLA to find out more! Include the Girl Scout’s name, troop number, and category she’s submitting to. Categories: • Most Artistic • Best Use of Cookies • Most Original • Best Use of We've Got This Theme
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VIDEO CONTEST Make a video for your Digital Cookie storefront. Entrants must create a personalized avatar, record a voice message, and record a video. The four winners will receive ring lights to make more awesome videos. Once you’ve posted your video to Digital Cookie, send your Digital Cookie link to cookies@girlscoutsla.org by Feb. 17 with the subject line Video Contest. Include your Girl Scout’s name and troop number.
COOKIES FOR THE COMMUNITY VIDEO CONTEST Go a step further: include an ask for Cookies for the Community (C4C) in your storefront video. The winner will receive an invitation to the C4C event! Submit your video on your Digital Cookie link to cookies@girlscoutsla.org by Feb. 17 with the subject line C4C Video Contest. Include your Girl Scout’s name and troop number.
Girls may win one, but not both video contests. Watch for more details on the Golden Ticket Contest in your inbox and on Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles’ social media. As always, the health and safety of our girls and adults is our top priority. GSGLA will closely monitor changes in CDC and local and state government guidelines, and adapt contest formatting and rules in adherence to evolving guidelines and best practices as needed.
girlscoutsla.org facebook.com/GSGLA @girlscoutsla @girlscoutsla
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Daisies
Brownies
Juniors
Cadettes
Seniors
Ambassadors
Cookie Business and Financial Literary Badges
Cookie Entrepreneur Family Pins
Go to girlscouts.org/cookiebadges for information about how to earn these pins and badges. These earned awards can be purchased through our local GSGLA retail stores. Ways to Support Your Cookie Entrepreneur • Help her earn the Cookie Entrepreneur Family pin to practice building her skills at home. • Help her set up her Digital Cookie. • Help her keep money safe. • Know the rules and safety guidelines. • Model business ethics, decision making, people skills, and safety as you support her. • Ask your troop leader how you can help the whole troop reach its goals. Your Girl Scout will learn to be a helper and take action by watching you. • Help her make arrangements to connect with people in her network. • Never do things for your girl that she can do for herself, even if it’s quicker and easier for you to do them. • Have fun together along the way and engage your whole family in supporting her! 37 girlscoutsla.org | 213-213-0123
Volunteer for Cookie Cupboard and Get a Special Patch! Have fun, get exercise, and make friends while safely helping to pull orders for troops. Volunteers include parents, husbands, friends, aunts, uncles, and anyone over the age of 18 who would like to support Girl Scouts. The more volunteers, the shorter the wait in line for leaders/troop chairs and a more successful experience for everyone. Anyone who volunteers for 4 hours will get a special cookie cupboard patch to add to their collection! From Jan. 27–Mar. 7, 2021, we have opportunities in Arcadia, Covina, Culver City, Inglewood, Downey, Glendale, Long Beach, Santa Clarita, Redondo Beach, Upland, and the San Fernando Valley. (Volunteers must be able to lift at least 10 lbs.) Please sign up at gsgla.ivolunteer.com
Photos taken prior to the Covid-19 pandemic
Samoas®
Samoa Brownie Parfait with Salted Caramel Sauce
Congratulations to Megan (countrycleaver.com) whose Samoa Brownie Parfait with Salted Caramel Sauce won second place in the 2013 Girl Scouts of Western Washington cookie recipe contest.
Samoas®
Samoa Brownie Parfait with Salted Caramel Sauce
Ingredients: Samoa Brownies: • 8 ounces Semi-Sweet Chocolate, chopped and melted • 8 Tbsp Butter, cut into cubes • 3 Tbsp Cocoa Powder • 3 Eggs • 3/4 cup Sugar • 2 tsp Vanilla Extract • 1 cup Flour • 1 cup Samoas Cookies, chopped • 1/3 cup Toasted Coconut Flakes Coconut Whipped Cream: • 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream • 2 Tbsp Sugar • 1/4 tsp Coconut Extract Salted Caramel Sauce: • 1 cup Sugar • 1/4 cup Water • 1 Tbsp Corn Syrup • 1/2 cup heavy Whipping Cream • 2 Tbsp Butter • 1 tsp Sea Salt) Yield: 4 ParfaitsPrep Time: 35 MinutesCook Time: 35 Minutes + Cooling TimeTotal Time: 75 Minutes
Girl Scout Cookies are back and this dessert is chock full of them, along with coconut whipped cream and salted caramel sauce.
Samoas Brownies: Adjust oven rack to the lower middle position and turn oven to 250 degrees. Line a 9x9 baking sheet with two pieces of aluminum foil to form a sling for easy removal of brownies. Spray foil with non-stick spray. Melt chopped semi-sweet chocolate and cubed butter until smooth. Set aside. Whisk the eggs, sugar, vanilla and salt together. Whisk in warm chocolate into the egg mixture until just combined. Using a spoon, pour in flour and combine batter. Add in toasted coconut and chopped Samoas cookies, stir to combine. Pour into the prepared baking dish and spread out evenly. Bake for 35 minutes or until a tooth pick inserted into the brownies comes out nearly clean, with just a few crumbs hanging on. Allow to cool on a wire rack for at least 90 minutes before removing and cutting into 1" cubes for parfaits. There will be leftover brownies from this recipe. Coconut Whipped Cream: Place 1 cup heavy whipping cream into a large bowl or stand mixer bowl. Beat on medium until cream turns frothy. Beat continuously until the cream starts to thicken, slowly whip in sugar and coconut extract. At the very end just before stiff peaks form, add in additional coconut flakes if desired. Set aside or chill until you are ready to assemble parfaits. Salted Caramel Sauce: Stir together sugar, water and corn syrup in a medium sauce pan over medium-high heat. Bring mixture to a boil, gently stirring to ensure all the sugar has melted. Boil until the mixture turns a dark golden brown, About 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and VERY carefully and very slow stir the cream into the mixture, being sure to stir constantly. BE VERY CAREFUL, the sauce will sputter and expand - but keep stirring. Once combined, add the salt and butter and continue stirring until both are completely melted and combined. Cool to room temperature. To Assemble: In bowls, ramekins or stemless wine glasses, dollop a bit of whipped cream into the bottom. Top with cut brownies and bits of chopped Samoa cookie. Drizzle with salted caramel sauce. Repeat process again until parfait reaches the top of the dish. Top with extra toasted coconut and one whole Samoa cookie. Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve. Salted Caramel Sauce adapted from Bakingdom and Brownies adapted from America's Test Kitchen
Congratulations to Megan (countrycleaver.com) whose Samoa Brownie Parfait with Salted Caramel Sauce won second place in the 2013 Girl Scouts of Western Washington cookie recipe contest.
Thin Mints® Sweet & Salty Mix Ready in 15 min
Makes 10-12 cups
What you need:
Directions:
Ingredients
1. Make the Thin Mints Crispix
1 (12 ounce) bag of semi-sweet, bittersweet or milk chocolate chips (use your favorite) ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract 4 ½ cups Kellogg’s Crispix® cereal 1 ½ cups powdered sugar 20 Thin Mints cookies, divided into 2 groups of 10 4 cups mini-pretzel twists 2 cups dry-roasted salted peanuts
Melt 11.5 ounces of chocolate chips in a saucepan or in microwave for 3-4 minutes until melted. Add mint extract to chocolate and stir. Pour Crispix cereal into a large mixing bowl. Pour melted chocolate over the cereal and gently stir crushed Thin Mints. Gently combine, coating the cereal.
2. Add the more sweet and salty
Stir in 10 coarsely chopped Thin Mints, mini-pretzels and peanuts. ENJOY!
Equipment
Large mixing bowl
The GIRL SCOUTS® name and mark, and all associated trademarks and logotypes, including GIRL SCOUT COOKIES®, THIN MINTS®, TREFOILS®, GIRL SCOUT COOKIE SALE®, GIRL SCOUT COOKIE PROGRAM®, GIRL SCOUT S’MORES™ and the Trefoil Design are owned by Girl Scouts of the USA. TOFFEE-TASTIC is a trademark of Kellogg NA Co. Copyright ®, TM, © 2017-2018 Kellogg NA Co.
2020 FALL PRODUCT AND 2021 COOKIE PROGRAMS Parent/Guardian Permission & Responsibility Agreement My Girl Scout _____________________________________________________, a member of Troop _________, has my permission to participate in the 2020 Fall Product Program and 2021 Cookie Program. I will see that she honors any and all rules and procedures as set by Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles (GSGLA) and that she has adult supervision and guidance. My signature below indicates agreement with all 15 items listed below. 1. My daughter must be officially registered with Girl Scouts of the USA in order to participate. 2. I accept personal financial responsibility for all product received and/or in my possession and all monies collected as payment from customers. 3. I understand that the 2020 Fall Product Program and 2021 Cookie Program proceeds are Troop & Council property and that “the income from product sales does not become the property of individual girl members.” (Volunteer Essentials, Chp. 5) 4. I will adhere to the principles set forth in the Girl Scout Promise and Law and act in accordance with the Girl Scout Mission. 5. I will "use good judgment and common sense" and will not "...write or post anything that would embarrass or upset Girl Scout members and volunteers, or reflect badly on the organization." I will treat others as I would want to be treated; I will not use the internet to harass, attack, or abuse any individual, group, race, gender, religion, political group, etc. Further, I understand "[p]rofane language or derogatory remarks against any individual or group used in any of the context posted will not be tolerated and could result in automatic dismissal." (Volunteer Essentials, Chp. 8) 6. I agree that all money collected must be given to my Girl Scout’s Troop by the Troop and Council-set deadlines or any earned recognition items/events will be withheld until GSGLA receives the outstanding balance. Money provided to the troop MUST be in the form it was received from the customer buying the product. 7. If my account is delinquent and not brought current prior to the expiration of ticketed or time-sensitive recognition items, GSGLA will not be obligated to reissue, replace, substitute, or refund the value of said recognitions. 8. GSGLA reserves the right to seek the services of a collection agency and/or pursue legal action for delinquent accounts. 9. GSGLA reserves the right to substitute recognition items of equal or greater value with or without notice and that recognition items in the form of tickets are valid only on the date printed on the tickets. The recognition items are non-transferable and not redeemable for cash; GSGLA will not be responsible for lost, stolen or damaged tickets, cards or items.Troops provide this document to parents/guardians annually as they register for each membership year. 10. I understand that all rules and regulations must be adhered to by my Girl Scout and her family members and that there arconsequences for not doing so. Any Girl Scout found to be selling before the official start dates, or through prohibited methods, will not receive recognition items or credit for those orders. 11. Unsold product cannot be returned to council offices or any council cupboard. Exchanges of product to council/ cupboards are permitted only during the designated days and locations, and are done by or with the knowledge of the troop’s product program chair or troop leader. 12. Adults serve in a supporting role for girls and should not assume sole responsibility for sales. 13. Girls or their families may not engage in selling on the Internet. Girls can use e-mail as a marketing tool to let family, friends and former customers know about the programs (Volunteer Essentials, Chp. 5) and can use the online tools provided by and through the council and the product vendors. 14. Digital Cookie/M2OS are the approved ways a Girl Scout can extend her cookie or fall sales to friends and family across the nation by sending to them her unique Digital Cookie/M2OS URL, all while learning the ins and outs of online selling, e-commerce management, and digital promotion. While the girl makes sales and oversees all aspects of the transaction, she does so with adult supervision. I will supervise my girl’s use. 15. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious virus that spreads easily through person-to-person contact. As with any social activity, participation in Girl Scouts could present the risk of contracting COVID-19. While GSGLA takes every safety and preventative precaution, GSGLA can in no way warrant that COVID-19 infection will not occur through participation in GSGLA programs. Parent Guardian Name Email Address Home Address City, Zip Home Phone Cell Phone Signature Date *** Please turn this form in to your Troop Leader with your registration. ***
COOKIE CRUNCH TIME DAYS ARE BACK! Be prepared for our 2021 cookie season by attending our “Cookie Crunch Time Days” to: • Set goals and have a plan for success • Become a cookie expert using smart selling and marketing tips • Learn about the cookie entrepreneur pins and cookie badges that can be earned while selling cookies • Shop various cookie-themed items that can create excitement and visually boost your cookie business • Participate in cookie-themed activities and giveaways Watch for more specific details and dates regarding our GSGLA store’s event.
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