2024
Your Go-To Resource for January–March
Cookie Family Guide
Advice from sister Girl Scouts Cookie Musts & Mays Marketing Ideas
t u o c S l It’s Gir TIME! E I K O O C
COOKIE CART $45.00 EA
COOKIE & AXOLOTL CHARMS $6.50 EA, AND BRACELET $7.00 EA
RECTANGLE TABLECLOTH $24.00 EA
FOLD AND WRAP SIGN $12.00 EA
STOP SIGN $11.00 EA
FOAM HAND MITT (2 Sided) $6.50 EA
ROLLABANA (2 Sided) $7.95 EA
HALF APRON $14.00 EA
YARD SIGN $14.00 EA
YARD SIGN $14.00 EA
SQUARE TABLECLOTH $20.00 EA
COOKIE BANNER $18.95 EA
TOTE BAG $3.95 EA
AXOLOTL FLOATING GLITTER PEN $3.50 EA
MONEY POUCH $7.00 EA
WINDOW CLING $5.00 EA
T-SHIRT YOUTH $29 ADULT $30
LANYARD $10 EA
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TRUCKER HAT $19.00 EA THANK YOU CARDS $14 EA
Dear GSGLA Girl Scouts and Girl Scout Families, Cookie season has arrived once more! Our theme this year is “Own Your Magic” and I can’t wait to see the magic our Girl Scouts bring to their cookie businesses. All girls have special magic within them and the skills they’ll build in the beloved Girl Scout Cookie Program help them gain the confidence to own it. Girl Scouts hone various skills, from goal setting and money management to entrepreneurial leadership and business ethics. They also delve deep into aspects of digital marketing, customer service, in-person customer interaction, and thinking like true entrepreneurs. The 2024 Cookie Family Guide is chock full of all you’ll need to embrace the magic of cookie season. All the info gleaned from this guide will empower Girl Scouts with the skills to think creatively and become the courageous, young entrepreneurs and goal-getters I know them to be! They will learn how to set group and individual goals, practice public speaking, and create their own cookie marketing plans. Plus, the adorable Lucy the Axolotl, this year’s mascot, will join them on their journeys. All the traditional, favorite cookies are available this year, each still priced at $6.00 per package. The Raspberry Rally™ cookie is on pause and won’t be available. As we venture into this season, let’s have fun! And remember our shared goal: to provide our Girl Scouts with the tools to build courage, confidence, and character. Together, we aim to not just make the world a better place, but also allow all Girl Scouts to own their magic. Yours in Girl Scouting,
Theresa Edy Kiene Chief Executive Officer
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About Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles (GSGLA) SHOP HOURS: Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Additionally, all GSGLA Shops are open the first and third Saturday of each month 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Get your GSGLA store coupon from the last page of this guide. Cut out the coupon and bring into any GSGLA store.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Letter From The CEO
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Own Your Magic
5
Cookie Program Possibilities
5
Meet The Girl Scout Cookies: The Line Up
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What Girl Scouts Learn & Why It Matters
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Inventory & Getting Started
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BUSINESS/CUSTOMER CARE HOURS: Need assistance? Staff answers phones/emails Mon-Fri, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. All GSGLA offices are closed on the second and fourth Monday of each month.
Initial Delivery Date and How to Store Your Cookies 11 Tips for Selling Girl Scout Cookies
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.
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How to Handle Cookie Money: Tips for Parents 12 Selling Guidelines for Girl Scouts
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Ways to Sell Cookies
14-16
Digital Cookie
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Creating Your Cookie Marketing Plan
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Make the Most of Your Cookie Deliveries
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Información disponible en español o llamando al 213213-0123.
Entrepreneurship Badges & Pins
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GSGLA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
2024 Girl Scout Rewards
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Cookie Goal Tracker
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girlscoutsla.org
Cookies For The Community
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Cookie Program Requirements, Roles & Responsibilities
¿Necesitas la versión de esta guía en español? visita: issuu.com/girlscoutsofgreaterlosangeles
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Cookie Code of Conduct
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Parent/Guardian Permission & Responsibility Agreement
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A 501(c)3 non-profit organization, Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles is a business that has been granted tax-exempt status by the Internal Revenue Service because it furthers a social cause and provides a public benefit. GSGLA staff are guided by a volunteer board of directors and powered by many dedicated volunteers in our community who provide program opportunities for Girl Scouts.
Contests, Cupboards, and Cookie Crunch Time 27
For more information on how to join, volunteer, reconnect, or donate, call 213-213-0123 or visit girlscoutsla.org.
GIRL SCOUT PROMISE
GIRL SCOUT LAW
On my honor, I will try: To serve God* and my country, To help people at all times, And to live by the Girl Scout Law.
I will do my best to be honest and fair, friendly and helpful, considerate and caring, courageous and strong, and responsible for what I say and do, and to respect myself and others, respect authority, use resources wisely, make the world a better place, and be a sister to every Girl Scout. *Members may substitute for the word God in accordance with their own spiritual beliefs.
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Cookie Program Possibilities As told by fellow GSGLA Girl Scout Milan T.
Own Your Magic The theme for this year’s Girl Scout Cookie season is Own Your Magic! This theme is all about looking forward to embracing the magic of new adventures with Girl Scouts leading the way. Throughout history, the world’s greatest adventurers have braved the elements, pushed past boundaries and explored the unknown—and some of the greatest explorers of all time participated in the Girl Scout Cookie Program! When Girl Scouts set a goal for cookie season— whether it's to sell enough cookies to earn a Lucy the Axolotl plush, learn a new skill, meet a new friend, go on trips or do activities with sister Girl Scouts, or make a difference in their community— nothing gets in their way. With your support, they’ll be on their way to becoming true Girl Scout Cookie entrepreneurs.
Selling cookies with GSGLA has been transformative for me. Beyond fundraising for my troop, it's about life skills: setting and achieving goals, understanding customer needs, mastering money management, and leading with confidence. I recall ensuring the boxes sold matched the collected funds, teaching me realworld financial responsibility. Proudly, I funded my Girl Scout Silver Award project through cookie sales, crafting STEM resources for teachers and fueling my passion for science. One crucial lesson? Flexibility. Strategies vary, but a golden rule I've embraced is not hesitating to approach anyone. Surprisingly, the least likelylooking customers often turned out most eager to buy! Another tip? Flaunt that vest! It's a conversation starter and often, a sale sealer. This year I'm reaching for the stars again by hoping to sell 3000 packages of cookies! It can be tough, but if I feel like giving up, I will remind myself of what I am trying to achieve and keep working toward my goal. If you’re new to the Cookie Program, remember, selling can seem overwhelming, but breaking tasks down makes them achievable. Even if it's just talking to three customers or sending out a batch of emails. Celebrate the small wins; they lead to bigger ones! Lastly, never underestimate yourself. Every year, I challenged my limits and was amazed at the outcomes. So, dive in and remember - the sky's the limit with the Cookie Program!
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Meet the Girl Scout Cookies:
THE LINE UP
2023–2024 Girl Scout Cookies®
Customers love our amazing, name-brand Girl Scout Cookies! Each is baked especially for us by Little Brownie Bakers, one of the two bakers producing Girl Scout Cookies in the U.S. Quick Cookie Facts:
Are you ready All our cookies have...for the fun? • NO High-Fructose Corn Syrup
Let’s make this the • Zero Grams Trans Fat per Serving best Girl Scout Cookie • RSPO Certified (Mass Balance) Palm Oil • Halal Certification season ever! • NO Partially Hydrogenated Oils (PHOs)
• All Cookies are priced at $6/package. The World's MostperFlavorful Lineup • Cookies come in 12 packages case. • Cookies are date-stamped for freshness. • Cookies contain no Partially Hydrogenated Oils (PHOs), no high-fructose corn syrup, zero grams trans-fat, Mass Balanced RSPO certified palm oil*, and are Halal certified. • See the order card for nutritional information or visit littlebrowniebakers.com. *Details are available at girlscoutsla.org
Adventurefuls®
• Real Cocoa
NATURALLY FLAVORED WITH OTHER NATURAL FLAVORS
$ Indulgent brownie-inspired cookies with caramel flavored crème and a hint of sea salt Approximately 15 cookies per 6.3 oz. pkg.
Do-si-dos®
• Made with Natural Flavors • Real Peanut Butter • Whole Grain Oats
Oatmeal sandwich cookies with peanut butter filling Approximately 20 cookies per 8 oz. pkg.
Thin Mints®
$
• Made with Vegan Ingredients • Real Cocoa
Crisp, chocolaty cookies made with natural oil of peppermint Approximately 30 cookies per 9 oz. pkg.
Lemon-Ups®
$
$ Crispy lemon flavored cookies with inspiring messages to lift your spirits Approximately 12 cookies per 6.2 oz. pkg.
Samoas®
Girl Scout S’mores®
$
• Made with Natural Flavors • Real Cocoa
$
Graham sandwich cookies with chocolaty and marshmallowy flavored filling Approximately 16 cookies per 8.5 oz. pkg.
Iconic shortbread cookies inspired by the original Girl Scout recipe Approximately 38 cookies per 9 oz. pkg.
Tagalongs®
• Real Cocoa • Real Coconut
Crisp cookies with caramel, coconut and dark chocolaty stripes Approximately 15 cookies per 7.5 oz. pkg.
Trefoils®
• Real Cocoa • Real Peanut Butter
$ Crispy cookies layered with peanut butter and covered with a chocolaty coating Approximately 15 cookies per 6.5 oz. pkg.
Toffee-tastic®
• No Artificial Flavors
GLUTEN-FREE
$ Rich, buttery cookies with sweet, crunchy toffee bits Approximately 14 cookies per 6.7 oz. pkg.
The GIRL SCOUTS® name, mark, and all associated trademarks and logotypes, including the Trefoil Design, are owned by Girl Scouts of the USA. Little Brownie Bakers, a division of Ferrero U.S.A., is an official GSUSA licensed vendor. LITTLE BROWNIE BAKERS® name and mark, and all associated trademarks, are trademarks of Ferrero Group. © 2023 Girl Scouts of the USA.
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ACCEPTED
2024 Girl Scout Cookie Program More Information & Resources
Important Dates
girlscoutsla.org/cookies
December 1 Cookie merchandise arrives in GSGLA retail stores. January 16 Order taking begins, including through Digital Cookie for customers to purchase for girl delivery and donation.
littlebrowniebakers.com girlscouts.org facebook.com/gsgla
January 28 GSGLA Cookie Program officially begins. Digital Cookie girl-delivered and in-person orders may now be delivered.
February 9 Cookie boothing begins. February 16-18 National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend. March 10 GSGLA Cookie Program ends. (No sales allowed after this date.)
Going door to door always works! I’ve made postcards that I “leave on each customer’s door if they don’t answer or aren’t home. Boothing at grocery stores is great too. Pro Tip: When you see a customer with a team hat, call out to their team, saying something like, ‘GO DODGERS!’ to grab their attention. —Briann D.
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Did You Know? 1.
The Girl Scout Cookie Program is the world’s foremost girl-led business and financial literacy program. Girl Scouts have been entrepreneurs for more than 106 years. In 1917, the first known cookie sale by Girl Scouts took place as the primary method to earn money to support girl-led community service projects and other activities.
2. Health and safety are our top priority. Whether Girl Scouts are selling in-person or online, contactless delivery is always a great option. 3. All proceeds stay local. 100% of proceeds generated from the Cookie Program stay within the local council to support Girl Scout programs right here in our community. See page 9 for details. 4. There are FAQs that might answer your questions girlscoutsla.org/cookies
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What Girl Scouts Learn & Why It Matters Participating in the Cookie Program is a great way for Girl Scouts to have fun while working toward a shared goal, build funds so that troops can be self-sustaining, and gain an entrepreneurial edge! Along the way, they’ll gain five skills they’ll use for the rest of their lives.
PEOPLE SKILLS
MONEY MANAGEMENT
Girl Scouts interact with customers in several ways, practice their sales pitch, and work with their sister Girl Scouts to reach common goals. Benefits: good listeners, finding their voice, relationship building, team player, courage.
Girl Scouts take orders, count money, and make change while working with the troop to manage the troop funds. Benefits: financial literacy, sustainability, financial responsibility, inventory management.
GOAL SETTING Girl Scouts set personal and troop goals while working with their leaders and families to achieve them. Benefits: success in school, career, and life.
DECISION MAKING Girl Scouts decide how to participate and market their Cookie Program and, as a troop, they decide how to spend troop proceeds. Benefits: creative thinking, decision impact, problem solving, confident leaders.
BUSINESS ETHICS Girl Scouts practice sound business ethics by being responsible for their cookie inventory, cookie payments to their troop, time management, following guidelines provided, and their commitment to their customers. Benefits: commitment, character, integrity, fairness.
Girl Scouts enhance their 5 Skills by earning cool cookie badges and the annual Cookie Entrepreneur Family Pin.
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How a Package of Cookies Supports Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles Once the cookies have been baked, packaged, transported, stored, and we deduct the fees to allow credit card transactions...
100%
ALL proceeds from Girl Scout Cookies stay within Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles to power Girl Scout experiences! As a non-profit organization, the Cookie Program allows us to continue to serve girls throughout Greater Los Angeles.
The proceeds from cookies support: •
More than 260 programs in leadership, outdoors, STEAM, and life skills for Girl Scouts.
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Financial assistance to more than 8,400 Girl Scouts, from membership to camperships.
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The rewards Girl Scouts can earn in the cookie program, and funds that go to troops for activities like travel, camp, and community service projects.
Selling cookies is a lot of fun, especially when you’re with “ your troop and friends! By participating, you are helping your troop and all of Girl Scouts! ” —Harper W.
The selling strategy that works best for me is being “ familiar with all cookie flavors. I share with my customers what my favorite cookies are and give them examples of cookies they might enjoy. —Zara R.
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Inventory & Getting Started How Cookie Inventory Works • Families receive cookies from the troop at the start of the program based on the Girl Scouts’ goals and what each family is initially willing to take responsibility for.
• Families are not limited to the one-time initial inventory allotment; they can pick up additional inventory as needed throughout the program—check with your TCC.
• Your Troop Cookie Chair (TCC) will place a Starting Inventory Order (SIO) to provide these cookies to the girls for Go Day based on the individual girl and troop’s goals.
• Keep your TCC informed about whether you need additional cookies or have excess cookies.
• Girl Scouts can use Digital Cookie and order cards to track sales and customer contact information. Their troop leader and TCC will help them get set up with both.
Developing a Troop Inventory Girl and troop goal setting is key to determining what inventory is needed to start the Cookie Program. It's fun to brainstorm and set goals together! Here's how to do it: • Girl Scouts work together to select activities and determine the budget needed. • Determine each girl’s individual goal, such as, which reward level she wants to get to.
• Families do not pre-pay for cookies. • Families turn in funds to the troop for cookies as they sell them and before receiving additional cookies to sell. • Balance for all cookies is due shortly after the end of the program (March 10, 2024) and must be paid by the final due date set by the TCC.
Cookie Crew
There are several partners who will help make your Girl Scout’s cookie business a success:
Your troop cookie chair (TCC) /troop leader organizes and guides your troop through the program.
Your troop of registered Girl Scouts will then be ready to put their leadership skills into action.
Community volunteers and GSGLA staff provide the necessary tools (training, tips, guides, etc.) to conduct a successful cookie business
• Develop a troop goal, where all members of the troop should support this collective goal. • The TCC submits the SIO based on the Girl Scouts’ and troop’s goal. • Remember: More packages are sold at the beginning of the program; therefore, the troop should order a substantial portion of their targeted goal through the SIO (enough cookies to sell through the first two weeks after the program starts on January 28 through the first weekend of boothing). Additional cookies may be ordered through the TCC as available.
Family and friends who encourage and assist you.
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Customers, the awesome people who buy cookies and help Girl Scouts reach their goals!
Inventory Delivery Day and How to Store Your Cookies Your Troop Cookie Chair (TCC) will tell you when and where to pick up your SIO the weekend of Jan. 26-28. When picking up your cookies: • Count each package of cookies with your TCC, sign a receipt, and get a copy before you leave. • Remember, parents/caregivers are financially responsible for all cookies received. • If cookies are melted, damaged, or stolen, you are still responsible for paying for them. • Never leave cookies in a car. • Always keep your cookies in a cool place and elevated off the ground—we recommend you do not store them in the garage. • Store cookies away from strong odors such as cigarette smoke and pungent foods.
Exchanging/Returning Cookies and Final Inventory • Families should only take what they think their Girl Scout can sell. • If a Girl Scout's inventory exceeds what they can sell, it is the family's responsibility to exchange or return undamaged, factory-sealed cookies to the troop within the timeframe and guidelines provided by your TCC. •
Any cookies not returned to the TCC by the designated date are the financial responsibility of the individual families.
• Remember, all troop members should pitch in to help with unsold cookies through boothing, cookie stands, and residential walkabouts. Working together as a troop to make sure each package is sold promotes teamwork and achieving goals.
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Let the Selling Begin!
How to Handle Cookie Money—Tips for Parents
The cookie selling window is January 16–March 10.
Girl Scouts can (and should!) announce the day cookie sales start in advance but may not take any orders prior to January 16. ⬥ It is considered “early selling” any time a girl/adult accepts a cookie order, takes money for cookies, asks potential customers questions like, “Will you buy cookies from me?” or solicits for Cookies for the Community donations before January 16. ⬥ If, before January 16, a potential customer makes comments like, “Put me down for…,” an appropriate response would be “Thank you for your interest! We will be sure to contact you at the start of the program to take your order.”
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Remember to speak clearly and make eye contact with your customers! —Harper W.
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When Selling Cookies to Customers ⬥ Credit cards and Digital Cookie’s “Take a Payment” feature are encouraged for in-person payments. Avoid taking cash whenever possible. You may not accept payment from customers using PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, or other payment processing apps not approved by GSGLA due to their service agreements. ⬥ Only take checks from people you trust. ⬥ Checks should be made payable to “Girl Scout Troop [insert troop number].” ⇨ Accept only preprinted checks with issuer’s address, phone number, and driver’s license number on the face of check. ⇨ Note the Girl Scout’s first name and last initial in the memo line of the check. ⇨ Do not accept out-of-state checks.
1. Ask friends and family to buy or donate Girl Scout Cookies.
⬥ While cash handling is discouraged, if you do accept cash, you are taking a risk if it turns out to be counterfeit. Do not accept anything larger than $20 bills to mitigate risk.
2. Review last year’s order cards and your Digital Cookie customer list to contact your customers.
⬥ Turn in funds received from customers to your TCC promptly and frequently.
Selling Cookies—Tips for Girl Scouts
3. Sell online through Digital Cookie and send marketing emails to customers throughout the program.
⇨ 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 Girl Scout’s individual orders.
4. Sell door-to-door in residential areas, set up a lemonade-style cookie stand on your property or that of someone you know, or booth with your troop ONLY at a location approved by GSGLA or your Service Unit Chair and scheduled by your TCC.
⬥ Parents/guardians are financially responsible for all funds, including any lost, stolen, or counterfeit money or missing cookies.
5. Evaluate your marketing plan and implement additional strategies to help you reach your goals. Let your creative juices flow in safe and innovative ways to expand your sales techniques within all published guidelines. See page 17 and 18 for more marketing tips. 6. Need more cookies? Let your TCC know. 7. Prior to the end of the program, contact your customers again to place another order.
When Receiving Cookies from your Troop ⬥ Always get a receipt from your TCC when you pick up cookies from the troop. ⬥ Parents/guardians may use Venmo, PayPal, or Zelle, (linked to troop account) to pay the troop for cookies, as troops allow. Payment via these apps is allowed when a parent is paying the troop because it is a money transfer, not direct purchase of cookies. ⬥ Parents/guardians and the troop are financially responsible for all cookies ordered and received.
Disclaimer: If something isn’t listed here, please ask your Troop Cookie Chair (TCC) for guidance as it may not be permitted due to safety, fairness, or other reasons.
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Selling Guidelines for Girl Scouts
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Girl Scouts MUST do the following: For Food-handling
• Be identifiable as a Girl Scout by wearing the Girl Scout uniform when selling cookies.
• Leave pets at home while selling cookies.
• Follow all online and in-person safety guidelines.
• Keep cookies shaded from the elements (i.e., heat, rain, etc.) and consider using a rolling cooler on hot days to keep cookies from melting.
• Girl Scouts must be present during any cookie sales and lead their program and be accompanied by an adult(s). • Sell within GSGLA council boundaries.
For Money-handling • Sell cookies for the correct price ($6 per package).
For Safety
• Practice safe money-handling.
• Follow all health and safety guidelines.
• Collect payment from a customer when the cookies are delivered if they haven’t already been paid for on Digital Cookie.
• Be supervised by a responsible adult at all times while selling or delivering cookies.
• Have an adult present at a cookie stand or booth at all times.
• Include only the Girl Scout’s first name and last initial on any marketing materials.
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• Avoid publishing a Girl Scout’s phone number, address, or school.
Girl Scouts, cookies, and money should always be supervised by a responsible adult.
• Families must pay the troop for cookies once they have been sold before receiving more.
• Stay outside of yards if there is a dog or a closed gate/ fence. • Stay outside of customers’ home or vehicles.
learned how “toI have be respectfully
• Refuse food or beverages from customers. • If a customer stops a Girl Scout while walking around their neighborhood or in the park, they can sell them cookies, then the Girl Scout must continue to the next door.
persuasive, convincing in my sales pitch, and grateful to longstanding loyal customers. I also learned how to navigate tough sales by encouraging customers to buy and try new flavors. —Phoebe S.
• Always use the buddy system. • Be familiar with the neighborhoods where selling and be mindful of your surroundings. • Follow safe pedestrian practices when crossing streets. Be aware of traffic when loading/unloading vehicles. • Have a plan for safeguarding money (avoid carrying large amounts; have a supervising adult deposit proceeds immediately).
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• Sell only during daylight hours. • Be web-wise. Take the GSUSA Internet Safety Pledge at girlscouts.org before going online.
Disclaimer: If something isn’t listed here, please ask your Troop Cookie Chair (TCC) for guidance as it may not be permitted due to safety, fairness, or other reasons.
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Ways To Sell Cookies Girl Scouts may participate in the Cookie Program in the following ways. In-Person Sales
Digital Cookie
Walkabout or Door-to-Door
Cookie Stand
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✓
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Cookie Booth
Special Booth Request
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WHO CAN SELL? Girls Individually Girls with Their Troop WHERE TO SELL Residential Area
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Business/Commercial Area
Cookie Stands
Walkabouts and Door-To-Door
Cookie stands are what we call lemonade-style cookie booths set up on the residential property where the Girl Scout or someone she knows resides (as their city, homeowner's association, and/or property management permits).
Girl Scouts are encouraged to go door-to-door in residential neighborhoods, including parks (city ordinance permitting) to sell cookies. Commercial and retail areas are not considered residential, and therefore not allowed for walkabouts and door-to-door sales. Use the “Take a Payment” feature in the Digital Cookie platform to collect credit card payments from customers.
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Girl Scouts must: • Have an adult present at all times. Girl Scouts, cookies, and money must always be supervised. • Keep cookie stands on residential property, inside of walls/fencing and away from street corners, sidewalks, or medians.
Girl Scouts may: • Deliver cookies from January 28 – March 10, 2024. • Sell cookies door-to-door in any residential neighborhood within GSGLA’s boundaries.
• Signage must follow city, property management, and/or homeowner association signage rules.
• Bring door hangers or business cards personalized with a Digital Cookie link to leave as a calling card.
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• Sell to family, family’s close neighbors, and close friends outside of GSGLA's borders. • Take customer credit card payment through Digital Cookie or with a credit card reader linked to the troop’s bank account.
Girl Scouts must refrain from adding personal information on signage, such as name, address, phone number, or email address.
• Keep cookies protected from the elements; consider using a cooler on hot days. Girl Scouts may: • Sell cookies at a cookie stand at their home or at the residence of someone they know, with permission; only be within GSGLA’s boundaries.
• Accept cash or checks (with the troop’s approval) from customers (see page 13 for money handling/ safety tips).
• Girl Scouts who reside in an apartment, gated community, or similar housing may set up a cookie stand after obtaining management approval—setup must be in a common area inside the complex.
Disclaimer: If something isn’t listed here, please ask your Troop Cookie Chair (TCC) for guidance as it may not be permitted due to safety, fairness, or other reasons.
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Digital Cookie is a password protected, private environment for Girl Scouts to send secure emails to customers, encouraging them to place orders online.
Digital Cookie allows Girl Scouts to: • Offer cookies for shipment, donation, and girl-delivery. • Take payment for online and in-person orders. ⇨ The use of the “Take a Payment” feature for in-person orders does not count towards packages for rewards, as it is simply a payment processing feature. • Set troop and individual goals. • Reach their goals from their home or mobile device. • Create and save customer lists so they can be reused each cookie season. Starting in mid-January, parents will receive an email from Digital Cookie (noreply@ mail.gsdigitalcookie.com) inviting them to log in and set up their Girl Scout's site and launch their storefronts for girl delivery, shipment, and Cookies for the Community donations. Girl Scouts must be registered for the 2023–24 membership year by December 15, 2023, to ensure you receive the login email in mid-January. Girl Scouts registered after December 15 will be added on a regular basis and sent the login email. Girl Scouts and parents can also go directly to www.gsdigitalcookie.com/GSGLA. Beginning January 16, Digital Cookie will open for customers ordering for girl delivery, direct shipment, and Cookies for the Community donation.
Girl Scouts may: • Take orders via Digital Cookie and order card beginning January 16, 2024. • Post their Digital Cookie link on approved social media sites, i.e., Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram, NextDoor (in their immediate neighborhoods only), etc., provided they are ages 13 and over. • Post a video and include their Digital Cookie link. • Ask customers to share their Digital Cookie link with friends and family Girl Scouts may not: • Post their Digital Cookie link on resale sites, i.e. Craigslist, Amazon, Facebook Marketplace, etc.
It's Easy to Get Started in Digital Cookie! Here are 3 easy steps to jump into the fun and slay those cookie sale goals like a true cookie boss! 1.
Beginning January 16, 2024, go to www.gsdigitalcookie.com/gsgla
1 ⇨ Follow the prompts to participate in the Digital Cookie Program. Please have your troop number before starting. ⇨ 2.
My Troop Number: _________
Create Your Personalized Storefront ™
2 ⇨ You will be creating an avatar who looks just like you. You can also record a personalized message from your avatar to deliver to your family and friends. As you take various steps
gsdigitalcookie.com/gsgla
to create your personalized storefront for cookies, you will earn virtual rewards. The M2 Digital Cookie website is mobile optimized, which means you can set up your avatar and storefront from your tablet or smartphone. 3.
Send Emails
3 ⇨ When you send emails to family and friends, they will see your goal and your avatar will deliver your special message. By clicking a link, they will be able to shop online while supporting you and Girl Scouts! Don’t forget to share on social media with the help of a parent/guardian.
Disclaimer: If something isn’t listed here, please ask your Troop Cookie Chair (TCC) for guidance as it may not be permitted due to safety, fairness, or other reasons.
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Workplaces/Businesses
• Have two girls per door present at all times. All approved doors at a location must be covered.
Nothing is more magical than a colleague with a Girl Scout connection! Workplaces and businesses are great places to sell cookies to employees. Girl Scouts collaborate with their parent/caregiver to seek permission from business owners or managers, aiming to sell exclusively to the employees, either through a sales pitch or by placing an order card in an employee-only area.
• Have two adults per door; one must be a registered Girl Scout member and at least one must be female. *
Girl Scouts must: • Work with their parent/caregiver to contact business owners or managers to request permission to sell only to the employees at the business.
• Follow all rules the business requests.
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• Only sell to the employees of the business (not clients, customers, or patrons). Girl Scouts may: • Sell to the employees at a place of business with owner/ manager approval. • Make a sales pitch to staff or leave an order card in a location visible to employees. • Parents/caregivers may take cookies to sell at their workplace (to employees only) and must include a message from the Girl Scout.
• Keep entrances clear; approach customers only as they are leaving the business. • Only registered Girl Scouts can booth; siblings, friends, and pets must stay at home.
• Make sure the cookie inventory is always in sight, keep cash out of sight, and keep change on hand. • Clean up all trash and take it with you; do not use trash cans at the booth location. *Senior/Ambassador troops only require a minimum of two girls and one female adult or one girl and two adults (one of which is female). †Cadettes and up can host one girl, one parent/guardian booths at low-traffic locations February 23 - March 10; however, all Girl Scouts in the troop must be given the opportunity to participate in the booth. At locations with multiple doors, all approved doors must be covered.
• Create workplace displays visible only to the workplace’s employees.
Girl Scouts may: • Participate in a cookie booth at a business from February 9 – March 10, 2024. Cookie booths must be approved by GSGLA or the SUCPC, then scheduled by the Troop Cookie Chair.
• Sell to their parents’/guardians’ workplace friends and colleagues who work outside GSGLA.
• Set up booths at businesses or sell to customers with special booth approval; ask the TCC.
Cookie Booths
Keep Sales Within Our Council Area
From February 9 to March 10, Girl Scouts can set up cookie booths to sell to the public. These booths, whether stationed in front of a GSGLA-approved business or as a drivethrough in a parking lot, must be approved by GSGLA or SUCPC. Through boothing, Girl Scouts enhance teamwork, hone communication skills in a public setting, and enjoy memorable times with friends. Boothing is a privilege! As guests in front of any business, Girl Scouts and adults are representing their troop and the Girl Scout movement in general and must be on their best behavior and adhere to all guidelines provided.
!
Girl Scouts must: • Girl Scouts and adults must be present at each booth and follow the girl-to-adult ratios outlined in the Troop Cookie Guide (check with your TCC and service unit for guidelines).
GSGLA reserves the right to make changes to selling parameters due to state, local, and CDC guidelines related to public health.
Being a sister to every Girl Scout means respecting our sister Girl Scouts in neighboring councils. Selling outside our GSGLA council region* (AKA “cross-border selling”) is only allowed in certain circumstances. Girl Scouts may: • Family and Friends: Girl Scouts may sell to family, family’s close neighbors, and close friends outside of GSGLA’s borders. • Workplace: Girl Scouts may sell to their parents’/caregivers’ workplace friends and colleagues (but not their customers) who work outside of GSGLA. Selling to friends’ and extended family’s workplaces outside of our council is not allowed. Selling at cookie stands, walkabouts, or boothing of any kind outside of GSGLA borders is never allowed. *Visit girlscoutsla.org to view a council map.
Disclaimer: If something isn’t listed here, please ask your Troop Cookie Chair (TCC) for guidance as it may not be permitted due to safety, fairness, or other reasons.
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Creating Your Cookie Marketing Plan Get creative! Work with Girl Scouts to think of new ways to promote cookie sales and have fun in the process. A few suggestions:
• Create a countdown event on Instagram stories encouraging friends and family to come to your troop’s booth or that leads to the first, official day of the GSGLA Girl Scout Cookie Season!
In-Person Marketing
• Put a link to your Digital Cookie storefront in your Instagram story.
• Print personalized business cards and door hangers with your Digital Cookie link or QR code from Digital Cookie and send it to contacts.
Social Media
• Use all the tips and tools provided in the GSGLA Cookie Marketing Kit, available through your troop leader or girlscoutsla.org/cookies.
Girl Scouts may use age-appropriate internet tools to promote their cookie business, i.e., by posting their Digital Cookie link
• Remind customers that Girl Scout Cookies are only available once a year, and they freeze well.
on approved social media platforms. Social media platforms
• Create your own cookie contest to leverage word of mouth marketing.
cookie orders—with parent/caregiver permission.
• Have customers pick up their orders during designated cookie booth business hours.
Younger Girl Scouts can work with their parents to post
are a great place for teens 13 and older to promote and ask for
their Digital Cookie link on their parents’/caregivers’ social
Digital Marketing
media accounts. Be sure to follow computer/online
• Use the GSGLA cookies social media toolkit – including graphics, frames, and posters, available at girlscoutsla.org/ cookies
Marketing Tips for Cookie Entrepreneurs & Their
guidelines in Safety Activity Checkpoints, Digital Families, and Supplemental Safety Tips for Online Marketing. Visit girlscouts.org for complete safety guidelines.
• Create your own GIF (free GIFs are available on sites like GIPHY or Canva) and share in group texts with friends and family. Include in a troop text-a-thon to let friends and family know “It’s cookie time” or “I have cookies NOW, no waiting!”
Office Hours with Marketing Pros
• Shoot fun videos, including live videos, to introduce customers to cookies on your socials.
Join the GSGLA marketing team for office hours, 6:00-7:00 pm on Thursday, January 11 and Wednesday, February 7. Discuss digital/social and traditional marketing ideas for Girl Scouts of all ages. Get advice and share ideas!
• Make your own hashtag for promotion on socials, like #GirlScout[YOURNAME] • Promote your troop's physical booth location by identifying it in your social posts. ⇨ Note: this is not allowed to promote an individual Girl Scout’s location – only for the troop as a group.
JANUARY 11
FEBRUARY 7
Register on gsEvents.
Guidelines for Online Marketing With safety in mind, please review the following guidelines for online marketing. Girl Scouts may: • Post on approved social media sites, i.e., Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram, NextDoor (in their immediate neighborhoods only), etc., provided they are ages 13 and over. • Post where their troop is boothing.
Girl Scouts may not: • Post location details about where an individual Girl Scout is boothing or hosting a residential cookie stand. • Post content (photos, graphics, videos, etc.) that includes last name or direct contact details (i.e., phone number, address, school, location, and/or email). • Direct message anyone they don’t know personally on social media platforms.
• Post a video and include their Digital Cookie link. • Ask customers to share their Digital Cookie link with friends and family
• Purchase paid advertising. • Share Digital Cookie links on or with media (broadcast, print, digital, etc.).
Disclaimer: If something isn’t listed here, please ask your Troop Cookie Chair (TCC) for guidance as it may not be permitted due to safety, fairness, or other reasons.
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Cookie Time is Family Time
Make the Most of Your Cookie Deliveries Get ready for smiles! There’s nothing like delivering Girl Scout Cookies to customers eagerly awaiting their orders.
There are so many ways to have fun together during cookie season! Here are a few tips for supporting your Girl Scout and engaging your whole family:
Girl Scouts can offer a contactless delivery option: After coordinating a specific delivery date and time with customers, they can place cookies on the doorstep, notify the customer via text, and await payment, all while adhering to safety guidelines from cookie pick-up to delivery.
• Help your Girl Scout earn the Cookie Entrepreneur Family pin and new Cookie Business and Financial Literacy badges by practicing her skills at home. Make it a family affair.
Before Girl Scouts set out to make their deliveries, here are some ideas to make the most out of these happy customer moments: • Visit a local Girl Scout store to check out the new cookie carts and other cookie themed marketing items like signs and more—passers-by will notice and may inquire about making a purchase!
• Help your Girl Scout set up her Digital Cookie site. • Help your Girl Scout keep money safe. • Know the rules and safety guidelines. • Model business ethics, decision making, people skills, and safety as you support your Girl Scout.
• Package cookies in decorated bags with thank you notes reminding them how their purchase helps the Girl Scout and troop’s goals.
• 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.
• Include a doorhanger or business card (available to print from Digital Cookie) with your Digital Cookie link to encourage repeat business.
• Help your Girl Scout make arrangements to connect with people in her network.
ve your contact info in case they want more.
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For Your Order!
And remember, never do things for your Girl Scout that she can do for herself, even if it’s quicker and easier for you to do them.
Thank You
For Your Order!
troop and I have been “My able to go to Disney, do If you want
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pottery throwing, perfume making, glassblowing, bracelet making, selfdefense, fencing, archery, axe throwing, needle felting, and even set aside money for trips and Silver Award, and so much more with proceeds we earned from the Cookie Program. —Rylie H.
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To order:
LIST WAYS CUSTOMERS CAN ORDER FROM YOU
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LIST WAYS CUSTOMERS CAN ORDER FROM YOU
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LIST WAYS CUSTOMERS CAN GET THEIR ORDER
LIST WAYS CUSTOMERS CAN GET THEIR ORDER
o Group.
®, TM & © Girl Scouts of the USA. ®, TM & © 2022 Ferrero Group.
®, TM & © Girl Scouts of the USA. ®, TM & © 2022 Ferrero Group.
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®, TM & © Girl Scouts of the USA. ®, TM & © 2022 Ferrero Group.
cookie season, my troop and I will be saving money “forForourthisupcoming international trip to Tokyo, Japan in 2025. We also plan to use funds to do more community service. ” —Saela J.
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Entrepreneurship Entrepreneurship Badges + Pins
Badges & Pins
When you sell Girl Scout Cookies, you practice-goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills, and business ethics—as you learn to think like an entrepreneur. You can earn badges and pins each year you run your own Girl Scout Cookie business. Then explore your own business idea by earning an Entrepreneur badge.
When you sell Girl Scout Cookies, you practice-goal setting, decision making, money
Cookie Business badges! These help think like entrepreneurs as they their own businesses management, people skills, andgirls business ethics—as you learn torun think like ancookie entrepreneur. and incorporate online sales via Digital Cookie (see page 15). The badges progress from goal setting and effective You can earn badges and pins each year you run your own Girl Scout Cookie business. Then sales-pitching in person and online to using market research, creating business plans, and implementing digital explore campaigns. your own business idea by earning an Entrepreneur marketing Go to girlscouts.org/cookiebadges for informationbadge. about how to earn these badges as well as pins. They can be purchased through our local GSGLA retail stores.
Cookie Business Business Cookie
Financial Literacy Financial Literacy
Cookie Cookie Entrepreneur Entrepreneur Family Family
Entrepreneur Entrepreneur
Daisy My First Cookie Business
Cookie Goal Setter
Money Explorer
My Money Choices
Year 1 and 2 Cookie Entrepreneur Family Pins
Toy Business Designer
My Cookie Customers
Cookie Decision Maker
Budget Builder
My Own Budget
Year 1 and 2 Cookie Entrepreneur Family Pins
Budding Entrepreneur
My Cookie Team
Cookie Collaborator
Budget Maker
My Money Plan
Year 1 and 2 Cookie Entrepreneur Family Pins
Business Jumpstart
My Dream Budget
Year 1, 2, and 3 Cookie Entrepreneur Family Pins
Business Creator
Brownie
Junior
Cadette
My Cookie Venture
Cookie Market Researcher
Cookie Innovator
Budget Manager
My Money Habits
Senior My Cookie Network
Cookie Boss
Savvy Saver
My Financial Power
Year 1 and 2 Cookie Entrepreneur Family Pins
Business Startup
My Cookie Business Resume
Cookie Influencer
Financial Planner
My Financial Independence
Year 1 and 2 Cookie Entrepreneur Family Pins
Entrepreneur Accelerator
Ambassador
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Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles
Starting Inventory Order
Cookies for the Community
Applies only to SIO order placed
Applies only to Cookies for the Community pkgs (C4C) sold
2024 Girl Rewards My Personal Goal:
Troop Leader Reward Coffee Mug***
Axolotl Samoas® Charm
1 per participating girl PGA 175+ pkgs
NUMBER OF PACKAGES
Cookie Heart Charm
2 per Troop PGA 175+ pkgs
12+ pkgs
Water Bottle Stickers
Axolotl Socks 100+ pkgs
50+ pkgs
See Cookies for the Community in Action Special Event for Top C4C Sellers (Details TBA)
2023 Fall/2024 Cookie Combo Patch
Digital Cookie
Charms
Troop Rewards
Applies only to Digital Cookie (DC) pkgs sold
Earn all 3! Cookie Heart Charm, Email Charm, and Axolotl Samoas® Charm
Based on Final Sales of Participating Girls. Opt Out Troops are not eligible for Troop Rewards.
Girls must have met the 2023 Fall Program criteria and sell 280+ pkgs of cookies.
Troop Pop-Up Canopy****
Email Charm 18+ valid emails sent via DC
Wallet Pouch
Per participating girl Troops averaging 275+ pkgs
225+ DC pkgs sold
Note for opt-out troops: Girls in troops that have opted out of rewards will receive SIO reward, all patches, and invitations to events (if earned). *If GSGLA is unable to hold the planned event, the reward will default to the item listed for that level. For the 2000+ and above levels, the reward will default to Troop Money. ** Adult Chaperone hosted by GSGLA ***Color may vary based on availability ^ S’mores Adventure will be held on August 10-11, 2024. Based on participation/capacity, August 17-18, 2024, may be added.
Bar Patch Given at highest level earned starting at 160+ packages
Troops averaging 340+ pkgs
$15 in Troop Account
Participation Patch and each charm earned separately
$10 in Troop Account
Per participating girl Troops averaging 390+ pkgs
fewer girls will receive $10 in Troop Money per girl. • 6-12 participating girls = 1 canopy • 13-24 participating girls = 2 canopies • 25-36 participating girls = 3 canopies • For troops with more than 36 participating girls; for every additional 1-12 participating girls, a troop will earn an additional canopy. GSGLA reserves the right to replace any item of equal or higher value. ALL REWARDS ARE CUMULATIVE.
or
Participation Patch 24+ pkgs
Axolotl Moveable Patch
Friendship Bracelet***
Bandana OR Donation to 130+ pkgs
100+ pkgs
60+ pkgs
Water Bottle with Snack Compartment
2024 Cookie Program T-Shirt***
160+ pkgs
220+ pkgs
or
or
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor* May 18, 2024 - Girl & One Chaperone** OR $50 Program Credit OR $50 Troop Money
Notebook AND Pen Axolotl Plush
325+ pkgs
Beach Towel 400+ pkgs
270+ pkgs
or
Cookie Boss Baseball Jersey 950+ pkgs
Weekender Tote & Zipper Pull***
Crossbody Bag AND Mini Portable Charger*** OR Donation to Aquarium of the
650+ pkgs
500+ pkgs
800+ pkgs
or or
Disneyland Resort* May 11, 2024 - Girl & One Chaperone** OR Beach Cruiser*** OR $100 Program Credit OR $100 Troop Money
Camp Lakota* August 10-11, 2024^ Girl & One Chaperone** OR Hiking Backpack, Collapsible Solar Lantern, and Multi-Use Utensils *** OR $150 Program Credit OR $150 Troop Money
Lunch with CEO - Theresa Edy-Kiene & Scavenger Hunt with Watson Adventures* April 27, 2024 - Girl Only OR $200 Program Credit OR $200 Troop Money OR Donation to Aquarium of
Universal Studios Hollywood VIP Experience* June 2024-Girl Only Final Date TBA OR $300 Troop Money OR Donation to Aquarium of
1200+ pkgs
1500+ pkgs
2000+ pkgs
3000+ pkgs
my cookie website to my advantage every season. Every year, I make “andI use edit my own video for my website that’s personal and mentions everything I’ve done in the past year with the money they helped me raise. I want my customers to know that their contributions support a good cause. —Sophia Rose P.
20
”
Celebrate each step of the way!
10%
Number of pkgs
20%
30%
Number of pkgs
Number of pkgs
40%
50%
Number of pkgs
60%
Number of pkgs
90%
Number of pkgs
Number of pkgs
70%
Number of pkgs
80%
Number of pkgs
100% My Personal Goal
Keeping track of your goals is easy! Start by writing in your total Girl Scout Cookie™ package goal in the space that says 100%, and be sure to include your smaller goals along the way. (Ask an adult to help if you need it.) Celebrate by coloring in the picture as you own your magic.
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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
HEART-WARMING EFFECT
Girl Scouts learn key business skills, such as goal setting, decision-making, money management, people skills, and business ethics
You feel the heart-warming effects of donating to the community.
HOW IT WORKS: • Girl Scouts can encourage customers to support our Cookies for the Community (C4C) partners by donating money for cookies that go to the C4C partners. • Customers provide monetary donations that the troop or the Girl Scout collects.* • The troop or Girl Scout does not hold or store actual cookie packages for C4C.
ACTIVITIES & SERVICE Girls earn funds for activities and community service projects.
A TASTE OF JOY
INNOVATIVE PROGRAMS Proceeds support innovative programs for Girl Scouts within the Greater Los Angeles area.
The gift of Girl Scout Cookies brightens the days of our charity partner beneficiaries.
Last year, GSGLA donated 213,000+ packages of cookies to our nonprofit community partners!
• The donations are tabulated and reported in eBudde as C4C packages. • The GSGLA product programs team coordinates the delivery of the cookies to our community partners.
Family and friends outside of the GSGLA area are great groups to ask
Every Girl Scout who sells 12 or more packages of cookies toward C4C earns a Cookie Heart Charm plus the opportunity to earn more rewards at various levels (see page 20 for details). Additionally, C4C top sellers will be invited to an event where they will see C4C in action. The 2024 event details are TBD.
PRINCIPAL COMMUNITY PARTNERS
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for C4C contributions! This allows them to 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 taxdeductible; receipts can be provided to customers upon request. C4C receipts are available for download at girlscoutsla.org.
Cookie Program
Requirements, Roles & Responsibilities For Girls:
For Parents and Guardians/Caregivers:
• You must be a currently registered Girl Scout. • You may take Digital Cookie or paper orders beginning Tuesday, Jan. 16.
• Encourage your Girl Scout to participate in Cookie Program activities. Work with her to build her 5 Skills and help her understand why they are the backbone of the Cookie Program and her future.
• Ensure cookie orders are delivered on or after Go Day, Sunday, January 28. • Set individual goals and help the troop set and achieve overall troop goals.
• Model your behavior off of the Girl Scout Promise and Law (Page 4) and remember that Girl Scouts learn from observing adults around them.
• Participate in troop meetings and Cookie Program discussions.
• Ensure no cookie orders are taken prior to Tuesday, January 16.
• Know your product; learn about the cookies.
• Ensure no cookie orders are delivered prior to Go Day, Sunday, January 28.
• Be easily identifiable as a Girl Scout. Wear your uniform or other Girl Scout attire, and your membership pin.
• Guide your Girl Scout in making individual learning and sales goals. Work with her and her troop in setting goals to help determine the number of cookies to order. Respect and support those goals.
• Tell customers how your troop will use cookie proceeds. • Encourage customers to support the Cookies for the Community (C4C) donation program.
• Participate in booth sales and help to secure boothing locations as needed. Remember we are guests at booth locations. • Assist the Troop Cookie Chair (TCC) and troop leader.
For Troop Cookie Chairs/ Troop Leaders: • Do not set quotas for individual girls.
• Communicate your product inventory with your TCC to request more cookies when your Girl Scout sells out or provide excess inventory to other troop members before the cookie return date, if offered by your troop.
• Allow time for cookies to be sold before requiring payment from parents/guardians and set up periodic collection dates.
• Be responsible for payment of all cookies received and safeguarding all monies collected from customers.
• Collect and deposit all funds due from the Girl Scouts/ parents/guardians into the troop account frequently.
• Participate in the receipting for all cookies received and for all money submitted to troop. Retain all receipts.
• Train the Girl Scouts and parents and distribute all needed materials, providing ongoing support throughout the sale.
• Keep track of individual Girl Scout sales and boothing sales. Enter all troop and girl orders and money collected into the cookie system daily (eBudde).
• 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.
• Meet deadlines as set by the service unit cookie program chair (SUCPC) and as indicated in the troop guide. • If your troop will be doing additional money-earning events, ensure the troop adheres to the participation definition as outlined in Volunteer Essentials, accessible at girlscoutsla.org.
• Follow all health and safety guidelines provided by GSGLA.
• Provide receipts to parents/guardians for all cookies received/returned and money collected.
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Following Guidelines If Girl Scouts, parents/caregivers, or troops are not participating in accordance with established guidelines, one or more of the following consequences apply*: • 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 • Removal of one or more boothing opportunities
• Failure to respect boothing timeframes by not cleaning up and leaving your booth site on time • Boothing with the incorrect Girl Scout/adult ratio • Selling cookies out of a vehicle • Doing a walkabout on a school campus or parking lot (booths approved by the campus and the SUCPC are allowed) • Not following health and safety guidelines
Examples of Behaviors to Avoid: • Taking any orders prior to January 16 or delivering product before January 28 • Boothing before February 9 or after March 10 • Selling cookies for the incorrect price • Selling expired cookies • Selling cookies in unauthorized areas, including walkabouts in non-residential areas or a booth at a business without approval from the Troop Cookie Chair (TCC) and/or the Service Unit Cookie Program Chair (SUCPC) • Selling cookies at adult-oriented businesses, such as but not limited to bars, nightclubs, liquor stores, and marijuana dispensaries • Girl Scouts selling or delivering cookies without a supervising adult present • Parent/caregiver selling cookies without a Girl Scout present (other than to the employees only at the parent/guardian/caregiver’s regular workplace, which would include a message from the Girl Scout) • Inappropriate girl or adult behavior such as fighting, not being a sister to every Girl Scout, not adhering to guidelines set forth by the TCC or service unit, etc. • Failure to pay for cookies and submit money in a timely manner as stated by GSGLA and/or the TCC • Conducting a booth without submitting and receiving a special request approval from the TCC and SUCPC • Failing to respect booth location guidelines
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* Decisions on consequences to apply are decided by the service unit cookie program chair, GSGLA's product programs manager, and/or senior director of retail and 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.
“
[My troop and
I] aim to have the best time of our lives during this cookie season. We're eager to come up with creative ideas for our cookie booths that will not only help us reach our goals but also make the process enjoyable and memorable. By focusing on teamwork, creativity, and collaboration, we intend to create a fantastic experience for
”
both us and our customers. —Sarah B.
2024 Cookie Program
C ode of C on du ct A g reem en t Troop _________ Dear Parent/Caregiver: Thank you for your family’s participation in the 2024 Cookie Program. Our troop would not be possible without this money earning program and your contribution and support. Please review and put your initials on each item, then sign at the bottom where indicated. By signing this document, you agree that:
I have thoroughly read and understood everything in the Quick Start Guide and Cookie Family Guide (received through the mail in January and on our website at girlscoutsla.org).
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 and any other GSUSA or GSGLA published documents.
I have attended 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 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 health and safety. I will make sure my Girl Scout does not sell cookies IN ANY WAY prior to the start date of Jan. 16, 2024. I will be respectful of the Girl Scout leaders, troop cookie chair, and/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 for by the March 2024 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. I understand that my Girl Scout’s siblings, other relatives, friends, and pets 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 Scout’s business to operate. I will follow all GSGLA rules & guidelines when at a booth, as well as rules established by a business where boothing. I will communicate all the rules and expectations to any adult assisting my Girl Scout with her cookie business (e.g., 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 for any scheduled event (e.g., 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. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2 0 2 4 C oo ki e P r og ra m - C o de of C o ndu c t A g r eem ent ____________________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________
Girl Scout’s name
Date
Parent/Caregiver name
Parent/Guardian signature
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G i r l S co u t s o f G r e at e r L o s A n g e l e s
2 0 2 3 F A L L P R O DU C T A N D 2 0 2 4 C OO K I E P R O G R A M S P a r e n t / G u a r d i a n Pe r m i s s i o n & R e s p on s i b i l i t y A g r e e me n t M y G i r l Sc o u t _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ , a m e m b e r o f T r o o p _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ , h a s m y p e r m i s s i o n t o p a r t i c i p at e i n t h e 2 0 2 3 F a l l P r o d u c t P r o g r a m a n d 2 0 2 4 C o o k i e P r o g r a m . I w i l l e n s u r e t h a t a l l r u l e s , p o l i c i e s a n d p r o c e d u r e s s e t b y G i r l S c o u ts o f G r e a t e r L o s A n g e l e s ( G S G LA ) w i l l b e f o l l o w e d b y m y G i r l S c o u t , m y s e l f , a n d a n y o t h e r s u p p o r t i n g ad u l t , a n d t h a t a d u l t s u p e r v i s i o n a n d g u i d a n c e i s be i n g p r o v i d e d . M y s i g n a t u r e b e l o w i n d i c a te s a g r e e me n t w i t h a l l 1 2 i t e m s li s t e d b e l o w . 1.
To participate in the Fall Product and Cookie Programs, my Girl Scout must be officially registered with Girl Scouts of the USA for the membership year during which these programs take place.
2.
I understand that all guidelines and rules must be adhered to by my Girl Scout and her family members, and that there are consequences for not doing so, including, but not limited to, my Girl Scout and/or my Girl Scout’s troop not being allowed to participate in the program. Any Girl Scout found to be selling before the official start dates, or through prohibited methods, will not receive reward items or credit for those orders. Adults serve in a supporting role for Girl Scouts and should not assume sole responsibility for sales.
3.
I accept personal financial responsibility for all product received and/or in my possession and all monies collected as payment from customers. All money collected must be given to my Girl Scout’s Troop by the Troop and Council-set deadlines.
4.
I understand that if I owe money to my Girl Scout’s troop, any rewards my Girl Scout earned will be withheld until payment has been received by the troop in full. Further, I understand if all monies due are not submitted prior to the expiration of ticketed or time-sensitive reward items, GSGLA will not reissue, replace, substitute, or refund the value of said rewards.
5.
GSGLA reserves the right to seek the services of a collection agency and/or pursue legal action for delinquent accounts.
6.
I understand that the proceeds earned by the Troop are Troop & Council property and that “[t]he income from product sales does not become the property of individual girl members.” (Volunteer Essentials, Chapter 5)
7.
Unsold product cannot be returned to council offices or any council cupboard. Unsold product may be returned to the Troop according to the Troop’s guidelines and due dates.
8.
I and all adults supporting my Girl Scout will adhere to the principles set forth in the Girl Scout Promise and Law and act in accordance with the Girl Scout Mission. I/they will "[u]se 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/they 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, Chapter 8)
9.
Girl Scouts or their families may not engage in selling on the Internet, except with the online tools provided by and through the council and the product vendors. Digital Cookie and M2OS are the only approved ways a Girl Scout can extend her cookie or fall sales to friends by sending them a unique Digital Cookie/M2OS URL. Girl Scouts can use email and social media as a marketing tool to let family, friends, and former customers know about the programs (Volunteer Essentials, Chapter 5). While the Girl Scout makes sales and oversees all aspects of the transaction, she does so with adult supervision. I will supervise my Girl Scout’s use.
10. GSGLA reserves the right to substitute reward items of equal or greater value with or without notice. Reward items in the form of tickets are valid only on the date printed on the tickets and the Girl Scout earner must attend the programmatic part of the event prior to receiving the tickets. The reward items are non-transferable and not redeemable for cash; GSGLA will not be responsible for lost, stolen or damaged tickets, cards or items. 11. I will be sure to check my email, voice mail and texts at least daily before and during each of the product programs - my troop, the service unit and GSGLA will use these methods to communicate important and critical information (either directly or through either of the product program software platforms).
12. I will follow all CDC, state, local, GSGLA and GSUSA guidelines regarding health and safety. ____________________________________________________
__________________________________________
___________________________________________________________ Home Address
__________________________________________ City, Zip
__________________________________________ Home Phone
__________________________________________ Cell Phone
__________________________________________ Signature
__________________________________________ Date
Parent/Guardian Name
Email Address (print)
*** P l eas e t u r n t hi s f o r m i n t o y o u r Tr o o p L eader . * **
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Rev. 7/2023
Contests, Cupboards & Cookie Crunch Time! GSGLA Stores’ Cookie Crunch Time Days Are Back! Be prepared for the 2024 cookie season by attending Cookie Crunch Time Days to: • Become a cookie expert using smart selling and marketing tools • Learn about cookie entrepreneur pins and cookie badges that can be earned by selling cookies • Shop various cookie-themed items to create excitement and visually boost your Girl Scout’s cookie business • Participate in cookie-themed activities and giveaways Be on the lookout for specific details and dates regarding our GSGLA store events.
Volunteer for a Cookie Cupboard... and get a special patch!
CONTESTS and more
Join in the fun, stay active, and forge friendships as you safely assist with troop orders! Our volunteer team welcomes everyone over 18, from parents to friends, aunts, uncles, and all supporters of Girl Scouts. Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors can lend a hand at cookie cupboards under adult guidance. Volunteers must be able to lift at least 10 lbs.
Just when you thought cookie season couldn’t get any more fun, here come the contests! We’ll have several throughout the season and encourage all to participate: • •
Bling Your Cookie Cart • Bling Your Booth Cookie Marketing Webinar Attendee Raffle • #GSGLACookies Tag Challenge • Booth Sleuth
With more volunteers on board, we ensure quicker service for our leaders and troop chairs, enhancing everyone's experience. Plus, lend your time for at least four hours and earn a unique patch as a token of appreciation!
When: January 31-March 12 Where:
Win prizes or a chance to be featured on GSGLA social media! Visit the Cookies+ page at girlscoutsla.org for details.
We have opportunities in Arcadia, Canoga Park, Covina, Downey, Glendale, Inglewood, Long Beach, Redondo Beach, Santa Clarita, and Upland. Sign up at GSGLA ivolunteer.com
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Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID BIRMINGHAM, AL PERMIT NO. 1075
423 N. La Brea Ave. Inglewood, CA 90302 girlscoutsla.org 213-213-0123
Service and Community Centers Arcadia 139 East Foothill Blvd. Arcadia, CA 91006 Canoga Park 22323 Sherman Way #4 Canoga Park, CA 91303 Community Center, open by appointment only
Inglewood 423 North La Brea Ave. Inglewood, CA 90302 Long Beach 4040 North Bellflower Blvd. Long Beach, CA 90808 Santa Clarita 18316 Soledad Canyon Rd. Santa Clarita, CA 91387 Upland 313 East Foothill Blvd. Upland, CA 91786
It’s Cookie Time! ¿Necesitas la versión de esta guía en español? visita: issuu.com/girlscoutsofgreaterlosangeles