2025 Cookie Family Guide | Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles
Dear GSGLA Girl Scouts and Girl Scout Families,
I’m thrilled to announce that cookie season is back! This year’s theme, "Embrace Possibility," is a perfect match for our Girl Scouts, who are always ready to take on new challenges and achieve amazing things. Mark your calendars—the season officially kicks off on January 14, with boothing starting on February 7 and wrapping up on March 9. That’s almost two months of our incredible cookie entrepreneurs in action!
The Girl Scout Cookie Program is a time-honored tradition that not only delights our customers but also helps Girl Scouts develop essential life skills—goal setting, decision-making, money management, people skills, and business ethics. This year, they’ll once again be able to showcase their creativity using the Digital Cookie® platform, expanding their experience with digital marketing.
We’re adding extra excitement to the season with our adorable mascot, Pearl the Panda, and bringing back some fan-favorite contests like the Golden Ticket Contest, Booth Sleuth, and the Cookie Marketing Webinar Attendee Drawing. It’s going to be a season full of fun and wonderful surprises!
As for the cookies, we’re sticking with our classic lineup that you know and love. Our core seven varieties will remain at $6 per package, while the specialty cookies, Toffee-Tastic and Girl Scout S’mores, will be $7 per package. However, this season is extra special for one of our beloved treats—Girl Scout S’mores will be making its final appearance! Girl Scouts and S’mores have always gone together because we were the first organization to publish the recipe! Be sure to let your customers know this is their last time to enjoy a time-honored flavor...so it’s time to stock up!
And don’t forget about Cookies for the Community, which allows customers to donate cookies to local causes while teaching Girl Scouts the value of giving back and reinforcing community service alongside their entrepreneurial skills.
To our families: Your support is invaluable, and it makes all of this possible. By encouraging your Girl Scouts to forecast and set goals, practice their marketing techniques, and manage their cookie businesses, you’re helping them build confidence and resilience. Whether through role-playing customer interactions or cheering them on during boothing, every bit of support makes a difference.
I can’t wait to see our Girl Scouts shine this cookie season as they embrace all the possibilities ahead, building courage, confidence, and character—one cookie at a time.
Yours in Girl Scouting,
Theresa Edy Kiene Chief Executive Officer
GIRL SCOUT PROMISE
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.
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.
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 back cover of this guide. Cut out the coupon and bring into any GSGLA store.
BUSINESS/CUSTOMER CARE HOURS:
Need assistance? Staff are available by phone/ email/chat Mon-Fri, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
All 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.
Información disponible en español o llamando al 213213-0123.
GSGLA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. girlscoutsla.org
¿Necesitas la versión de esta guía en español? visita: issuu.com/girlscoutsofgreaterlosangeles
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.
GIRL SCOUT FAMILY PROMISE
On my honor, I will try: To support my Girl Scout and her troop, To help girls lead at all times, And to always keep it fun!
*Members may substitute for the word God in accordance with their own spiritual beliefs.
GSGLA Stores’
Cookie Crunch Time Days Are Back!
Be prepared for the 2025 cookie season by attending Cookie Crunch Time Days to:
• Become a cookie expert using smart selling and marketing tools
Cookie Crunch Time Days are 1/28, 1/30, 1/31, & 2/1!
• 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.
Important Dates
December 1 Cookie merchandise arrives in GSGLA retail stores.
January 14 Order taking begins, including order taking via Digital Cookie for customers to purchase for girl delivery, direct shipment, and donation.
January 26 GSGLA Cookie Program officially begins. Digital Cookie girl-delivered and in-person orders may now be delivered.
February 7 Cookie boothing begins.
February 21-23 National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend.
March 9 GSGLA Cookie Program ends. (No sales allowed after this date.)
Embrace Possibility
The theme for this year’s Girl Scout Cookie season is Embrace Possibility!
The mascot is Pearl the Panda, whose name was chosen by Girl Scouts. Pearls are a special symbol of the Girl Scout movement, as our founder, Juliette Gordon Low, sold her pearl necklace to start Girl Scouting. What a great way to Embrace Possibility—by starting a whole new movement for girls!
This theme is all about Girl Scouts embracing opportunities and challenges and learning from them. In the Girl Scout Cookie Program, members are encouraged to see the potential in every situation and actively choose to explore it— like trying a new location for a cookie booth or reaching new customers through unexplored marketing avenues. When Girl Scouts believe in these possibilities, they can be prepared to take action and pursue their goals more confidently.
When Girl Scouts set a goal for the cookie season—whether it's to sell enough cookies to earn a “Pearl the Panda" plush, learn a new skill, meet a new friend, go on trips and do activities with sister Girl Scouts, or make a difference in their community—nothing gets in their way. With your invaluable support, Girl Scouts will be on their way to becoming true Girl Scout Cookie entrepreneurs. So, let's help them embrace the possibility of the future and cheer them on as they turn their goals into reality!
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% of ALL proceeds from Girl Scout Cookies stay within Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles to power Girl Scout experiences! As a non-pro t organization, the Girl Scout Cookie Program allows us to continue to serve girls throughout Greater Los Angeles.
The proceeds from cookies support:
• Funds earned by troops for activities like travel, camp, community service projects, AND the rewards that Girl Scouts can earn in the cookie program.
• More than 250 programs in leadership, outdoors, STEAM, and life skills for Girl Scouts.
• Financial assistance to more than 8,200 Girl Scouts, from membership assistance to camperships.
More information and resources on girlscoutsla.org/cookies, littlebrowniebakers.com, girlscouts.org, and facebook.com/GSGLA.
Meet the Girl Scout Cookies: The Line Up
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.
• Our core seven varieties are $6/package and our specialty cookies (Toffee-Tastic & S’mores) are now $7/package.
• This is the last cookie season for the Girl Scout S’mores—so be sure to let your customers know it’s their last chance to purchase this yummy flavor!
• 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
You Know?
1. The Girl Scout Cookie Program is the world’s leading girl-led business and financial literacy program. Girl Scouts have been entrepreneurs for more than 107 years! In 1917, the first known Girl Scout Cookie sale took place as the primary method to earn money to support girl-led community service projects and other activities.
2. The Girl Scout Cookie Program can be tailored to each Girl Scout’s abilities, needs, interests, and goals. Girl Scouts can pick and choose from several marketing and sales tactics: in-person, digital, donations, and direct shipped.
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 5 for details.
4. There are FAQs that might answer your additional questions at girlscoutsla.org/cookies.
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, decision-making, money management, people skills, and business ethics.
HEART-WARMING EFFECT
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.
INNOVATIVE PROGRAMS
Proceeds support innovative programs for Girl Scouts within the Greater Los Angeles area.
A TASTE OF JOY
The gift of Girl Scout Cookies brightens the days of our charity partner beneficiaries.
Last year, GSGLA donated 185,000+ packages of cookies to our nonprofit community partners!
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 18 for details). Additionally, C4C top sellers will be invited to an event where they will see C4C in action. The 2025 event details are TBD.
Principal 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 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.
Care: Phone: 213-213-0123
The 5 Skills: 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
Girl Scouts interact with customers in several ways, practice their sales pitch, and work with their sister Girl Scouts to reach common goals.
Benefits: Become good listeners, find their voice, build relationships, become a team player, and build courage.
GOAL SETTING
Girl Scouts set personal and troop goals while working with their leaders and families to achieve them.
Benefits: Practicing this skill will set them up for success in school, career, and life.
BUSINESS ETHICS
Girl Scouts become responsible for their cookie inventory, cookie payments to their troop, time management, commitment to their customers, and following guidelines provided.
Benefits: Practice commitment, character, integrity, and fairness.
MONEY MANAGEMENT
Girl Scouts take orders, collect, and track payments while working with the troop to manage troop funds.
Benefits: financial literacy, sustainability, financial responsibility, and inventory management.
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: Practice creative thinking, decision making, and problem-solving skills, and become confident leaders.
Girl Scouts enhance their 5 Skills by earning cool cookie badges and the annual Cookie Entrepreneur Family Pin.
Inventory & Getting Started
How Cookie Inventory Works
• Families receive cookies from the troop at the start of the program.
• Troops also keep inventory to support their first weekend of boothing and any additional inventory needs.
• Girl Scouts can use Digital Cookie and order cards to track sales and customer contact information. Their troop leader and Troop Cookie Chair (TCC) will help them get set up with both.
• Families are not limited to the one-time initial inventory allotment; they can pick up additional inventory as needed
Developing a Troop Inventory
Girl and troop goal setting is key to determining what inventory is needed to start the Girl Scout 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 to support their ideas.
• Determine each Girl Scout’s individual goal, such as which reward level she wants to get to.
• Develop a troop goal, where all members of the troop should support this collective goal.
• The TCC submits the Starting Inventory Order (SIO) based on the Girl Scouts’ and troop’s goals.
• 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—aka enough cookies to sell through the first two weeks after the program starts and through the first weekend of boothing. Additional cookies may be ordered through your TCC as available.
throughout the program—check with your TCC.
• Keep your TCC informed about whether you need additional cookies or have excess cookies.
• 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.
• The balance for all remaining cookies is due shortly after the end of the program 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.
Family and friends who encourage and assist you.
Your troop of registered Girl Scouts who are 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.
Customers, the awesome people who buy cookies and help Girl Scouts reach their goals!
Initial Delivery Day and How to Store Your Cookies
Your Troop Cookie Chair (TCC) will tell you when and where to pick up your your starting inventory order the weekend of Jan. 24-26. 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 check with your TCC if you may exchange or return undamaged, factory-sealed cookies to the troop.
• Girl Scouts should continue to sell their inventory through cookie stands, walkabouts, workplace sales, return customers for additional orders, extra boothing, and digital marketing.
• If the troop is allowing cookie returns or exchanges, and cookies are not returned to the TCC by the designated date, families are financially responsible.
• All troop members and families are encouraged to pitch in to help with unsold cookies. Working together as a troop to make sure each package is sold promotes teamwork and supports the 5 skills outlined on page 8.
Volunteer for a Cookie Cupboard …and Get a Special Patch!
When troops need extra inventory, designated volunteers pick up cookies from a local cookie cupboard. Cookie cupboards are supported by volunteers and staff. 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!
Join in the fun and forge friendships as you safely assist with troop orders! Our volunteer team welcomes all Girl Scout supporters ages 18 and over. 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.
When: January 29 – March 11, 2025
Where: 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
“When I sell in my neighborhood and go boothing at grocery stores, I am always jamming to music at my table and I wave colorful signs in the air to attract customers. Customers love a good vibe and they will have no problem buying from you if you have a smile on your face and look interested in selling the cookies.”
—Saela J.
Selling Guidelines for Girl Scouts
Girl Scouts MUST do the following:
• Be identifiable as a Girl Scout by wearing the Girl Scout uniform when selling cookies.
• Follow all online and in-person guidelines.
• Be present during any cookie sales, lead their program, and be accompanied by an adult(s).
• Sell within GSGLA council boundaries.
For Safety
• Follow all health and safety guidelines.
• Be supervised by a responsible adult while selling or delivering cookies.
• Include only the Girl Scout’s first name and last initial on any marketing materials.
• Avoid publishing a Girl Scout’s phone number, address, school, or other personal information.
• Stay outside of yards if there is a dog or a closed gate/ fence.
• Stay outside of customers’ homes or vehicles.
• 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.
• 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.
• Avoid taking or sharing photos of Girl Scouts not related to you.
• Sell only during daylight hours.
• Be web-wise. Take the GSUSA Internet Safety Pledge at girlscouts.org before going online.
For Food-handling
“ I've learned
to
speak
clearly, speak up, and that I'm not just selling a cookie, I'm selling my cause.”
—Briann D.
• Leave pets at home while selling cookies.
• 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.
For Money-handling
• Sell cookies for the correct price ($6 or $7 per package).
• Practice safe money-handling.
• Collect payment from a customer when the cookies are delivered if they haven’t already been paid for on Digital Cookie.
• Have an adult present at a cookie stand or booth.
⇨ Girl Scouts, cookies, and money should always be supervised by a responsible adult.
• Have a plan for safeguarding money (avoid carrying large amounts; have a supervising adult deposit proceeds immediately).
• Families must pay the troop for cookies once they have been sold before receiving more.
“Building these relationships not only boosts sales but also helps build confidence and resilience, but remember to believe in yourself, keep trying, and celebrate your amazing accomplishments at the end.”
—Sophia E.
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.
Ways To Sell Cookies
Girl Scouts may participate in the Girl Scout Cookie Program in the following ways.
90% of the public would gladly buy Girl Scout Cookies, although nearly 35% are never asked! Did you know?
Girls with Their Troop
WHERE TO SELL
Walkabouts and Door-To-Door
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.
Girl Scouts must:
• Have an adult present at all times. Girl Scouts, cookies, and money must always be supervised.
• Keep cookies protected from the elements; consider using a cooler on hot days.
Girl Scouts may:
• Deliver cookies from January 26 – March 9, 2025.
• Sell cookies door-to-door in any residential neighborhood within GSGLA’s boundaries.
• Bring door hangers or business cards personalized with a Digital Cookie link (available to print from Digital Cookie) to leave as a calling card.
• 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.
• Accept cash or checks (with the troop’s approval) from customers (see page 15 for money handling/safety tips).
Cookie Stands
Cookie stands are what we call lemonade-style cookie booths set up on the residential property where the Girl Scout or someone they know resides (as their city, homeowner's association, and/or property management permits).
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.
• Follow city, property management, and/or homeowner association signage rules.
⇨ 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 within GSGLA’s boundaries.
• 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.
Cookie Booths
From February 7 to March 9, 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 drive-through in a parking lot, must be approved and scheduled by your Troop Cookie Chair (TCC). 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. They 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 Basics Guide (check with your TCC for guidelines).
• Have two girls per door present at all times. All approved doors at a location must be covered.
• Have two adults per door; one must be a registered Girl Scout member*
• Keep entrance(s) clear; approach customers only as they are leaving the business.
• Only registered Girl Scouts can booth; siblings, friends, and pets must stay at home.
• Follow all rules the business requests.
• 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; avoid using trash cans at the booth location.
*Senior/Ambassador troops only require a minimum of two girls and one adult or one girl and two adults.
†Cadettes and up can host one girl, one parent/guardian booths February 21 – March 9; 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.
Girl Scouts may:
• Participate in a cookie booth at a business from February 7 – March 9, 2025. Cookie booths must be approved and scheduled by the Troop Cookie Chair (TCC).
• Set up booths at businesses or sell to customers with special booth approval; ask the TCC.
GSGLA reserves the right to make changes to selling parameters.
Workplaces/Businesses
Nothing is more exciting 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.
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.
• Only sell to the employees of the business (not clients, customers, or patrons) for their personal consumption.
• Avoid selling cookies to businesses or individuals with the intention of resale.
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 visible only to the workplace’s employees.
• Sell to their parents’/guardians’ workplace friends and colleagues who work outside GSGLA.
Keep Sales Within Our Council Area
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.
Selling at cookie stands, walkabouts, or boothing of any kind outside of GSGLA borders is never allowed.
Girl Scouts may:
• Sell to family, family’s close neighbors, and close friends outside of GSGLA’s borders.
• 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.
*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.
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.
• Send customized Thank You emails to customers.
Starting on January 14, parents/guardians 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 (C4C) donations.
Girl Scouts may:
• Take orders via Digital Cookie and order card beginning January 14, 2025.
• 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 must be registered for the 2024–25 membership year by December 15, 2024, to ensure you receive the login email on January 14. 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 14.
Beginning January 14, 2025, Digital Cookie will open for customers ordering for girl delivery, direct shipment, and Cookies for the Community donation.
Girl Scouts may not:
• Post their Digital Cookie link on resale sites, i.e. Craigslist, eBay, Amazon, Facebook Marketplace, etc.
• Include personal information (like phone number, address, or school) on any social media site.
It's Easy to Get Started in Digital Cookie!
Here are 3 easy steps to jump into the fun and achieve those cookie sale goals like a true cookie boss!
gsdigitalcookie.com/gsgla
1. Go to www.gsdigitalcookie.com/gsgla
1 2 3
⇨ Follow the prompts to participate in the Digital Cookie Program. Please have your troop number before starting.
⇨ My Troop Number: _________
2. Create Your Personalized Storefront ™
⇨ 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 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
⇨ 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.
Let the Selling Begin!
Girl Scouts can sell cookies
January 14–March 9, 2025.
Girl Scouts can (and should!) announce the day cookie sales start in January, though they may not take any orders prior to January 14.
⬥ It is considered “early selling” any time a Girl Scout/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 14.
⬥ If, before January 14, 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.”
Selling Cookies—Tips for Girl Scouts
1. Ask friends and family to buy or donate Girl Scout Cookies.
2. Email, text, or post your Digital Cookie link to your or your caregiver’s social media account.
3. Review last year’s order cards and your Digital Cookie customer list to contact your customers.
4. Sell online through Digital Cookie and send marketing emails to customers throughout the program.
5. Sell door-to-door in residential areas, leave door hangers, set up a residential lemonadestyle cookie stand on your property or that of someone you know (starting Jan. 26), or booth (starting Feb. 7) with your troop ONLY at a location approved and scheduled by your Troop Cookie Chair (TCC).
6. 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 for more marketing tips.
7. Need more cookies? Let your Troop Cookie Chair know.
How to Handle Cookie Money: Tips for Parents/Caregivers
When Selling Cookies to Customers
⬥ Digital Cookie’s “Take a Payment” features are encouraged for in-person payments using debit or credit cards. Avoid taking cash whenever possible. Parents/caregivers may not accept payment from customers using PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, or other payment processing apps. GSGLA does not permit the use of payment processing apps attached to a personal (non-troop) bank account.
⬥ 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.
⬥ While credit card payments are encouraged, 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.
⬥ Turn in funds received from customers to your TCC promptly and frequently.
8. Prior to the end of the program, contact your customers again to place another order.
9. Thank your customers—create your own thank you cards or use the new customizable thank you email in Digital Cookie to automatically send a thank you note to all your customers online.
⇨ 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.
⬥ Parents/guardians are financially responsible for all funds, including any lost, stolen, or counterfeit money or missing cookies.
When Receiving Cookies from your Troop
⬥ Always get a receipt from your TCC when you pick up cookies from the troop.
⬥ Parents/caregivers may use Venmo, PayPal, or Zelle that is linked to the troop bank account to pay the troop directly for cookies, IF the troop allows.
⬥ 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.
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.
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!
• Package cookies in decorated bags with thank you notes reminding them how their purchase helps the Girl Scout and troop’s goals.
• Include a doorhanger or business card (available to print from Digital Cookie) with your Digital Cookie link to encourage repeat business.
After coordinating a specific delivery date and time with customers, Girl Scouts 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.
“ Treating people with respect and being appreciative of their support has created many repeat customers. Building a network of repeat customers, has also created an additional network of people who now also support me.”
Cookie Time is Family Time
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:
• Talk to your Girl Scout about their goals for the season and create an action plan to achieve them.
• Ask your troop leader how you can help the whole troop reach its goals. Your Girl Scout will learn to help and act by watching you.
• Help them earn the Cookie Entrepreneur Family pin and Cookie Business and Financial Literacy badges by practicing their skills at home.
• Help them set up their Digital Cookie site.
• Help them make arrangements to connect with people in their network.
• Attend the Cookie Marketing Webinar as a family to help your Girl Scout develop their marketing and sales plan.
• 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 them.
And remember, never do things for your Girl Scout that they can do for themselves, even if it’s quicker and easier for you to do them.
Entrepreneurship
Badges + Pins
When selling Girl Scout Cookies, Girl Scouts practice goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills, and business ethics—all while learning to think like an entrepreneur. Girl Scouts can earn badges and pins each year they run their own Girl Scout Cookie business. Then, Girl Scouts can explore their own business idea by earning an Entrepreneur badge.
Cookie Business badges! These help Girl Scouts think like entrepreneurs as they run their own cookie businesses and incorporate online sales via Digital Cookie (see page 14). The badges progress from goal setting and effective sales-pitching in person and online to using market research, creating business plans, and implementing digital marketing campaigns. Go to girlscouts.org/cookiebadges for information about how to earn these badges as well as pins. They can be purchased through our local GSGLA retail stores.
Get creative! Work with Girl Scouts to think of new ways to promote cookie sales and have fun in the process. A few suggestions:
In-Person Marketing
• Print personalized business cards and door hangers with your Digital Cookie link or QR code from Digital Cookie and send it to contacts. A picture of your business card can be sent via text to people you know.
• Use all the tips and tools provided in the GSGLA Cookie Marketing Kit, available through your troop leader or girlscoutsla.org/cookies.
• Remind customers that Girl Scout Cookies are only available once a year, and they freeze well.
• Sing a song or cheer while boothing to attract more customers.
• Have customers pick up their orders during designated cookie booth business hours.
Digital Marketing
• Use the GSGLA Cookie Season Social Media Toolkit— including graphics, digital backgrounds, and more, available at girlscoutsla.org/cookies
• Send a text to let friends and family know “It’s cookie time” or “I have cookies NOW, no waiting!”
• Film fun videos, including live videos, to introduce customers to cookies on your socials.
• Make your own hashtag for promotion on socials, like #GirlScout[YOURNAME].
• Promote your troop's cookie booth location by identifying it in your social posts.
⇨ Note: This is only allowed for the troop as a group, not to promote an individual Girl Scout’s location.
• 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!
• Put a link to your Digital Cookie storefront in your social media stories or add it to your bio.
“I’m
our troop
Social Media
Girl Scouts may use age-appropriate internet tools to promote their cookie business, i.e., by posting their Digital Cookie link on approved social media platforms. Social media platforms are a great place for teens 13 and older to promote and ask for cookie orders—with parent/caregiver permission.
Younger Girl Scouts can work with their parents to promote and/or post about their cookie business on their parent/ caregivers' social media accounts. Be sure to follow computer/online 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.
“My best tip is to have fun, be grateful for every sale, and try to sell just five more than you did the year before.”
—Phoebe S.
Webinar Tips with Marketing Pros
Join the GSGLA marketing and cookie teams for the Cookie Marketing Workshop on January 22 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. Discuss digital/social and traditional marketing ideas for Girl Scouts of all ages. Get advice and share ideas!
Register on gsEvents.
JANUARY 22
—Harper
W.
“Be patient. The sales will come, do not be sad because a lot of people tell you 'no.' For every customer that tells you no, another customer will come and buy what they did not.”
—Zara R.
Troops
Girl Scout Rewards
Cookie Program Requirements, Roles
& Responsibilities
For Girl Scouts:
• You must be a currently registered Girl Scout member.
• You may take Digital Cookie or paper orders beginning Tuesday, January 14.
• Ensure cookie orders are delivered on or after Go Day, Sunday, January 26.
• Set individual goals and help the troop set and achieve overall troop goals.
For Parents and Guardians/Caregivers:
• Encourage your Girl Scout to participate in Girl Scout Cookie Program activities. Work with them to build their 5 skills and help them understand why they are the backbone of the cookie program and their future.
• Participate in troop meetings and Girl Scout Cookie Program discussions.
• Know your product; learn about the cookies.
• Be easily identifiable as a Girl Scout. Wear your uniform 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 Troop Cookie Chairs/ Troop Leaders:
• Train the Girl Scouts and parents/caregivers and distribute all needed materials.
• Provide ongoing support throughout the sale.
• Do not set quotas for individual Girl Scouts.
• Allow time for cookies to be sold before requiring payment from parents/guardians and set up periodic collection dates.
• Collect and deposit all funds due from the Girl Scouts/ parents/guardians into the troop account frequently.
• 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).
• 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 girscoutsla.org.
• Provide receipts to parents/guardians for all cookies received/returned and money collected.
• Model your behavior off the Girl Scout Promise and Law (Page 4) and remember that Girl Scouts learn from observing adults around them.
• Ensure no cookie orders are taken prior to Tuesday, January 14.
• Ensure no cookie orders are delivered prior to Go Day, Sunday, January 26.
• Guide your Girl Scout in making individual learning and sales goals. Work with them and their troop in setting goals to help determine the number of cookies to order. Respect and support those goals.
• 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.
• 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.
• Be responsible for payment of all cookies received and safeguard all monies collected from customers.
• Participate in the receipting of 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 the consequences for noncompliance.
• Follow all safety guidelines provided by GSGLA.
Following Guidelines
If Girl Scouts, parents/caregivers, or troops are not participating in accordance with established guidelines, one or more of the following consequences may 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 individual Girl Scout and/or troop proceeds/rewards
• Removal of one or more boothing opportunities
Examples of Behaviors to Avoid:
• Taking any orders prior to January 14 or delivering product before January 26
• Boothing before February 7 or after March 9
• 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.
“One strategy is naming the products and saying what the products have in them. Another strategy is to ask the customer what they like and recommend similar cookies.”
—Allyson M.
• 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
• 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 (stationary booths approved by the campus and the SUCPC are allowed)
• Selling cookies to a business or individual with the intent to resell
• Not following health and safety guidelines
* Decisions on consequences to apply are decided by the Service Unit Cookie Program Chair (SUCPC), 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 guidelines not adhered to, impact on others, safety, and if one or multiple guidelines were ignored. Any applied consequences will remain confidential to protect the privacy of the Girl Scout(s) and/or troop(s) affected.
“Girl Scouts helped me find the confidence to do it. This skill has served me well in life too; it has helped me ask people for work/jobs, join a debate team at school, and the ability to make friends wherever I go.”
—Sophia Rose P.
2025 Cookie Program Code o f Co nd uct Agre e me nt Troop
Dear Parent/Caregiver:
Thank you for your family’s participation in the 2025 Girl Scout 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 sign ing this d ocument, you agree that:
I h a v e thoroughly read and understood everything in the QuickStartGuide and CookieFamilyGuide (received through the mail in January and on our website at girlscoutsla.org).
I u n d e r s t a n d that there will be consequences for any and all disregard of the rules as clearly outlined in the QuickStartGuide and CookieFamilyGuide and any other GSUSA or GSGLA published documents
I h a v e attended cookie training and understood everything communicated, whether verbally, via PowerPoint presentation, or by the handouts distributed.
I w i l l adhere to the principles of the Girl Scout Promise and Law and follow GSGLA guidelines.
I w i l l follow the rules to help make sure program activities are safe, fun, and successful.
I w i l l follow any and all CDC, state, local, GSGLA and GSUSA guidelines regarding health and safety.
I w i l l make sure my Girl Scout does not sell cookies IN ANY WAY prior to the start date of Jan. 14, 2025
I w i l l be respectful of the Girl Scout leaders, troop cookie chair, and/or the adult in charge.
I u n d e r s t a n d 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 u n d e r s t a n d I am financially responsible for all product received and all cookies must be paid for by the March 2025 deadline set by my troop cookie chair.
I w i l l treat other people, myself, property, and equipment with respect. I will not leave trash behind.
I w i l l remove all cardboard boxes and trash from boothing sites and dispose of them at my home.
I u n d e r s t a n d that my Girl Scout’s siblings, other relatives, friends, and pets are not allowed at a cookie booth.
I w i l l n o t violate Girl Scout policies, create discord, or damage or misuse property.
I w i l l n o t demonstrate violence of any kind, including inappropriate conduct, profanity, or verbal abuse.
I w i l l n o t be under the influence or hold possession of illegal substances during any Girl Scout activities. Firearms or weaponry are not allowed.
I u n d e r s t a n d smoking is not allowed in the presence of girls during Girl Scout activities.
I w i l l support the goals established by my Girl Scout and her troop.
I u n d e r s t a n d that adults may assist but cannot sell cookies. This is the Girl Scout’s business to operate.
I w i l l follow all GSGLA rules & guidelines when at a booth, as well as rules established by a business where boothing
I w i l l 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 w i l l communicate with the troop cookie volunteers in a timely and respectful fashion, including replying to emails, texts, and phone calls.
I w i l l arrive on time for any scheduled event (e.g., cookie pick up or drop off times, money drop off times, and booth shifts).
I u n d e r s t a n d I can only drop off money or pick up/drop off cookies during scheduled times.
G i r l S c o u t s o f G r e a t e r L o s A n g e l e s
2 0 2 4 F A L L P R O D U C T A N D 2 0 2 5 C O O 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 P e 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 m e n t
M y G i r l S c 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 a t e i n t h e 2 0 2 4 F a l l P r o d u c t P r o g r a m a n d 2 0 2 5 C
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 t s o f G r e a t e r
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.” (VolunteerEssentials , 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." (VolunteerEssentials , 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 (VolunteerEssentials,Chapter5). 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.
Parent/Guardian Name
Email Address (print)
Home Address City, Zip
Home Phone Cell Phone
Signature Date
423 N. La Brea Ave.
Inglewood, CA 90302 girlscoutsla.org 213-213-0123
Cookie Time!
¿Necesitas la versión de esta guía en español? visita: issuu.com/girlscoutsofgreaterlosangeles
Service and Community Centers
Arcadia
145 East Foothill Blvd. Arcadia, CA 91006
Canoga Park
22323 Sherman Way #14 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
CONTESTS AND MORE
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:
• Pearl the Panda Plush Contest
• Cookie Marketing Webinar Attendee Drawing
• Hidden Panda Contest
• Golden Ticket Contest
• Booth Sleuth
Win prizes or a chance to be featured on GSGLA social media! Visit the Cookies+ page at girlscoutsla.org for details.
Spend $30 or more at any GSGLA store and get $5 off. Expires 3/1/2025. $5 $5 $5 $5
