2023 Cookie Family Guide

Dear GSGLA Girl Scouts and Girl Scout Families,

It’s time for another cookie season! I’m so happy we’ll be back to more inperson participation opportunities!

The past two cookie seasons have been really hard. I am incredibly proud of how well our Girl Scouts and you, their families, handled the many curveballs and frustrations and carried on, working together creatively in true Girl Scout fashion.

We know our cookie baker, Little Brownie Bakers, is experiencing production challenges again this year and we are hard at work to ensure things stay streamlined for you all and that we keep our promise to communicate quickly and regularly.

Our beloved Girl Scout Cookie Program teaches girls five key skills: goal setting, money management, decision-making, entrepreneurial leadership, and business ethics. But there are lots of other skills Girl Scouts learn – like marketing and customer service, how to think like a cookiepreneur, and dealing with unexpected changes. Last year really put us to the test with the unexpected changes and our Girl Scouts were remarkable!

New this year – for the first time in eight years, we have made a change to our cookie pricing. All cookies will be $6, therefore simplifying the process for girls and families. Core cookie varieties will increase by $1 per package; the cost of specialty cookies (Toffee-Tastic and S’Mores) will remain the same at $6. Also new this year is the Raspberry Rally™ cookie, the raspberry sister to the Thin Mint. It will be available in late February exclusively online for direct shipment through our Girl Scouts’ Digital Cookie storefronts, while supplies last.

This year’s family guide features new lessons in digital marketing and we are hosting marketing workshops to help our entrepreneurs learn to promote their digital storefronts and achieve their goals. For more details, be sure to read the cookie grams.

GSGLA continues to move in concert with federal, state, and local health and safety guidance as we plan and implement the cookie program – indeed, all Girl Scout programming – for 2023.

Here’s to a fun 2023 cookie season! Let’s bring joy back to our beloved Girl Scout cookie tradition and, together, provide our Girl Scouts with avenues to build courage, confidence and character, to make the world a better place.

Now, Go Bright Ahead and use the tips, suggestions, and guidelines in this year’s Cookie Family Guide to help your Girl Scout set up her cookie business in whatever way makes sense for your family.

Yours in Girl Scouting,

Theresa Edy Kiene Chief Executive Officer

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Letter

About Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles (GSGLA)

BUSINESS HOURS:

Mon-Fri, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

GSGLA Service Centers and Shop Hours: OPEN

• Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

• First & Third Saturday of each month 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

CLOSED

• Monday & Wednesday

• All GSGLA offices and stores are closed the 2nd and 4th Monday of the month.

Phones will be answered Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

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 213-213-0123.

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.

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HIGHLIGHTS THIS YEAR:

Adventurefuls and the rest of the 2022 cookie lineup are back. Raspberry Rally™ is our delicious new cookie for the 2023 season!

Raspberry Rally cookies are thin, crispy cookies infused with raspberry flavor, dipped in a chocolaty coating. They are exclusively available on Digital Cookie as a shipped option while supplies last, available starting February 27, 2023. See the Raspberry Rally FAQs for more information.

The theme for this year’s Girl Scout Cookie season is Go Bright Ahead!

This theme is all about looking forward to embarking on 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 Coral the Dolphin 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.

Digital Cookie is a fun and easy way for Girl Scouts to boost their cookie entrepreneur experience. They send emails to customers via the secure M2 platform and customers order cookies for shipment, girl delivery, or donation. Parents and Girl Scouts are also encouraged to use Digital Cookie’s “Take a Payment” function to accept credit card payments. Parents should look out for a login email from TProffitt@girlscoutsla.org from Digital Cookie in mid-January; Girl Scouts must be registered for the 2022–23 membership year by Dec. 16, 2022, to receive the login email in mid-January. Girl Scouts registered after Dec. 16 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 17, 2023, Digital Cookie will open for customers ordering for girldelivery and Cookies for the Community donation. Then, beginning February 27, 2023, customers can purchase cookies to receive via direct shipment.

“I have learned to be brave

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when I talk, but I don't let that hold me back. If I let that stop me, I never would have reached my Cookie Goal!”

—Kayleah S.

Cookie facts:

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Girl Scout Cookie Program

Important Dates

January 29 GSGLA Cookie Program officially begins. Digital Cookie girldelivered and in-person orders may now be delivered.

February 10 Cookie boothing begins.

February 27 Digital Cookie shipped order taking begins (including Raspberry Rally).

March 3-5 National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend. March 12 GSGLA Cookie Program ends. (No sales allowed after this date.)

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 105 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 11 for details.

What Girls Learn + Why It Matters

Participating in the cookie program is a great way for Girl Scouts to have fun while working towards 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: Good listeners, finding their voice, relationship building, team player, courage.

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.

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

MONEY MANAGEMENT

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

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

Girl Scouts enhance their 5 Skills by earning cool cookie badges and the annual Cookie Entrepreneur Family Pin.

“I use the 5 skills a lot – especially Goal Setting. Every year, I set a higher personal goal for myself, and if I reach that goal during Cookie Season, then I set an even higher goal.”

The Girl Scout Leadership Experience

Our Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE) is a one-of-a-kind leadership development program for girls with proven results. It’s based on timetested methods and research-backed programming that emboldens girls to take the lead—both in their own lives and in the world.

The inclusive, all-girl environment of a Girl Scout troop creates a safe space where girls can try new things, develop a range of skills, take on leadership roles, and just be themselves!

*Source: Girl Scouts Research Institute

Girl Scouts helps girls thrive in five key ways to build girls with courage, confidence, and character and make the world a better place. *

Where Does the Cookie Money Go?

There’s more to the cookie program than earning rewards and proceeds! It’s about what we at Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles can do because of your dedication to helping Girl Scouts meet their goals and learn valuable life skills. As a non-profit organization, the cookie program allows us to continue to serve girls throughout Greater Los Angeles. This is how…

How a Package of Cookies Supports Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles

Nearly half of net proceeds go toward the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. This past year we brought more than 110 programs to Girl Scouts throughout Greater Los Angeles! Programs featured content in our four pillars: leadership, outdoors, STEAM and life skills.

Another 25% of net proceeds is used to support Girl Scouts and volunteers with training and resources, as well as financial assistance for girls living in underserved areas. This year alone, we were able to provide more than $400,000 in financial assistance to our troops and Girl Scouts. From membership to camperships, we are committed to giving Girl Scouts experiences that they otherwise wouldn’t have – and cookie program proceeds help make that possible.

The remaining proceeds, about 25%, provide the rewards Girl Scouts can earn in this program, and funds that go to troops for activities like travel, camp, and community service projects.

“Being in Girl Scouts has been an AMAZING experience. This is my 9th year and I have been able to do so many things and have experiences that I may not have had the chance to do.”

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. 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.

• 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.

Coming Up With A Troop Inventory

Girl and troop goal setting is key to determining what inventory is needed to start the cookie program. Everyone has fun brainstorming and setting goals!

• 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.

• All members of the troop should support the collective goal.

• The TCC submits the SIO based on the Girl Scouts’ and Troop’s goal.

• Parents/caregivers and the troop are financially responsible for all cookies ordered and received.

• 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 29). Additional cookies may be ordered through the TCC.

• Keep your TCC informed about whether you need additional cookies or have excess cookies. Families can pick up additional inventory as needed throughout the program.

• 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 12, 2023) and must be paid by the final due date set by the TCC.

Key Players

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

Family and friends who encourage and assist you.

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. 27-29. When picking up your cookies:

• Count each package, 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

• 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 can pitch in to help with unsold cookies! Working together as a troop to make sure each box is sold underscores teamwork and achieving goals—both important parts of the cookie program.

Let the Selling Begin!

The cookie selling window is January 17–March 12, 2023.

Girl Scouts can (and should!) announce the day cookie sales start in advance but may not take any orders prior to January 17.

⬥

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 Jan. 17.

How to Handle Cookie Money—Tips for Parents

When Selling Cookies to Customers

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⬥

If, before Jan. 17, a potential customer makes comments like, “Put me down for…,” an appropriate response would be “Thank you for your pledge! We will be sure to contact you at the start of the program to take your order.”

Credit cards, Digital Cookie’s “Take a Payment” feature, and GSLGA’s Cheddar Up POS platform 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.

Selling Cookies—Tips for Girl Scouts

1. Ask friends and family to buy or donate Girl Scout Cookies.

2. Review last year’s order cards and your Digital Cookie customer list to contact your reliable customers.

3. Sell online through Digital Cookie and send marketing emails to customers throughout the program.

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.

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 16 and 17 for more digital 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.

⇨ Do not accept out-of-state checks. ⬥ While we discourage cash handling, 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.

⇨ 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/caregivers 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, (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.

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Parents/caregivers are financially responsible for any cookies received.

“Remember to speak clearly and make eye contact with your customers!”

—Harper W.

How the Cookie Program Funded Girl Scouting Activities: Advice from Local Girl Scouts

Kayleah S.

My troop has been able to go on amazing adventures all because of cookies! We have been to San Francisco, New York, Camporee, and countless amazing workshops all because of funds raised through the Cookie Program.

My troop just bridged to seniors by going to NYC for a week to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. Our next big goal is to start saving to bridge across the London Bridge in England! We are also starting to research earning our Gold Award.

Advice: Don’t get upset when someone tells you no. Keep asking everyone and stay positive! Also, set a short-term booth goal. For each booth, I set a goal to make standing in front of a store a lot more fun. Then, for long-term goals, make a tally check-off list so you can see your progress as you go!

Laila T.

Every year, my troop uses our proceeds for something fun, and something for the community. In past years, my troop has used cookie proceeds to create “no sew fleece” animal beds for our local animal shelter, hand-sewed curtains to help insulate the infant care unit at the California Wildlife Center, and donated funds to The Gentle Barn and Annenberg PetSpace.

One of my favorite fun things we did with our cookie proceeds was to Bridge from Junior to Cadette over the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. We’ve also used our troop cookie proceeds to travel to Camp Emerald Bay off Catalina, and to watch the Broadway play, Wicked.

Advice: Let your customers know about your personal goal by making booth signs. Customers really like to see your goal, and they will do what they can to help you achieve it. Remind customers that if they do not want to purchase cookies, they can donate them to Cookies for the Community. Also, don’t forget to just have fun!

Harper W.

We have been able to fund our troop activities and service projects through the Cookie Program. Last year, my troop wanted to achieve the Lakota Camping Reward and we did it! We had such a fun time and I loved ziplining and spending time with my friends.

Advice: Set weekly goals for cookie sales, so you can reach your long-term goal. If you reach your longterm goal before you are done selling, you can make more short-term goals, depending on how much time you have.

Olivia H.

My troop has been camping, practiced baking, and done a lot of other activities with funds earned from the Cookie Program, but my favorite was having a beach bonfire! We also used our cookie proceeds to help with our Bronze Award.

Last year, my troop worked together to attend the S’mores Weekend Camp! Cookie proceeds can be used for fun camps and earning the S’mores Weekend, which was really exciting and fun.

Advice: I have learned a lot of tips and ways to pick up business from the Cookie Program. Sometimes you just need to be patient. Some people will say no to you, and you may get frustrated, but don’t give up! You will get a yes and persevere!

Quinn W.

With our Cookie Program funds, we have gone camping, to Chill @ The Queen Mary, Legoland, Disney on Ice, a Dodgers game, and many more fun places. Next summer, we are traveling to London and Paris. Selling cookies to earn program credit for camp is a very good idea because camp is so fun! It's also a great option for older Girl Scouts who may not be interested in the standard prizes.

Advice: I recommend saying please and thank you and looking adorable—bring out the charm! I also recommend making a video or a sign thanking people for buying cookies. If it’s your first year selling cookies, I recommend setting a goal of 500 boxes to go to Hurricane Harbor. If you finish that goal, you can always raise the goal and keep selling.

Saela J.

My troop and I saved up our cookie funds for 2 years to go to Paris and London. It was the trip of a lifetime, and it was amazing getting to experience new things with my Girl Scout sisters. With our cookie proceeds, we also get to do many activities such as camping, Christmas parties, and providing for the community. During the month of October, we always select 5 ladies battling cancer and we use our cookie money to make LOVE Baskets filled with inspirational items to make their day. It is such a good feeling to support our community.

Advice: Selling Girl Scout cookies is a whole experience. It can be easy when you know all the tips and tricks and have great energy. Every girl should make sure to have a smile on their face when they are talking to customers. After you have done all the work, you get to enjoy all the rewards. Happy selling, Girl Scouts!

Sophie P.

Our troop goes to Disneyland every year with our cookie proceeds. Every summer, our whole troop goes camping, usually at Girl Scout camps. We also like to use the money we earn during the Cookie Program for community service projects, like when we were Juniors, we used the cookie money we raised for our Bronze Award, which was sewing masks and making hygiene kits for the unhoused. Girl Scouts really shaped me into the person I am today. It has helped me, not only in Girl Scouts, but for other things like just holding a conversation with grown-ups, or having the confidence to ask a teacher for something.

Advice: Don’t worry about rejection and keep yourself motivated. One way to stay motivated is to keep your eye on your goal. Pace yourself when you are selling. The first time I set my goal to sell cookies, I thought it was impossible, but I broke my goal steps into pieces to it didn't seem so big. Since I kept myself motivated and never gave up, I reached my goal.

Willow A.

Our troop voted to use our Cookie Program earnings on a horseback riding excursion. We all love horses and were able to spend the day at the stables, having a picnic and horseback riding together. Even though I love the rewards we receive from the Cookie Program, the greatest gift I received from the Girl Scout Cookie experience was becoming more confident and outgoing. I set a personal goal to get out of my comfort zone, and I am so proud that I was able to meet that goal.

Advice: Make the most of your time selling cookies, because it only comes once a year! It's fun to be more outgoing and bolder than you are in your everyday life--it will make you into a more confident person.

If you opt to receive program credit as your cookie reward, you can use those to pay for any GSGLA–run summer program! We have five amazing camp locations from the mountains to the sea—offering overnight, day and troop camps. Contact registration@girlscoutsla.org to learn how.

Marketing Ideas

Digital Cookie

Digital Cookie is a fun, safe, and interactive website that assists Girl Scouts in tracking cookie sales and learning the essential 5 Skills. It is a passwordprotected, private area for Girl Scouts only. Our new Digital Cookie platform offers cookies for shipment, donation, and girl delivery. Customer payment is taken when the Digital Cookie order is placed.

Digital Cookie allows Girl Scouts to:

• Send secure emails to customers, encouraging them to place orders online.

• 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.

• Reach their goals from their home or mobile device.

• Put their 5 Skills to use and enhance the tech-savvy elements.

• Set troop and individual goals.

• 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 inviting them to log in and set up the girl's site. Girls will launch their storefronts beginning January 17 for customers ordering for girl delivery and customer donation. Digital Cookie for shipment will be available on February 27 through the end of the cookie program (March 12).

Guidelines

For Online Marketing

GIRL SCOUTS MAY NOT:

GIRL SCOUTS MAY:

Post their Digital Cookie link on approved social media sites, i.e., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, NextDoor (in their immediate neighborhoods only), etc., provided they are ages 13 and over.

Post where their troop is boothing. Post a video and include their Digital Cookie link.

Ask customers to share their Digital Cookie link with friends and family.

Post their Digital Cookie link on resale sites, i.e., Craigslist, eBay, Amazon, Facebook Marketplace, etc.

Post location details about where an individual Girl Scout is boothing at 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.

Purchase paid advertising.

Share Digital Cookie links on or with media (broadcast, print, digital, etc.).

Proper marketing practices are essential to the success of your cookie business! Here are some tried-and-true techniques:

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 post their Digital Cookie link on their parents’/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.

More Marketing Ideas

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. Doorhangers are also available on our website, girlscoutsla.org/cookies.

• 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.

• Create your own cookie contest to leverage word of mouth marketing.

• Have customers pick up their orders during designated cookie booth business hours.

Digital Marketing

• Use the GSGLA cookies social media toolkit –including graphics, frames, posters, available at girlscoutsla.org/cookies

NEW THIS YEAR

Join the GSGLA marketing and cookie teams for cookie marketing office hours, 6:00-7:00 pm on January 12 and February 8! We’ll be discussing marketing ideas for Girl Scouts of all ages – both digital/social and traditional marketing. Get suggestions from our pro staff members and exchange creative ideas with your sister Girl Scouts from throughout Greater Los Angeles! Register on gsEvents.

12 FEBRUARY 8

• 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!”

• Shoot fun videos, including live videos, to introduce customers to cookies on your socials.

• Make your own hashtag for promotion on socials, like #GirlScout[YOURNAME]

• Play Cookie Bingo with your supporters on approved social media. Create your own bingo sheet using Canva and fill it with cookie milestones (buy 5 boxes of cookies, donate a box of cookies to Cookies for the Community, buy one of each available cookie flavor,

purchase the new Raspberry Rally, etc). Every time a customer makes a purchase that aligns with one of the items on your bingo card, mark that item off. See how long it takes for you to get a bingo! For some extra fun, share this card on social media as you mark off more and more items to show your supporters your progress as you go along on your Cookie Journey!

• 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.

• 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 Instagram story.

JANUARY

Ways To Sell Cookies

WHO CAN 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. They may not sell door-to-door in commercial or retail areas, including parking lots. Keep in mind, Girl Scouts should:

• Be familiar with the neighborhood.

• Always have an adult with them.

• Bring door hangers or business cards personalized with a Digital Cookie link to leave as a calling card.

• 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.

• Never be out after dark.

• Not go into a yard if there is a dog or a closed gate/fence.

• Never enter a customer’s home or accept food or beverages.

Also important:

• No pets are allowed while selling cookies.

• If a customer stops a girl while walking around her neighborhood or in the park, she can sell her/him cookies; however, the girl is not permitted to stay in that spot and continue to sell. She must continue to the next door.

Cookie Stands

Cookie stands are what we call lemonade-style cookie booths set up on the property where the Girl Scout or someone she knows resides (as their city, homeowner's association, and/or property management permits). Some guidelines:

• Girl Scouts must have an adult present at the cookie stand at all times—Girl Scouts, cookies, and money should never be left unattended.

• Cookie stands are not to be set up on the street, sidewalk, street corner, medians, or outside of fencing or walls.

• Girl Scouts who reside in an apartment, gated community, or similar housing must obtain management approval prior to setting up—setup must be in a common area inside the complex (not on the street or sidewalk).

• Any signage must follow city, property management, and/or homeowner association signage rules. Signage cannot include a girl’s name, address, email address, or phone number.

• Keep cookies protected from the elements (i.e., heat, rain, etc.).

Workplaces/Businesses

Nothing brightens a workday like a colleague with a Girl Scout connection! Workplaces and businesses are great places to sell cookies to employees. When taking orders or selling cookies at a parent’s/caregiver’s or other workplace or business:

• 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.

• Girl Scouts can make a sales pitch to staff or leave an order card in a location visible to employees.

• Girl Scouts can only sell to the employees of the business (not clients, customers, or patrons).

• Parents/caregivers may take cookies to sell at their workplace (to employees only), and must include a message from the Girl Scout.

• Displays cannot be visible to the workplace’s clients/customers/patrons. This includes all retail establishments.

• Cookies may not be displayed on shelves or counters at business locations and cannot be sold by businesses. Cookies must always be sold by the Girl Scout. Businesses are not allowed to sell Girl Scout Cookies to their customers.

• Girl Scouts are not to set up booths at businesses or sell to customers without special booth approval; ask the TCC.

Cookie Booths

Cookie booths are a way for Girl Scouts to sell cookies to the general public. Booths may be a table set up in front of a GSGLA approved business, or it might be a drivethrough in a parking lot. Drive-throughs also need to be approved by GSGLA or SUCPC. Boothing encourages teamwork and learning. Girl Scouts practice their communication skills in a visible, public setting, and have lots of fun with their friends.

Boothing is a privilege! As guests in front of any business, Girl Scouts and adults are representing their troop and the Girl Scouts movement in general and must be on their best behavior and adhere to all guidelines provided.

• The boothing window is limited to Feb. 10–Mar. 12.

• Locations are pre-authorized by GSGLA; consult the TCC for availability or to seek required approval for locations outside of what is offered.

• Booths must be scheduled by the TCC on behalf of the Girl Scouts.

• Girl Scouts and adults must be present at each cookie booth. A troop cannot booth without adult help.

• At least two Girl Scouts per door are required to be present at all times. All approved doors at a location must be covered.

• Do not block entrances; approach customers only as they are leaving the business.

• Two adults are required per door; one must be a registered Girl Scout member and at least one must be female. *

• Only registered Girl Scouts can booth; siblings, friends, and pets are not allowed.

• Priority is given to troop boothing over individual Girl Scouts boothing.

• Follow all rules the business requests, and unless authorized by the business, do not affix anything to the property where the booth is held.

• Make sure the cookie inventory is always in sight, do not leave cash visible, 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 Feb. 24 - Mar. 12; 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.

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.

We suggest Girl Scouts contact customers to arrange a convenient, doorstep delivery. Place cookies on the customer’s doorstep and send a text to let them know the cookies are there. Then wait until the customer picks up the cookies and leaves payment, if necessary. Observe safety guidelines at all points of contact along the way— from cookie pick-up within the troop to delivering cookies to customers.

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’s and troop’s goals.

• Include a doorhanger (available to print from Digital Cookie and the GSGLA cookie website, girlscoutsla. org/cookies) with your Digital Cookie link to encourage repeat business.

Additional Selling Information

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.

• Family and Friends: Girls may sell to family, family’s close neighbors, and close friends outside of GSGLA's borders.

• Workplace: Girls may sell to their parents’/guardians’ workplace friends and colleagues – but not their customers - who work outside GSGLA. Selling to friends' and extended family’s workplaces outside 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.

Staying Safe While Selling

Girls should follow these important safety tips to keep safe while selling cookies:

• Wear the membership pin and Girl Scout uniform/ clothing to identify you as a Girl Scout.

• Follow all health and safety guidelines.

• Always use the buddy system.

• Be familiar with the neighborhoods where you will be selling, and be mindful of your surroundings.

• Partner with adults.

• Never enter a customer’s home.

• Never approach customers in cars.

• Follow safe pedestrian practices when crossing streets. Be aware of traffic when loading/unloading vehicles.

• Have a plan for safeguarding money (avoid carrying large amounts; have a supervising adult deposit proceeds immediately).

• Sell only during daylight hours.

• Never provide a girl’s last name, address/phone number, or email address.

• Be web-wise. Take the GSUSA Internet Safety Pledge at girlscouts.org before going online.

Health and Safety Protocols

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles (GSGLA) modified the Girl Scout Cookie Program to create the strongest and safest experience possible for all. We devised new and innovative ways to meet our Girl Scouts exactly where they were as they navigated evolving health and safety guidelines. We were, as always, committed to providing our Girl Scouts the opportunity to participate in this key component of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE), which teaches critical financial literacy, collaboration, entrepreneurial and life skills, and is backed by evidence-based research.

As we resume our beloved cookie program post-pandemic, we remain steadfast in prioritizing the health and safety of Girl Scouts, families, volunteers, and staff above all else.

Girl Scouts may continue to use the traditional channels (in-person and booth sales) that they know and love to market and sell cookies. They are also encouraged to utilize contactless sales, pick-up, and payment options as part of their business model.

GSGLA continues to move in concert with federal, state, and local health and safety guidance as we plan and implement the cookie program – and all our other programming –for 2023. We have planned for the best and are prepared to pivot as needed, keeping participants well informed along the way.

“GSGLA taught me a lot about cookie selling. For example, how to greet customers in a friendly manner, and how to get more supporters by calling and making videos.”

—Olivia H.

Ways To Support Your Cookiepreneur

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:

• 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.

• Help your Girl Scout set up their 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.

• Ask your troop leader how you can help the whole troop reach its goals. Your Girl Scout will learn to be a helper and take action by watching you.

• Help your Girl Scout make arrangements to connect with people in her network.

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.

Entrepreneurship Badges + Pins

Entrepreneurship 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. Cookie Business badges! These help girls think like entrepreneurs as they run their own cookie businesses and incorporate online sales via Digital Cookie (see page 16). 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.

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.

Cookie Business Financial Literacy

Cookie Entrepreneur Family Entrepreneur

Daisy Brownie

Junior Cadette Senior Ambassador

Cookies For The Community

GIRLS LEARN SKILLS

Girl Scouts learn key business skills, such as goal setting, decision-making, money management, people skills, and business ethics

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.

HEART-WARMING EFFECT

You feel the heart-warming effects of donating to the community.

A TASTE OF JOY

The gift of Girl Scout Cookies brightens the days of our charity partner beneficiaries.

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.

• 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.

*All monies received as donations are considered a C4C donation. For example, if someone says, “Keep the change,” this money (the change) goes toward C4C. C4C donations are tax-deductible; receipts can be provided to customers upon request. C4C receipts are available for download at girlscoutsla.org.

Last year, GSGLA donated 190,000+ packages of cookies to our nonprofit community partners!

Every girl who sells 12 or more packages of cookies towards C4C earns a cookie program C4C charm plus the opportunity to earn more rewards at various levels (see page 23 for details). C4C top sellers will be invited to an event where they will see C4C in action. The 2023 event details are TBD.

PRINCIPAL 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.

How Cookies Help Show Gratitude

For 82 years, the USO has provided support to active duty service members, active Reservists, and their dependents by keeping them connected to family, home and country throughout their service to the nation. The USO offers various complimentary services to military members. It is a private, nonprofit organization, which depends on donations from private citizens, corporations, and community organizations like GSGLA to be able to complete its mission.

At USO centers around the world, Girl Scout cookies are a cherished gift. The service members truly look forward to receiving the cookies every spring. The cookies guarantee a smile and evoke the feeling of home and a supportive community.

While serving in the US Navy, I received an Operation Gratitude care package during my 2010 West Pacific Deployment serving on the USS Peleliu as an Air Traffic Controller. It was such a heartwarming surprise to get Girl Scout Cookies and necessities from back home, items that I was missing so dearly. Who knew a fresh pack of socks, Thin Mints and a cute handwritten letter from a total stranger back home could bring tears to your eyes? I still have my letter and I cherish the selfless effort that person took to create the care package. In our darkest hours serving our country, these boxes of cookies shine a light so bright, letting us know we'll make it back home to our loved ones. Thank you!

— Paquita Hughes US Navy & US Army 2001-2011 (Co-Leader/Troop Mom/Silver Award Recipient)

5 Easy Steps to Go Bright Ahead with the

Digital Cookie™ Platform!

This cookie season, superpower your sales by expanding your efforts from the booth to the web. Why? Because adding online and mobile channels to your sales can help you reach more cookie fans than you ever imagined. That’s right! With the Digital Cookie™ platform you can market everyone’s favorite cookies-with-apurpose to customers down the block or across the country from the comfort of your couch. AWESOME.

Here are 5 easy steps to jump into the fun, and slay those cookie sale goals like a true cookie boss!

Important Note: The Digital Cookie delivery option to ship cookies to customers will not open until February 27 (for all varieties, including the new Raspberry Rally cookie). GSGLA is working with M2 to ensure there is clear messaging for our customers. A customer reminder email will be sent close to February 27.

The Girl Scouts name and mark, and all associated trademarks, including but not limited to Girl Scout Cookies, Girl Scout Cookie Program, Thin Mints, Trefoils, Digital Cookie and the Trefoil design and mark are owned by Girl Scouts of the USA. All rights reserved.

Keeping track of your goals is easy! Start by writing in your total Girl Scout Cookie™ package goal above the space that says 100%, and be sure to include your smaller goals along the way. (Ask a grown-up to help if you need it.) Celebrate by coloring the water as you move bright ahead.

Keeping track of your goals is easy! Start by writing in your total Girl Scout Cookie™ package goal above 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 the water as you move bright ahead.

Volunteer for a Cookie Cupboard

Feb. 1–March 16, we have opportunities in Arcadia, Canoga Park, Covina, Inglewood, Downey, Glendale, Long Beach, Santa Clarita, Redondo Beach, and Upland. (Volunteers must be able to lift at least 10 lbs.)

Have fun, get exercise, and make friends while safely helping to pull orders for troops. Volunteers include parents, spouses, friends, aunts, uncles, and anyone over the age of 18 who would like to support Girl Scouts. Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors may help at cookie cupboards with adult supervision.

The more volunteers, the shorter the wait in line for leaders/troop chairs and a more successful experience for everyone. Anyone who volunteers for at least four hours gets a special cookie

Sign up at GSGLA.ivolunteer.com

—Willow A.

COOKIE PROGRAM

Requirements, Roles + Responsibilities

For Girls:

• You must be a currently registered Girl Scout.

• You may take Digital Cookie or paper orders beginning Tuesday, Jan. 17. Digital Cookie (DC) opens Feb. 27 for shipped orders.

• Ensure cookie orders are delivered on or after Go Day, Sunday, Jan. 29.

• Set individual goals and help the troop set and achieve overall troop goals.

• Participate in troop meetings and cookie program discussions.

• Know your product; learn about the cookies.

• Be easily identifiable as a Girl Scout. Wear your uniform or other Girl Scout attire, and your membership pin.

• Tell customers how your troop will use cookie proceeds.

• Encourage customers to support the Cookies for the Community (C4C) donation program.

For Troop Cookie Chairs/ Troop Leaders:

• Train the girls and parents and distribute all needed materials, providing ongoing support throughout the sale.

• Do not set quotas for individual girls.

• Allow time for cookies to be sold before requiring payment from parents/guardians and set up periodic collection dates.

• Collect and deposit all funds due from the girls/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 is or will be doing additional money-earning events, ensure the troop adheres to the participation definition as outlined on p. 113 of Volunteer Essentials, accessible at girscoutsla.org

• Provide receipts to parents/caregivers for all cookies received/returned and money collected.

For Parents and Caregivers:

• 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 no cookie orders are taken prior to Tuesday, Jan. 17.

• Ensure no cookie orders are delivered prior to Go Day, Sunday, Jan. 29.

• 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.

• Participate in booth sales as permitted by health and safety guidelines and assist the troop cookie chair (TCC) and troop leader.

• Keep your TCC updated on your Girl Scout’s inventory—request more cookies when you sell out.

• Be responsible for payment of all cookies received and safeguarding all monies collected from customers.

• Participate in the receipting for all cookies received and for all money submitted to troop. Retain all receipts.

• Follow all troop guidelines and timeframes for turning in money and cookie exchanges and returns.

• Follow all rules and guidelines for selling as defined by GSGLA and understand consequences for noncompliance.

• Follow all health and safety guidelines provided by GSGLA, in accordance with the CDC and local and state government.

COOKIE CODE OF CONDUCT

(This document is available at girlscoutsla.org/cookies. Please sign and submit to your Troop Cookie Chair. Parents/caregivers are responsible for adhering to all of the information outlined in this document) Girls and adults must adhere to information contained in this family guide and all GSUSA and GSGLA rules and regulations when selling Girl Scout Cookies. These rules are in place so that girls can run a successful, fair, fun, and safe cookie business. Consult your TCC with any questions.

For Parents and Caregivers:

• I have thoroughly read and understood everything in the Quick Start Guide and Cookie Family Guide (received through the mail and digitally in January).

• I understand that there will be consequences for any and all disregard of the rules as clearly outlined in the Quick Start Guide, Cookie Family Guide, and any other GSUSA or GSGLA published documents.

• I have attended a cookie training and understood everything communicated, whether verbally, via PowerPoint presentation, or by the handouts distributed.

• I will adhere to the principles of the Girl Scout Promise and Law and follow the GSGLA guidelines.

• I will follow the rules to help make sure program activities are safe, fun, and successful.

• I will follow any and all CDC, state, local, GSGLA and GSUSA guidelines regarding COVID-19 safety.

• I will make sure my Girl Scout does not sell cookies in any way prior to the start date of Tuesday, January 17, 2023.

• I will be respectful of the Girl Scout leaders, TCC, or the adult in charge.

• I understand I am responsible for all money collected on behalf of the troop and misuse of council and/or troop funds will not be tolerated.

• I understand I am financially responsible for all product received and all cookies must be paid by the March 2023 deadline set by my TCC.

• 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’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’s business to operate.

• I will follow all GSGLA rules and guidelines when at a booth, as well as rules established by a business where boothing.

• I will communicate all of the rules and expectations to any adult assisting my Girl Scout with her cookie business (i.e. spouse, grandparent, baby-sitter).

• I will communicate with the troop cookie volunteers in a timely and respectful fashion, including replying to emails, texts, and phone calls.

• I will arrive on time to any scheduled event (i.e. booth shifts).

• I understand I can only drop off money or pick up/ drop off cookies during scheduled times.

For Girls:

Consequences

• I will follow any and all CDC, state, local, GSGLA, and GSUSA guidelines regarding health and safety.

• I will adhere to the principles of the Girl Scout Promise and Law and follow all GSGLA guidelines.

• I will follow the rules to help make sure program activities are safe, fun, and successful.

• I will not sell cookies in any way prior to Tuesday, January 17.

• I will wear appropriate Girl Scout attire and dress neatly and appropriately for the weather.

• I will treat other people, myself, property, and equipment with respect.

• I will remove all trash from boothing sites and take it with me when I leave.

• I will listen carefully to all instructions and appropriately respond to all directions given by Girl Scout leaders, troop cookie chairs, or the adult in charge.

• I will not run or demonstrate any physical activity that could place me in harm. I will not participate in any roughhousing, loud voices, or inappropriate language.

• I will never give out my last name, address, email address, or phone number to customers. Instead, I will refer the customer to the adult volunteer.

If Girl Scouts, parents/caregivers, or troops are not selling in accordance with established rules and regulations, girls and/or troops can be penalized by having one or more of the following consequences applied*:

• Removal of the highest reward level earned

• Reduction in troop proceeds or opt-out proceeds

• Reduction in packages sold for girl and/or troop

• Forfeiture of Girl Scout and/or troop proceeds/ rewards

• No future boothing

Examples of rule violations include:

• Taking any orders prior to Jan. 17 or delivering product before Jan. 29

• Selling cookies for the incorrect price or expired cookies

• Selling cookies outside of authorized areas

• Selling Raspberry Rally cookies in person

• Selling or delivering cookies alone

• Parent/guardian selling cookies without a Girl Scout present (other than to the employees only at the parent/guardian's workplace, which would include a message from the Girl Scout)

• Inappropriate Girl Scout or adult behavior

• Failure to pay for cookies and submit money as stated by GSGLA and/or the TCC

• Not following GSGLA, CDC, state, and local health and safety guidelines regarding public health

• Conducting a booth without submitting and receiving a special request approval

• Failing to respect booth location guidelines

• Boothing with the incorrect Girl Scout/adult ratio

* 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 Girl Scout ________________________________________, a member of Troop __________ , has my permission to participate in the 2022 Fall Product Program and 2023 Cookie Program. I will see that she honors any and all rules and procedures as set by Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles (GSGLA) and that she has adult supervision and guidance. My signature below indicates agreement with all 15 items listed below.

1. My daughter must be officially registered with Girl Scouts of the USA in order to participate.

2. I accept personal financial responsibility for all product received and/or in my possession and all monies collected as payment from customers.

3. I understand that the 2022 Fall Product Program and 2023 Cookie Program proceeds are Troop & Council property and that “the income from product sales does not become the property of individual girl members.” (Volunteer Essentials, Chapter 5)

4. I will adhere to the principles set forth in the Girl Scout Promise and Law and act in accordance with the Girl Scout Mission.

5. I will "[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 will treat others as I would want to be treated; I will not use the internet to harass, attack, or abuse any individual, group, race, gender, religion, political group, etc. Further, I understand “profane 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)

6. I agree that all money collected must be given to my Girl Scout’s Troop by the Troop and Council-set deadlines or any earned recognition items/events will be withheld until GSGLA receives the outstanding balance. Money provided to the troop MUST be in the form it was received from the customer buying the product.

7. If my account is delinquent and not brought current prior to the expiration of ticketed or time-sensitive recognition items, GSGLA will not be obligated to reissue, replace, substitute, or refund the value of said recognitions.

8. GSGLA reserves the right to seek the services of a collection agency and/or pursue legal action for delinquent accounts.

9. GSGLA reserves the right to substitute recognition items of equal or greater value with or without notice and that recognition items in the form of tickets are valid only on the date printed on the tickets. The recognition items are non-transferable and not redeemable for cash; GSGLA will not be responsible for lost, stolen or damaged tickets, cards or items.

10. I understand that all rules and regulations must be adhered to by my Girl Scout and her family members and that there are consequences for not doing so. Any Girl Scout found to be selling before the official start dates, or through prohibited methods, will not receive recognition items or credit for those orders.

11. Unsold product cannot be returned to council offices or any council cupboard. Exchanges of product to council/cupboards are permitted only during the designated days and locations, and are done by or with the knowledge of the troop’s product program chair or troop leader.

12. Adults serve in a supporting role for girls and should not assume sole responsibility for sales.

13. Girls or their families may not engage in selling on the Internet. Girls can use e-mail as a marketing tool to let family, friends and former customers know about the programs (Volunteer Essentials, Chapter 5) and can use the online tools provided by and through the council and the product vendors.

14. Digital Cookie/M2OS are the approved ways a Girl Scout can extend her cookie or fall sales to friends and family across the nation by sending to them her unique Digital Cookie/M2OS URL, all while learning the ins and outs of online selling, e-commerce management, and digital promotion. While the Girl Scout makes sales and oversees all aspects of the transaction, she does so with adult supervision. I will supervise my girl’s use.

15. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious virus that spreads easily through person-to-person contact. As with any social activity, participation in Girl Scouts could present the risk of contracting COVID-19. While GSGLA takes every safety and preventative precaution, GSGLA can in no way warrant that COVID-19 infection will not occur through participation in GSGLA programs.

Parent Guardian Name Email Address (print)

Home Address (Street, City, Zip)

Home Phone Cell Phone

Contests + Cookie Crunch Time!

GSGLA Stores’ Cookie Crunch Time Days Are Back!

Be prepared for the 2023 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

Watch for specific details and dates regarding our GSGLA store events.

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: Bling Your Booth/Ride, My Cookie Moment, Hidden Coral and Her Cookie, and Booth Sleuth

“When I was little, I wanted to be a Girl Scout and sell cookies. I feel like it was my destiny to be a Girl Scout.”

—Quinn W.

Win prizes or a chance to be featured on GSGLA social media! Visit the Cookies+ page at girlscoutsla.org for details.

It’s