MyCookies, Inc. by Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland

MyCookies, Inc.

A guide to managing your 2025 Girl Scout Cookie Business

Girl Scout Name

Troop #

QUESTIONS? Check kansasgirlscouts.org or contact your Troop Cookie Manager or Juliette Specialist!

Name

Phone

Key Dates

December 15

Pre-orders and Digital Order Taking Begins

January 18

Initial Orders Due to Troop Product Manager

February 5 - February 13

Troops Distribute Cookies to Girls

February 14

Pop-Up Stands & Cookie Booths Begin (see pg. 22)

March 23

Cookie Program Ends

May 3

Elite Entrepreneur Experience - Day

May

Girl/Volunteer Recognitions Arrive

Lennox

Troop 70103 SU86

When I think about how Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, I imagine how you embrace possibility as you learn, achieve new things, and build those same important traits with Girl Scouting.

I am excited to see photos and hear stories of Girl Scout opportunities you embrace during the year such as participating in the Cookie Program, attending camp, travel opportunities, higher awards achievement, and meeting new Girl Scout friends.

Thank you for being a part of this year’s cookie program. It will be filled with possibility as you hone skills in goal setting, money management, people skills, decision-making, and business ethics. Your dedication shines as customers see you in action as the CEO of your cookie business, and is remembered when customers enjoy the cookies.

It is exciting to have the Giant Panda as our mascot, since they have returned to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington D.C. with public debut on January 24, 2025. Here’s a little info about the two pandas:

Bao Li 宝力 (pronounced BOW-lee)

Male, Born August 4, 2021

In Mandarin Chinese, "Bao Li" means an active and vital power. Qing Bao 青宝 (pronounced ching-BOW)

Female, Born September 12, 2021

Her name means 'green' and 'treasure' in Mandarin Chinese. How awesome would it be to meet these pandas? Here are a couple opportunities to make that happen through the use of Program Credits:

⏵ Girl Scouts from across the country will gather in Washington D.C. for our national convention in July 2026. If you or your troop is planning to attend the convention, there is a possibility that you could meet Boa and Qing by planning a visit to the zoo in your itinerary.

⏵ If you will be age 14 or older by November 1, 2025, and have an interest in Girl Scout Governance, the National Council Delegate applications are now available on kansasgirlscouts.org for the National Council Session in conjunction with the national convention.

It is time to Embrace Possibility!

Rolinda Sample Chief Executive Officer Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland

2024 Winner

Troop 40246 SU87

Be Featured in MyCookies 2026!

▶ Troop with highest PGA in Kansas Heartland

▶ Based on the number of girls registered to your troop in myGS on February 14, 2025

Troop Leader: Ashley Isbell

"We started talking with our girls a few years ago about a senior year trip and that most of our proceeds would help out with that trip. We finally narrowed it down to our final senior trip destination of going to London, Paris, and Barcelona in 2026. Once we got that figured out, we set up our plan to make it as affordable as possible for the girls in the troop, and they have definitely done well so far!"

Back row: Jocelyn, April, Amber, Izzy, Morgan, Destani Front row: Olivia, Kai, Helene, Jesstine, Kyra

Meet your 2024 Service Unit Elite Entrepreneurs

On the Cover: Lennox

Lennox is starting her third year in Girl Scouts. She loves to go to camps and make new friends. She likes to earn badges on her own and with her troop. Selling cookies has helped her and her troop be able to earn badges, go on trips, and go to camps for free or at a lower cost for each girl in her troop. Cookie season has helped her come out of her shell and even helped in other activities she is in, especially interview skills! She has learned so many valuable skills from learning to talk to people, count change back, set goals, customer service, and so much more. She likes being a Girl Scout because she likes learning new things and meeting new people.

Stormie Troop 10191 SU70

Gracie Troop 60012 SU71

Ashlyn Troop 60133 SU72

Addie Troop 10028 SU73

Shoni Troop 10028 SU73

Adalynn Troop 11203 SU74

Adaline Troop 60069 SU75

Jordyn Troop 11130 SU76

Ana Troop 50181 SU77

Ava Troop 20889 SU78

Sarah Troop 20906 SU79

Jozlynn Troop 30149 SU83

Ava Troop 40047 SU88

Liliana Troop 40995 SU92

Alexis Troop 41854 SU80

Lily Troop 41055 SU84

Zierra Troop 40938 SU89

Olivia Troop 20040 SU81

Aubree Troop 45321 SU85

Kylie Troop 40358 SU90

Juliette SU82

Troop 40372 SU87

Troop 41787 SU91

Emilia

Ahnalynne

Eva

Brownie

Cadette Junior Daisy Senior Ambassador

Ways to Participate in the Girl Scout Co okie Program

Ready to help your Girl Scout get the most out of cookie season? No matter how they take part in the Girl Scout Cookie Program,® they’ll grow their people skills, learn to set goals, make smart decisions, and so much more. Talk w ith them about which options they’re excited to explore this year!

Text or Call Friends and Family

Is this your Girl Scout’s first

time running their ow n cookie business? Texting or calling friends and family is a great way to help them feel comfortable connecting w ith cookie customers. If your Girl Scout has a busy schedule, this

Is your Girl Scout ready to take their digital marketing skills to the next level? With the Digital Cookie platform, Girl Scouts can ship cookies directly to customers, accept orders for cookie donations, or schedule an in-person delivery. This way, your Girl Scout can reach their sales goals no matter what their schedule is like.

Pop-Up Stands

Door-to-Door Deliveries

Going door-to-door is a great way for your Girl Scout to perfect their sales pitch! Get out in your community and sell in your ow n neighborhood. Use door hangers and business cards for customers who aren’t home. They’ll also grow their people skills by meeting new neighbors (w ith the necessary adult superv ision, of course).

is a flexible option. or financial institutions, there

Would your Girl Scout feel more comfortable on their ow n turf ? Pop-up stands, similar to lemonade stands, are set up in front of a residence on private property, where they’ll market their cookies to customers in their neighborhood. They’re a great way to ease more introverted Girl Scouts into connecting w ith their communities. This can be fun for the whole family!

Cookie Booths are a great way to interact with new customers, develop teamwork, and have fun. Troops or groups of Girl Scouts work together to market their cookies at a preapproved location (like a grocery store, mall, bank, or even a drive-through booth in a parking lot) where they can practice their business skills with new customers.

Note: cookie booths must be coordinated by troop cookie managers; may only happen at council-approved locations; and must be legally open to, accessible, and safe for all girls and potential customers.

Connect With Your Community

The possibilities are endless! Girl Scouts team up w ith their parents/caregivers to sell cookies to their employees and coworkers, at places of worship, and at community groups. From preparing a corporate pitch to selling cookies in bulk to car dealerships, real estate agents, are so many ways to grow your cookie business.

Participating in the cookie program helps power Girl Scouts’ adventures throughout the year. It’s also a fun way to learn important skills for future careers and in life including goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills, and business ethics.

Cookie Booths

Digital Cookie®

Creating Cookie Success

Make this year’s Cookie Program a success and help your Girl Scout develop the Five Skills she’ll learn from selling cookies. Here’s how:

⚬ Go to the family cookie information meeting.

⚬ Sign and return all permission slips.

⚬ Provide transportation for order taking and delivery.

⚬ Help your Girl Scout network with family and friends, but let her do the “ask” so she can learn important business skills.

⚬ Help her arrange to take orders at your place of work, place of worship, or other places where people might purchase Girl Scout cookies.

⚬ Offer to be a supervising adult—there are lots of opportunities to lend a hand during cookie season.

⚬ Share your business expertise and help link the Girl Scout Cookie Program with the wider business world.

⚬ Never do things for your Girl Scout that she can do for herself!

Coach Your Girl Scout

⚬ Listen to her practice her sales pitch.

⚬ Review cookie materials together and visit Girl Scout Cookie and cookie company websites with her to help her learn more about her product.

⚬ Ask her questions—maybe even pretend to be a potential customer.

⚬ Guide her to set practical and useful goals about what she wants to learn and earn.

⚬ Listen to her describe what her goals are for the money and program credits earned through the program.

⚬ Be a role model for business ethics and safety rules.

⚬ Have fun with your Girl Scout!

Remember that the Girl Scout Cookie Program is a part of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, which is girl-driven. Let your Girl Scout take the lead in selling cookies and reaching goals. Your encouragement, coaching, and guidance will be key ingredients to a successful Cookie Program experience for her.

Five Skills for Girls and ways girls benefit from selling cookies

1. Goal Setting

Girls start by setting a personal cookie sales goal. Then with her troop, the girls work together to set a troop goal. Once the girls set their collaborative goal, they can begin to work with their family and fellow troop members to develop a plan to achieve them. Why does this matter? When girls set goals it is the first step toward success in school, jobs, and in life.

Participating in the cookie program gives girls an entrepreneurial edge! Encouraging an interest in entrepreneurship builds curiosity, confidence, and problem-solving skills—qualities that prepare girls for academic and career success. As your Girl Scout runs her own cookie business, she’ll gain five skills along the way that she’ll use the rest of her life. The Cookie Entrepreneur Family pin activity sheet is designed to help you support her, giving you tips for your cookie entrepreneur.

Here’s what girls learn and why it matters.

2. Money Management

Girls will have the opportunity to work on developing a budget. After they have set their sales goal, they will be able to determine a budget and manage their funds as they manage their revenue. Girls will take sales orders, count money, and deliver money to their troop product manager. Why does this matter? Learning to manage their cookie sale funds will also help them understand managing their personal finances. Girls develop a better understanding of managing their allowance and a future paycheck because they learn by doing.

3. People Skills

Girls develop people skills by talking to customers, learning to become good listeners, and building relationships with their sister Girl Scouts as they work as a team to meet their goals. Why does this matter? As girls deliver their sales pitch and interact with customers, their self-confidence begins to grow. Girls are ready and able to answer questions about their goals, their favorite cookie, and what they plan to do with their earnings. People skills help girls in school, communication with their friends, in team sports, group projects, and future job success.

4. Decision Making

Girls will decide how they will market their cookie program and when and where they will sell cookies. Girls will work together as a troop to make the ultimate decision on how they spend their earnings. (Troop activities, community service projects, trainings, travel, etc.)

Why does this matter? Throughout their life girls make daily decisions, big and small, and when girls practice and implement decision making, they begin to see the impact of their decision. They develop a strong process of making good decisions. They begin to see themselves as a confident leader capable of making decisions for themselves, and to make the world a better place.

5. Business Ethics

During the Girl Scout Cookie Program, girls practice sound business ethics by being responsible for their cookie inventory, cookie payments to their troop, and their commitment to their customers. Why does this matter? As Cookie Entrepreneurs girls are responsible for managing their own cookie business while practicing sound business ethics and working cohesively as a team. Future employers want to hire ethical employees with refined life skills. When girls can pitch and interact with customers, their self-confidence begins to grow. Girls are ready and able to answer questions about their goals, their favorite cookie, and what they plan to do with their earnings. People skills help girls in school, communication with their friends, in team sports, group projects, and future job success.

Digital Cookie®

This cookie season, superpower your sale by adding Digital Cookie® to your toolkit.

Use the Digital Cookie® app to sell cookies wherever you go!

The app makes it easy for you to take payment from customers purchasing cookies.

Digital Marketing Basics

How to market a Girl Scout Cookie business on social media

Best Practices by Platform

You're already a cookie business pro, but what does it mean to market your business on social media?

Facebook Instagram

• Can use links in bio, post copy, and in stories

• Use multiple images when posting

• Best time to post is the weekends in the middle of the day

• Can use links in bio and stories

• Use 2-3 consistent hashtags

• Use multiple images when posting

• Best time to post is on Saturdays around noon

• Post reels to connect with your audience in fun and engaging ways

Follow the GSUSA and Internet Provider Guidelines when using the internet as a marketing tool for Girl Scout product programs. GSUSA Guideline resources can be located on our website at kansasgirlscouts.org in the Cookie Seller resources section under the Cookies & Fall Program tab.

As your Product Program Participation Permission Form states:

• Girl Scouts can only sell online using their Digital Cookie site.

• Girl Scouts cannot post sales links or QR Codes to any online resale sites.

Need inspiration?

Scan this QR Code to find GS Giphys for the perfect post.

Safet y tip!

Rememb er: Girl Scouts and their sup erv ising parent/guardian must read, agree to, and abide by the Girl Scout Internet Safety Pledge and Digital Co okie Pledge b efore engaging in online marketing and sales efforts through the cookie program.

Find more safety info and guidelines at girlscouts.org.

Cookie Sales Pitch

Hi there!

My name’s , and I’m a proud Girl Scout cookie seller for Troop ! Girl Scouts have been selling cookies for more than 100 years. Our cookie lineup is full of classics like Thin Mints and scrumptious Caramel deLites, and don’t miss out on the Toast-Yay! because 2025 is your last chance! We know almost everyone loves a good cookie, which is why we also make many of our cookies vegan and gluten-free. My favorite cookie is

If you order a box of Girl Scout Cookies for $6 today, you’ll help my troop get closer to our goal of packages! If you’re all stocked up or just not craving cookies, you can always take part in our Cookie Share Program and donate a package of Girl Scout cookies to the military and first responders.

No matter what you choose, your purchase helps Girl Scouts achieve and experience amazing things and master essential life skills. The best part is that 100 percent of the proceeds stays local, so you can feel good about helping your community with every bite!

My troop has decided we’re spending our cookie money on .

Thank you so much for supporting us and helping us achieve our dreams, one box at a time!

What to take

During cookie season, you never want to leave home without first making sure you have the essentials.

Buddy and an adult. Safety first!

Wear your uniform. Vest, sash or GS pins. Customers should know you are a Girl Scout!

Direct Order Card w/clipboard and ink pen

Money Bag/Money Envelope

Change: $1 bills

Cookies!

Cookie Cart or wagon

Dress appropriately for the cold weather and check with your Girl Scout shop for cookie carts and clipboards.

How the Cookie Crumbles in 2025

& Proceeds

At $6 per package, Girl Scout Cookies are still a great value and a terrific way for customers to support Girl Scouts. Research shows that 9 out of 10 people will buy Girl Scout Cookies when asked. Every package of cookies sold brings your Girl Scout and her troop one step closer towards a financially independent future.

Where can girls sell?

Today’s Kansas Heartland Girl Scout is on the move all over our 80 counties and we want to do all we can to support her efforts. There are no boundaries on where girls can sell within our council. Girls and troops do not have exclusive rights to any county, community, or neighborhood.

For booths, council approval is needed prior to setup. Booths outside our council boundaries are prohibited.

Troops and girls should not set up booths at businesses without permission from Girl Scout Product Program staff.

Selling product at liquor stores, bars, gun shows, casinos, smoke shops, or through third party resellers is prohibited. See your Product Program Participation Permission Form for details.

Girls and Caregivers should know:

⏵ Always sell with an adult or buddy; it’s not just safe, it’s more fun!

⏵ Use only your first name and NEVER share your phone number or address.

⏵ NEVER enter anyone’s home when selling product.

⏵ Do not carry large sums of money. Frequently transfer money to an adult and keep money in a safe place.

management, people skills, and business ethics. So when you buy a box-or five-you’re supporting girls’ success and the next generation of female entrepreneurs.

Girl Scout Cookie™ proceeds stay local to power unique and amazing year-round adventures for girls in your local community.

okie Goals

The Girl Scout Cookie Program begins December 15, 2024. You may not take orders or sell cookies before this

Elite Entrepreneur Experiences

1200+ Packages

Worlds of Fun

Family Adventure at your own time

750+ Packages

Blast Off Bay

Saturday May 3, 2025

2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Council Top Cookie Seller

Be the council "Super Seller" for the 2025 Cookie Program and you and your caregiver will be the CEO's Honored Guest at the annual JPLS Luncheon on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.

You will receive luncheon recognition and be presented with a pearl necklace.

Program Credits

What are Program Credits

Program Credits are an incentive program designed to facilitate access to the Girl Scout Leadership Experience through our council. This is an internal, closed-loop incentive program that is subject to internal policies.

• Program Credits are an individual recognition meant to be used by the Girl Scout earning the credits.

• Program Credits are electronically loaded into the Girl Scout’s family account in the online registration system. Each Girl Scout family has access to their individual account.

• Program Credits earned during the Fall Product Program are loaded into family accounts by January 15 each year.

• Program Credits earned during the Cookie Program are loaded into family accounts by April 15 each year.

• Program Credits will remain on account from one membership year to the next, as long as the Girl Scout has renewed each year.

• Credits suspend October 1 and expire December 15 for lapsed members.

Program Credits are issued independently by each council and cannot be transferred to other councils. Program Credits, or similarly named incentives earned at other councils, cannot be accepted for redemption by Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland.

• Program Credits have no cash value and cannot be redeemed for cash.

• Program Credits may not be used for the purchase of Fall Product or Girl Scout cookies.

• Further, any other use not expressly noted in the Program Credits Uses section on the Kansas Heartland website is subject to council approval.

How are Program Credits Earned

During the annual Fall Product Program, Girl Scouts choose to earn Program Credits instead of other

Girl Scouts aren’t just learning valuable skills, such as financial literacy and goal setting when they participate in the Cookie Program. They are earning Program Credits that they can use to explore new activities!

recognition items. Girl Scouts and their caregivers are required to select their choices in the online system by a specific date each sale. All decisions are final. If choices are not selected, then the council default is put into effect. See the annual direct order card for date and default details.

During the annual Cookie Program, Girl Scouts earn Program Credits in addition to the regular program recognitions lineup. At the Elite Entrepreneur level, Girl Scouts are required to select their choice in the online system by a specific date each sale. All decisions are final. If a choice is not selected, then the council default of Program Credits is put into effect. During the annual Cookie Program, Girl Scouts earn Program Credits at the rate of $10 for every 30 packages of cookies sold. Once a Girl Scout has reached the level of 300 packages, the earning rate becomes $13.50 for every 30 packages sold beginning with package one until package 1,200. Girl Scouts do not earn Program Credits after package 1,200. See table to the right for details.

Program Credits and what they can do!

Program Credits make it possible for every Girl Scout to acquire the Girl Scout Leadership Experience of her choice with everything from annual membership to summer camp. All Girl Scouts may use Program Credits as follows:

• Toward event* or summer camp* registration fees for any event/ camp using the online registration method, as well as optional purchases or event upgrades made through the online registration system.

• Purchase items from the Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland council shops.

• Purchase Trading Post Bucks for use at summer camp locations with an on-site Trading Post (a small, camp-based council shop).

• Towards council-approved travel, including council-hosted trips, or GSUSA Destinations.

• Annual GSUSA Membership.

• To reimburse expenses for a Girl Scout Silver Award or Gold Award project.

• Graduating Ambassadors may apply toward a Lifetime GSUSA Membership.

*PLEASE NOTE: There may be special circumstances regarding the use of Program Credits during events or summer camp. Be certain to read all documentation provided for each event or summer camp for details.

Care & Share

Be sure and tell your customers about this sweet way to give back and support their neighbors. A Care & Share costs the same as a package of cookies and customers can simply opt to purchase a tax deductible Share.

⏵ Gives customers who don’t want cookies a way to support Girl Scouts and their community neighbors.

⏵ Helps girls learn to give back to their communities.

⏵ Helps girls reach goals.

⏵ Council handles all the distribution.

⏵ Available through online sales, too.

300+ Drawing Info

A mid-sale drawing for girls is a great way to help girls push to reach their goals. For 2025, girls have the opportunity to win a Cookie & Dots Small Fuzzy Backpack.

Two Cookie & Dots Small Fuzzy Backpacks in each area are possible and will be shipped directly to the home of each drawing winner.

All Girl Scouts who have sold a minimum of 300 packages by midnight, March 8, will be entered into a regional drawing to win one of two Cookie & Dots Small Fuzzy Backpacks per region (4 in the South Central region).

The Five Cookie Customers

Cookie customers can be categorized into one of these five groups. Let's learn who they are and how you can market your Girl Scout Cookie™ business to each group.

Customer Type

Why would they buy?

⏵ They believe in the Girl Scouts® mission.

⏵ They want to support your goals.

Program Believers

⏵ They love a tasty treat.

⏵ They want familiar flavors to satisfy cravings.

Cookie Lovers

Conscious Supporters

Healthy Indulgers

⏵ They like to support organizations like Girl Scouts that give back to the community.

How can you pitch to them?

⏵ “People love getting Girl Scout Cookies® as gifts.”

⏵ “Girl Scout Cookies make great snacks for on the go!”

⏵ "Your purchase will help me achieve my goal to [insert goal]."

⏵ “Caramel Delites are back! Get all your favorite Girl Scout Cookies now!”

⏵ “Do you love peanut butter? Peanut Butter Patties and Peanut Butter Sandwiches® are delicious!”

⏵ “Girl Scout Cookie™ proceeds stay local to help us support our community.”

⏵ “The skills I’m learning are shown on every package of Girl Scout Cookies®!”

⏵ They want healthier options that still taste delicious.

⏵ “Trefoils and Toast-Yay!® are made with natural ingredients.”

Life Balancers

⏵ They like getting cookies for their children and family.

⏵ They like when the buying process is simple and convenient.

⏵ Do you have friends or family who fit any of these descriptions?

⏵ How would you pitch to them?

⏵ What roadblocks might they have?

⏵ “Girl Scout Cookies® are easy treats to pack in lunches.”

⏵ “You can get everyone in the family a package of their own!”

⏵ “You can buy cookies online and have them delivered right to your door!”

Girl Scouts take turns role-playing a type of cookie customer. They act out the customer's characteristics for the other girls, like a game of charades.

The Girl Scouts in the audience try to figure out which cookie customer group they belong to from the clues given.

Roadblocks & how to respond

⏵ If they say, “I’d love to support you, but I already bought some,” ask if they’d like to donate cookies to a local organization. That way, they support your goals while also giving back!

⏵ If they say, "I wish I could get these all the time," you can remind them how much longer the season lasts — and that they can buy on Digital Cookie® if they run out.

⏵ They can also buy in bulk and freeze for later!

⏵ If they ask, “Do any of the cookies have natural ingredients?” tell them Thin Mints are made with vegan ingredients and Caramel Chocolate Chip cookies are gluten-free.

*They can always check the packaging for more ingredient info.

⏵ If they say, "I try not to buy sweets," tell them about the Girl Scout Cookies® made with natural ingredients. Or, let them know they can donate instead.

⏵ If they say, "We'd love to buy, but we're careful about food allergens," tell them allergen info is listed right on the package. Have the Allergen Flyer from abcsmartcookies.com on-hand for specifics.

After the customer is identified, an audience member gives the customer their cookie pitch. The customer responds with a roadblock.

The audience works together to strategize, tailoring a response to make the sale or make a bigger sale.

"What If ?" Scenarios

What if someone asks you,

“What’s the difference between Girl Scouts and Scouting America (formerly Boy Scouts)?”

⚬ Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts are two completely different organizations.

⚬ Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world! And research shows there's no better place to discover their full potential.

⚬ Talk to cookie customers about what the Girl Scout experience has been like for you and your troop.

PRO TIP: Stay positive. Don't put other organizations dow n. Just lift Girl Scouts up!

What if someone asks why Girl Scouts use palm oil in their cookies?

⚬ Palm oil is an ingredient found in most baked snacks sold in the U S

⚬ Palm oil ensures shelf life and serves as an alternative to trans fats.

⚬ We continue to explore alternatives, but there are no v iable or readily available alternatives at this time.

⚬ Girl Scouts of the USA is a member of RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) which supports efforts to promote the growth and use of sustainable palm oil products.

PRO TIP: If someone is asking questions that you can't answer, feel free to direct them to the Girl Scouts website for more info.

Have an amazing cookie season and get ready to reach your goals!

What if someone steals money or cookies from the booth?

⚬ Try to get a good look at the offender so you can describe them to security or the police.

⚬ Call 911, and alert security (if applicable).

⚬ Report any incidents to your council.

PRO TIP: Never attempt to physically recover stolen items or confront a suspect.

What if you’re approached by an angry customer or someone makes you uncomfortable?

⚬ Try to get a good look at the person in case you need to describe them to security or the police.

⚬ If the situation calls for it, call 911 and alert security.

⚬ If it feels safe to do so, we want you to feel empowered to capture the person w ith your smartphone’s v ideo, photo, or audio recording to prov ide ev idence to police.

PRO TIP: Never argue or negatively engage w ith a customer. Try to stay calm.

What if a customer complains about where the cookie proceeds go?

You can say, “Girl Scout Cookie proceeds stay local to power amazing adventures and life-changing opportunities for girls, such as STEM activ ities, trips, community projects, and charitable donations. The more cookies you buy, the more you help troops and Girl Scouts gain the skills needed to take on the world!

PRO TIP: A lways practice good listening skills before reply ing. Do not engage w ith someone if the situation escalates.

Pop-Up Stands Guidelines

When a Girl Scout sets her goals, there must also be a strategic plan behind reaching that goal. Most often, this plan includes participating in a cookie booth. Girl Scouts should always dress for success! As a representative of Girl Scouts you should always wear sashes or vests during the sale.

Girl Scouts will want to practice good People Skills by being attentive to customers and standing next to their display.

CO�KI�S

There are two types of booth environments that a Girl Scout can participate in:

Just you and your Girl Scout

These are referred to as Pop-Up Stands (see page 6). Much like a lemonade stand in your front yard. A Girl Scout and her caregiver are allowed to pop-up in front of their own home on private property.

⏵ An adult must be present at all times.

⏵ The Girl Scout will utilize cookies from her own supply.

⏵ The Girl Scout and adult will work together to manage money. (See your Product Participation Permission Form).

⏵ Participants must all be from the same household and never with another Girl Scout from outside your home. If there are two Girl Scouts from two different households, there must be two unrelated adults present and it is now considered a booth for a troop opportunity and all members of the troop should be invited to participate.

Pop-Up Stands are prohibited at all councilsecured and troop-secured locations. For example; Walmart, Dillons, and other retail sites. Contact the council prior to popping up and confirm that your location choice is acceptable.

With a Troop

These are referred to as Cookie Booths (see page 6). These booths are where your Girl Scout will participate with other Girl Scouts from the troop. Girl Scouts should work together to market the cookies at a preapproved location.

⏵ Troop Cookie Manager is responsible for online setup of booth location.

⏵ Troop cookies are utilized.

⏵ All Girl Scouts in the troop are eligible to participate in a Cookie Booth.

⏵ Arrive and leave on time.

⏵ Two Girl Scouts and two unrelated adults MUST be at the Cookie Booth or drive-thru at all times. At least one of these adults must be an approved GSKH adult volunteer.

⏵ NO tagalongs.

NOTE: Your Troop Cookie Manager will discuss more rules and expectations during parent meeting/training.

No matter where a Girl Scout is selling, REMEMBER:

• Whether a customer makes a purchase or says no, always smile and say thank you!

• Never chase people down, run through stores, or block door ways.

• Girl Scouts and adults should NEVER cross in front of vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sale price for a package of cookies?

Cookies are sold for $6 per package. Cookies can only be sold at this price which is set by our council.

When do girls collect the payment for the cookies? With the Direct Sale format, girls will have cookies in-hand, and they will be selling, delivering, and collecting payment all in one step. If girls don’t have cookies in-hand, they will take the customer’s cookie order and collect payment when the cookies are delivered. Do not leave cookies with customers without receiving payment.

Can a customer write a check for cookies?

Girls should only take checks from people they know and checks should be made payable to their troop. Girls should only accept checks with the customer’s name, address, and phone number imprinted on the check. It’s a good idea to write the customer’s driver’s license number on the check and to not accept checks over $75.

Are cookie purchases tax deductible?

Cookies purchased for personal or group consumption are not tax deductible. However, cookies purchased for our Care & Share Program, where the customer does not receive the cookies or benefit directly by paying for the cookies, are tax deductible. The Girl Scout should provide customer with a Care & Share receipt.

Does my Girl Scout have to participate in the Cookie Program? Participation in the Cookie Program is voluntary and requires written permission by a parent or guardian. The Cookie Program is a way for girls to finance their Girl Scout activities and special projects. The Girl Scout Cookie Program is not just about cookies. This annual program offers a hands-on opportunity to learn entrepreneurial skills as part of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. We find that most girls enjoy this program and look forward to it each year.

What if a customer is not satisfied with the cookies? Contact the Girl Scout office if a customer is not satisfied with the Girl Scout Cookies that they purchased.

Can I use email, text messaging, and social networks to tell friends and family about the Cookie Program? GSUSA has an interactive online tool, Digital Cookie, that helps girls develop an online storefront and digital link to share with customers that will take them directly to her personal online cookie business. Girls can use email and age-appropriate internet functions as marketing tools to let family, friends, and former customers know about the sale and take cookie orders. Girls 13 and older may use social networking sites such as a personal Facebook or Instagram account, as long as they have their parent’s permission and adult supervision. See page 11 for details. As a Girl Scout, girls should not use or post their personal email, street address, or phone number. Instead use an adult’s email or troop email that is monitored by an adult.

Can I take money over the internet? Girls must supply customers with their direct link to their online storefronts in Digital Cookie for payment and girl-delivered requests. Under no circumstances can girls or their caregivers solicit or take money over the internet for the Girl Scout Cookie Program through online sales sites such as Amazon, eBay, or public sites like Craigslist, or buy, sell, trade sites.

Does my Girl Scout have to participate through Digital Cookie? Participating online is a choice and is only one way to participate in the cookie program (see page 6). Packed with fun, easy-to-use tools, Digital Cookie provides ways to take orders, track purchases and deliveries, and more ways to learn! Plus, on your very own personalized cookie site, watch videos, enjoy printable activities, take fun quizzes, and more — all while taking your cookie sale to the next level. See page 10 to get started!