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2021 THE
COOK IE SCOOP YOUR GUIDE TO ALL THINGS COOKIES 2020-2021 COOKIE SCOOP
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purchase Girl Scout Cookies from girls. Booths located in public COOKIE Cookie BOOTHS booths are sale opportunities where theare general public can
business locations, and are either secured by Girl Scouts River Vall purchase Girl Scout Cookies from girls. Booths are located in public Cookie booths are sale opportunities where the general public can by the troop. business locations, are either secured by Girl Vall purchase Girl Scoutand Cookies from girls. Booths areScouts locatedRiver in public by the troop. business locations, and are either secured by Girl Scouts River Vall Cookie booths great way for your girls to learn how to work and set goals byare theatroop. together. You can find a separate Booth Guidehow in your bright green Cooki Cookie booths are a great way forCookie your girls to learn to work and set goals Booth Kit to learn to sign uptoand runhow your booth. together. You can find a about separate Booth Guide in your bright green Cooki Cookie booths aremore a great way how forCookie your girls learn totroop’s work and set goals Booth Kit to learn more about how to sign up and run your troop’s booth. together. You can find a separate Cookie Booth Guide in your bright green Cooki TYPES OFtoBOOTHS Booth Kit learn more about how to sign up and run your troop’s booth. TYPES OF BOOTHS 1. Council-secured booths:AND BoothsFOREMOST. set up by Girl Scout . . River Valleys staff. Be TYPES OF BOOTHS FIRST to sign up for these booths before the season begins the booth lotte 1. Council-secured booths: Booths set up by Girl Scoutthrough River Valleys staff. Be and/or first-come, first-served. sign up for thesebooths: booths Booths before the begins the booth lotte 1. to Council-secured set season up by Girl Scoutthrough River Valleys staff. Be and/or first-come, first-served. to sign up for these booths beforelocated the season begins booth lotte 2. Troop-secured booths: Booths at stores thatthrough troops the themselves ha and/or first-come, first-served. contacted and requested to sell. These booths need to be requested in Sma Without dedicated volunteers you, our would nottroops have the 2. Troop-secured booths: Boothslike located atgirls stores that themselves ha Cookies at least 3 days in advance so that we can make sure there aren’t an opportunity to take the skills learned during the Girl Scout Cookie Program contacted and requested to sell. located These booths need to troops be requested in Sma 2. Troop-secured booths: Booths at stores that themselves ha and turn them into a lifetime of leadership! In support of you and all you timing conflicts with another troop. Cookies at least 3 days in advance so that we can make sure there aren’t an contacted and requested to sell. These booths need to be requested in Sma do, we have provided you with the scoop—the Cookie Scoop—to guide you timing another troop.so that we can make sure there aren’t an Cookiesconflicts at least with 3 days in advance through the 2021 Girl Scout Cookie Program. timing conflicts with another troop.
T HANK YOU. PRO TIP
HOW TO You USE THE SCOOP can hostCOOKIE a cookie booth on your own property, just like a PRO TIP
lemonade stand (a Lemonades™ stand—get it?). Plus,just it doesn’t You a cookie booth on your own property, like a PROcan TIP host PRO TIP require permission from Girl Scouts River Valleys! Lookcan for this icon for Cookie proown tips.property, Use ourPlus, projust tips lemonade stand (aour Lemonades™ stand—get it?). it doesn’t You host a cookie boothProgram on your like a in this guide to help conquer your Cookie Program experience. require permission from Girl Scouts River Valleys! lemonade stand (a Lemonades™ stand—get it?). Plus, it doesn’t We’re here share wisdom CHECK ITtoOFF THE LISTand require permission from Girlencouragement! Scouts River Valleys! Before Jan. 13, 2020: Make selections for the booth lottery (if y CHECK IT OFF THE LIST troop is IT participating). Before 13,THE 2020: Make selections for the booth lottery (if y CHECK OFF THE LIST CHECK Jan. IT OFF LIST troop participating). Before Jan. 2020: Make selections the and booth lottery (if y Starting January 16,do’s 2020: Sign-up forfor additional cookie booths Check is off all of13, your to in one list! Including tasks troop is participating). beings in January a first-come, first-served round process cookie (if yourbooths troop deadlines before, during, and after the Cookie Starting 16, 2020: Sign-up for Program—the additional checklist is a resource for you to know the when, what, and where’s participating). beings in January a first-come, first-served process cookie (if yourbooths troop Starting 16, 2020: Sign-upround for additional of the Cookie Program! Check off the list found on page 12-13! participating). beings a first-come, first-served round process (if your troop Feb. 17,in2020: Cookie booth sales begin. participating). Feb. 17, 2020: Cookie booth sales begin. FIND IT IT ONLINE FIND ONLINE Feb. 17, 2020: Cookie booth sales begin. This icon means that more information is available on our website! For additional resources—like the complete first-come, first-serv FIND If you IT areONLINE viewing this guide digitally—you can even click on the icon booth schedule and troop-secured booth information—search fo For additional resources—like the complete first-come, first-serv FIND ITmore ONLINE to learn right there! cookie booth resources—like sales on the volunteer website. booth schedule and troop-secured booth information—search fo For additional the complete first-come, first-serv cookie booth sales on the volunteer website. booth schedule and troop-secured booth information—search fo Our website is your one-stop-shop for all resources related to the Girl Scout cookie booth sales on the volunteer website. Cookie Program. Visit the Cookie section of our website to find forms, a digital copy of the Cookie Scoop, and more! PA G E 1 8 | 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 PA G E 1 8 | 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 PA G E 1 8 | 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0
COOKIE SCOOP TABLE OF
CONT ENTS
an e p s
COOKIE PROGRAM OVERVIEW 4-6
FIVE SKILLS
5
WHAT’S NEW FOR 2021?
6
TROOP COOKIE CHAIR KEY DUTIES 7-13 8 ROLE OVERVIEW
HOST A FAMILY COOKIE MEETING
10
13 KEY DUTIES CHECKLIST
14-24
ENGAGING GIRLS IN COOKIES SALES
WAYS TO SELL
15
MEET THE 2021 COOKIES
20
22 RECOGNITIONS
25-29
TROOP COOKIE CHAIR FINANCES
MONEY MATTERS
26
30-33
MANAGING THE COOKIES
HOW TROOPS AND GIRLS GET COOKIES
31
COOKIE CUPBOARDS
32
33 PLANNED ORDERS
SMART COOKIES QUICK GUIDE
34-37
WHAT IS SMART COOKIES?
CONTACTS & KEY DATES
35
38-39
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F
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J A N UA R Y Cookie Go Day!
THE GIRL SCOUTS COOKIE PROGRAM
OVERVIEW
The Girl Scout Cookie Program is a hallmark of Girl Scouts. People know us for our cookies, but it has also been the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world since 1917! Girls learn how to make financial decisions, manage money, and develop customer service skills—which help them become the strong, confident women that they all have the potential to be. PAGE 4
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THE FIVE SKILLS OF THE COOKIE PROGRAM GOAL SETTING Girls learn how to plan and aim for success. DECISION MAKING Girls choose how to sell and how to use their funds. PEOPLE SKILLS Girls learn how to approach and sell to customers.
BUSINESS ETHICS Girls learn the impact business has on the world around us. MONEY MANAGEMENT Girls learn how to be fiscally responsible.
THE COOKIE PROGRAM MAKES GIRL SCOUTS POSSIBLE Troop Earnings & Girl Recognitions
Girl & Volunteer Support
23% 55% Cookie Program Costs
22%
COOKIE PROGRAM COSTS – $1.14 • Cost of cookies and program operations TROOP EARNINGS & GIRL RECOGNITIONS – $1.13 • Girl, Troop, and Service Unit rewards • Girl & Troop proceeds - used for field trips, camp, events, community service projects, program supplies, books, membership, and more • Girls & Troops can earn free Girl Scout memberships
GIRL & VOLUNTEER SUPPORT – $2.73 • High quality Girl Scout programsin leadership, business, outdoors, and STEM • Financial assistance & outreach to underserved girls • Girl and volunteer recruitment and retention • Volunteer trainings, resources, and recognitions • Girl events and programs 100% of the Cookie Program proceeds benefit Girl Scouts in the Missouri Heartland jurisdiction. The annual membership dues fund our national organization, GSUSA. Proceeds from the Cookie Program stay here and are the largest source of income for girl programs, volunteer trainings, and more. They provide financial assistance to keep Girl Scouting available and affordable to all. 2020-2021 COOKIE SCOOP
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NEW FOR THE 2021 COOKIE PROGRAM There is lots of “new” for the 2021 Girl Scout Cookie Season! Look for the following topics as you read through this handy guidebook.
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NEW COOKIE: TOAST-YAY! French Toast inspired cookie dipped in delicious icing and full of flavor in every bite! NO HIGH-FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) has been removed from 4 cookies so that the entire line-up is now HFCS free!
thin mints
shortbread
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CREDIT CARDS AT BOOTHS Using credit cards at cookie booths just got easier! The process to use Smart Cookies has been enhanced for 2021. Use the Smart Cookies Guide to view step-by-step instructions prior to your first cookie booth. TOUCH-FREE TRANSACTIONS ⚬ E-Card Pre-Payment Option: Credit card payment for e-card girl delivery orders with refund capability by GSMH. ⚬ Virtual Troop Booth link with credit card capability. ⚬ Direct Ship Link automatically credits Direct Ship or donation orders. ⚬ Online Forms—GSMH has converted as many forms as possible to online submission. GLUTEN FREE COOKIES Troops will be able to order up to 2 cases of Gluten Free Cookies on the initial order!
peanut butter patties
GSMH VIRTUAL COOKIE RALLY Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland will be hosting the first ever all member Girl Scout Cookie Rally—virtual style! ABC GIRL RECOGNITION LEVELS More wearable items at earlier bonus levels!
peanut butter sandwich
NEW GSMH TROOP BONUS PROGRAM In lieu of Troop Bucks, we have enhanced the Troop Bonus Program this year. More tiers, more possible proceeds! EXTENDED ONLINE SALE TIME Troops can continue to earn troop proceeds even after the official GSMH sale is over!
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SUBSIDIZED CREDIT CARD FEES GSMH will be subsidizing 100% of Smart Cookie credit card fees this year!
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TROOP COOKIE CHAIR
KEY DUT IES We hope you’re as excited and ready as we are to get the Girl Scout Cookie Season started! As a Troop Cookie Chair, you play a large role in the success of your troop’s Cookie Program, and even get to experience first-hand the girls’ growth in character and confidence as they learn new skills! 2020-2021 COOKIE SCOOP
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ROLE OVERVIEW As the Troop Cookie Chair, your main responsibility is to oversee the Cookie Program for your troop. That means holding a family cookie meeting, helping girls set goals, managing the troop’s cookie inventory, and distributing girl recognitions. DISTRIBUTE MATERIALS
The Service Unit Cookie Chair will distribute materials to you during your training. COOKIE BOOTHS
With this year being unique, follow your Service Unit Cookie Chair’s instructions on Cookie booths are sale opportunities where the general public can how to receive and distribute the materials to your girls. purchase Girl Scout Cookies from girls. Booths are located in public business and are by Girl Scouts River Valley RESOURCES FOR YOU locations, RESOURCES FOReither GIRLSsecured ONLINE RESOURCES by the troop. ⚬ The Cookie Scoop ⚬ Recognition Flyers ⚬ Step-by-Step Guides ⚬ Receipts Booklets ⚬ Money Envelopes ⚬ Online Forms Cookie booths are a great way for your and set goals ⚬ Order Cardgirls to learn how ⚬ to ABCwork Smart Cookies together. You can find a separate Cookie Booth Guide in your bright green Cookie Booth Kit to learn more about how to sign up and run your troop’s booth.
SET GOALS
TYPES OF BOOTHS One of the most important lessons girls can learn through selling Girl Scout Cookies is how to set and reach their goals. It’s one of the five 1. Council-secured booths: Booths up by Girl Scout River Valleys staff. Be s key skill builders of the Cookieset Program. to sign up for these booths before the season begins through the booth lotter and/or first-come, first-served. TIPS FOR SETTING TROOP GOALS
For new troops,booths: talk with Booths your fellow TroopatLeaders, Unit Cookie Chair, hav 2. ⚬Troop-secured located stores Service that troops themselves or your GSMH New Leader Specialist for a recommendation based on your contacted and requested to sell. These booths need to be requested in Smart troop’satGirl Scout gradeinlevel. Cookies least 3 days advance so that we can make sure there aren’t any ⚬timing For returning troops, review your 2020 total sales. Discuss with your troop conflicts with another troop. how to meet or exceed last year’s sales. ⚬ Discuss with the girls how they can help each other reach the troop goal and what they want to do with their proceeds.
PRO TIP PRO TIP Divide the amount of your monetary goal by the You can host a cookie booth on your own property, just like a amount you can earn per package and this will give you the lemonade stand (a Lemonades™ stand—get it?). Plus, it doesn’t number of packages that your troop needs to sell! require permission from Girl Scouts River Valleys!
CHECK IT GOALS OFF THE LIST TIPS FOR SETTING GIRL Before goals Jan. 13, 2020: selections the booththat lottery ⚬ Discuss individual with each Make girl. Talk about thefor recognitions each(if you troop is participating). girl would like to achieve. ⚬ For returning troops,January compare16, each girl’s Sign-up goal withfor lastadditional year’s sales Starting 2020: cookie booths information in Smart Cookies. Discuss with her if she feels the goal beings in a first-come, first-served round process (if isyour troop is reasonableparticipating). and how she plans to reach this year’s goal. ⚬ Include the parents/guardians! Do they agree with the goal? 17, Meeting 2020: Cookie booth sales sure begin. ⚬ The FamilyFeb. Cookie is the time to make parents/guardians are on board with both the girl and troop goals. FIND IT ONLINE For additional resources—like the complete first-come, first-serve PAGE 8 2020-2021 COOKIE SCOOP booth schedule and troop-secured booth information—search for cookie booth sales on the volunteer website.
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PREPARING YOURSELF AND YOUR TROOP ⚬ In MYGS, check that all girls are registered and on your roster. ⚬ Confirm your troop bank account information on file with GSMH. ⚬ Attend a Cookie Training held by your Service Unit Cookie Chair. ⚬ Did your troop participate in the Fall Product Program? If so, ensure the troop bill is paid in full. ⚬ All adults helping with the Cookie Program must be registered and background checked. After working with your girls to determine their troop goal and what they would like to do with their troop proceeds, use this chart to calculate your goal in packages!
Amount per Package Base Troop Proceeds Troop Bonus (p.24 for details)
$0.60 $0.20
Subtotal
$0.80
5¢ Option for Juniors+
$0.05
(p.22 for details)
Total
$0.85
TIPS FOR SUCCESS MANAGE SMART COOKIE SOFTWARE Smart Cookies is your best friend during the Cookie Program. It’s where you sign up for booths, order cookies, get your social media link, get your virtual troop booth link, transfer cookies to girls, order rewards, and review your troop finances. Almost everything you do will connect back to Smart Cookies. There’s a whole section on Smart Cookies in this guide starting on page 34. DISTRIBUTE GIRL REWARDS The main benefit of the Cookie Program is the opportunity to learn and practice skills, but we all know the girls are super excited to have their efforts recognized by receiving their recognitions. Girl Recognitions arrive in May to your Service Unit Cookie Chair. They will contact you to arrange for a safe pickup of these highly anticipated items to give your girls! RESOURCES TO HELP YOU SUCCEED ⚬ The Cookie Scoop ⚬ Cookie Section on our Website (including step-by-step guides) ⚬ Family Guide Booklet ⚬ ABC Smart Cookies Online Platform ⚬ Service Unit Cookie Chair ⚬ GSMH Staff 2020-2021 COOKIE SCOOP
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HOST A FAMILY COOKIE MEETING Family cookie meetings are critical to the success of the program and required to receive the Troop Bonus. They help provide a foundation of understanding and agreement for both the volunteers and families. Families can talk with their Troop Leaders and Troop Cookie Chair about the upcoming Cookie Program and discuss their goals, learn about forms, share best methods for staying in contact, and agree on roles and responsibilities. We recommend hosting this meeting prior to the start of the program. Given the current pandemic, discuss with your families if this meeting should be in person or held virtually. If hosting in person, follow all state, local, and GSMH COVID Guidelines. PREPARING FOR THE MEETING ⚬ Invite parents to the upcoming family cookie meeting. At least one adult from each family must participate in the meeting. ⚬ Fill in girl order cards with girls’ first name and last initial, troop number, and program dates.
SAMPLE MEETING AGENDA WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS ⚬ Give out names, contact information, and hours of availability for yourself and others helping with the Cookie Program. ⚬ Discuss and fill out the Parent Permission and Adult Responsibility Form. ⚬ Distribute girl packets (again, depending on how you are hosting your meeting, determine the best way to distribute packets to your girls. If hosting virtually, consider porch pickup with assigned time slots!) REVIEW THE GIRL PACKETS AND COOKIE HIGHLIGHTS ⚬ Five Essential Skills ⚬ Smart Cookies ⚬ Important Dates ⚬ Cookie Program Credit and other ⚬ Different Ways to Sell Girl Recognitions ⚬ Picking up Initial Order Cookies ⚬ Troop Bonus ⚬ Gluten Free Cookie Ordering ⚬ Junior and above 5¢ Option ⚬ Cookie Share Program ⚬ Frequently Asked Questions ⚬ Goal Setting ⚬ Parent Participation ⚬ Selling Tips ⚬ Cookie Program COVID Guidelines SELLING GUIDELINES AND MARKETING TECHNIQUES ⚬ Do not sell before the sale starts on January 1. ⚬ Review Cookie Booth options and booth etiquette. ⚬ Review Online Marketing options – email, texting, eCards, Social Media Link, etc.
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Responsibility Form online before their daughter receives a girl packet and any cookies to sell. Parents living in separate households, who will both be assisting their daughter with the Cookie Program, will each need to fill out a form.
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contacted and requested to sell. These booths need to be requested in Smart Cookies at least 3 days in advance so that we can make sure there aren’t any timing PERMISSION conflicts with FORM: anotherParents troop.fill out the Parent Permission and Adult PARENT
PRO Cookies TIP MONEY MATTERS: are sold for $5 per package. There are many You can host a cookie on your ownpre-orders property,doorjust like a prepaid options to take advantage of thisbooth year! When taking stand (a Lemonades™ stand—get it?). Parents Plus, it are doesn’t to-door, moneylemonade will not be collected until the cookies are delivered. Girl Scouts River Valleys! responsible for require collectingpermission and turningfrom in money. Schedule times that parents can submit the money and always make sure to give receipts. CHECK IT OFF THE LIST Before 13,THE 2020: Make for parents the booth lottery (if your CHECK Jan. IT OFF LIST It is selections important that troop is participating). understand the deadlines for turning in money. When they turn in their money on time, it helpsSign-up ensure for thatadditional your troopcookie is readybooths Starting January 16, 2020: for the ACH withdrawal. Remember—meeting the financial tasks beings in a first-come, first-served round process (if your troop is is one requirement to qualifying for the Troop Bonus. participating).
Feb. 17, 2020: Cookie booth sales begin. FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: Let parents know that all cookies received by the troop are the troop’s responsibility. Likewise, all cookies received by the girls FIND IT ONLINE become the responsibility of the parent—don’t over-extend! Cookies may notfirst-served, For additional resources—like the complete first-come, be returned or exchanged. booth schedule and troop-secured booth information—search for cookie booth sales on the volunteer website. ADDITIONAL COOKIES DURING DIRECT SALE: Let parents know they can get more cookies if needed. GSMH has cookie cupboards set up throughout the council area for easy access. However, parents will need to contact the Troop Cookie Chair to get more cookies. Parents are not allowedP AtoG Epick 1 8 up | 2019 -2020 TCM cookies from the cupboards unless the Troop Cookie Chair contacts the cupboard to give permission to do so. They can also check with their leader to see if girls in their troop have extra cookies before placing an order! PLANNED ORDERS: Let parents know that placing a planned order is going to be a very important tool this year, as we are impacted by social distancing and building capacity regulations. Planned orders allow a troop to schedule a pickup on a designated day from any participating cookie cupboard. This allows the Cupboard Manager to ensure the correct inventory to meet your needs. Planned orders must be placed by Sunday at 11:30 p.m. for pick-up beginning Tuesday. This is the only way to ensure troops are able to pick up orders with a reasonable wait time. Walking in or calling in the day of could result in longer wait times. If you are picking up cookies from a cupboard other than a service center, make sure to check the hours and pickup process. ASK FOR PARENTS TO HELP WITH THE COOKIE PROGRAM: Let parents know you could use their help! Just ask—most people don’t mind to help if they are asked directly. 2020-2021 COOKIE SCOOP
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T R O OP C O OK I E C H A I R K E Y DU T I E S
TROOP COOKIE CHAIR CHECKLIST BEFORE THE PROGRAM Receive your Troop Cookie Chair Guide—The Cookie Scoop. Complete training with your Service Unit Cookie Chair. Receive Cookie Program Materials from Service Unit Cookie Chair. Sign your troop up for the first ever virtual Cookie Rally! December 4: First Cookie Merchandise Order Deadline. Enter number of girls selling under troop information upon first logging into Smart Cookies. If you did not participate in the 2020 Fall Product Program, fill out the ACH Bank account information. Host a Family Cookie Meeting. Verify all families have filled out the Parent Permission form.
DURING THE PROGRAM January 1: Cookie Go Day! Let’s get started! January 8: Second Cookie Merchandise Order Deadline. January 15-22: Sign up for cookie booths in Smart Cookies, these are first-come, first-served. January 18: Deadline for contacting a Product Program Specialist to add girls into Smart Cookies. January 20: Girl Initial Orders are due to the Troop Cookie Chair. January 22: Deadline to submit troop initial order to Service Unit. January 29: Smart Cookies second round of booth sign-ups (remains open throughout the sale). February 5: Third Cookie Merchandise Order Deadline. February 11-18: Pick up initial order cookies from the Service Unit Cookie Chair on your assigned date. Don’t forget to count your initial delivery order before you leave the pickup site. February 12: Direct Sales Begin.
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March 5: Fourth Cookie Merchandise Order Deadline. March 10: Troop Deposits for initial orders are due. March 11: Last Day to submit changes for first ACH. March 17: First 30% ACH withdrawal by GSMH from troop accounts. March 28: Direct Sales End. March 29: All money due to troop. March 29: Last Day to submit changes for second ACH. March 31: All paperwork and recognition orders due to Service Unit Cookie Chair. April 1-30: Extended sale—troops will still be able to send the Virtual Booth Link, Direct Ship Link and sell any remaining leftover cookies.
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February 19-21: Celebrate National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend.
April 2: Second 30% ACH withdrawal from troop account. April 12: Last Day to submit changes for final ACH. April 16: Final ACH withdrawal from troop account of the remaining balance due to GSMH. Month of May: Follow up with ACH debit and credits for those who participated in the extended sale. Pick up recognitions from your Service Unit Cookie Chair. Distribute recognitions to girls!
ONGOING DURING THE PROGRAM Sort and distribute cookies to girls in troops. If your troop needs more cookies, place order with cupboard through the planned order system—more info on page 33. Use Smart Cookies to manage troop inventory and allocate packages to girls—more info on page 33. Make sure all parents have delivered all initial cookie orders and turned in money. Make sure to record all girl financial transactions in Smart Cookies.
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Thank You! 0000 0000 0000 0000 12/20 2001
caramel delites
thin mints
ENGAGING GIRLS IN
COOKIE SALES Deciding how to sell cookies is one of the biggest decisions girls will make during the program and there are a lot of choices! Be it through her online cookie efforts, going door-to-door in her neighborhood, or contacting local businesses, girls take the lead and learn how their choices impact their goals. PAGE PAGE 1415
2020-2021COOKIE COOKIESCOOP SCOOP 2020-2021
There are many new and improved ways to sell online this year! We strongly recommend that you work closely with your Service Unit Cookie Chair and GSMH staff to dive into how the online sales portion of the program works this year. This will be very beneficial for touchless cookie selling, not to mention we have some great online recognitions this year, too! As we get closer to the program, continue checking the cookie section of our website for updated COVID Cookie Program Guidelines. The Cookie Program can be broken down into three main periods: Initial Orders, Direct Sales, and Extended selling. Read on for more information on the ways to sell during each! INITIAL ORDER PERIOD ⚬ Online Sales: E-Cards, Social Media Link, and Direct Ship Link ⚬ Phone Calls to friends, family, and previous clients ⚬ Door-to-Door with Order Cards ⚬ Workplace with a Handwritten Request and Order Card
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WAYS TO SELL
DIRECT SALES PERIOD ⚬ Online Sales Lj E-Cards Lj Direct Ship Link/Social Media Link Lj Virtual Cookie Booth Link Lj Direct Ship Link ⚬ In-person Cookie Booths* ⚬ Door-to-Door with Cookies or Order Card* ⚬ Phone Calls/Clientele List ⚬ Workplace with a Handwritten Request and Order Card
*
Before selling in person make sure to know and follow all CDC, state, local, and GSMH COVID guidelines. EXTENDED SELLING PERIOD GSMH will allow our troops to continue to earn troop proceeds between March 29 and April 30 utilizing the Virtual Troop Booth Link, Direct Ship Link, and selling any remaining leftover troop cookies. You can also read the “Participation Definitions” on the next page.
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PARTICIPATION DEFINITIONS E-CARDS—Cookie purchase invites sent via email to customers. They have the option to prepay with direct ship or order and pay when girls deliver the cookies. SOCIAL MEDIA LINK—Girls and their parents, can obtain a social media link through Smart Cookies. This allows them to share their link for direct ship purchase. VIRTUAL TROOP BOOTH LINK—A shareable link automatically created for each troop in Smart Cookies. Troops can send this link to customers so they can pre-pay and come to your in-person booth site for curbside pickup! DIRECT SHIP LINK—This link is created automatically in Smart Cookies for cookie purchase directly from a troop. Between Jan. 1 and Apr. 30, troops can share this link for cookie purchase for direct ship. From Feb. 19 to Mar. 31 customers can search their zip code on the national Girl Scout cookie finder to purchase cookies. PHONE CALLS TO FRIENDS, FAMILY, AND PREVIOUS CLIENTS—Girls’ friends, neighbors, family, or previous clientele can be contacted to purchase cookies. They can send e-cards, provide their social media link for online purchase, or take phone orders for delivery. DOOR-TO-DOOR—In conjunction with local, state, and GSMH COVID guidelines, girls can go door-to-door collecting cookie orders for delivery. Money is not collected until the cookies are delivered. IN-PERSON BOOTH—Opportunities where the public can purchase Girl Scout Cookies from girls at public locations. These are either secured by Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland or by the troop. GSMH-SECURED BOOTHS—First-come, first-served booths set up by Girl Scout staff in collaboration with Volunteer Booth Committee members. Sign up for these booths through Smart Cookies beginning January 15. TROOP-SECURED BOOTHS—Booths at locations that troops have contacted themselves. Troops may not contact businesses that have been secured by GSMH. NEIGHBORHOOD BOOTH—A booth hosted by individual girls, with their parent or approved adult, in their neighborhood. These can be announced with an email to friends and family asking them to share the information on their social media sites. Go to our website for a sample email. These can also be shared in your online neighborhood community newsletter. WORKPLACE SALES—When a girl writes a personal letter with her goals and attaches it to her order card, a parent or guardian can take it to their work place to help reach her cookie goal. After orders are finished, encourage girls to write a thank you note to go with the cookies.
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CUSTOMER DELIVERY DEFINITIONS DIRECT SHIP—Customers order and pay online, then cookies are directly shipped to their home. GIRL DELIVERY—Customers order cookies, girls/parents approve the order, then hand-deliver cookies to the customer.
DIRECT SHIP LINK FAQ’S WHERE IS THE LINK LOCATED? The troop’s link will be available on the “Troop Information Page” in Smart Cookies. HOW CAN CUSTOMERS ACCESS THE LINK? Customers will have access to this link in two different ways. 1. Troops can send the direct ship link to customers at anytime between January 1 and April 30. 2. Between February 19 and March 31, GSUSA will have the direct ship links tied to their national cookie finder on girlscoutcookies.org.
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COOKIE SHARE—If someone doesn’t want to buy cookies for themselves, you can offer them an opportunity to purchase cookies to go towards our military troops stationed all over the world or a nonprofit organization predetermined by the troop.
HOW DOES A CUSTOMER PURCHASE FROM MY TROOP IF I DIDN’T SEND THEM THE LINK? Customers can go to girlscoutcookies.org, enter their zip code, and based on local opportunities they will then have a choice to visit an in person booth or click on a troop link and order cookies to be shipped to them. WHAT IF THERE IS MORE THAN ONE TROOP IN MY ZIP CODE? Results are randomized by zip code, a new troop will appear each time a zip code is searched. HOW DOES MY TROOP OPT IN? Your troop is automatically opted in. GSMH SALE ENDS MARCH 28, CAN WE CONTINUE TO PARTICIPATE? Yes! Through the extended sales period, troops can continue to send their virtual troop booth link and/or their direct ship link for additional troop proceeds. DO GIRLS EARN RECOGNITIONS DURING THE EXTENDED SALES PERIOD? No. While girls will not earn recognitions after March 28, program proceeds will be earned until April 30. WHY DO TROOPS AND GIRLS NOT EARN RECOGNITIONS ON SALES AFTER MARCH 28? In order to provide recognitions to troops and girls in May and June, the recognition order must be turned in to allow time for processing and delivery. HOW DOES THIS WORK WITH SMART COOKIES? Troop proceeds will automatically be figured in Smart Cookies. 2020-2021 COOKIE SCOOP
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TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL IN-PERSON COOKIE BOOTH SMART COOKIES RESERVATIONS—See page 34 for more on Smart Cookies. ⚬ In-person Cookie Booths should be listed in Smart Cookies. Check Smart Cookies to reserve a GSMH-Secured booth for a quick win! ⚬ A Cookie Booth isn’t reserved without a Smart Cookies confirmation. Remember to keep the confirmation handy by printing it out or having it on your phone. ⚬ If two troops show up at the same time for a Cookie Booth, the troop with the Smart Cookies confirmation is the troop conducting the booth. ⚬ In the event of double booking, please call your Service Unit Cookie Chair and they will advise you on how to proceed. ⚬ If there is a note in Smart Cookies to check in with store manager, please do so. ⚬ When scheduling booths in Smart Cookies, please make sure to look for any special instructions. GSMH-SECURED BOOTHS A majority of booths are scheduled by GSMH and entered into Smart Cookies before the selection begins. Our community partners determine the time and dates when they will allow booths and when that information is released to our members. It is critical that we maintain a positive relationship with our community partners for their continued support of Girl Scouts and the GSMH Cookie Program. Understandably, our partners do not take calls from individual troops if they have already agreed to a Girl Scout Cookie Booth schedule. If you have a question about whether a location has already been contacted, please call a Product Program Specialist at GSMH. January 15—Smart Cookies opens at 6 a.m. for troops to choose booth locations. Each troop may initially reserve one premium booth and two non-premium booths. January 22—Smart Cookies closes for initial booth choices—confirmations sent. January 29—Smart Cookies opens at 6 a.m. for the duration of the Cookie Program, and troops may sign up for additional booths. Check back often for new locations and vacancies. There will be scheduling restrictions in place that allow Service Units to book only within their own service unit until January 29. Beginning January 29, the booth locations will be open to all troops for the duration of the program, however, you are still encouraged to stay within your service unit area. BEFORE SCHEDULING A TROOP-SECURED BOOTH Troops may not contact businesses that have made GSMH scheduled booth arrangements. This would include but not limited to, large box stores like Walmart, Lowe’s, and Sam’s Club. Check Smart Cookies for GSMH-scheduled booth locations in your area. If you are ever in doubt, please contact your Product Program Specialist before reaching out to the location.
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E N G AG I N G G I R L S I N C O OK I E SA L E S
STEPS TO SCHEDULING A BOOTH 1. Consider locations or businesses to host a booth.
Is a GSMH scheduled location included in your list (Schnucks, JOANN, Walmart, Sam’s Club)?
yes
no Check Smart Cookies to see if the specific location you are considering has already given council-wide permission to hold a booth.
STOP If allowed this year, GSMH has already secured any possible dates and times for these locations.
Sometimes even it it’s not a large store, GSMH is able to secure council-wide permission. Is your location already in Smart Cookies?
yes
oh, darn!
no
Start over at Step 1. Time to ask permission! Contact the location to request scheduling a booth opportunity. Include specific dates and times you are requesting as well as your contact information. Did they give your troop permission? Register your booth in Smart Cookies. Once your booth is approved by GSMH, it will show up on the Cookie Finder app so that customers can find you. This will also ensure that other troops do bummer! not contact this location regarding Thank them for their time and maintain scheduling. Please allow up to 2 good relations. Maybe they will have a business days for approval. change of heart! Start over at step 1. Did GSMH approve your booth in Smart Cookies?
yes
yes
no
no
woo hoo! Print the confirmation to bring to your booth. Always remember to thank the manger after your shift. A Girl Scout leaves a place cleaner than she found it. Have a great booth!
uh, oh! There is a problem with your request. It could be as simple as an incomplete address or a double booking. You will receive a notification email via Smart Cookies (sender: noreply@ smartcookies.com). 2020-2021 COOKIE SCOOP
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MEET THE 2021 COOKIES All varieties of cookies (including gluten-free) are available at $5 a package.
New this year!
Thin Mints® Crispy chocolate wafers dipped in a mint chocolate-y coating.
Caramel deLites® Vanilla cookie topped with caramel, sprinkled with toasted coconut, and laced with chocolate-y stripes.
Toast-Yay® Delightful toast-shaped cookies full of French toast flavor with our signature trefoil on top.
Lemonades® Savory slices of shortbread with a refreshingly tangy lemon flavored icing.
Peanut Butter Patties® Crispy vanilla cookie layered with peanut butter with a chocolate-y coating.
Girl Scout S’mores® Crispy graham cookie double dipped in yummy crème icing and finished with a scrumptious chocolate-y coating.
Shortbread Traditional favorite with a light, buttery flavor.
Peanut Butter Sandwich Smooth peanut butter sandwiched between crunchy oatmeal cookies.
Gluten-Free Caramel Chocolate Chip Chewy cookie that contains rich caramel, semisweet chocolate chips, & a hint of sea salt.
2020-2021 COOKIE SCOOP
WHAT COOKIES SHOULD I ORDER?
E N G AG I N G G I R L S I N C O OK I E SA L E S
Cookie booths are sale opportunities where the general public can purchase Girl Scout Cookies from girls. Booths are located in public business locations, and are either secured by Girl Scouts River Valleys or by thetotroop. You’ve decided plan a Cookie Booth. Great! Now, how do you know which cookies to bring? How many of each cookie? If you’re planning to fill up your fullCookie are a great waya for yourmix girlsofto learn how to work and set goals size booths van (with seats), here’s popular cookies! together. You can find a separate Cookie Booth Guide in your bright green Cookie Booth Kit to learn more about how to sign up5% and run your troop’s Peanutbooth. Butter Toast-Yays! Thin Mints 20% Sandwich 10% TYPES OF BOOTHS Peanut Butter Shortbread 5% Caramel deLites 20% Patties 15% 1. Council-secured booths: Booths set up by Girl Scout River Valleys staff. Be sure 9%booths before to signLemonades up for these the season Girl Scout S’moresbegins 15% through the booth lottery and/or first-come, first-served. Gluten-Free Caramel Chiptroops shouldthemselves be 1% of 2. Troop-secured booths: Booths locatedChocolate at stores that have your order. cookies are available limited supply.in Smart contacted and requested to These sell. These booths need toinbe requested be ableso to that orderwe up can to 2 make cases of Gluten-Free Cookies at least 3 Troops days inwill advance sure there aren’t any cookies on the initial order! timing conflicts with another troop. Note: These are recommendations only. Troops are responsible for deciding the number of cookies that they will need.
PROTIP: TIP How many cases of Girl Scout Cookies you can PRO You can host car? a cookie booth your except own property, just and like is a cram in your If your car ison empty for the driver lemonade stand (a Lemonades™ stand—get it?). Plus, it doesn’t tightly packed with cases of Girl Scout Cookies, here’s a good idea require permission Girl Scouts River Valleys! on how many cases itfrom can hold! ⚬ ⚬ ⚬ ⚬ ⚬ ⚬ ⚬
Compact: 23 CHECK IT OFF THE LIST Hatchback or small wagon: 25-30 Before Jan. 13, 2020: Make selections for the booth lottery (if your Mid-size sedan: 35 troop is participating). 8-passenger minivan or sport utility: 60 January Full-sizeStarting station wagon: 75 16, 2020: Sign-up for additional cookie booths beings in a first-come, first-served round process (if your troop is Full-size van with seats: 150 Full-sizeparticipating). van without seats: 200
Feb. 17, 2020: Cookie booth sales begin. Safety first! Be sure you’re still able to see your mirrors! FIND IT ONLINE For additional resources—like the complete first-come, first-served, booth schedule and troop-secured booth information—search for cookie booth sales on the volunteer website.
PA G E 1 8 | 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 T C M G U I D
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GIRL COOKIE PROGRAM CREDIT Cookie Program Credit is a recognition earned by girls, in the form of a virtual gift card that girls can use to support their own Girl Scout experience. EARNED RECOGNITION LEVELS Girls earn Cookie Program Credit when they sell 150 or more packages of Girl Scout Cookies. The exact amount of Girl Scout Cookie Program Credit earned depends on the total number of packages that each girl sells.
RECEIVING GIRL SCOUT COOKIE PROGRAM CREDIT Cookie Program Credit is not distributed with other recognition items. It is emailed directly to all registered girls that have earned it. GSMH uses the email addresses provided upon registration or renewal—make sure the email associated with your membership is accurate before the Cookie Program begins. If girls have not received their Cookie Program Credit email by the end of July, please contact us. Note: Cookie Program Credit can only be emailed to personal email addresses such as yahoo.com, gmail.com, aol.com, hotmail.com. No medical extensions, edu COOKIE BOOTHS extensions, business extensions, etc. Cookie booths are sale opportunities where the general public can purchase Girl Scout Cookies COOKIE PROGRAM CREDIT CAN BE USEDfrom FOR:girls. Booths are located in public business locations, and are either ⚬ Summer resident camps and trading posts atsecured camp by Girl Scouts River Valley troop. ⚬ Service by unitthe events and day camps* ⚬ Merchandise at GSMH retail stores—including using it online! Cookie booths are a great way for your girls to learn how to work and set goals ⚬ Girl membership registration fees together. You can find a separate Cookie Booth Guide in your bright green Cookie ⚬ All GSMH program events Booth Kit to learn more about how to sign up and run travel. your troop’s booth. ⚬ Girl Scout destinations and other GSMH-sponsored
*To qualify reimbursement via Cookie Program Credit, service unit events and TYPES OFfor BOOTHS day camps must be pre-approved and meet GSMH standards and criteria. 1. Council-secured booths: Booths set up by Girl Scout River Valleys staff. Be s to sign up for these booths before the season begins through the booth lotter Junior, Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador troops can earn an extra $.05 per package and/or first-come, first-served. if they choose not to earn recognition items. Girls will still receive Cookie Program 2. Troop-secured booths: atTroops storeschoosing that troops themselves Credit (for 150+ packages sold) Booths patcheslocated and bars. this option need hav contacted and requested to sell. These booths need to be requested in Smart to complete the 5¢ Option form found in the cookie section on our website. Please Cookies at least 3 days in advance so that we can make sure there aren’t any submit your form online by April 2, 2021. timing conflicts with another troop. If your troop is a multi-level troop, Juniors and above can still choose the 5¢ Option. However, additional steps are required and need to be completed prior to January 20, 2021. Contact your Product Program Specialist for further instructions.
5¢ OPTION FOR TROOPS
PRO TIP You a cookie $.05 booth your own just like a PROcan TIP host The additional peron pakcage goesproperty, all the way back lemonade stand (a Lemonades™ stand—get it?). Plus, it doesn’t to the first box sold! require permission from Girl Scouts River Valleys!
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CHECK IT OFF THE LIST 13, 2020: Make selections for the booth lottery (if you troop is participating).
2020-2021 COOKIE SCOOP Jan. Before
ONLINE PATCHES—Girls can earn patches for sending e-cards through the girl dashboard on Smart Cookies. Send 25 e-cards and earn a Goal Getter Patch. Send 50 e-cards and earn the Super Patch (patch earned at the highest level). VIRTUAL DISNEY ON BROADWAY—By selling 75 packages of cookies online through their Smart Cookies dashboard girls can earn a new virtual experience with Disney on Broadway—including hearing from real Broadway women—and a Disney bear! This event will be conducted by Disney staff and brought to you on Zoom with a special invitation from Disney and a unique link to each girl. BOOST BARS—Girls have the opportunity to build a boost bar key ring! Once girls have sold 250 packages, they will earn the keyring and a 250 boost bar. Additional bars can be earned at designated levels all the way up to 2,000. COOKIE BADGES—Before the Cookie Program begins, set aside some time to look over the program badges that are associated with entrepreneurship. The five business skills are a core component of the Cookie Program, and girls can wear these badges with pride!
E N G AG I N G G I R L S I N C O OK I E SA L E S
GIRL RECOGNITIONS & ACTIVITIES
GSMH VIRTUAL COOKIE RALLY—Gather with all of GSMH on Zoom, as we create a honey bee SWAP, see how e-cards are created, and make a no-sew face covering featuring this year’s cookie mascot—the honey bee! Girls will virtually tour the ABC Bakery and receive exclusive recipes to try at home with their favorite Girl Scout Cookies. Check out the dates and times below for all levels designated by their Girl Scout color. Register before November 17 on our website! DECEMBER 5 | 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
DECEMBER 5 | 10:00 - 11:15 a.m.
DECEMBER 12 | 10:00 - 11:15 a.m.
DECEMBER 12 | 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
NATIONAL GIRL SCOUT COOKIE WEEKEND—This February 19-21 join us to celebrate by earning new patches, baking cookies, and more! Check our website for more details on how your troop can get involved!
2020-2021 COOKIE SCOOP
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TROOP RECOGNITIONS EARN FREE MEMBERSHIPS Let your girls step up and show the world how they are becoming barrier breakers, challenge-crushin’, lead takin’ cookie pros! Every troop that has a 225 package per girl average, and meets all of their ACH withdrawals, receives FREE 2021-2022 Girl Scout memberships for all girls who participated in the Cookie Program, plus for two leaders. ENHANCED TROOP BONUS PROGRAM The Troop Bonus Program is an opportunity for parents, volunteers, and girls to connect with each other and team up to encourage the troop to meet its goals. We have added tiers to the bonus program that will allow your troop to earn more actual proceeds! If the troop meets eligibility and requirements for all tiers, troops will earn an additional $.20 per package sold. Tiers are in $.05 cent increments so each tier can be earned separately. TROOP BONUS ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENT CHECKLIST LJ A troop representative must attend the service unit cookie training. LJ The Troop Cookie Chair must host a family training for the upcoming Girl Scout Cookie Program. LJ All girls must be registered members of GSMH before they start selling, with a minimum of three girls to be considered a troop. LJ All ACH withdrawal deadlines must be met with proper amounts withdrawn. LJ Troop must host at least one cookie booth (either in-person or virtual). If the above requirements are met, your troop has qualified for the opportunity to earn the following tiered recognitions! RECOGNITION Additional $.05 per pkg Additional $.05 per pkg Additional $.05 per pkg Additional $.05 per pkg
TIER REQUIREMENT 90% of all girls registered to the troop participate in the cookie program Troop per girl selling average equals 150+ packages Troop’s Total Online Sales equals 225+ packages Troop per girl selling average equals 300+ packages
Please complete the online Troop Bonus Form in the cookie section on our website no later than April 2, 2021. For troops that earn the Troop Bonus, the appropriate credit will be deposited into the troop account no more than three months after the end of the program. Troop Bonus funds will be held until the troop has paid GSMH in full for their cookies, with the exception of any amount included on the Uncollected Funds Report. PAGE 24
2020-2021 COOKIE SCOOP
0000 0000 0000 0000 12/20 2001
¢
Girl Scout Bank
T R O OP C O OK I E C H A I R F I NA N C E
¢
Girl Scout 245 W. St
PAY TO THE ORDER OF
AMOUNT FOR
¢ ¢
123465789
SIGN 897 1 453 1 5
45 4 6
¢
TROOP COOKIE CHAIR
FINANCE Let’s talk finance! This guide will help you with everything from collecting money to sending it to the bank—even walk you through how to accept credit card payments and checks, and what to do at the end of the program!
2020-2021 COOKIE SCOOP
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MONEY MATTERS
COLLECTING MONEY Remind parents that they are financially responsible for all cookies received by their daughter and cookies cannot be returned. Make sure to issue a separate COOKIE receipt for eachBOOTHS payment and for any cookies picked up by parents. You should keep the whiteCookie copy for your records and give parents where the yellow These booths are sale opportunities thecopy. general public can receipts are important when transferring extra cookies or if you need to submit purchase Girl Scout Cookies from girls. Booths are located in an public COOKIE BOOTHS COOKIE BOOTHS Uncollected Funds Report. business and are either secured by Girl are Scouts River Valley Cookie boothslocations, are sale opportunities where the booths general public Cookie salecan opportuniti ⚬ Girls collect payment from customers at the time the cookies are delivered, by the troop. purchase Girl Scout Cookies from girls. Booths are Girl located in Cookies public from purchase Scout unlessbusiness the customer is onlyand ordering cookies forbusiness the ShareRiver Program. locations, are either secured byCookie Girl Scouts or locations, andValleys are either booths aget great way forcookies your girls totheir learn how to work andhas set goals ⚬Cookie Parents only additional once order money bymay theare troop. by initial the troop. together. You can find separate Cookie Booth Guide in your bright greensale Cookie been turned in to theaTroop Leader or Troop Cookie Chair. During the direct Booth Kit toof learn moreway about how to sign up and run troop’s booth. Cookie booths are a great for your girls to learn how toany work and set goals portion the Cookie Program, families should pay for sold cookies before Cookie booths are ayour great way for your girls to together. Youmore can find a separate Booth Guide your bright green Cookie You in can find a separate Cookie Booth taking cookies to sell. Cookie together. TYPES BOOTHS Booth toOF learn more about how to sign up and your troop’s booth. Kit run to the learn more about how sign up a ⚬ Kit In the event of a parental divorce orBooth separation, parent who signs fortothe cookies is responsible for the payment. TYPES OF BOOTHS Booths set up Girl Scout River Valleys OFbyBOOTHS ⚬1. IfCouncil-secured a new troop does booths: not yet have anTYPES established bank account, check withstaff. the Be s to sign up for these booths before the season begins through the booth service unit to determine whether the service unit account can be used or if lotter 1. Council-secured booths: Booths set1.upCouncil-secured by Girl Scout Riverbooths: Valleys Booths staff. Beset sure up by and/or first-come, other alternatives arefirst-served. available. to sign up for these booths before the season the booth lottery to signbegins up forthrough these booths before the seaso 2. Troop-secured booths: Booths located atfirst-come, stores thatfirst-served. troops themselves hav and/or first-come, first-served. and/or NOTES ON ACCEPTING CHECKS contacted and requested to sell. These booths need to be requested in Smart GSMH stronglybooths: cautionsBooths againstlocated accepting checksthat from someone the girlslocated or 2. ⚬Troop-secured atthat stores troops themselves have 2. so Troop-secured booths: Booths at Cookies at least 3 days in advance we can make sure there aren’t any familiesand do not know. to sell. These booths contacted requested need to be requested in Smart contacted and requested to sell. These boo timing conflicts with another ⚬Cookies If youat choose accept a check,troop. girlsthat should only accept issuer’s least 3todays in advance so we can there aren’t any Cookies atmake leastsure 3 checks days inwith advance so that w name and address pre-printed on the face of the check. timing conflicts with another troop. timing conflicts with another troop. ⚬ Checks should be made payable to GSMH Troop #####. ⚬ All checks should be deposited within seven days to reduce returned checks and to ensure the best customer service. PRO TIP You can host a cookie booth on your own property, just like a PRO PROTIP TIPNew troop leader PRO PROTIP TIP Encourage lemonade (abooth Lemonades™ stand—get it?). Plus, doesn’t You can host a stand cookie on your own property, just like ita up You can host a cookie booth on and need help setting families to turn in require permission from Girl Scouts River Valleys! lemonade stand (a Lemonades™ stand—get it?). Plus, it doesn’t lemonade stand (a Lemonades™ a bank account? Contact their collected money require permission from Girl Scouts River Valleys! require from Girl Sc your Newpermission Leader Specialist! frequently! CHECK IT OFF THE LIST Before Jan.THE 13, 2020: selections for the booth lottery CHECK IT OFF LIST Make CHECK IT OFF THE LIST (if you CONTACTLESS PAYMENT & PAYMENT APPS troop is 13, participating). Make selections for the booth lottery (ifasyour Before Jan. 13, such 2020: Make sel Cash Apps areBefore a greatJan. way for2020: contactless payment. Peer-to-Peer apps troop is participating). troop is participating). Starting 16, 2020: Sign-up for additional booths Venmo, PayPal, Square, etc.January can be used for contactless payment from cookie a customer beings in a first-come, first-served round process (if your troop Starting January 2020: Sign-up for additional cookie Starting January 16, 2020: Sigis to a parent (girl) or from parents16, (girls) to Troop Cookie Chairs. The personbooths participating). in aisfirst-come, roundbeings process your troop is in a(iffor first-come, first-serv accepting thebeings payment responsiblefirst-served for any transaction fees and getting the participating). participating). money transferred to the appropriate account—just as if you accepted cash. Feb. 17, 2020: Cookie booth sales begin. Feb. 17, 2020: Cookie booth sales begin. Feb. 17, 2020: Cookie booth sal FIND IT ONLINE WEBSITE CHECK See the Smart Cookies Guide on our FIND ITadditional ONLINE resources—like the complete FIND IT ONLINE For first-come, website for more information about using credit cards on first-serve For additional resources—like the complete first-come, first-served, for For additional resources—like th booth schedule and troop-secured booth information—search Smart Cookies. booth schedule and troop-secured booth information—search for booth schedule and troop-secu cookie booth sales on the volunteer website. cookie booth sales on the volunteer website. cookie booth sales on the volu PAGE 26 2020-2021 COOKIE SCOOP
T R O OP C O OK I E C H A I R F I NA N C E
SMART COOKIES CREDIT CARD SYSTEM Exciting News! GSMH will be covering 100% of the credit card fees incurred through the Smart Cookies credit card payment system. Girls can use Smart Cookies credit card system on both iPhone and Android devices to accept payments using the ‘girl delivered’ feature. This feature works for cookies which have already been ordered in the girl’s name. However, inperson orders can be added to the app so that a credit card can be used to pay for them at that time. Don’t worry – these cookies won’t be counted twice since they were ordered from the girl and she added them right before she accepted the credit card payment. Troops can also use Smart Cookies credit card system to accept in person payments at booths that have been reserved through the booth option in Smart Cookies. Money is deposited directly into the GSMH bank account, but the sale and credit for the deposit is recorded in each troops Smart Cookie account.
RETURNED CHECKS AND BANK SERVICE CHARGES RETURNED CHECKS—Troops will be reimbursed for returned checks and fees for payments deposited into the troop account. Troops must provide the original returned check notice and returned check from the bank within 60 days of the date on the check to be reimbursed. Always keep a copy for your troop records. BANK SERVICE CHARGES—Troops will be reimbursed for bank service charges due to higher activity during the months of February, March, and April. Troops must provide a copy of the bank statement showing the amount of the bank service charges by May 28, 2021 to be reimbursed. Bank statement copies may be mailed to the address below, faxed to the Finance department at 417-862-4120, or scanned and emailed to info@girlscoutsmoheartland.org. Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland Attn: Finance Department PO Box 10747 Springfield, MO 65808. GSMH WITHDRAWAL OF PROCEEDS GSMH will withdraw the proceeds that are due via an Automated Clearing House (ACH) debit, following the schedule below. ⚬ March 10 Troop deposits for initial orders plus additional cookies due. ⚬ March 17 GSMH will ACH 30% of the total amount due (initial plus additional cookies) from the troop account and enter the amount into Smart Cookies. ⚬ March 29 All money due to troop. ⚬ April 2 GSMH will ACH 30% of total amount due. ⚬ April 16 GSMH will ACH the remaining balance due from the troop and enter the ACH amount into Smart Cookies. ⚬ First of May Follow-up ACH debit for those who participated in the extended sale 2020-2021 COOKIE SCOOP
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COOKIE BOOTHS Cookie booths are sale opportunities where the general public can
END OFpurchase PROGRAM FINANCES Girl Scout Cookies from girls. Booths are located in public
business locations, for andpayment are either secured Scouts Girl Scout families are responsible of all cookiesby forGirl which they River have Valley by the troop. signed for. Troops are not responsible for paying amounts owed by Girl Scout families that have not paid the troop—as long as an Uncollected Funds Report is Cookie booths a great documentation way for your girls learn how tobywork set goals completed withare supporting andto sent to GSMH April and 2, 2021. together. You can find a separate Cookie Booth Guide in your bright green Cookie If you encounter anmore issue about with money collection, complete the Uncollected Booth Kit to learn how to sign up and run your troop’s booth. Funds Report Form and provide original supporting documentation, detailing your attempts collect the amount owed. Contact the GSMH finance department to TYPES OFtoBOOTHS determine if additional documentation is required. 1. Council-secured booths: Booths set up by Girl Scout River Valleys staff. Be s UNCOLLECTED FUNDS—How does that affect recognitions and the bonus to sign up for these booths before the season begins through the booth lotter program? In the event that a girl or troop owes money after April 2, 2021, and no and/or first-come, first-served. Uncollected Funds Report has been submitted, recognitions and Cookie Program Credit will not be distributed until all outstanding are resolved. If a girl hav 2. Troop-secured booths: Booths located atmoney storesissues that troops themselves or troop still owes on September 30, and no Uncollected Funds Report has contacted andmoney requested to sell. These booths need to be requested in Smart been submitted, recognitions Cookie so Program Credit not sure be distributed. Cookies at least 3 days inand advance that we canwill make there aren’t any conflicts with Thetiming same procedures alsoanother apply totroop. Troop Bonuses. No exceptions will be made. Unresolved money issues can result in a volunteer being removed from their volunteer position at the troop and/or service unit level.
PRO TIP TIP You’ll need this supporting documentation. PRO • Signed receipt(s) forbooth cookies You can host a cookie ondispersed your own property, just like a • Signedstand receipt(s) of any payment received it?). Plus, it doesn’t lemonade (a Lemonades™ stand—get • Briefpermission explanationfrom concerning the amount outstanding or the require Girl Scouts River Valleys! situation and efforts made to collect CHECK IT OFF THE LIST Before Jan. 13, 2020: Make selections for the booth lottery (if you troop is participating). FIRE, THEFT, BURGLARY, AND ROBBERY Starting January 2020: forthrough additional cookie Cookies and other items are insured16, against fireSign-up and theft the point of booths beings in a first-come, first-served round process (if your troop is delivery to the Service Units. Cookies, other items, and related funds become the participating). responsibility of the troops, parents, and girls at the point of delivery. Cookies and other items should be17, distributed to the booth girls quickly, Feb. 2020: Cookie sales delivered begin. to the customers promptly, and the funds deposited frequently to help avoid potential issues. IT or ONLINE In the event thatFIND cookies funds are stolen, the family and/or troop is responsible Forisadditional complete first-come, for the money that due for theresources—like cookies. In somethe cases, homeowner’s or carfirst-serve booth schedule and troop-secured booth information—search insurance will cover the loss. For this reason, the police must be called and a report for cookie sales on the volunteer website. taken within 48 hours of booth the incident.
ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES
TROOP SPLITS Troops may not split into two troops during the Cookie Program. If a troop would like to split please contact your Troop Support Specialist or NewPLeader A G E 1 8 Specialist, | 2019 -2020 and they will help work on a temporary solution until permanent solutions can be agreed upon after the Cookie Program. PAGE 28
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TC
GIRL TRANSFERS If a girl changes troops during the Cookie Program, the cookies must be paid for and/or the new troop must be willing to accept the transfer of unsold cookies into her troop. Funds or proceeds never follow a girl, as troop proceeds belong to the troop and never become the property of an individual Girl Scout.
T R O OP C O OK I E C H A I R F I NA N C E
INITIAL ORDERS When entering the Initial Order Cookies— ⚬ Do not estimate a girl’s order. Troops and families are responsible for all cookies even unsold cookies. • A troop can order additional cookies for booth sales on the troop’s initial order. Use the ‘extra’ cookies line in Smart Cookies. Do not enter extra booth cookies in Smart Cookies as a girl order. • GSMH reserves the right to request a copy of a girl’s order card for verification if her initial order is deemed unusually high. • GSMH reserves the right to limit or refuse any cookie orders during the initial order or direct sale.
COMPLAINTS AND CONCERNS In an attempt to be sure that all complaints during the Cookie Program are fully substantiated honestly and fairly, the following guidelines have been implemented. • Third-party complaints will not be accepted. The person with the complaint must be the person who saw it, heard it, read it, or was directly involved in it. • Complaints will only be accepted in writing and with a signature. • Complaints must include specific examples.
HAVE EXTRA COOKIES? GSMH Facebook groups you can join where you can connect with other Troop Cookie Chairs for ideas, support, and troop-to-troop transfers! The GSMH Product Program and the Girl Scouts MO Heartland Volunteers UTILIZE THE PRODUCT PROGRAM FACEBOOK GROUP TO: • Find troops in and around your town who may need additional cookies. • Find cookies on days a cookie cupboard may not be open. • Be a sister to every Girl Scout! Help a troop that may have excess inventory. • Communicate with other Troop Leaders. IMPORTANT NOTES: • Transfer transactions must be completed in Smart Cookies for proper tracking of financial responsibility. The troop that receives the cookies should complete the transfer in Smart Cookies. • Make sure to obtain a handwritten receipt with both troop signatures when meeting to transfer the cookies. • Troop contacts will receive an email when cookies are transfered.
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M A NAG I N G T H E C O OK I E S
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MANAGING THE
COOKIES Let’s get right to it—how do I get my cookies? Managing the troop’s cookies means placing an initial order, transferring cookies to girls, and visiting cupboards when necessary. With the Smart Cookies online platform, it’s much easier to manage cookie inventory!
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There are three main ways troops can get cookies during the Cookie Program. Check out the details for each starting on page 32.
1. INITIAL COOKIE ORDER—You will pick up your troop’s initial orders at what is called a Service Unit Pickup. These pickup locations are towns within each service unit where all the cookies for the service unit are delivered to one location at one time. Your Service Unit Cookie Chair will let you know the date, time, and location to pick up your troop’s cookies. 2. COOKIE CUPBOARDS—Cookie cupboards open in mid-February, and they are a way for troops to restock on inventory when their initial cookie orders run out. Before heading out to a cupboard, be sure to check to see if you need to place a planned order ahead of time.
M A NAG I N G T H E C O OK I E S
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HOW TROOPS AND GIRLS GET COOKIES
3. FROM OTHER TROOPS—Transferring cookies between troops is a great way to manage troop inventory, so troops who may have too many of one can kind can share with troops who may not have enough. It’s all part of the Girl Scout Law to use our resources wisely. This can also be a great way to get cookies when cupboards are closed.
TIPS FOR MANAGING YOUR TROOP’S COOKIES • • •
•
•
•
Maintain good records! Always issue receipts any time cookies or money are exchanged. Keep all receipts until at least December 31, 2021. Allocate cookies to girls often to ensure that you have a full picture of unsold cookies with both your troop and each girl. Share your own experience with girls. Whether it’s selling in your job or with Girl Scouts, this can help girls see the connection between their Cookie Program experiences and their future careers. Set a weekly schedule with families to check on the amount of cookie inventory your girls have on-hand. Set the expectations for communication and inform families of what you will use at your Family Cookie meeting. Friday or Saturday is helpful for planning for the upcoming week or weekend, especially if you need to place a planned order, or visit a cookie cupboard. Help with moving cookie inventory between girls. With your eagle-eye view, you’ll know the best connections to make between families to get everyone to their selling goal. Remind families that cookies must be kept in good condition, and stored in secure areas free of extreme temperature changes, pests, smoke, or other damaging effects. If girls plan to transfer cookies, the cookies can be refused if they do not meet quality standards.
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M A NAG I N G T H E C O OK I E S
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR INITIAL PICK UP Once initial orders are in, it’s time to plan for the arrival of cookies. If you haven’t yet seen a cookie delivery, it’s quite a sight! Many semi-trucks deliver around 75,000 cases of cookies to our service center and local cookie cupboards, and there’s a great deal of excitement and Girl Scout sisterhood at the pickup sites.
We call this firstBOOTHS big delivery the initial order delivery. Your Service Unit Cookie Chair COOKIE will give you instructions on the process, date, and time for picking up your troops Cookie booths are sale opportunities where the general public can initial order cookies. purchase Girl Scout Cookies from girls. Booths are located in public
business locations, and are either secured by Girl Scouts River Valle YOUR ROLE INCLUDES: troop. ⚬ Arrangingbyforthe pickup of the initial order. ⚬ Printing the order confirmation to bring to the delivery to confirm totals. Cookie boothscookie are atotals greatby way for your to learn howCount to work ⚬ Verifying variety at thegirls pickup location. withand the set goals together. You can find a separate Cookie Booth Guide in your bright green Cooki Service Unit Cookie Chair or designated volunteer before leaving the location. Booth Kit toalearn more about how totosign your troop’s booth. ⚬ Setting day and time for families pickup upand theirrun inventory. ⚬ Issuing receipts to families for total number of cookies picked up, by variety TYPES OF BOOTHS of cookie.
1. Council-secured booths: Booths set up by Girl Scout River Valleys staff. Be to sign up for these booths before the season begins through the booth lotte first-come, first-served. Afterand/or you have received your initial cookie order, you will likely need more cookies to fill additional girl orders or for booth sales. There are cupboards at our five service 2. Troop-secured booths: Booths located at stores that troops themselves ha center locations, as well as many locations throughout GSMH. Typically, they are contacted and requested to sell. These booths need to be requested in Sma run by gracious volunteers who are kind enough to host them. This is where you Cookies at least 3 days in advance so that we can make sure there aren’t an can pick up additional cookies, and replace damaged product with the same timing conflicts with another troop. product variety. There are two types of cookie cupboards.
COOKIE CUPBOARD
1. GSMH CUPBOARDS: These are located in the five GSMH service centers and they are open to all troops. 2. REGIONAL CUPBOARDS: PRO TIP These are located in service units without close proximity to a GSMH center and also openon to your all troops. Youservice can host a cookie booth own property, just like a lemonade stand (a Lemonades™ stand—get it?).the Plus, it doesn’t Troops must check with the Cookie Cupboard Manager to determine process from as Girlnot Scouts River for picking up the require cookies permission in these locations, all have the Valleys! same hours or
process for picking up the cookies. CHECK IT OFF THE LIST Before Jan. 13, 2020: Make selections for the booth lottery (if yo CHECK IT OFF THE LIST troop is participating). After December 11, 2020, log into Smart Cookies and enter Starting January 16, 2020: for additional cookie booths your number of girls selling Sign-up under troop information. beings in a first-come, first-served round process Also verify your troop’s bank account information in(if your troop participating). Smart Cookies at this time. Feb. 17, 2020: Cookie booth sales begin. PAGE 32
2020-2021 COOKIE SCOOPIT FIND
ONLINE For additional resources—like the complete first-come, first-serv
This is an important tool this year, as we are impacted by social distancing and building capacity regulations. A planned order allows a troop to schedule a pick-up on a designated day from any participating cookie cupboard. Planned orders must be placed by Sunday at 11:30 p.m. for pick-up beginning Tuesday. This is the only way we can assure that you are able to pick up your orders within a reasonable wait time—walking in or calling in could result in longer wait times. TO SCHEDULE A PLANNED ORDER IN SMART COOKIES: • Click on ‘Planned Order.’ • Select a cupboard and click ‘Continue.’ • Select the date you wish to pick up your order. • Enter the number of packages for each variety that you want to pick up 1 case = 12 packages. • Click ‘Save.’
M A NAG I N G T H E C O OK I E S
PLANNED ORDERS
The receipt confirmation will state ‘Not Approved.’ This only indicates that your COOKIE BOOTHS
order has not yet been picked up. Once you have picked up your order, it will Cookie booths sale opportunities whereon thethe general become a Cupboard to Troopare Transfer and show ‘Approved’ receipt.public can purchase Girl Scout Cookies from girls. Booths are located in public Under the ‘Orders’ tab, locations, you can select Orders’ to review your order—your business and‘Manage are either secured by Girl Scouts River Valleys or order can beby edited until 11:30 p.m. on Sunday. Once picked up, planned orders the troop. will immediately appear on your Troop Balance Summary and will be calculated for the next ACH. Ifare youaare having parent upto the cookies troop, Cookie booths great waya for yourpick girls learn howfor tothe work andplease set goals together. Youinformation can find a in separate Cookie Booth Guide yourthe bright green Cookie provide that the Order Reference Field and in notify Cupboard Booth Kit to learn more about how to be sign up and troop’swithout booth. Manager. Your parent volunteer will not allowed to run pickyour up cookies Troop Cookie Chair permission, either written or by phone. TYPES OF BOOTHS TIPS FOR A SMOOTH CUPBOARD EXPERIENCE Remove obstacles booths: from yourBooths vehicle set to ensure is ready be loaded. 1.• Council-secured up by itGirl ScouttoRiver Valleys staff. Be sure • toHave order organized readythe to go beforebegins your arrival. signyour up for these boothsand before season through the booth lottery • and/or Verify the cookie count with the cupboard staff and sign the receipt before you first-come, first-served. leave the building. 2.• Troop-secured booths: Booths located stores that troops Gluten-free Caramel Chocolate Chip cookiesatare not guaranteed tothemselves be in stock have contacted and requested to sell. These booths need to be requested in Smart at any cupboard location. Cookies at least 3 days in advance so that we can make sure there aren’t • Troops are financially responsible for all cookies transferred from all cupboardsany timing conflicts with another troop. throughout the program. • There are no returns or exchanges. However, damaged packages of cookies can be exchanged for the same variety.
PRO PROTIP TIP If picking up cookies from a local cupboard, be sure to You can your host Cookie a cookie booth on your own property,the just like a contact Cupboard Manager to determine hours lemonade stand (a Lemonades™ stand—get it?). Plus, it doesn’t of operation. require permission from Girl Scouts River Valleys! CHECK IT OFF THE LIST PAGE 33 COOKIE 2020-2021 2020-2021 SCOOPCOOKIEPAGE SCOOP 33 Before Jan. 13, 2020: Make selections for the booth lottery (if your troop is participating).
A QU I C K G U I DE T O S M A R T C O OK I E S
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A QUICK GUIDE TO
SMART COOKIES Smart Cookies is the online platform that will help you and your troop through all the phases of the Cookie Program. Once you are logged in, you can track your troop’s cookies, sign up for booths, and a whole lot more! Even better, girls can set up their online sale to reach customers virtually (cozy rabbit slippers over snow boots, anyone?) and track their goals and progress. PAGE 34
2020-2021 COOKIE SCOOP
S
Smart Cookies is your one-stop shop for all things during the Cookie Program. With this online platform, hosted by ABC Bakers, you’ll be able to: ⚬ Manage your inventory ⚬ Transfer cookies to other troops ⚬ Submit planned orders ⚬ Take credit card payments ⚬ Select cookie booths ⚬ Track troop finances ⚬ Schedule cookie booths ⚬ Order girl rewards Training guides for almost anything in Smart Cookies can be found in the Cookie Section on our website. But, here’s a few basics to get you started.
BEFORE THE PROGRAM BEGINS
Once you have been trained and set up in Smart Cookies by the Service Unit Cookie Chair, you will receive your Smart Cookie log in information. Before the program begins, make sure to update your troop information. Under the ‘my Troop’ icon, you can update the following: ⚬ Troop level ⚬ Troop recognition plan ⚬ Proceed plan ⚬ Contact information, including addresses ⚬ Main recognition plan and phone numbers ⚬ 5¢ Option choice GSMH will automatically upload girls to your Smart Cookies roster around December 11. Girls must be registered by this time or they will not show up in your troop information. If you have a girl that is not showing up in Smart Cookies, please be sure she is a registered Girl Scout, then contact your Product Program Specialist before January 18 so we can get her uploaded in to Smart Cookies.
A QU I C K G U I DE T O S M A R T C O OK I E S
WHAT IS SMART COOKIES?
INITIAL ORDERS Here is how to place your troop’s initial order under the ‘Orders’ tab. 1. Select ‘Troop Initial Order.’ 2. Select ‘Girl’ to place orders by individual girl. 3. Click on the down arrow icon to the right of each girl’s name. 4. In the grid that appears enter initial packages sold for each girl by variety. 5. Repeat for each girl. If a girl is missing, call your Product Program Specialist for help. Do not enter packages under the wrong girl. 6. Optional: Use the ‘eooth’ option to order additional packages in your initial order for upcoming direct sales. You can edit this initial order until the Troop Order Due Date which is listed in red at the top of the Initial Order screen. 7. When your order is complete, slide the ‘Ready for Review’ button to the left to let your Service Unit Cookie Chair know that your order is complete and ready for processing. Once it is saved, the assigned Delivery Station for cookie pick up will be shown at the bottom of the screen. Click to lock it in. 2020-2021 COOKIE SCOOP
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A QU I C K G U I DE T O S M A R T C O OK I E S
PRO TIP Smart Cookies will automatically round each variety PRO up tocan thehost nearest full case afteron initial orders extras are You a cookie booth your ownand property, just like a lemonade standis(a Lemonades™ stand—get it?). Plus, it doesn’t input. The troop responsible for selling these extra packages. require permission from Girl Scoutsgenerate River Valleys! Smart Cookies will also automatically a Troop Recognition Order at the end of the sale. CHECK IT OFF THE LIST Before Jan. 13, 2020: Make selections for the booth lottery (if you troop is participating). Track each girl’s monetary transactions throughout the direct sale under the January 16,Transactions’ 2020: Sign-up for additional cookie booths ‘Finances’ tab.Starting Use the ‘Girl Financial option to keep track of money beings in a first-come, first-served round process (if your received by each girl. This information will be transferred to the Girls Balance troop is participating). Summary Report, which can be used as a receipt. Feb. 17, 2020: Cookie booth sales begin.
DIRECT SALES PERIOD
CONCLUSION OF DIRECT SALES PERIOD
FIND IT ONLINE At the end of the GSMH direct sale period, you must transfer all cookies to girls Fortroop’s additional resources—like the complete first-come, first-served and finalize your recognition order. booth schedule and troop-secured booth information—search for Under the ‘Orders’ tab, to transfer cookies to girls: cookie booth sales on the volunteer website. 1. Choose ‘Transfer Order.’ 2. Select type of transfer needed: ‘Troop to Girl.’ 3. Transfer all cookies from troop to girls, including any unsold cookies. 4. Number of ‘available quantity’ will decrease as they are assigned to girls. PA G E 1 8 | 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 T C Monitor this until the troop’s inventory is zero. Troop cookie balance must be ‘zero’ once all packages are transferred. Under the ‘Recognitions’ tab, create your recognition order: 1. Select ‘Create Recognition Order.’ 2. Click ‘Main Recognition Plan.’ 3. Click on each girl’s name to review their recognition items for accuracy. Each time additional cookies are added to a girl’s order, you must review. 4. Save order.
FINAL PAPERWORK
You will also need to prepare your final paperwork in Smart Cookies under the ‘Reports’ tab. 1. Select ‘Current.’ 2. Save a PDF or print a copy of your Troop Balance Summary to save for the end of year Troop Financial Report. 3. Print ‘Recognition Summary by Girl’ for your records only. 4. Fill out the online optional forms when needed: 5¢ Option form, Troop Bonus form, and Uncollected Funds Report by April 2, 2021.
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All direct ship link credit card transactions will automatically calculate troop proceeds in Smart Cookies. Troop proceeds will be deposited into your troop account in May. If you plan to sell any leftover cookies during this time, and take any cash from booth sales, you will need to deposit that into the troop account and prepare for a final ACH in early May.
HELPFUL SMART COOKIES REPORTS
Smart Cookies allows you to run various reports to help you track cookie program. Reports are located under the Reports tab and are generated in real time—as soon as information is entered, you will be able to view it in a report. TROOP BALANCE—This report shows all cookies that are received/transferred as well as troop proceeds, per girl averages, and what amount is owed to GSMH After all ACHs are complete, the report should show a $0 balance for the troop. GIRL COOKIE TOTALS SUMMARY—This report keeps track of all cookies received by each girl. All cookies sold during the initial order or direct sale are credited to girls.
A QU I C K G U I DE T O S M A R T C O OK I E S
EXTENDED SELLING PERIOD
GIRL BALANCE SUMMARY—In Smart Cookies you’ll enter the amount of money that has been paid by the parent for each girl. This report should show a $0 balance due at the end of the program. This report must be completed to ensure recognitions are correct. If a girl owes money, this report will help you document what has been paid and what is still outstanding. RECOGNITION ORDER SUMMARY BY GIRL—After all cookies have been transferred to the girls, you will want to run this report at the end of the program to show what recognitions have been earned by the girls. TRANSFER ORDER SUMMARY—This report shows all transfers, like cupboard to troop, troop to troop, etc. TRACK COOKIE SHARE—This report will show you the number of packages collected for the Cookie Share Program.
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C O OK I E P R O G R A M OV E R V I E W
QUESTIONS?
WE’R E HER E TO HELP!
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GIVE US A CALL 877-312-4764
SEND US AN EMAIL info@girlscoutsmoheartland.org
VISIT US ONLINE
Visit our website for all of the most up to date volunteer and Girl Scout information! www.girlscoutsmoheartland.org
CONNECT WITH GSMH
Find and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter! Join one of our Facebook groups to connect with other volunteers and get up to date information—GSMH Product Program Group and the Girl Scout MO Heartland Volunteers.
My Service Unit Cookie chair NAME PHONE PAGE 38
2020-2021 COOKIE SCOOP
DECEMBER - BEFORE THE PROGRAM 4—First Cookie merchandise order deadline. 5—GSMH Virtual Cookie Rally. 12—GSMH Virtual Cookie Rally.
JANUARY - INITIAL ORDERS 1—Initial orders taking begins. 8—Second cookie merchandise order deadline. 20—Troop initial orders due. 22—Service Unit initial orders due.
C O OK I E P R O G R A M
KEY DAT ES
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2021 GIRL SCOUT COOKIE SEASON
FEBRUARY - INITIAL ORDERS & DIRECT SALES 5—Third cookie merchandise order deadline. 12—Direct sales begin. 12—Service Center cookie cupboards open. 11-18—Service Unit cookies are delivered. 19-21—National Girl Scout Cookie weekend.
MARCH - DIRECT SALES & END OF SALE 5—Fourth cookie merchandise order deadline. 10—Troop deposit for initial order due. 11—Last day to submit changes for first ACH withdrawal. 17—First ACH withdrawal 30% of total amount owed. 27—Final day of Cookie Cupboards. 28—Girl Scout Cookie Program ends. 29—All money due to troop. 29—Last day to submit changes for second ACH withdrawal. 31—All paperwork due to Service Unit Cookie Chair.
APRIL 2—All paperwork due to GSMH. 2—Second ACH withdrawal 30% of balanced owed. 2—Final cookie merchandise order deadline. 12—Last day to submit changes for final ACH withdrawal. 16—Final ACH withdrawal remaining balance due. 30—Extended troop online sales end.
MAY If participated in extended sales, follow-up ACH debit and credits—date coming soon check our website for updates! 2020-2021 COOKIE SCOOP
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C O OK I E P R O G R A M OV E R V I E W
Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Springfield, Missouri Permit No. 1470
PO Box 10747 Springfield, MO 65808
877-312-4764 info@girlscoutsmoheartland.org
K N A H T YOU
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