2018-2019 Girl Scout Cookie ProgramÂŽ Troop Guide Girl Scouts of Connecticut 340 Washington St. Hartford, CT 06106 (800) 922-2770 gsofct.org
Table of Contents Position Description......................................................................................1 2018-2019 Girl Scout Cookie Program Overview............................. 2-5 New for 2019..................................................................................................6 Five skills of the Girl Scout Cookie Program......................................... 7 Program Calendar.................................................................................... 8-11 Troop Cookie Manager Checklist....................................................... 12-13 Cookie Program Tips.................................................................................. 14 Troop Proceeds............................................................................................ 15 Individually Registered Girls and the cookie program..................... 15 Cookie Program Girl Training.............................................................. 16-17 The Cookies.............................................................................................18-19 Safety Guidelines..................................................................................20-21 Digital CookieÂŽ platform ...........................................................................22 Cookies for Heroes Program....................................................................23 Connecting with Customers............................................................. 24-25 Initial Order Taking and Rewards..................................................... 26-27 Cookie Cupboards..................................................................................... 28 Goal Getter Sales........................................................................................29 Booth Sales.............................................................................................30-33 Cookie Delivery Day..............................................................................34-35 Cookie Program Rewards...................................................................36-41 Cookie Program Payments................................................................ 42-43 Cookie Program Payment Issues........................................................... 44 GSUSA Cookie PRO 2019............................................. Inside Back Cover Service Unit Cookie Manager: Phone/email address: GSOFCT Product Sales Team can be reached via email or (800) 922-2770. Ann Nunn-Hacku Director of Product Sales, ext. 3333 anunn-hacku@gsofct.org
Administrative Assistant for Product Sales, ext. 3305 productsales@gsofct.org
Devon Dzicek (Waterbury) Product Sales Manager, ext. 3339 ddzicek@gsofct.org
Nancy Sherman (Hartford) Product Sales Manager, ext. 3237 nsherman@gsofct.org
Lisa Deschnow (North Haven) Product Sales Manager, ext. 3346 ldeschnow@gsofct.org
Sue Pratt (Wilton) Sr. Product Sales Manager, ext. 3816 spratt@gsofct.org
Position Description Position: Troop Cookie Manager Appointed by: Co-leader Responsible to: Service Unit Cookie Manager Purpose: Manages the cookie program for a specific troop/group Duties and Responsibilities • Appointment is for one year. • Attend your service unit’s troop cookie manager training. • Ensure girls are registered and have signed Annual Consent forms on file with the co-leader. • Help to plan and incorporate cookie program activities into troop meetings. • Convey safety and program materials to girls and troop volunteers. • Enthusiastically train girls and troop volunteers about cookie program procedures and guidelines. • Use eBudde to manage the cookie program. • Ensure the troop’s cookie order is picked up at the delivery site, parent signatures are obtained for troop records, and cookies are promptly distributed to girls. • Coordinate troop booth sales with service unit cookie manager OR service unit booth sale coordinator. • Collect payment from girls and ensure the amount due
to council is in the troop bank account by the scheduled electronic payment (ACH) dates. • Assist in collecting past due funds, and, if necessary, provide council with detailed information on uncollectible amounts. • Distribute rewards to girls in a timely manner. • Meet all deadlines and communicate any concerns to service unit cookie manager.
Qualifications • Registered as a member of Girl Scouts of Connecticut and has completed the volunteer application process, including a background check. • Believes in and subscribes to the principles expressed in the Girl Scout Mission, Girl Scout Promise and Law, and abides by the policies and standards of GSOFCT and GSUSA. • Is committeed to organization diversity.
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2018-2019 Girl Scout Cookie Program Overview The Girl Scout Cookie Program is an important (and fun!) part of the overall Girl Scout experience—lots of learning for girls and super delicious cookies for our awesome cookie customers! In last year’s cookie program, GSOFCT troops earned more than $1.9 million in troop proceeds! These proceeds helped troops fund troop activities as well as Take Action projects that benefited Connecticut communities AND allowed girls to grow in the five skills of the Girl Scout Cookie Program. Who can argue with that outcome? Be sure to check out additional resources at gsofct.org to help troop volunteers make this the best cookie program yet for their girls! Cookie Rallies Looking for a way to Get Ready to Go for Bold™ with the Girl Scout Cookie Program? Mark your calendar now for the council’s Cookie Rally! This year, Girl Scouts of Connecticut will sponsor a council-wide Cookie Rally on Saturday, January 5, on the first day of the cookie program (location TBD). The Cookie Rally will feature fun activities in an expo-style setting. Girls can come with their families or troops. Since we know cookie rallies help girls discover new ways to find their type of bold in the cookie program, we are happy to announce the return of Cookie Rally in a Box for service units. Introduced last year, we received fantastic feedback from the service units that held a cookie rally! Check with your service unit manager to see if your service unit is holding its own rally! 2
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2017-2018 Girl Scout Cookie Program Overview Cookie Prices The eight yummy cookie varieties will be returning this year. Cookie prices remain the same as last year. The six core flavors—Thin Mints®, Samoas®, Tagalongs®, Trefoils®, Do-sidos®, and Savannah Smiles®— are $5 per box. The two premium cookies—Girl Scout S’mores™ and Toffee-tastic®— are $6 per box. See pages 18-19 for pictures and additional information about the cookies!
eBudde: Managing the Troop’s Cookie Program! eBudde is the online application used by troops and council to manage the cookie program. eBudde is where girl orders and troop booth cookies are entered and allocated. eBudde is also where girl and troop rewards are recorded. Check out the eBudde troop app (download from the App Store or Google Play) so you can manage the troop’s cookie program wherever you are! Complete instructions, including how to log on to eBudde, will be available on the Cookie Volunteer Resources
Learning and Earning in the Cookie Program Every girl who is a registered Girl Scout may participate in the Girl Scout Cookie Program. Girls can sell cookies by taking orders from customers in person and online using the Digital Cookie® platform, selling cookies in hand to customers, and at booth sales. When girls participate in the cookie program, they learn five skills: goal setting, decision-making, money management, people skills, and business ethics (see page 7 for more specifics). And, like anything else, the more girls practice these skills, the better they get at them! ALL cookie proceeds remain in Connecticut. Proceeds from the cookie program support troop treasuries and generate important revenue used by Girl Scouts of Connecticut to support girl programming and volunteer development. page at gsofct.org. NEW: ALL troop users—new and returning— will receive an email with a link to create/reset their password to access eBudde. This email will be sent in mid-December. 3
2018-2019 Cookie Program Overview Troop Proceeds
Crossover Bonus returns!
Troops earn proceeds based on their TOTAL cookie program sales from January-March. The calculation is based on cookies sold during the Initial Order Taking and Goal Getter periods, at booth sales in March, and on the Digital Cookie platform. Troop proceeds are based on the troop’s final per girl selling average (PGA). See page 15 for a complete explanation of troop proceeds.
Introduced last year, girls and troops that participated in both product sales programs (fall product and cookies) were eligible to earn additional rewards and proceeds.
Information regarding how Individually Registered Girls (IRGs) can participate and earn proceeds in the cookie program is on page 15.
Cookie Crossover patch for girls
This reward was so wellreceived that we are bringing it back with a new name— Crossover Bonus—and a personalized patch reward for girls! See pages 39-40 for more information.
Cookie Cost Breakdown The cost of cookies for 2018–2019 is as follows: the six core flavors are $5 per box and Toffee-tastic and Girl Scout S’mores are $6 per box, which reflects the higher cost of the ingredients in these premium flavors. Cost of cookies (core)
$1.04
Cost of cookies (premium)
$2.03
Cost of rewards (includes patches)
$0.12
Troop proceeds
$0.85 to $0.95
Additional troop proceeds earned by troops meeting Treats & Reads and cookie program benchmarks.
$0.02
TOP Troop reward
$0.05
Council proceeds provide service to girls, volunteers, training, property maintenance, etc.
$2.82 to $2.92
Council proceeds from Toffee-tastic and Girl Scout $2.83 to $2.93 S’mores
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2018-2019 Cookie Program Overview Rewards
Digital Cookie platform
This year’s reward lineup is sure to be a hit with girls. There are girl rewards for achieving goals in all parts of the program. Troop rewards are offered during the Initial Order Taking Go for Bold lounge Period AND pants (Initial Order for achieving Reward for girls at success 125 boxes) during the entire cookie program.
The cookie program’s Digital Cookie platform continues to grow and enhance Girl Scouts’ experience with the cookie program.
The Go for Bold Lounge Pants will definitely be a reward girls will want to earn during the Initial Order Taking Period.
Last year, Girl Scouts in Connecticut sold more than 213,000 boxes to customers across the country using their Digital Order Cards. Close to 70,000 boxes were shipped directly to customers, an increase of 39 percent over the previous year! GSOFCT saw an increase of 47 percent in the number of girls who had Digital Cookie sales last year, and we are anticipating even more will use Digital Cookie in 2019!
We are thrilled to offer a This year, the girl climbing and zip lining delivery option on NEW this experience at the the Digital Cookie year! Adventure Park (two platform will be locations in CT) at the extended beyond 300 box level. We are sure the Initial Order this exciting reward will inspire Taking Period! girls to Go for Bold in this year’s cookie program! See pages 6 and 22 for more information about the See the order card and pages girl delivery option and this 36-41 for complete information year’s Digital Cookie platform. about rewards.
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NEW for 2019! Cookie Cupboard Pending Orders We’ve streamlined the process for troops to reserve cookies at a cookie cupboard AND to ensure cookie cupboard inventory is sufficient to fill all requests. Say hello to Pending Orders. ÆÆ Troop volunteers enter the cookie order directly into eBudde to pick up at a specific cupboard; no need for an email/text or form to place an order. ÆÆ The troop’s order will be entered into the specified
Fresh Reward Lineup This year’s cookie reward lineup was created with an eye as to what will motivate girls to stretch and grow in the cookie program. The Go for Bold Lounge Pants and the Charm It® bracelet with two cookie-themed charms are new rewards that are sure to inspire girls. The Adventure Park is a new experience reward at a lower level (300+ boxes) than past experience rewards. Perennial favorite reward items, including the plush and themed T-shirt, are also returning. A supercool reward lineup + motivated Girl Scouts = a totally bold cookie program! 6
cookie cupboard’s Transactions tab and will be reflected in the cupboard’s available inventory. ÆÆ A real-time view of upcoming orders will allow cupboard managers to more accurately forecast if additional cookies need to be requested from council. Additional information will be in the eBudde instructions that will be posted on the Cookie Volunteer Resources page at gsofct.org.
Digital Cookie In-Person Delivery Option Extended! This year the in-person/ girl delivery option on the Digital Cookie platform will be available to customers through March 17! The number of girls using the platform has increased annually since 2015. Extending the amount of time in-person delivery is available will help more girls reach their goals. More information about the Digital Cookie platform is on page 22.
Five skills of the Girl Scout Cookie Program The Girl Scout Cookie Program is THE leading entrepreneurial program for girls. When girls and troops participate in the cookie program, girls learn to work as a team to accomplish goals while building confidence in their skills and abilities. And did we mention fun? They have a ton of that, too!
Skill
In Girl Scouts and beyond
Goal Setting
Setting personal goals teaches Girl Scouts the steps needed to achieve their goals AND the planning each step requires. Being able to set, achieve, and measure a goal’s outcome are important professional skills. Participating in a group decisionmaking process allows girls to learn what types of tasks they are good at and how their skills can contribute to successful outcomes.
Decision Making
Money Management
Beyond learning the basics of making change, Girl Scouts learn budgeting skills when they participate in decisions about how to use troop money to fund activities and projects.
People Skills
When girls participate in product sales programs, they learn to ask people they know AND don’t know for their support. These experiences translate into girls being able to advocate for themselves as they get older.
Business Ethics
Girl Scouts learn the importance of safeguarding money and delivering product in a timely manner. Understanding how to gain trust and keep their word are key life skills.
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8
14
13
8
1
Tuesday
9
2
Wednesday
10
3
Thursday
11
4
Friday
15
16
17
18
Ensure that each girl/family has an Initial Order Taking card and has received the registration email from the Digital Cookie platform.
Monday
21
28
20
27
29
22
30
23
31
24
25
Check in with girls/families to see if they need assistance. Remind them that all boxes sold during the Initial Order Taking Period will count toward girl and troop Initial Order rewards!
7
6
January
Sunday
26
19
12
Council Cookie Rally!
Digital Cookie opens for order taking.
Initial Order Taking begins!
5
Saturday
9
Goal Getter Order Taking begins.
11
18
25
10
17
24
Cookie Weekend
4
3
Monday
Last day for Initial Order Taking.
February
Sunday
26
19
12
5
Tuesday
27
20
13
6
Wednesday
28
21
14
7
Thursday
22
15
23
16
9
2
Saturday
National Girl Scout
Deadline to submit ACH authorization form.
8 Deadline to enter troop Initial Order in eBudde.
1
Friday
10
11
4
orders.
shipped and donated
Digital Cookie closes for
Orders.
sales and Goal Getter
31 Last day for booth
24
for girl delivery orders.
25
17 Digital Cookie closes 18
10
delivery day).
cookie manager for the SU’s
Weekend (check with SU
3 Cookie Delivery
March
Sunday
6
Wednesday
7
Thursday
12
13
14
Arrange for all girls/families to pick up their cookie order so they can start delivering customers’ cookies!
5
Tuesday
26
19
28
21
Start assigning cookies to girls in eBudde!
27
20
Start depositing girl/family cookie payments into troop bank account.
Monday
29
due).
(60% of the amount
payment initiated
22 First ACH
15
8
1
Friday
30
23
16
9
Booth sales begin!
the SU’s delivery day).
SU cookie manager for
Weekend (check with
2 Cookie Delivery
Saturday
11
8
15
22
29
14
21
28
1
2
Tuesday 3
Wednesday
30
23
16
9
24
17
10
May
Finish assigning cookies to girls in eBudde! Deposit final cookie payments/booth sale money into troop bank account!
Monday
7
April
Sunday
26
19
Final ACH payment initiated.
12
5
Friday
27
20
13
6
Saturday
Girl rewards will be shipped to the SU cookie manager in mid-May. Please look for a communication from her/him about where and when to pick up the rewards (including patches) for your troop.
25
18
11
to make final eBudde entries, including finalizing girl rewards!
4 Troop deadline
Thursday
Troop Cookie Manager Checklist November–December 2018 FF
FF FF FF
FF
Troop cookie manager registers for Girl Scout membership year and completes the volunteer application process, which includes a background check. Co-leader ensures every girl is registered and has a signed Annual Consent form for each girl. Troop cookie manager attends troop cookie mananger training. Troop cookie manager holds a meeting with girls and their parents/guardians to explain the cookie program, set goals, and distribute materials. Digital Cookie registration email sent to troop cookie managers on December 17 and to parents/guardians of registerered Girl Scouts on December 21.
January 5, 2019 Initial Order Taking begins! Troops, girls, and families can attend the council Cookie Rally. FF Digital Cookie platform opens for business. FF
January 5—February 3, 2019 Girl Scouts take Initial Cookie Orders. Check in with girls and families to offer assistance/support. FF Work with the service unit to set up the troop’s booth sale. FF
February 4–8, 2019 Complete girls’ Initial Order entry in eBudde and submit the order via eBudde by 11:59 p.m. on February 8. FF Select time slot in eBudde (Delivery tab)—AFTER submitting the troop’s Initial Order—to pick up the cookie order on the assigned delivery day. FF Deadline to submit Electronic Payment (ACH) Authorization Form (if not previously submitted for Treats & Reads Program) is February 8. FF Distribute Goal Getter Order Cards to girls. Goal Getter sales begin on February 4. FF
March 2-3, 2019 FF FF
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Pick up cookies at cookie delivery site on assigned day and time. Distribute cookies to a parent/guardian and obtain a signature when cookies are picked up.
Troop Cookie Manager Checklist March 2–31, 2019 FF FF
FF
FF FF
Hold booth sales and deposit money into troop account (see pages 30-33 for more information about booth sales). Fill Goal Getter orders with extra cookies from the Initial Order or from a cookie cupboard (see page 29 for information about Goal Getter sales). If girls have online orders for in-person delivery that were NOT included in their Initial Order, use the troop’s extra cookies from its Initial Order or pick up the needed boxes from a cookie cupboard to complete the order. Collect money for Goal Getter and Initial Order cookies and deposit promptly into troop bank account. Enter Goal Getter boxes, booth sale boxes, and payments in eBudde under each girl’s name.
March 22, 2019 FF
First electronic payment (ACH) withdrawn from the troop’s bank account. See pages 42-43 for additional information.
March 31–April 3, 2019 FF FF
Goal Getter and Booth Sales conclude on March 31. Collect outstanding amounts due from girls/families and deposit money into troop bank account.
April 4, 2019 Troop deadline to finalize eBudde entries, including girl rewards and patches, is 11:59 p.m. FF Deadline to submit TOP Troop Reward form at gsofct.org. FF
April 12, 2019 FF
Second and final electronic payment (ACH) withdrawn from the troop’s bank account. See pages 42-43 for additional information.
May 2019 FF Pick up girl rewards from service unit cookie manager and distribute to the girls in a timely manner. FF Cookie Credits and TOP Troop Reward certificates mailed to co-leader/troop cookie manager. FF Deadline to submit Parent/Guardian Cookie Program Deliquency form is May 1, 2019. 13
Cookie Program Tips Involve parents/guardians Parents/guardians play a BIG role in their Girl Scout’s cookie success! In order for parents/guardians to support their Girl Scout, talk with them about WHY the troop is participating and WHAT the troop goal is. Be sure to share the five skills (page 7) with the families and what the girls have voted to use the troop proceeds for.
Goals, Goals, GOALS! The key to success in the cookie program? Simple. SET A GOAL. Check out our Pinterest boards for suggestions for goal charts girls can make to track their progress. Older girls can create a visual to keep on their mobile device to allow them to stay focused on their goal. Girls/families can also use the Digital Cookie platform to track sales—both online and offline sales!
Sell beyond family and friends Wherever they go, girls should be prepared to ask people to purchase cookies. Don’t worry—customers are eagerly looking for their favorite Girl Scout Cookies! Reaching out beyond their immediate circle of family and friends will help girls not only reach, but also likely surpass their goals.
Highlight the fun! Incorporate fresh ideas to add a spark and challenge to this year’s program. Check out online tools such as Pinterest for creative marketing ideas and ways to make the booth sale truly memorable for the girls and customers. Additional resources for troop cookie volunteers can be found on the Cookie Volunteer Resources page at gsofct.org. 14
Troop Proceeds Troop proceeds are based on the troop’s final per girl selling average (PGA) for boxes sold between January and March. The per girl selling average is calculated using the total number of boxes sold during the Initial Order Taking and Goal Getter periods, at booth sales in March, and on the Digital Cookie platform.
Additional proceeds
If the The troop’s troop’s final per box PGA is... proceeds will be: Between 1 and 100 boxes
85¢/box
Greater than 100 boxes and up to 150 boxes
90¢/box
Greater than
95¢/box
Older girl troops (Junior, Cadette, 150 boxes Senior, and Ambassador levels) are eligible to take an additional 10¢ per box in proceeds in lieu of taking individual girl rewards. The extra 10¢ will be in addition to the amount earned in tiered proceeds (see chart above). In order for a troop to select additional proceeds, the girls MUST vote on this option (majority rules). NOTE: Daisy and Brownie troops are NOT eligible to choose additional proceeds and are required to choose the individual girl reward option.
Individually Registered Girls in the cookie program IRGs work with a designated volunteer in the service unit during the cookie program. Proceeds earned by individually registered girls are 85¢ per box. Individual girls who are Juniors and above can opt out of earning girl rewards and earn an additional 10¢ per box of cookies. Proceeds are held within the service unit bank
account and are dispersed for appropriate Girl Scout activities upon request. Individually Registered Girls should refer to the Individually Registered Girl Cookie Program Guide for additional information. This guide can obtained from the service unit cookie manager or on the For Cookie Sellers page at gsofct.org. 15
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Review the safety guidelines on pages 20-21 and the safety guidelines as presented in the Safety Activity Checkpoints for Product Sales (gsofct.org>Volunteers>Resources).
• Review the cookie order card with girls so they are familiar with the cookies. Cookie varieties and
Safety Review
Know Your Cookies
Taking Cookie Orders
The troop can discuss ways to use their cookie proceeds. Girls can get started by brainstorming answers to the following: • What can we do with our cookie money to help others? • What can we do with our cookie money for fun and learning? Based on the answers, the girls should estimate how many boxes of cookies the troop AND each girl will need to sell to reach their goal. Have the girls record their goals on their order cards so they can share their goals with customers.
Brainstorming and Goal Setting
Review ways girls can reach out to customers: • Ask customers in person, go door-to-door in familar neighborhoods, visit family workplaces, or post on social media letting people know that they are participating in the cookie program. Girls older than 13 can post on their own social media accounts; girls younger than 13 will need to use a parent/guardian’s social media accounts. • Call/text family and friends. • Use the Digital Cookie platform (see page 22 for more details).
cookie flavors. If there are girls in the troop who are new to the cookie program, encourage the more experienced cookie sellers to share information about the cookie flavors. • Review the two price points ($5 and $6).
• If the girls have participated in the cookie program before, you can ask them about their favorite
ingredient information is on pages 18-19 of this guide.
Discussion Points
Topic
Holding a cookie program training meeting is the first step to a successful cookie program! This is an opportunity to capitalize on the girls’ excitement about selling cookies and to discuss girl and troop goals and what the troop would like to do with its proceeds from the cookie program.
Cookie Program Girl Training
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Girls can practice asking customers to purchase cookies: • Younger girls can role play selling cookies door-to-door, learning to share the order card with their customers, and talking about the Cookies for Heroes Program. Always remember to say, “Thank You!” • Older girls can discuss strategies to market their cookie business and how they can leverage their experience in the cookie business to reach more customers than ever before!
Interacting with Customers
Cookie delivery and money collection
Rewards
only be accepted from friends and family. Families should give money to the troop cookie manager promptly. • Cookies should NOT be left with customers without payment being received. • Discuss with girls/families that money earned through the cookie program belongs to the troop and NOT individual girls.
• Discuss with girls/families when and where cookie orders can be picked up. • If girls/families accept checks from customers, they should be made payable to GSOFCT and should
proceeds. NOTE: Daisy and Brownie troops are REQUIRED to take individual girl rewards. • Troops MUST vote (majority rules) to decide to take additional proceeds in lieu of rewards. • Show the rewards on the order card and encourage girls to think about setting goals to help them earn their desired rewards.
• Older girl (Junior and older) can discuss if they want to take individual girl rewards OR additional troop
Goal Getters & Remind girls to continue their program with Goal Getter orders. Girls should discuss holding a booth Cookie Booths sale. If the troop already has a booth sale date/location, share that information so girls can check their availability. If the date/location has not been determined, get their input as to their availability.
Discuss this program with the girls (see page 23 for complete details). Encourage girls to set a Cookies for Heroes goal AND to share this goal with customers.
Cookies for Heroes
Review the dates of the program (see the program calendar on pages 8-11). Remind girls that payment is collected when cookies are delivered (not when the order is placed). If a customer makes a purchase only for the Cookies for Heroes Program, payment can be collected when the order is placed. Cookies sold via the Digital Cookie platform will be paid for by the customer online when the order is placed, so payment for these orders won’t be collected by the girl.
ALL YOUR GIRL SCOUT COOKIE
$5 SAMOAS
$5 TAGALONGS
Crisp cookies coated in caramel, sprinkled with toasted coconut and striped with dark chocolaty coating
Crispy cookies layered with peanut butter and covered with a chocolaty coating
$5 TREFOILS
$5 THIN MINTS
Traditional shortbread cookies that are delightfully simple and satisfying
Crisp wafers covered in chocolaty coating made with natural oil of peppermint
®
®
®
®
Product formulations can change at any time. We encourage you to For more details check with Little Brownie Bakers.
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The GIRL SCOUTS® name and mark, and all associated trademarks a DIGITAL COOKIE® and the Trefoil Design, are owned by Girl Scouts of of Kellogg NA Co. Copyright ®, TM, © 2018-2019 Kellogg NA Co.
NO HIGH
SYRUP RN
OS UCT E CO FR
Our cookies have...
RSPO-1106186
• NO High-Fructose Corn Syrup
• 100% Real Cocoa
• NO Partially Hydrogenated Oils (PHOs)
• Hearty Whole Grain Oats in Do-si-dos
• NO Artificial Flavors in Toffee-tastics
• Thin Mints are Vegan
• Girl Scout S'mores and Do-si-dos are made with Natural Flavors
• Toffee-tastics are Gluten-Free
• Zero Grams Trans Fat per Serving
$5 DO-SI-DOS
®
Crunchy oatmeal sandwich cookies with creamy peanut butter filling
$6 GIRL SCOUT S'MORES ®
Crunchy graham sandwich cookies with creamy chocolate and marshmallowy filling
• RSPO Certified (Mass Balance) Palm Oil
$5 SAVANNAH SMILES ®
Crisp, zesty lemon wedge cookies dusted with powdered sugar
$6
TOFFEE-TASTIC
®
Rich, buttery cookies with sweet, crunchy toffee bits
check the ingredient statement on each package you purchase for the most up-to-date information on the ingredients contained in the product in that package.
and logotypes, including GIRL SCOUT COOKIES®, THIN MINTS®, TREFOILS®, GIRL SCOUT COOKIE SALE®, GIRL SCOUT COOKIE PROGRAM®, GIRL SCOUT S’MORES®, f the USA. Little Brownie Bakers is an official GSUSA licensee. SAMOAS, TAGALONGS, DO-SI-DOS, SAVANNAH SMILES and TOFFEE-TASTIC are registered trademarks
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Safety Guidelines Girl Scouts of Connecticut puts a great emphasis on the safety of girls participating in the cookie program, whether selling online or in person. A complete list of safety guidelines can be found in the Safety Activity Checkpoints for Product Programs and in Volunteer Essentials at gsofct.org. All girls and families should be made aware of this important information, so they can have a safe and successful cookie program. Plan Ahead • All girls must be registered and have a signed Annual Consent form on file with the co-leader prior to participating in the cookie program. • Involve girls in goal setting, planning, and execution of the troop’s cookie program. • Educate girls and parents about cookie program safety so they understand and are aware of safety measures. • An adult must accompany Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors when they are selling, taking orders, or delivering cookies. Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors may use the buddy system and pair up with another girl; however, an adult must be available while they are engaging in cookie program activities. • Girl Scouts must wear a membership pin, uniform, or Girl Scout clothing when selling, taking orders, or delivering cookies. 20
• Girls should only go door-todoor during daylight hours and in familiar neighborhoods. • Be safe while on the road, especially in busy intersections and walking along the roadway. • Do not enter the home or vehicle of a stranger. • Safeguard money. Avoid walking around with large amounts of money. Money should be given to the troop cookie manager regularly and promptly deposited in the troop bank account. • Girls should only share their first names and a group contact number or email address overseen by an adult if customers need to request information or place another order. • Review the GSUSA Internet Safety Pledge before going online.
Safety Guidelines Safety at booth sales • The co-leader should have a signed Annual Consent form for each participating girl. • Girls should only provide their troop number and cookie program goals to customers. • Keep girls at the booth location and away from cars and parking lots. Use caution when unloading product and passengers from vehicles. • At least two adults should be present and at least one must be registered with the council and have a background check. Adults must be present at booth
Safety online • Adults should supervise girls at all times when they are participating in any online activity related to the Girl Scout Cookie Program. • The Digital Cookie platform is the only approved online sales tool available for girls when selling cookies. Girls cannot set up third-party sites where cookies are sold and money is exchanged online, i.e. PayPal. • Families and girls ages 13 and older may only use social media that allow them to restrict access to friends and family (i.e. Facebook) to post the link to their Digital Cookie site. They should not use sites that do not provide
sales with girls of any age; however, girls MUST also always be at the booth sale site. • Allow room around the booth for people and cars to pass by. Do not block a business entrance or exit. • Girls (other than Girl Scout Daisies) can accept money and make change; however, an adult should safeguard cash and keep it out of sight. • Girls should dress for the weather and wear Girl Scout identification. Make sure a first aid kit is available at the booth. this protection, such as Craigslist, eBay, etc. • A girl’s Digital Cookie site should only be shared with people the girl knows in real life. • Girls should only use their first names, troop/group number, or council name, and never reveal their personal email or street address when online. If providing an email address, a girl should use either a group account monitored by an adult or an email account supervised by an adult. • Refer to the Safety Activity Checkpoints for Computer/ Online Activities at gsofct.org for complete safety guidelines. 21
Building 21st century skills with the leading entrepreneurial program for girls.
• Girls of all program levels may participate. • Girls can track progress toward their cookie goal by adding in-person sales to their Digital Order Card (DOC). • All cookies sold on a girl’s DOC count toward final rewards PLUS she can earn a Digital Cookie patch AND reward! • Girls can create and add videos or photos to their DOC to fully personalize their site. • A parent/guardian MUST register a girl on the Digital Cookie platform in order for the girl to set up her DOC. • A parent/guardian MUST approve all content on a girl’s DOC before it is published and viewable to customers.
Getting started with Digital Cookie: • Ensure Girl Scout is registered for 20182019 membership year. • Parents/guardians should look for the Digital Cookie registration email from email@email. girlscouts.org on December 21, 2018. • Didn’t receive the email? Contact the Product Sales Team at (800) 922-2770.
Customers pay online with the following delivery options: • Direct Ship: Cookies shipped app and delivered by the Girl to the customer in 3-5 Scout in March. No additional business days (additional fee. shipping fee applies). • Cookies In Hand: Customers • Donate: Cookies purchased purchase cookies from a for the Cookies for Heroes Girl Scout using the mobile Program. No additional fee. app when she has cookies in • In-person delivery: Cookies March, and customer receives are ordered via a girl’s website cookies on the spot! No or in person using the mobile additional fee. 22
Cookies for Heroes Program Cookies for Heroes is the council’s Gift of Caring program. Girls can offer their customers the opportunity to support the girl’s troop and, at the same time, to donate cookies to women and men serving in the military, veterans, and local heroes.
How do girls sell cookies for the Cookies for Heroes Program? Girls can sell cookies for this program in person during Initial Order Taking and the Goal Getter periods as well as at booth sales and walkabouts. Customers can also make a purchase for Cookies for Heroes through the Digital Cookie platform. TIP: Have the girls set a Cookies for Heroes goal to share with their customers. When taking orders, girls should ask customers if they would like to make a Cookies for Heroes purchase. If girls are leaving an order card at a parent/family/ friend’s workplace, they can attach a Cookies for Heroes flyer to the order card. Booth sales are a great time to promote Cookies for Heroes. Troops can decorate their booths with posters and flyers to market the program to customers.
How do cookies sold for Cookies for Heroes get to the intended recipients? GSOFCT partners with organizations to deliver the
cookies so the troop does not physically handle boxes of cookies sold for the program.
How are cookies sold for the program accounted for? How do girls receive credit for these cookies? When a girl sells a box (or more!) for Cookies for Heroes, she records the purchase on her order card and the troop cookie manager records the sale in eBudde. Boxes sold for Cookies for Heroes on the Digital Cookie platform are automatically recorded in eBudde and do not need to be added by the troop volunteer.
Local Gift of Caring project The troop may select a community organization to receive its cookie donations. If a troop chooses this method of donating cookies, the troop is responsible for contacting the organization prior to taking donations to confirm it can accept the cookies. The cookies are taken from the troop’s inventory and delivered to the organization by the troop. 23
Connecting with Customers Friends and Family These individuals are the first to be asked by girls because they are the people girls know best. A younger girl can find it helpful to practice her sales pitch with people she is Many comfortable with.
people
to buy Girl Scout C Girls can visit friends and family in person or reach out by phone, text, or via a marketing don’t know a Girl Sco email through the Digital Cookie platform (see page 22 for more information about asked! Here are some id the Digital Cookie platform). Girls older than 13 can use their social media customers. Encourage gi accounts to let people know they are participating in the cookie program. out to people in ways that Girls younger than 13 can use their parent/guardian social media also try some new strateg accounts. Remind girls to think about the individual person and what might The key ta be the best way to reach out. Girls can strategize ways to find customers beyond friends and family, including developing a marketing plan and reaching out to all the communities they are part of, including after-school activities and houses of worship.
ALWAYS ask people
purchase cookies. B
people beco
custom
Girls can follow up with customers after they deliver their cookies to thank them and to see if they would like to purchase more cookies.
Workplace Sales Parent/guardian/family friend workplaces may allow a girl to make a presentation to staff, ask individuals to buy cookies, or leave an order card with a note with her first name and cookie goal attached to it. If a girl leaves her card at a place of business, an adult may be responsible for the card at the workplace, but girls should take responsibility for filling orders, writing thank-you notes and, if possible, delivering cookies. 24
Connecting with Customers
Door-to-door in the neighborhood Going door-to-door is a fun activity for families and for troops. Girls take orders on their order cards and then return to deliver the cookies and accept payment.
e would love
Girls can leave a flyer or door hanger at familiar homes letting neighbors know they’re selling Girl Scout Cookies. The out or have not been marketing piece can provide an adult’s phone number or adult-monitored deas for connecting with email address so the Girl Scout can be contacted to place an order. Girls can irls and families to reach also send neighbors an email with a link to their Digital Order Card.
Cookies, but they
make sense for them, but
gies for finding customers.
akeaway:
Another idea: Conduct a walkabout in March with cookies in hand so neighbors can buy cookies on the spot!
if they would like to
Being asked is how
ome cookie
mers!
More tips for reaching customers
If customers are not interested in purchasing cookies for themselves, let them know about the Cookies for Heroes Program. Customers can purchase cookies to be donated to active duty service members, veterans, and local heroes (see page 23 for more information).
Girls should keep their order cards with them when they go with their families on errands so they won’t miss a cookie sale opportunity! Girls can visit local businesses to ask employees/ owners if they would like to order cookies. Many local business owners may want to purchase multiple boxes of cookies to give to their customers or employees as a thank-you gift. Other prospective customers include school and extracurricular teachers, coaches, social workers, and members of a family’s house of worship. 25
Initial Order Taking kicks off on Saturday, January 5! Girls can take orders in person, via phone/ email/text, and through the Digital Cookie platform!
December 2018
• Troop cookie managers gain access to eBudde in mid-December. • eBudde instructions will be available at gsofct.org by mid-December. • Review the contact information listed for the co-leader and troop cookie manager in eBudde and make any necessary changes. • Registration emails for the Digital Cookie platform will be sent to troop volunteers on December 17 and to parents/guardians on December 21.
January 5-February 3, 2019
• Girl Scouts take customers’ cookie orders in person, by phone/email/text, and through the Digital Cookie platform. Troop cookie managers check in with girls and offer support. • Digital Cookie Order Cards will open for business on January 5. • Check with families about availability for booth sale dates in March.
February 4-8, 2019
• Enter girls’ Initial Orders into eBudde. • In-person orders received via Digital Cookie need to be entered as part of the girls’ Initial Order. • Shipped and/or donated orders received via Digital Cookie should NOT be manually entered in eBudde; these orders will be automatically recorded. • Review troop and girl Initial Order rewards in eBudde. The troop’s Initial Order must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on February 8, 2019. • NOTE: Cookies ordered in the Initial Order CANNOT be returned to a cookie cupboard.
March 2 & 3, 2019
• Pick up troop’s Initial Order cookies at the assigned date, time, and cookie delivery site. • Distribute cookies to families. Obtain an adult signature for each girl’s cookie order. • Initial Order rewards will be distributed to troops on or around Cookie Delivery Day. 26
Check out the awesome sauce Initial Order rewards for girls and troops when they Go for Bold and tackle the Initial Order Taking Period!
Girl Initial Order Reward Girls who sell 125 boxes or more will earn the fabulously comfortable Go For Bold Lounge Pants! • All boxes sold on the order card and through the Digital Cookie platform during the Initial Order Taking Period will count toward a girl’s Initial Order Reward. • Eligible girls will earn the Initial Order Reward, Can only be even if the troop opts for additional proceeds. earned during
Troop Initial Order Reward
the Initial Order Period!
Troops averaging 125 boxes sold per girl selling will earn a $25 credit to a GSOFCT Shop. • All boxes sold by girls on their order cards and through the Digital Cookie platform plus cases ordered on the Booth Line in eBudde under the Initial Order tab will count toward the troop’s Initial Order per girl selling average. • All troops are eligible to earn this reward, including those which opt for additional proceeds in lieu of girl rewards. • NOTE: Girls registered as IRGs are not eligible for this reward.
Booth Sale Bonus Troops earn $20 for every 20 cases ordered in the Booth Line on the Initial Order tab. • Troops MUST have AT LEAST two girl Initial Orders entered in eBudde to earn the bonus. Booth cookies ordered on the Initial Order will be picked up with the rest of the troop’s cookies on Cookie Delivery Day. • When ordered as part of the Initial Order, booth sale cookies CANNOT be returned, even if not sold during the cookie program. • Only troops can earn the booth sale bonus; girls registered as IRGs do not earn this bonus. 27
Cookie Cupboards Locations where additional cookies can be picked up AFTER the Initial Order Taking Period to fill Goal Getter Orders and for booth sales. Why use a cookie cupboard? Being able to pick up additional cookies allows girls and troops to continue with the cookie program beyond the Inital Order Taking Period. Knowing that additional cookies can be obtained—either for a booth sale OR for girl Goal Getter Orders—encourages the girls to “Go for Bold” with their cookie program goals!
How are cookies ordered/ reserved through the cupboard? Volunteers must reserve cookies no fewer than 6 days prior to the desired pickup day. NEW THIS YEAR: Troop volunteers will enter the cookie order directly in eBudde on the Transaction tab as a Pending Order at the desired cupboard. NOTE: If cookies are needed sooner than 6 days out, the troop will need to contact the cupboard manager directly to confirm if the cupboard can fill the cookie request. Complete information about placing a cupboard order will be included in the eBudde instructions. 28
A list of council cookie cupboards will be available at gsofct.org by February 15, 2019. Check with your service unit to see if a volunteer is managing a cookie cupboard for the service unit.
Where are cookie cupboards located? Throughout the council! We anticipate having more than 30 cookie cupboards this year. Cookie cupboards are most frequently managed by volunteers in available space, such as basements, garages, storage units, and donated space at businesses. There are also cookie cupboards at the following service centers: Hartford, North Haven, Waterbury, and Wilton.
When are cookie cupboards open? Cupboards operate during March once the cookies have arrived. Council cupboards open for business the week prior to Cookie Delivery Day, and service unit cupboards begin operating the week following delivery day. Cupboard hours and days of operation are determined by the cupboard manager.
Goal Getter Sales During Goal Getter Sales Girls Can… • Try something new! Reach higher the final per girl selling out to additional customers average, the greater the per via the Digital Cookie platform box troop proceeds (see page or test out a new marketing 15 for proceed levels). Have strategy. Talk with the girls the girls calculate how many in the troop about progress more boxes they need to sell made toward their goals and to move to the next proceed what they want to try next. level. • Earn more rewards! Final • Have fun! Girls can have a rewards are based on girls’ photoshoot or record total sales, including Goal videos to personalize their Getter sales. Digital Order Cards. Or • Increase troop proceeds! they can make a cookieProceeds are calculated inspired craft (check out based on the final per girl littlebrowniebakers.com for selling average. So, the ideas).
Assigning Goal Getter Boxes Cookie program fun continues when girls participate in the Goal Getter Period! Goal Getter Orders can be taken February 4— March 31.
All Goal Getter cookies should be assigned to girls in eBudde. Goal Getter eBudde instructions will be available on the Cookie Volunteer Resources page at gsofct.org by mid-February. Assigning boxes will ensure girls receive all earned rewards, and the correct amount of money is collected from each family.
Collecting Goal Getter Order Cards and Filling Orders Communicate to girls/families how to submit Goal Getter orders. Goal Getter orders can be filled in two ways: 1. Use the troop’s extra cookies from the troop’s Initial Order. It is a best practice to use the troop’s extra boxes first to fill Goal Getter Orders.
2. Pick up the cookies from a cookie cupboard. More information on cookie cupboards is on page 28. 29
Booth Sales March 2-31, 2019 How does the troop obtain a booth sale site? Booth sale sites are handled at the service unit level. Troops should check with their service unit cookie manager to find out what the service unit’s procedure is for securing a booth site. Booth sales can only be held during the booth sale period (March 2—31, 2019). ANY exception must be approved by the Product Sales Team. Girl Scout Cookie booths should NOT made in partnership with businesses, organizations, or events that a girl cannot legally patronize, including bars, tobacco stores, liquor stores, and marijuana dispensaries, etc. Once confirmed by the service unit, the booth site MUST be entered into the troop’s eBudde record (Booth Sites tab). Check with the service unit cookie manager to determine if the service unit or troop volunteer is responsible for adding the booth site into eBudde. Listing the booth site in eBudde: 1. Acts as the troop’s trip application, 2. Allows the booth to be listed in the Cookie Finder app, and 3. Is a requirement for picking up cookies for a booth sale from a cookie cupboard. NOTE: Troops may only hold booth sales within their service unit. If troops want to hold a booth sale outside the service unit’s borders, they must contact their service unit cookie manager to see about obtaining permission from the service unit in which the site is located.
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Cookie booth sales are a great way for girls to reach new customers and for troops to increase their sales! Booth sales are generally held in front of local businesses or at community events where there is a high level of foot traffic. Girls can practice their people skills when they interact with customers, and customers enjoy hearing how their support fuels all the great experiences the troop will have! What are the safety guidelines regarding booth sales? ÆÆ Check out the booth
sale site beforehand. Look for security measures and the location of the nearest bathroom. Talk to local businesses or the volunteer in your service unit who coordinates the booth site locations to seek input on the location. ÆÆ Review the Safety Activity Checkpoints for Product Sales at gsofct.org and the safety guidelines on pages 20-21. ÆÆ Make sure to have at least two adults at the booth to allow for breaks and/or emergencies. At least one of these volunteers must be registered with the council and have a background check.
ÆÆ The girl/adult ratio should be followed at all times. ÆÆ At least one approved adult from each troop is expected to participate in product sales training and to update the girls and volunteers on safety and program materials before the booth sale. ÆÆ Ensure the table does not block pedestrians, bikes, or cars around your booth. Keep girls safely away from cars. ÆÆ Girls should be in charge of making all sales, and Girl Scout Brownies and older should be allowed to make change. ÆÆ Safeguard the cash box. Adults are responsible for the cash box and assisting girls. ÆÆ A first aid kit must be accessible at the booth at all times. 31
Booth Sales What should the troop bring to the booth sale?
How do I get cookies for the booth sale?
ÎÎ In addition to cookies,
Troops can either order booth sale cookies on their Initial Order or they can pick up booth sale cookies at a council or service unit cupboard (see page 28 for more information about cookie cupboards).
bring a cash box with starter change and a table. ÎÎ Girls can also bring signs and decorations for the table. ÎÎ A first aid kit. ÎÎ A Cookies for Heroes flyer and/or a box wrapped in the Cookies for Heroes box wrap to promote the program. ÎÎ If the troop is participating in a local Gift of Caring initiative, bring a box or container to hold the boxes that are purchased to be donated. ÎÎ Cookie costumes for girls to wear to attract customers to the booth. ÎÎ Girls should either wear a uniform, a membership pin, or informal Girl Scout clothing. Girls should dress for the weather. ÎÎ Adult volunteers supervising the booth sale can bring a snack and/or water for the girls. Girls should step away from the table to eat or drink. ÎÎ Girls can bring cards and ribbon to make multi-box bundles for occasions, such as birthdays or holidays.
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NOTE: Troops can only sell cookies received on March 2 or 3, 2019, from a GSOFCT Cookie Delivery Site or from a GSOFCT cookie cupboard in March 2019. Cookies from Election Day Booth Sales, a different council, or past sales CANNOT be sold.
How long should the booth sale last? Booth sales can be held for as few as two hours or for an entire day. Factors that will influence the duration of the booth sale include: ÎÎ The number and ages of girls available AND availabililty of adult volunteers. ÎÎ The availability of the location as determined by the service unit. ÎÎ The weather! Cold, windy, and rainy or snowy conditions may dictate a shorter booth sale.
What else should the troop know about booth sales? ÎÎ Talk about the Cookies for Heroes Program with customers. Use the Cookies for Heroes box wrap around a box of Thin Mints to visually promote the program. ÎÎ Troops may not promote, collect, or sell items other than Girl Scout Cookies at a cookie booth. ÎÎ ALL cash donations should be used to purchase cookies for either the Cookies for Heroes Program OR the troop’s local Gift of Caring program. ÎÎ At the start of the booth sale, check in with the business owner/manager and follow any instructions that she/he gives you. Do not ask the business for any supplies or change; be sure the troop brings everything it will need for the booth sale. ÎÎ Girls must be present at all times. Adults may assist, but not sell Girl Scout Cookies. ÎÎ Store cases off the ground and keep things neat! Remove empty cases right away. Remove everything the troop brought to the site when it leaves. ÎÎ If the troop picked up cookies from a cupboard, it may return full, unopened cases in excellent condition
to the same cupboard it picked the cookies up from on the agreed upon date OR no later than five days following the booth sale. ÎÎ Allocate the cookies to all girls who participated at the booth sale under the Girl Order tab in eBudde. This ensures all girls who participated receive credit for the sales. Refer to the Goal Getter/Booth Sale eBudde instructions for step-by-step directions. These instructions will be available on the Cookie Volunteer Resources page at gsofct.org by mid-February. ÎÎ The cookies should be allocated in a way that is fair to ALL the girls. Keep in mind: Girls who did not come to the booth the day of the sale MAY have helped out in other ways, such as making posters or helping with the cookie pickup. ÎÎ Plan to have at least two volunteers and one girl at the booth at all times. At least one of these volunteers must be registered with the council and have a background check. Volunteers might want to take breaks or need to accompany young girls to the bathroom, so make sure to have one or two extra volunteers on hand. 33
Cookie Delivery Day March 2 OR 3, 2019 All cookies entered in eBudde as part of the troop’s Initial Order will
Volunteers (particularly adults!) are always needed to help on Cookie Delivery Day. High school and college students are also welcome!
be picked up on March 2 or March 3, 2019, at one of the statewide cookie delivery sites. Each service unit is assigned a date, delivery site location, and a time range for troops to select a pick-up time. NOTE: The pick-up date and time slots are determined by service unit and are FIRM. It is the troop’s responsibility to make the necessary arrangements to ensure its cookie order is picked up on the assigned date and selected time.
How many cases of cookies fit in your vehicle? NOTE: The numbers below assume an empty vehicle, which means all sports gear, groceries, back seat passengers and pets have been left at home, and there are no child car seats in the car. Compact car 25-30 cases
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Standard sedan (using back seat and trunk) Small SUV
50-60 cases
SUV/Minivan (extra seats have been removed/folded down) Standard pickup truck Cargo van
100-150 cases
50-65 cases
100 cases 200 cases
What do I need to do to prepare for Cookie Delivery Day? FF Recruit
at least one troop adult to help. One person is needed to drive the vehicle and one to act as a counter. Please note: If your troop has a large order, you may need more than one vehicle on delivery day. See chart on page 34 page to determine how many cases will fit in the vehicle(s). FF Sign up for a delivery slot (Delivery tab) in eBudde AFTER you submit the troop’s Initial Order. Please make a note of the date, time, AND location so you are ready on Cookie Delivery Day. FF Ensure space has been identified to store the cookies that is protected from weather, smoke/exhaust, pets, and wildlife. FF Make a plan for troop families to pick up their cookies. Remember to have a parent/guardian sign a receipt for each girl’s cookie order when they are picked up. These signatures are important to transfer responsibility for the cookies from the troop cookie manager to the family.
Cookie Delivery Day Checklist Prior to pick-up time FF Make sure that all vehicles used for cookie pickup are clean and empty. For safety reasons, do not bring any children or pets. FF Any open pickup truck must have a covering to protect the cookies. FF Make sure each vehicle has two adults. Having a counter with each vehicle is essential to ensure the troop receives the correct number of cookies. During pick up at your scheduled time. Troops that arrive before or after their assigned time will only be allowed to join the line when traffic flow and time allows. FF If your troop will be using more than one vehicle to pick up its cookies, ask the drivers to arrive at the assigned time. Troop cars will not be allowed to join the line until ALL vehicles are present. FF Count the cookies. A troop adult will need to sign and be responsible for the cookies at the end of the line. Thus, it is important that she/ he is sure that the troop received all of the cases being signed for. FF If delivery overages, shortages, and/or damages are discovered, the troop cookie manager should report them to the delivery site manager. If the shortage/overage is discovered after the cookie delivery site is closed, the discrepancy should be reported to the Product Sales Team (productsales@gsofct.org) as soon as possible but no later than 72 hours after the end of delivery day. FF Arrive
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Cookie Program Rewards
Go for Bold Theme patch 30+ boxes
OR
Pen Bracelet Bangles 65+ boxes
Leopard Sleep Mask 85+ boxes
Bold experience at lower reward level!
500 Club Paws-off Journal OR Climbing and Zip Lining on April 28, 2019, at The Adventure Park (choose from 2 locations: @ Discovery Museum in Bridgeport– ages 5+ OR @ Storrs – ages 7+)
AND $25 Cookie Credit 300+ boxes
1000 Club
Charm It® bracelet and Two Cookie Charms AND $35 Cookie Credit 400+ boxes
Leopard Lovers Sleeping Bag PLUS 500+ patch AND $50 Cookie Credit 500+ boxes
1300 Club
OR
Attend a musical with the CEO on May 18, 2019, PLUS 1000+ patch, AND $100 Cookie Credit 1000+ boxes
Explorers Kit with Customizable Backpack OR One Week at GSOFCT Day Camp (up to $250 value) 1300+ boxes
All rewards are cumulative except Cookie Cre
Every effort will be made to provide the rewards as pictured. If the actual item is unavailable, a
36
Cookie Program Rewards
Go for Bold T-shirt AND $10 Cookie Credit 150+ boxes
Clouded Leopard Plush 125+ boxes
750 Club
OR Wild About Cookies blow up chair OR Go for Bold at Lake Compounce on June 22, 2019, PLUS 700+ patch AND $75 Cookie Credit 750+ boxes
1600 Club
OR
Microsoft Surface Go PLUS choice of Type Cover or Smart Pen OR One Week at GSOFCT Resident Camp (up to $450 value) 1600+ boxes
redits.
a substitute of equal or greater value will be provided.
Jumbo Pouf Pillow AND $15 Cookie Credit 200+ boxes
Cookie Credits Girls earn Cookie Credits beginning at 150 boxes. Cookie credits can be used to pay registration fees for 2019 GSOFCT Summer Camp or to purchase items from any GSOFCT shop or camp trading post. When Cookie Credits are used to pay 2019 Summer Camp registration fees, the value of the Cookie Credit will be DOUBLED! Cookie Credits are mailed directly to the co-leader/ troop cookie manager in early May. Please distribute the Cookie Credits to the girls as soon as they are received, since the girls worked hard to earn them! Cookie Credits expire on September 20, 2019.
37
Cookie Program Rewards Cookies for Heroes/Local Gift of Caring Rewards Girls who sell at least one box for the Cookies for Heroes Program OR local Gift of Caring initiative will earn the Gift of Caring patch. Girls who sell 15 or more boxes for the Cookies for Heroes Program will earn the Iridescent Shine Bright Case. Note: Only boxes sold for the Cookies for Heroes Program will count toward this reward.
Initial Order Rewards
All girl rewards are cumu Credits. A girl will earn the based on her f
If the troop elects to take a rewards, girls WILL still rece Rewards, Cookie Credits, Gif rewards as well as item and above
Below are the Initial Order Rewards for girls and troops. See page 27 for how girls and troops can earn these rewards! Remember: Even if the troop has chosen additional proceeds in lieu of girl rewards, eligible girls in the troop WILL earn the Initial Order Reward. Girl reward earned at 125+ boxes—Go For Bold Lounge Pants
Troop reward earned when troop achieves 125 box per girl selling average—$25 gift certificate to a GSOFCT shop
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Girl Re Girl rewards, Initial Order Rewa all cookies sold durin program (January 5
Instructions on how to included in the eBudd on the Cookie Volun at gso
Cookie Program Rewards
Cookie Crossover Patch ewards Girls are eligible to earn except for the the Cookie Crossover ards, are based on patch featuring their ng the ENTIRE cookie personalized Me2 avatar if they: 5 – March 31, 2019).
ulative EXCEPT for Cookie highest value Cookie Credit final box count.
additional proceeds in lieu of eive all patches, Initial Order ft of Caring, and Digital Cookie ms at the 750 box level e, if earned.
ÎÎ Created a Me2 avatar on the M2OS platform during the Treats & Reads Program. ÎÎ Sent at least 15 emails during the Treats & Reads Program, AND ÎSell Î at least 140 boxes during the cookie program (JanuaryMarch 2019).
Digital Cookie Rewards
order Final Rewards are Girls who who sell 45+ boxes de instructions available through the Digital Cookie platform will earn the Pawsitively Purrfect nteer Resources page Leopard and Tin OR the Phone Ring Stand ofct.org. PLUS the Cookie Techie Patch.
OR +
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Cookie Program Rewards
Cookie Crossover Bonus for Troops Troops that average at least $120 per girl selling in the Treats & Reads Program and 125 boxes per girl selling in the cookie program (January-March 2019) will earn an additional $.02 per box of cookies in troop proceeds! Last year, almost 300 troops qualified for the bonus, earning $8,874.60 in additional proceeds! What could your troop do with extra proceeds?
Service Unit Bonus Help the service unit earn a cash award for increasing its sales over the 2018 cookie program! The funds can be used for any legitimate service unit expense, such as events, camporees, adult recognitions, or other expenses. Service units can earn the following when they increase their cookie program over last year: • 1/2¢ for every box sold if the service unit increases its sale by 1/2 percent or more OR • 1¢ for every box sold if the service unit increases its sale by 2 percent or more.
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Cookie Program Rewards TOP Troop Reward - 5¢/box in GSOFCT Shop Credit! Mandatory Requirements (all three MUST be met)
Additional Requirements (troop MUST complete two)
Achieve per girl selling average of 125 boxes.
Set a troop sales goal and share the troop’s plan for the cookie program proceeds.
Submit electronic payment (ACH) authorization by February 8, 2019, AND have sufficient funds so all electronic payments (ACH) are successfully completed on the scheduled dates.
Have at least 50 percent of the participating girls in the troop earn a Cookie Business badge.
Hold at least one booth sale or walkabout and provide a picture of the event. Girls must participate in the Have at least 50 percent of Initial Order Taking Period of the participating girls set up the cookie program, and the sites in Digital Cookie and troop must submit its Initial send marketing emails. Order in eBudde by 11:59 p.m. on February 8, 2019. To earn this reward, troops need to complete five requirements; three mandatory requirements and two additional requirements of the troop’s choosing from the chart above. In addition, the troop cookie manager must complete the online TOP Troop Reward form. The deadline to submit this form is April 4, 2019. The link to this form can be found on the Cookie Volunteer Resources page at gsofct.org after March 15, 2019. NOTE: In order to be eligible for the TOP Troop Reward, troops MUST have a minimum of two girls with sales. Troops, not individually registered girls, are eligible for this reward.
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Deadline to submit ACH Form (if not previously submitted for the Treats & Reads Program OR Election Day Booth Sales)
February 8
Payment from customers ordering cookies How cookies are paid for is determined by how the order is placed—in person OR online via the Digital Cookie platform. For orders taken in person, cookies are paid for when the cookies are delivered. Cash or check payable to GSOFCT are accepted in-person payments and should be given to the girl/parent when cookies are delivered. GSOFCT does NOT require payment prior to delivery. Cookies should NOT be left without receiving payment. NOTE: If an in-person customer purchases cookies ONLY for the Cookies for Heroes Program, payment can be collected at the point of purchase. For orders placed via the Digital Cookie platform (online), payment will be made via a credit or debit card at the point of purchase, regardless of the delivery option the customer chooses—donated, shipped, or in-person delivery. Girls will NOT collect payment from customers for these orders.
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Cookie Progra Troop payments to council are made by electronic payment (ACH) from troop bank accounts. All proceeds and bonuses will be calculated prior to the final electronic payment. There will be two electronic (ACH) withdrawals: March 22 for 60% of the amount due in eBudde, and April 12 for the final balance. ALL troops must complete and submit the GSOFCT Product Sales Program Electronic Payment (ACH)
Payment to the tro The troop cookie manager is responsible for keeping track of product distributed to families and payment amounts received from each girl’s family. Î The troop cookie manager must use the receipt book provided to collect signatures whenever money or product is exchanged. ÎÎ The troop cookie manager is responsible for
am Payments Authorization form NO LATER than February 8, 2019. Full details, including the link to the authorization form, the terms of agreement, and FAQs, can be found on the Cookie Volunteer Resources page at gsofct.org. Note: If the troop has previously submitted an authorization form for the 2018 Treats & Reads Program or 2018 Election Day Booth Sales, it does NOT need to submit the form again for the cookie program, assuming no change in the troop’s banking information.
oop from families communicating to troop families the amount owed and procedure for making payment to the troop. ÎÎ Troop cookie managers should record in eBudde all girl/family payments received. If the troop anticipates having insufficient funds for the electronic payment(s), contact the Product Sales Team at productsales@gsofct.org
ACH Withdrawal Dates
March 22
(60% of amount due in eBudde)
AND
April 12
(final balance due)
Payment at booth sales Payment can be made by cash or check payable to GSOFCT. Troops are responsible for the value of all counterfeit money and should use a counterfeit bill detector pen to check any bills received. Troops should carefully consider accepting checks from customers not known to troop families. As point-of-sale transactions are increasingly cashless, troops should consider accepting credit cards for payment at booth sales. If the troop chooses to accept credit cards, it is responsible for obtaining the device and all fees associated with its usage. Questions about using a credit card device? Contact the Product Sales Team at productsales@gsofct.org. Want a sign to advertise that credit cards are accepted? We’ve got you covered. Go to the Cookie Volunteer Resources page at gsofct.org for a sign you can download and print or contact the Product Sales Team at productsales@gsofct.org.
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Cookie Program Payment Issues Non-payment from girl/family If a troop is unable to collect the amount due from a girl/family, the troop should NOT pay council for the boxes that have not been paid for. Contact the Product Sales Team no later than April 8, 2019, to ensure the troop’s payment to council is adjusted. The troop cookie manager should compile the following documentation and submit to the product sales manager NO LATER than May 1, 2019: • A completed Parent/Guardian Cookie Program Delinquency Form, including steps taken to collect the money, • Original parent signature accepting the cookies, and • A copy of the girl’s Annual Consent form. If a troop collects the delinquent amount after submitting the documentation, the product sales manager should be notified. If council is successful in collecting the debt within a reasonable amount of time, the troop will receive the proceeds due. Returned checks If a check is returned by the bank, the troop should take the following steps: • Attempt to resolve the situation with the parent/guardian or customer • If unable to recover the value of the check and bank fees within two weeks, submit the following documentation to the Finance Team NO LATER than June 1, 2019, in order to be reimbursed: • Original legal copy of check sent from the bank, • Copy of the bank notice, and • Troop information, including troop number, service unit name, co-leader contact information, and description of attempts to collect money. Documentation should be mailed to: GSOFCT - Finance Department Attn: Nicki Segura 340 Washington St. Hartford, CT 06106 If received AFTER June 1, 2019, reimbursement will be withheld until council has recovered the funds. 44
GSUSA Cookie PRO 2019 GSUSA’s Cookie Pro contest returns for the 2018-2019 cookie program in partnership with Warner Bros. Studio! Unleash your G.I.R.L (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk Taker, and Leader)™ potential for a chance to win the Cookie Entrepreneur Experience! Complete details can be found at girlscouts.org/cookiepro.
Unleash your G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader)™ potential for a chance to win the...
COOKIE ENTREPRENEUR EXPERIENCE Featuring the DC Super Hero Girls™, plus an all-expensespaid trip to sunny California for incredible behind-thescenes VIP adventures at Warner Bros. Studio!
PRIZE PROVIDED BY TM
Here’s how to enter: Highlight your unique cookie story by:
mini graphic novel (it’s easy with our handy template!)
i c h ve p a s atc h e
★ Answering a set of questions ★ Creating your very own
s lu xc r u n lo c k e a l pu fo r o p tion
Find entry details, official rules, submission tips, and downloadable mini-graphic novel templates at
girlscouts.org/cookiepro The GIRL SCOUTS® name, mark, and all associated trademarks and logotypes, including the Trefoil Design, G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader)™, and Cookie Pro™ are owned by Girl Scouts of the USA. DC SUPER HERO GIRLS and all related characters and elements © & ™ DC Comics and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. DC LOGO: TM & © DC. WB SHIELD: TM & © WBEI. (s18) TM
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Girl Scouts of Connecticut One Mission Building girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.
One Program
Girl Scout Leadership Experience
Two Components Journeys: Leadership
Badges: Skill Development
Three Processes Girl-Led
Learn by Doing
Girl Scouts decide what they’ll do together.
Girl Scouts participate in hands-on activities.
Collaboration Girl Scouts work together to achieve a goal.
Three Results Discover
Take Action
Connect
Girl Scouts find out who they are, what they care about, and what their talents are.
Girl Scouts, locally and globally, care about, learn from, and team up with others.
Girl Scouts do something to make the world a better place.
Four Pillars STEM
Outdoors
High-quality, multi-year programs help Girl Scouts become increasingly interested, confident, and competent in STEM subjects.
Through progressive outdoor programs, Girl Scouts experience nature, build skills, participate in recreational activities, and become environmental stewards.
Entrepreneurship
Life Skills
Girl Scouts learn how to change Girls enhance their academic the world by acquiring business and life skills through topics such skills through entrepreneurship as local and global citizenship, opportunities, including social healthy living, communication, enterprise. preparedness, and financial literacy.
Five Outcomes Sense of Self
Positive Values
Girls have confidence in themselves and their abilities and form positive identities.
Girls act ethically, honestly, and responsibly, and show concern for others.
Healthy Relationships Girls take appropriate risks, try things even if they might fail, and learn from mistakes.
Challenge Seeking Girls develop and maintain healthy relationships by communicating their feelings directly and resolving conflicts constructively.
Community Problem Solving Girls want to contribute to the world in purposeful and meaningful ways, learn how to identify problems in the community, and create “action plans” to solve them.
The future, powered by G.I.R.L.TM Go-Getters - Determined to succeed. Bold. Honest. Fair. Goal-oriented. Can-do mentality. Ambitious. Lifelong learner. Innovators - Creative. Thinks outside the box. Always looking for a new approach. Visionary. Uses resources wisely. Original. Do-it-yourselfer. Experimenter.
Risk-Takers - Not afraid to try new things. Courageous. Strong. Breaks the mold. Steps up. Discoverer. Pioneer. Embraces the unfamiliar. Leaders - Confident. Knows how to get the job done. Responsible. Committed to making the world a better place. Empathetic. Advocate. Empowers others.