2025 Cookie Program Family Guide
Welcome to the 2025 Girl Scout Cookie Program!
There’s a reason the Girl Scout Cookie Program is a celebrated tradition—it’s an amazing way for Girl Scouts to build lifelong skills! Girl Scouts learn to set goals, create a plan, interact with customers, and advocate for themselves. While they continue to build those skills and their confidence, they learn to “Embrace Possibility,” and make a difference in their world.
NEW THIS SEASON: Talk to the Troop Cookie Manager (TCM)/co-leader about how your Girl Scout can earn an exclusive Panda Nail Art Set by placing an initial order for the 2025 Girl Scout Cookie Program.
This season, customers get HALF OFF SHIPPING for online direct ship orders of six (6) or more packages placed from January 24–February 6, 2025. Customers receive $5 off shipping for direct ship online orders of six (6) or more packages placed from February 7–March 16, 2025.
From January 24–March 16, Girl Scouts can jump start their cookie business with the Digital Cookie® Direct Ship Only option—customers may choose to have their cookies shipped directly to them when they pay with a credit/debit card.
Important Cookie Program Dates
• January 24–March 16: Digital Cookie® Direct Ship Only
• January 24–February 6: Half Off Shipping for Direct Ship Orders of Six (6) or More Packages
• January 25–26: Cookie Rallies & Cookie CEO Programs
• February 7–March 16:
• Door-to-Door and Online Girl-Delivered Sales
• $5 Off Shipping for Direct Ship Orders of Six (6) or More Packages
• February 14–March 16: Booth Sales Open
• March 16: Cookie Program Ends
Meet the Girl Scout Cookies
Whether you’re a fan of the classics or are looking to find a new go-to cookie flavor, each Girl Scout Cookie is special, and everyone has their personal favorite. Here is this year’s Girl Scout Cookie selection:
Adventurefuls™
Indulgent brownie-inspired cookies with caramel flavored crème with a hint of sea salt.*
Lemonades®
Savory slices of shortbread with a refreshingly tangy lemon-flavored icing.*
Thin Mints®
Crispy chocolate wafers dipped in a mint chocolaty coating.
Caramel Chocolate Chip
Gluten-free! Rich caramel, semisweet chocolate chips, and a hint of sea salt.*
Peanut Butter Patties
Crispy cookies layered with peanut butter and covered with a chocolaty coating.
(LAST YEAR) Toast-Yay!™ French Toast-inspired cookies dipped in delicious icing.
*Naturally flavored with other natural flavors.
Caramel deLites®
Crispy cookies with caramel, coconut, and chocolaty stripes.
Peanut Butter Sandwich
Crisp and crunchy oatmeal cookies with a peanut butter filling.
Trefoils®
Shortbread cookies inspired by the original Girl Scout recipe.
Cookie Program Five Skills
We think you’ll agree...the Girl Scout Cookie Program isn’t just about selling cookies. Participating Girl Scouts learn five skills that set them up for success now and later in life:
1. GOAL SETTING: As a Cookie Entrepreneur, your Girl Scout sets cookie goals individually and with their troop, then creates a plan to reach them. Participants develop cooperation and team building skills along the way.
2. DECISION MAKING: Your Girl Scout learns how to achieve goals, overcome challenges, and spend the troop’s cookie money! Participants become innovators and entrepreneurs, furthering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
3. MONEY MANAGEMENT: As a Cookie Boss, your Girl Scout takes cookie orders, handles customers’ money, and gains practical life skills around financial literacy. In a complicated global economic landscape it’s a critical competency.
4. PEOPLE SKILLS: Girl Scouts learn how to talk to, listen to, and work with different people while selling cookies. These experiences help develop healthy relationships and conflict resolutions skills young people need!
5. BUSINESS ETHICS: Your Girl Scout showcases honesty and responsibility at every step of the Cookie Program. Business ethics reinforce the positive values participants are developing as Girl Scouts.
How Cookie Proceeds Are Used The Power of a Girl Scout Cookie
100% of Cookie Program proceeds stay in Nebraska and support Nebraska Girl Scouts!
GSSN Girl and Volunteer Services 25%
57%
Cost of Purchasing Cookies from ABC Bakers 18%
GSSN Girl Rewards and Troop Profit
Cookie Program FAQs
1. Where does the money go from the sale of Girl Scout Cookies?
100% of the proceeds from each $6.00 package purchased stay with the Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska council to provide the resources needed to support Girl Scouting statewide each year. This includes programs in STEM, the outdoors, life skills, entrepreneurship, and more! Council funds are also raised through grants, corporate gifts, and individual donations.
2. Does any of the money from the Cookie Program go to Girl Scouts of the USA (the national Girl Scout organization)?
No, Girl Scout councils do not provide any portion of their cookie revenue to Girl Scouts of the USA.
3. Does any part of the cookie revenue go to support organizations other than Girl Scouts?
No, Cookie Program revenue is not used to support other organizations. The money earned from any Girl Scout council-sponsored Product Program funds only Nebraska Girl Scout related activities.
Cookie Program Rewards
Girls receive many benefits from participating in the Girl Scout Cookie Program, including the opportunity to earn Cookie Dough, pins and badges, and exclusive swag. Participants begin earning rewards at 25 cookie packages sold.
Rewards are cumulative, so with each level a Girl Scout reaches, the more rewards they can earn! Girl Scouts also have the option to select Cookie Dough instead of rewards, which is also cumulative.
COOKIE DOUGH $ $
Cookie Dough
Cookie Dough is an optional reward for Girl Scout Cookie Program participants. Cookie Dough may be redeemed for purchases in any Spirit of Nebraska Girl Scout Shop or Camp Trading Post.
Cookie Dough may also be used as payment for council-sponsored programs, camps, or saved towards a future council-sponsored trip or Girl Scouts of the USA Destinations trip:
• Save for a future Girl Scout trip by converting Cookie Dough to Travel Bucks! To convert Cookie Dough to Travel Bucks, complete a “Request to Use Cookie Dough, Nut Bucks, Travel Bucks...” form or call Member Support at 402.558.8189 for assistance.
Cookie Dough may not be used to purchase items for Girl Scout troops or by a parent/adult. Cookie Dough is not transferable, is not redeemable for cash or national membership dues, and cannot be redeemed online. It can be redeemed in person, by phone, or by mail. Troop proceeds belong to the troop and do not belong to an individual member. Troop funds should be used towards all members regardless of their sales levels.
Entrepreneurship Badges & Pins
When Girl Scouts sell cookies, they practice-goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills, and business ethics—as they learn to think like an entrepreneur. They can earn badges and pins each year they run their own Girl Scout Cookie business. Then explore their own business idea by earning an entrepreneur badge.
1000 Club
1000 Club rewards the top cookie sellers in Nebraska! Girl Scouts will receive a medal, a certificate of achievement, recognition on our blog and social media, and invited to attend an exclusive awards ceremony.
Set Your Cookie Goals
The Girl Scout Cookie Program begins January 24, 2025. You may not take orders or sell cookies before this date.
Standard Rewards are CUMULATIVE; participants receive their choice at ALL levels earned. Cookie Dough is the default reward item.
Entrepreneurship
Badges & Pins
When you sell Girl Scout Cookies, you practice-goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills, and business ethics—as you learn to think like an entrepreneur. You can earn badges and pins each year you run your own Girl Scout Cookie business. Then explore your own business idea by earning an Entrepreneur badge.
Brownie
Junior
Cadette
Senior
Choose Your Program Path
The Girl Scout Cookie Program allows your Girl Scout to experience four key business models: (online, in-person, brick & mortar, or combination). Participants may choose the experience that works best for their troop/family. Consider how you’ll reach your goals, the time you have to invest, and the available network you have to leverage with each model. Remember to follow the approved selling methods listed below and remember that adult supervision is required at all times for all selling options:
Online = Digital Cookie ®
Your Girl Scout will become an e-commerce extraordinaire with a growing customer list, digital marketing strategy, and dashboards to monitor their progress in reaching goals. Girl Scouts can choose to manage physical inventory for personal delivery or leverage direct ship options right from our cookie warehouse.
Benefits for your Girl Scout: simplicity, modern marketing, personal brand-Girl Scouts can share their “WHY” through personalized videos and messages.
In-Person = Order Card
Just like the growing, multi-billion direct sale industry, your Girl Scout will learn the personal touch required to sell directly to a customer base with a Cookie Order Card. Taking in-person orders participants manage inventory and orders, submit reorders to the Troop Cookie Manager, and build relationships with customers.
Benefits for your Girl Scout: practice people skills, time management and money management.
Brick & Mortar = Cookie Booths
The most visible component of the Girl Scout Cookie Program is also the most visible component of the retail world: the physical location. A cookie booth, established by the troop, will require merchandising skills, public speaking skills, and creativity as Girl Scouts entice customers to purchase their favorites or try a new flavor while on the go.
Benefits for your Girl Scout: money management, people skills, FUN-making new memories with your troop.
Combination = All of the Above
Successful retail businesses create an omnichannel strategy, combining the advantages of multiple business models. Cookie entrepreneurs learn how different models fit together to satisfy their customers and learn new models, adapting to changing conditions. This is innovation, customers service, and problem solving at its best!
Selling Online
Online Safety
The safety of Girl Scouts is important to us, especially online. Girl Scouts should never post identifying information (full name, phone number, address, etc.) online. See page 15 for safety tips.
Digital Cookie ® Direct Ship Only
Digital Cookie® Direct Ship Only begins Friday, January 24, 2025. Girl Scouts may start selling and promoting their online store on this date.
This season, customers get HALF OFF SHIPPING for online direct ship orders of six (6) or more packages placed from January 24–February 6, 2025. Customers receive $5 off shipping for direct ship online orders of six (6) or more packages placed from February 7–March 16, 2025.
Social Media and Unlicensed Websites
Girl Scouts are ALLOWED to post on their own Facebook or Instagram pages (if old enough to have an account), or on their parent/adult’s social media. Posting a short video, sharing a Girl Scouts Digital Cookie® link, or sharing the troop’s link are allowed, too.
Girl Scouts are NOT ALLOWED to post on Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Craigslist, Amazon, local garage sale sites, and similar forward-facing websites. These sites are not licensed by Girl Scouts of the USA to sell Girl Scout Cookies. Purchasing cookies through unlicensed websites does not support Girl Scouts.
PROMOTING VS. SELLING
Girl Scout product programs are designed to ensure the Girl Scouts get the most from this entrepreneurial experience, Girl Scouts do the selling, not adults. Adults may support Girl Scouts by promoting their participation, rather than doing the selling for them. There is a subtle but important difference: Adults may promote but NOT sell:
• Promoting: “Susie is selling Girl Scout cookies! To find out more, visit the sales website or let us know if you are interested so she can reach out.”
• Selling: “Susie is selling cookies! Comment your order below and I’ll get back to you with your total.”
Gift of Sharing
Gift of Sharing is the activity of cookies being purchased for the purpose of donating them to charity of choice. Troops have the option of choosing where they would like to donate their cookies. Gift of Sharing cookies are purchased by customer at full price.
Who are the cookies donated to?
An organization of choice.
Who collects the payment for these donations?
The Girl Scout or troop.
Who physically handles donating the cookies?
The troop, or the Council if it’s a virtual donation.
How do customers place an order for this donation? In-person with a Girl Scout on the order card, at a booth, or via online girl delivery or direct ship orders.
Who gets the credit for these donations?
The Girl Scout who sold the cookies and the troop funds are earned on these sales.
Cookie Business Tips
Did you know customers buy more when they hear WHY a Girl Scout is running a business? What is the reason for selling cookies this year? Is it to attend camp for the first time, for troop travel, or maybe to earn a trip to Savannah. Discuss what motivates your Girl Scout and how to share it with customers.
“My Why” Tips
• Tell them who you are.
• Tell them about your goals (i.e., paying for camp or community service project).
• Ask them to support your goals.
Pro Seller Tips
• Thank you or business cards that include a QR code for future purchases.
• Ask for referrals from every customer—do they have family or friends needing cookies?
• Last chance to stock up reminders.
• Wrap up by reminding them you will reach out next year when your business opens.
• Door-to-door/leaving door hangers.
• QR code on car/button/pin
• Review your customer list from the previous years and contact them again.
• Try a text-a-thon! Older Girl Scouts may want to text their friends and family to let them know “It’s Cookie Time” and to share their Digital Cookie® link or take orders.
In the Workplace
Girl Scouts may contact local business owners/managers to request permission to sell cookies at their workplace. Girl Scouts can either make a quick “sales pitch” at a staff meeting, sell office door-to-door (or cubicle-to-cubicle), depending on the wishes of the business, or the business may allow Girl Scouts to leave an order card in a visible spot. Girl Scouts can leave a note outlining their goals and plans for the cookie proceeds. Try this virtually, too, with a video conference sales pitch! Online methods to grow a customers list:
• Booth live-streaming (going live during your booth sale)
• Cookie taste tasting videos
• Virtual business pitches
• Progress update videos
• Ask customers to share your QR code with their friends/co-workers
Digital Marketing Tips for Cookie Entrepreneurs and Families
The Girl Scout Cookie Program® offers unique opportunities to engage in online marketing and sales as they learn about ecommerce and how to think like entrepreneurs. Follow these four steps as you run your cookie business, and take your marketing efforts to the next level by going online using your Digital Cookie® website and social media platforms.
Safety tip: Girl Scouts of all ages should partner with their parents or guardians to develop a plan to safely market their business online. Although your parent/guardian should do the posting for you if you’re under age 13, all girls should have a hands-on role in marketing their cookie business.
1. As you set goals for your cookie business, think about how digital marketing can help you meet them. Imagine customers in your community who may not know a Girl Scout. Expand your reach by sharing your secure Digital Cookie® link to reach them. Be sure to:
• Be honest. Yes, the Girl Scout Law also applies to your sales technique! From your Digital Cookie® site to your digital marketing campaigns, be honest, straightforward, and approachable as you write about your cookie business.
• Create a sense of urgency. After all, Girl Scout Cookie season only comes around once a year! Countdowns to the last dates to order are a great motivator for driving sales. Use language that will encourage potential customers to buy from you right now.
• Make an impression. Use clear, eye-catching photos in your marketing materials. This may include pictures of the different cookies you’re selling, yourself in your Girl Scout uniform, or something tied to your goal. If you plan to use your cookie earnings to go camping, tell your customers about it to show that the cookie program powers amazing girl-led adventures!
Safety tip: Make sure your marketing materials don’t reveal your personal contact information (like your address, school, or last name) or your cookie booth location.
• Highlight special features or products. Share the top-selling cookies in your lineup or any special varieties. How about a gluten-free option? Do your customers know that 2025 is the last year for Toast-Yays? Do your customers know Thin Mints are vegan?
• Use a clear and prominent call to action. Share your goal and exactly what your customer can do to help you achieve it.
2. Earn one of the Cookie Business badges to help you discover new skills. Each badge has digital marketing skills built right in.
3. Use digital marketing to expand your network and grow your people skills. Try some of the following strategies:
• Think of your favorite brands, and then check out their websites and social media accounts. What do they do to create a relationship with their customers on social media? What can you do to safely build a relationship with your online customers?
• Use platforms that potential customers could be on. Think about your target customers and where they’re most active online.
• Engage your customers through email marketing. Send an email through Digital Cookie® to inspire potential customers to buy Girl Scout Cookies and help you achieve your goals.
• Turn loyal customers into brand advocates. Existing customers can be your secret sales weapon, especially with word-of-mouth marketing in digital spaces.
• Avoid spam emails. Spam is an email that has been sent to someone without their permission. Always get permission to add someone to your email list.
• Use marketing to inspire, educate, entertain, and entice your prospective customers. Share how you’ll use your cookie proceeds, let people know about all the skills you’re learning through the cookie program, and have fun while you’re at it! Get creative in your communications—consider writing a poem or recording a video to educate and convince potential customers to buy from you.
• Show off customer testimonials. Collect and share testimonials from your customers through social media. This shows potential customers that buying cookies from you is a great investment. Make sure to ask if you can share their words!
Safety tip: To protect your personal identity, never directly message people you don’t know online or through social platforms. And remember to always use your secure sales link for orders.
Safety tip: When creating marketing content for materials, remember to get permission to use any images, songs, content, or ideas that come from someone else. When in doubt, create your own!
• Say thank you! Impress customers with a custom thank-you message via email or social media. As your customer base expands beyond friends and family, find ways to maintain personalization while following Girl Scouts’ Safety Activity Checkpoints for Computer and Internet Use.
4. Practice business ethics by safely marketing online. Before you get started, review the below safety standards. When in doubt, revisit these resources.
• You and your supervising parent/caregiver must read, agree to, and abide by the Girl Scout Internet Safety Pledge, the Digital Cookie Pledge before engaging in online marketing and sales efforts through the Cookie Program.
• Review Girl Scouts’ Safety Activity Checkpoints for Computer and Internet Use and Cookie and Product Sales on your council’s website.
My Cookie Business Resume Cookie Influencer
My First Cookie Business Cookie Goal Setter My Cookie Customers Cookie Decision Maker My Cookie Team Cookie Collaborator
My Cookie Venture Cookie Market Researcher Cookie Innovator My Cookie Network Cookie Boss
Be Successful and Safe
The safety of our Girl Scouts is our #1 priority. Here are some ideas to help Girl Scouts have a successful Cookie Program:
Show Your Girl Scout Pride: Wear your Girl Scout uniform/clothing and/or the Girl Scout membership pin to identify yourself.
Buddy Up: Girl Scouts should always use the buddy system. It’s not only safe, but also fun!
Partner with Adults: Adults must accompany Girl Scout Daisies (Grades K-1), Brownies (2-3), and Juniors (4-5) when taking orders, selling, or delivering products. Girl Scout Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors (Grades 6-12) must be supervised by an adult when selling door-to-door. Two adults should be present at a cookie booth in public.
Be Street Wise: Become familiar with the areas and neighborhoods where your Girl Scout will be selling Girl Scout Cookies.
Plan Ahead: Always have a plan for safeguarding money. Give proceeds to supervising adults who provide it to the troop as directed by the Girl Scout council.
Do Not Enter: Never enter the home or vehicle of a person when you are selling or making deliveries. Avoid selling to people in vehicles or going into alleys.
Daylight Hours: Sell only during daylight hours, unless accompanied by an adult.
Protect Privacy: Girl Scouts’ names, home addresses, phone numbers, and emails should never be given to customers. Instead, use a group contact number or address overseen by an adult. Protect customer privacy by not sharing their information, too.
Be Net Wise: Review the GSUSA Internet Safety Pledge before going online.
Safety First!
Family Engagement
The Girl Scout Cookie Program is an adventure for the whole family! Family engagement is critical at all levels of Girl Scouting, especially during the Girl Scout Cookie Program.
The family is directly involved in the Girl Scout’s developing digital skills, internet safety, comfort with asking adults if they want to buy cookies, money management, and other valuable skills. Girl Scouts grow to be confident and independent.
Product Programs are also a great way to stay engaged in their lives in general as it creates a common bond and activity—these shared experiences are priceless. What better way to do that than through delicious Girl Scout cookies?
Become a Cookie Coach
Behind every Cookie Chief Entrepreneurship Officer are circles of support! Parents/adults have an important role as a Cookie Coach in the Girl Scout Cookie entrepreneur family.
Cookie Coach Checklist
Review this guide together to design a Girl Scout Cookie business.
Review reward options and select prizes.
Agree on a total package goal.
Confirm booth participation with Troop Cookie Manager (TCM).
Manage cookie inventory in partnership with your Girl Scout’s Troop Cookie Manager (TCM).
Be creative and have fun!
Parent/Adult Responsibilities
WE ASK YOU TO AGREE TO THE FOLLOWING...
1. I agree to adhere to the dates of the 2025 Cookie Program: January 24 to Sunday, March 16, 2025.
2. I agree to let my Girl Scout do the selling for this girl-led program.
3. I agree, if supporting my Girl Scout by taking an order card to my place of business or other locations, there will be a note from my Girl Scout attached.
4. I agree, that when supporting my Girl Scout on my social media sites, I provide only program dates and that my Girl Scout will contact my social media friends personally. A parent/adult cannot take orders on social media on behalf of their Girl Scout.
5. I agree to be responsible for initial cookie orders, all cookie re-orders, and all funds due.
6. I agree to sign the “2025 Cookie Program Participation Permission and Receipt” form. I agree to get signed receipts for all cookies taken and for all money turned in.
7. I agree to provide valid identification (driver’s license or state ID) when picking up and signing for the initial cookie order.
8. I understand that unsold cookies cannot be returned to the troop or Council and that the cookies are the responsibility of the person signing the cookie receipt.
9. I will be responsible for turning in all money to the Troop Cookie Manager (TCM) by the mutually agreed upon dates.
10. Please remember the Girl Scout Promise and Law. At all times, you represent your child, the troop and Girl Scouts and to act with kindness and respect.
Parent/Adult Helper Checklist
Pre-Planning
Register as a Girl Scout member for the current Girl Scout year.
Pick up Cookie Program materials from your Troop Cookie Manager (TCM).
Complete a “2025 Cookie Program Participation Permission and Receipt” form.
Learn about the Five Skills, cookie badges, and cookie pins.
Review the girl rewards brochure with your Girl Scout.
Inventory/Delivery
Work with your Troop Cookie Manager (TCM)/troop co-leader to estimate the number of packages of cookies your Girl Scout will sell as a starting inventory. Don’t worry—your troop can always get more cookies on their weekly order. Please plan ahead as it can take up to ten business days from the order date to supply additional cookies.
GOAL GETTER
Deliver girl delivery orders as soon as you receive inventory.
Contact your Troop Cookie Manager (TCM) to pick up more cookies for any in-person or girl-delivered orders taken after the starting inventory is sold.
Sign a receipt for any additional cookies picked up from the Troop Cookie Manager (TCM).
Collect payments from customers.
Turn in money for cookies received to the Troop Cookie Manager (TCM). Be sure to get a receipt!
Volunteer to work a cookie booth (two adults are required and at least one adult must successfully complete a background screening).
Help your Girl Scout reach their goals by supporting cookie delivery and booth sales.
Wrap Up
Monitor Digital Cookie® to ensure your Girl Scout has received credit for the appropriate number of cookies sold.
Let the Troop Cookie Manager (TCM) know your Girl Scout’s reward choices
Product
Program Team Contact Information
East Central (Omaha Area)
Traci Cherrington
402.779.8220
tcherrington@ girlscoutsnebraska.org
Southeast (Lincoln Area)
MeLisa Long
402.875.4344
mlong@ girlscoutsnebraska.org
Northeast (Columbus Area)
Vicki Hanus
402.260.3189
vhanus@ girlscoutsnebraska.org
Central, Southwest, and Panhandle (Grand Island, Kearney, North Platte, Ogallala, Sidney)
Kyla Endorf
308.646.3299
kendorf@ girlscoutsnebraska.org
Product Program Director
Misty Elliott
402.779.8222
melliott@ girlscoutsnebraska.org
Member Support
Monday–Friday
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
402.558.8189
MemberSupport@ girlscoutsnebraska.org
