A guide to managing your 2026 Girl Scout Cookie Business
Key Dates
December 15
Pre-orders and Digital Order Taking Begins
January 17
Initial Orders Due to Troop Product Manager
February 4 - February 12
Troops Distribute Cookies to Girls
February 13
Pop-Up Stands & Cookie Booths Begin (see pg. 22)
March 22
Cookie Program Ends
May 30
Elite Entrepreneur Experience - Day
May
Girl/Volunteer Recognitions Arrive
QUESTIONS? Check kansasgirlscouts.org or contact your Troop Cookie Manager or Juliette Specialist!
Name
Email
Phone
Thank you for participating in this year’s entrepreneurship program where you will excel!
It is time to be Brave as you develop goal setting, money management, decision-making, business ethics, and people skills.
It is time to be Fierce in your authenticity, and embrace being uniquely you.
It is time to have a lot of Fun this cookie season and beyond with Girl Scouts!
Throughout this year, I encourage you to be Brave enough to try a new activity like target sports at camp or earn a challenging badge, Fierce enough to complete take-action projects, and have lots of Fun with your Girl Scout sisters.
They are Brave enough to live in underground Prairie Dog burrows. They had Fierce tenacity to survive when no one thought they existed. It’s Fun to watch their playful antics! I am so excited about this year’s mascot, the Black-footed Ferret! It is not often that the cookie mascot has ties to Kansas. Many years ago, the western part of Kansas was home to the Black-footed Ferret, and they were reintroduced within Logan County in 2007. As an endangered species, currently there are approximately three hundred living in the wild. It is incredibly special if you see a Black-footed Ferret. I have had special opportunities to see Black-footed Ferrets in the captive breeding area at Wyoming’s Sybille Canyon, and then as a part of an educational visit before moving to Kansas. You can even see the Black-footed Ferret at the Sedgwick County Zoo in Wichita and the Lee Richardson Zoo in Garden City. I would love to hear about your special Black-footed Ferret experience.
I hope to see you soon!
Rolinda Sample Chief Executive Officer Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland
Exploremore is here!
These rocky road ice cream-inspired sandwich cookies— filled with the delicious flavors of chocolate, marshmallow, and toasted almond-flavored crème—reflect the spirit of exploration at the heart of every Girl Scout.
More information about the Black-footed Ferret can be found on the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks website, KSOutdoors.gov; the Sedgwick County Zoo website, scz. org; the Lee Richardson Zoon website, leerichardsonzoo.org; and the US Fish and Wildlife Service website, fws.gov.
2025 Winner Troop 40246 SU87
Be Featured in MyCookies 2027!
▶ Troop with highest PGA in Kansas Heartland
▶ Based on the number of girls registered to your troop in myGS on February 13, 2026
Troop Leader: Ashley Isbell
With London, Paris, and Barcelona on the horizon, the girls have achieved their goal and are excited for the trip abroad. They are so proud to wrap up their Girl Scout journey with this kind of success and having fun getting there. These girls have worked hard for the last three years and have made friends that will last a lifetime.
Back row: Jocelyn, April, Amber, Izzy, Morgan, Destani Front row: Olivia, Kai, Helene, Jesstine, Kyra
Meet your 2025 Service Unit Elite Entrepreneurs
On the Cover: Lennox
Lennox is starting her 4th year in Girl Scouts. She loves to go to camps and make new friends. This summer she used her program credits to go to two overnight camps and had a blast, and she loves to earn badges! Selling cookies has helped her and her troop be able to earn badges, go on trips, and go to camps for free or at a lower cost for each girl in her troop. Cookie season has helped her come out of her shell and even helped in other activities she is in, especially her interview skills! She has learned so many valuable skills from learning to talk to people, counting change back, setting goals, customer service, and so much more. She likes being a Girl Scout because she likes learning new things and meeting new people.
Kathryn Troop 10163 SU70
Gracie Troop 60012 SU71
Brecklynn Troop 60129 SU72
Aubree Troop 10028 SU73
Cailynn Troop 11262 SU74
Adaline Troop 60069 SU75
Autymn Troop 11135 SU76
Molly Troop 50106 SU77
Katlynn Troop 20889 SU78
Abigail Troop 20125 SU79
Raegan Troop 50247 SU80
Josephine Troop 41331 SU84
Zierra Troop 40938 SU89
Harley Troop 40240 SU81
Aubree Troop 45321 SU85
Eva Juliette SU82
Joanna Troop 40521 SU87
Chloe Troop 42390 SU90
Olivia Troop 41319 SU91
Jozlynn Troop 30149 SU83
McKenna Troop 40021 SU88
Liliana Troop 40995 SU92
Brownie
Ways to Participate in the Girl Scout Co okie Program
Ready to help your Girl Scout get the most out of cookie season? No matter how they take part in the Girl Scout Cookie Program,® they’ll grow their people skills, learn to set goals, make smart decisions, and so much more. Talk w ith them about which options they’re excited to explore this year!
Text or Call Friends and Family
Is this your Girl Scout’s first
time running their ow n cookie business? Texting or calling friends and family is a great way to help them feel comfortable connecting w ith cookie customers. If your Girl Scout has a busy schedule, this
Is your Girl Scout ready to take their digital marketing skills to the next level? With the Digital Cookie platform, Girl Scouts can ship cookies directly to customers, accept orders for cookie donations, or schedule an in-person delivery. This way, your Girl Scout can reach their sales goals no matter what their schedule is like.
Pop-Up Stands
Door-to-Door Deliveries
Going door-to-door is a great way for your Girl Scout to perfect their sales pitch! Get out in your community and sell in your ow n neighborhood. Use door hangers and business cards for customers who aren’t home. They’ll also grow their people skills by meeting new neighbors (w ith the necessary adult superv ision, of course).
is a flexible option. or financial institutions, there
Would your Girl Scout feel more comfortable on their ow n turf ? Pop-up stands, similar to lemonade stands, are set up in front of a residence on private property, where they’ll market their cookies to customers in their neighborhood. They’re a great way to ease more introverted Girl Scouts into connecting w ith their communities. This can be fun for the whole family!
Cookie Booths are a great way to interact with new customers, develop teamwork, and have fun. Troops or groups of Girl Scouts work together to market their cookies at a preapproved location (like a grocery store, mall, bank, or even a drive-through booth in a parking lot) where they can practice their business skills with new customers.
Note: cookie booths must be coordinated by troop cookie managers; may only happen at council-approved locations; and must be legally open to, accessible, and safe for all girls and potential customers.
Connect With Your Community
The possibilities are endless! Girl Scouts team up w ith their parents/caregivers to sell cookies to their employees and coworkers, at places of worship, and at community groups. From preparing a corporate pitch to selling cookies in bulk to car dealerships, real estate agents, are so many ways to grow your cookie business.
Participating in the cookie program helps power Girl Scouts’ adventures throughout the year. It’s also a fun way to learn important skills for future careers and in life including goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills, and business ethics.
Cookie Booths
Digital Cookie®
Creating Cookie Success
Make this year’s Cookie Program a success and help your Girl Scout develop the Five Skills she’ll learn from selling cookies. Here’s how:
⏵ Go to the family cookie information meeting.
⏵ Sign and return all permission slips.
⏵ Provide transportation for order taking and delivery.
⏵ Help your Girl Scout network with family and friends, but let her do the “ask” so she can learn important business skills.
⏵ Help her arrange to take orders at your place of work, place of worship, or other places where people might purchase Girl Scout cookies.
⏵ Offer to be a supervising adult—there are lots of opportunities to lend a hand during cookie season.
⏵ Share your business expertise and help link the Girl Scout Cookie Program with the wider business world.
⏵ Never do things for your Girl Scout that she can do for herself!
Coach Your Girl Scout
⏵ Listen to her practice her sales pitch.
⏵ Review cookie materials together and visit Girl Scout Cookie and cookie company websites with her to help her learn more about her product.
⏵ Ask her questions—maybe even pretend to be a potential customer.
⏵ Guide her to set practical and useful goals about what she wants to learn and earn.
⏵ Listen to her describe what her goals are for the money and program credits earned through the program.
⏵ Be a role model for business ethics and safety rules.
⏵ Have fun with your Girl Scout!
Remember that the Girl Scout Cookie Program is a part of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, which is girl-driven. Let your Girl Scout take the lead in selling cookies and reaching goals. Your encouragement, coaching, and guidance will be key ingredients to a successful Cookie Program experience for her.
Five Skills for Girls and ways girls benefit from selling cookies
1. Goal Setting
Girls start by setting a personal cookie sales goal. They may also work with other girls in a troop or with a group to set a collaborative goal, such as a trip, travel, badge work or camping. Once goals have been set, they can begin to work with their family and fellow Girl Scouts to develop a plan to achieve them.
Why does this matter? When girls set goals it is the first step toward success in school, jobs, and in life.
Participating in the cookie program gives girls an entrepreneurial edge! Encouraging an interest in entrepreneurship builds curiosity, confidence, and problem-solving skills—qualities that prepare girls for academic and career success. As your Girl Scout runs her own cookie business, she’ll gain five skills along the way that she’ll use the rest of her life. The Cookie Entrepreneur Family pin activity sheet is designed to help you support her, giving you tips for your cookie entrepreneur.
Here’s what girls learn and why it matters.
2. Money Management
Girls will have the opportunity to work on developing a budget. After they have set their sales goal, they will be able to determine a budget and manage their funds as they manage their revenue. Girls will take sales orders, count money, and deliver money to their product manager.
Why does this matter? Learning to manage their cookie sale funds will also help them understand managing their personal finances. Girls develop a better understanding of managing their allowance and a future paycheck because they learn by doing.
3. People Skills
Girls develop people skills by talking to customers, learning to become good listeners, and building relationships with their sister Girl Scouts as they work as a team to meet their goals.
Why does this matter? As girls deliver their sales pitch and interact with customers, their self-confidence begins to grow. Girls are ready and able to answer questions about their goals, their favorite cookie, and what they plan to do with their earnings. People skills help girls in school, communication with their friends, in team sports, group projects, and future job success.
4. Decision Making
Girls will decide how they will market their cookie program and when and where they will sell cookies. Girls will make the ultimate decision on how they spend their earnings. (Activities, community service projects, trainings, travel, etc.)
Why does this matter? Throughout their life girls make daily decisions, big and small, and when girls practice and implement decision making, they begin to see the impact of their decision. They develop a strong process of making good decisions. They begin to see themselves as a confident leader capable of making decisions for themselves, and to make the world a better place.
5. Business Ethics
During the Girl Scout Cookie Program, girls practice sound business ethics by being responsible for their cookie inventory, cookie payments to their product support adult, and their commitment to their customers.
Why does this matter? As Cookie Entrepreneurs girls are responsible for managing their own cookie business while practicing sound business ethics or working cohesively as a team. Future employers want to hire ethical employees with refined life skills.
Become a Digital Entrepreneur in a Flash!
This cookie season, superpower your sale by adding Digital Cookie to your toolkit.
STEP 1
Register for Digital Cookie
Look for the Digital Cookie registration email in your inbox on or after December 15 to register. If you can’t find it, contact your council or visit digitalcookie.girlscouts.org and click the “Need help” link.
STEP 2
In Season
Set Up Your Site
Take a few minutes to set your sales goal, write your cookie story, upload a fun picture or video. Then publish and be ready to go!
Prepare now by talking with your family about your goals and create a fun video telling customers why they want to support your business.
Use the Digital Cookie app to sell cookies wherever you go!
The app makes it easy for you to take payment from customers purchasing cookies. Girl Scout’s sites must be published before logging into the mobile app.
Send Cheers
STEP 3
Add Customers
Add customers to your list and once sales have begun, use Digital Cookie to email them to visit your site. Or share your link or QR code directly with customers.
Need Help?
Track Orders and Inventory
⏵ View/approve your orders.
⏵ See what your customers are buying.
⏵ Make sure you have enough cookies to fill your orders.
⏵ Prepare to deliver to customers.
Cheer on your troop mates by sending encouraging messages and gifs to boost their confidence. It all helps your troop reach their goals by working together.
Look for the Digital Cookie Support button for step-bystep instructions, tutorials, videos, tip sheets, and more. Need 1:1 help? Click on the customer support button to talk live to a representative or submit a ticket for more support.
Digital Marketing Basics
How to market a Girl Scout Cookie business on social media
Best Practices by Platform
You're already a cookie business pro, but what does it mean to market your business on social media?
Facebook Instagram
ƣ Can use links in bio, post copy, and in stories
ƣ Use multiple images when posting
ƣ Best time to post is the weekends in the middle of the day
ʟ Social media ads should not be purchased or donated to promote sales links.
ƣ Can use links in bio and stories
ƣ Use 2-3 consistent hashtags
ƣ Use multiple images when posting
ƣ Best time to post is on Saturdays around noon
ƣ Post reels to connect with your audience in fun and engaging ways
Follow the GSUSA and Internet Provider Guidelines when using the internet as a marketing tool for Girl Scout product programs. GSUSA Guideline resources can be located on our website at kansasgirlscouts.org in the Cookie Seller resources section under the Cookies & Fall Program tab.
As your Product Program Participation Permission Form states:
⏵ Girl Scouts can only sell online using their Digital Cookie site.
⏵ Girl Scouts cannot post sales links or QR Codes to any online resale sites.
Safety tip!
Remember: Girl Scouts and their supervising parent/guardian must read, agree to, and abide by the Girl Scout Internet Safety Pledge and Digital Cookie Pledge before engaging in online marketing and sales efforts through the cookie program. Find more safety info and guidelines at girlscouts.org. Need inspiration?
Scan this QR Code to find GS Giphys for the perfect post.
.
Cookie Sales Pitch
Hi there!
My name’s , and I’m a proud Girl Scout cookie seller. Girl Scouts have been selling cookies for more than 100 years. Our cookie lineup is full of classics like Thin Mints and scrumptious Caramel deLites, and don't miss out on this year's new one. . . . Exploremores! We know almost everyone loves a good cookie, which is why we also make many of our cookies vegan and gluten-free. My favorite cookie is .
If you order a package of Girl Scout Cookies for $6 today, you can help me get closer to my goal of ______ packages! If you’re all stocked up or just not craving cookies, you can always take part in our Care & Share Program and donate cookies to the military, first responders, local food pantry or those in need.
No matter what you choose, your purchase helps Girl Scouts achieve and experience amazing things and master essential life skills. The best part is that 100 percent of the proceeds stays local, so you can feel good about helping your community with every bite!
I have decided to spend my program credits on .
Thank you so much for your help and support of all Girl Scouts as we achieve our dreams, one box at a time!
What to take
During cookie season, you never want to leave home without first making sure you have the essentials.
Buddy and an adult. Safety first!
Wear your uniform. Vest, sash or GS pins. Customers should know you are a Girl Scout!
Direct Order Card w/clipboard and ink pen
Money Bag/Money Envelope
Change: $1 bills
Cookies!
Cookie Cart or wagon
Dress appropriately for the cold weather and check with your Girl Scout shop for cookie carts and clipboards.
How the Cookie Crumbles in 2026
At $6 per package, Girl Scout Cookies are still a great value and a terri c way for customers to support Girl Scouts. Research shows that 9 out of 10 people will buy Girl Scout Cookies when asked. Every package of cookies sold brings your Girl Scout and her troop one step closer towards a nancially independent future.
Where can girls sell?
Today’s Kansas Heartland Girl Scout is on the move all over our 80 counties and we want to do all we can to support her efforts. There are no boundaries on where girls can sell within our council. Girls and troops do not have exclusive rights to any county, community, or neighborhood.
For booths, council approval is needed prior to setup. Booths outside our council boundaries are prohibited.
Girls and troops should not set up booths at businesses without permission from Girl Scout Product Program staff.
Selling product at liquor stores, bars, gun shows, casinos, smoke shops, or through third party resellers is prohibited. See your Product Program Participation Permission Form for details.
Girls and Caregivers should know:
⏵ Always sell with an adult or buddy; it’s not just safe, it’s more fun!
⏵ Use only your first name and NEVER share your phone number or address.
⏵ NEVER enter anyone’s home when selling product.
⏵ Do not carry large sums of money. Frequently transfer money to an adult and keep money in a safe place.
management, people skills, and business ethics. So when you buy a box-or five-you’re supporting girls’ success and the next generation of female entrepreneurs.
Girl Scout Cookie™ proceeds stay local to power unique and amazing year-round adventures for girls in your local community.
Set Your Co okie Goals
The Girl Scout Cookie Program begins December 15, 2025. You may not take orders or sell cookies before this date.
BFF Crew Neck Sweatshirt
Elite Entrepreneur Experiences
750+ Packages
Exploration Place
Saturday May 30, 2026
Qualifying recipients will receive participation details via email by May 1.
1200+ Packages
Frontier City, Oklahoma City, OK at your own time
Qualifying recipients will receive participation details via email by May 1.
Council Top Cookie Seller
Be the council "Super Seller" for the 2026 Cookie Program and you and your caregiver will be the CEO's Honored Guest at the annual JPLS Luncheon on Wednesday, April 16, 2026.
You will receive luncheon recognition and be presented with a pearl necklace.
Program Credits
What are Program Credits
Program Credits are an incentive program designed to facilitate access to the Girl Scout Leadership Experience through our council. This is an internal, closed-loop incentive program that is subject to internal policies.
Program Credits are an individual recognition meant to be used by the Girl Scout earning the credits. Program Credits are electronically loaded into the Girl Scout’s family account in the online registration system. Each Girl Scout family has access to their individual account.
Program Credits earned during the Fall Product Program are loaded into family accounts by January 15 each year.
Program Credits earned during the Cookie Program are loaded into family accounts by April 15 each year.
Program Credits will remain on account from one membership year to the next, as long as the Girl Scout has renewed each year.
Credits suspend October 1 and expire December 15 for lapsed members.
Program Credits are issued independently by each council and cannot be transferred to other councils. Program Credits, or similarly named incentives earned at other councils, cannot be accepted for redemption by Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland.
Program Credits have no cash value and cannot be redeemed for cash.
Program Credits may not be used for the purchase of Fall Product or Girl Scout cookies.
Further, any other use not expressly noted in the Program Credits Uses section on the Kansas Heartland website is subject to council approval.
How are Program Credits Earned
During the annual Fall Product Program, Girl Scouts choose to earn Program Credits instead of other
Girl Scouts aren’t just learning valuable skills, such as financial literacy and goal setting when they participate in the Cookie Program. They are earning Program Credits that they can use to explore new activities!
recognition items. Girl Scouts and their caregivers are required to select their choices in the online system by a specific date each sale. All decisions are final. If choices are not selected, then the council default is put into effect. See the annual direct order card for date and default details.
During the annual Cookie Program, Girl Scouts earn Program Credits in addition to the regular program recognitions lineup. At the Elite Entrepreneur level, Girl Scouts are required to select their choice in the online system by a specific date each sale. All decisions are final. If a choice is not selected, then the council default of Program Credits is put into effect. During the annual Cookie Program, Girl Scouts earn Program Credits at the rate of $10 for every 30 packages of cookies sold. Once a Girl Scout has reached the level of 300 packages, the earning rate becomes $13.50 for every 30 packages sold beginning with package one until package 1,200. Girl Scouts do not earn Program Credits after package 1,200. See table to the right for details.
Program Credits and what they can do!
Program Credits make it possible for every Girl Scout to acquire the Girl Scout Leadership Experience of her choice with everything from annual membership to summer camp. All Girl Scouts may use Program Credits as follows:
Toward event* or summer camp* registration fees for any event/ camp using the online registration method, as well as optional purchases or event upgrades made through the online registration system.
Purchase items from the Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland council shops.
Purchase Trading Post Bucks for use at summer camp locations with an on-site Trading Post (a small, camp-based council shop). Towards council-approved travel, including council-hosted trips, or GSUSA Destinations.
Annual GSUSA Membership.
To reimburse expenses for a Girl Scout Silver Award or Gold Award project.
Graduating Ambassadors may apply toward a Lifetime GSUSA Membership.
*PLEASE NOTE: There may be special circumstances regarding the use of Program Credits during events or summer camp. Be certain to read all documentation provided for each event or summer camp for details.
Packages
Care & Share
Be sure and tell your customers about this sweet way to give back and support their neighbors. A Care & Share costs the same as a package of cookies and customers can simply opt to purchase a tax deductible Share.
nj Gives customers who don’t want cookies a way to support Girl Scouts and their community neighbors.
nj Helps girls learn to give back to their communities.
nj Helps girls reach goals.
nj Council handles all the distribution.
nj Available through online sales, too.
300+ Drawing Info
A mid-sale drawing for girls is a great way to help girls push to reach their goals. For 2026, girls have the opportunity to win a Cookie & Dots Plush Blanket.
Two Cookie & Dots Plush Blankets in each area are possible and will be shipped directly to the home of each drawing winner.
All Girl Scouts who have sold a minimum of 300 packages by midnight, March 7, will be entered into a regional drawing to win one of two Cookie & Dots Plush Blankets per region (4 in the South Central region).
The Five Cookie Customers
Cookie customers can be categorized into one of these five groups. Let's learn who they are and how you can market your Girl Scout Cookie™ business to each group.
Customer Type
Why would they buy?
⏵ They believe in the Girl Scouts® mission.
⏵ They want to support your goals.
Program Believers
⏵ They love a tasty treat.
⏵ They want familiar flavors to satisfy cravings.
Cookie Lovers
⏵ They like to support organizations like Girl Scouts that give back to the community.
Conscious Supporters
⏵ They want healthier options that still taste delicious.
Healthy Indulgers
⏵ They like getting cookies for their children and family.
⏵ They like when the buying process is simple and convenient.
Life Balancers Who do you know?
⏵ Do you have friends or family who fit any of these descriptions?
⏵ How would you pitch to them?
⏵ What roadblocks might they have?
How can you pitch to them?
⏵ “People love getting Girl Scout Cookies® as gifts.”
⏵ “Girl Scout Cookies make great snacks for on the go!”
⏵ "Your purchase will help me achieve my goal to [insert goal]."
⏵ “Caramel Delites are back! Get all your favorite Girl Scout Cookies now!”
⏵ “Do you love peanut butter? Peanut Butter Patties and Peanut Butter Sandwiches® are delicious!”
⏵ “Girl Scout Cookie™ proceeds stay local to help us support our community.”
⏵ “The skills I’m learning are shown on every package of Girl Scout Cookies®!”
⏵ “Trefoils and Toast-Yay!® are made with natural ingredients.”
⏵ “Girl Scout Cookies® are easy treats to pack in lunches.”
⏵ “You can get everyone in the family a package of their own!”
⏵ “You can buy cookies online and have them delivered right to your door!”
Girl Scouts take turns role-playing a type of cookie customer. They act out the customer's characteristics for the other girls, like a game of charades.
The Girl Scouts in the audience try to figure out which cookie customer group they belong to from the clues given.
Roadblocks & how to respond
⏵ If they say, “I’d love to support you, but I already bought some,” ask if they’d like to donate cookies to a local organization. That way, they support your goals while also giving back!
⏵ If they say, "I wish I could get these all the time," you can remind them how much longer the season lasts — and that they can buy on Digital Cookie® if they run out.
⏵ They can also buy in bulk and freeze for later!
⏵ If they ask, “Do any of the cookies have natural ingredients?” tell them Thin Mints are made with vegan ingredients and Caramel Chocolate Chip cookies are gluten-free.
*They can always check the packaging for more ingredient info.
⏵ If they say, "I try not to buy sweets," tell them about the Girl Scout Cookies® made with natural ingredients. Or, let them know they can donate instead.
⏵ If they say, "We'd love to buy, but we're careful about food allergens," tell them allergen info is listed right on the package. Have the Allergen Flyer from abcsmartcookies.com on-hand for specifics.
After the customer is identified, an audience member gives the customer their cookie pitch. The customer responds with a roadblock.
The audience works together to strategize, tailoring a response to make the sale or make a bigger sale.
Have an amazing cookie season and get ready to reach your goals!
"What If?" Scenarios
What if someone asks you, “What’s the difference between Girl Scouts and Scouting America?”
⚬ Girl Scouts and Scouting America are two completely different organizations.
⚬ Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world! And research shows there's no better place to discover their full potential.
⚬ Talk to cookie customers about what the Girl Scout experience has been like for you and your troop.
PRO TIP: Stay positive. Don't put other organizations down. Just lift Girl Scouts up!
What if someone asks about a cookie we don’t sell anymore?
⚬ Thank them for loving Girl Scout Cookies!
⚬ Ask them what they loved about that cookie, was it chocolate? Was it fruit flavored? Based on their response, recommend a different cookie.
⚬ Some cookies come and go based on their popularity/food trends and to make room for new and exciting flavors.
PRO TIP: If you have a Digital Cookie page, share it with customers. Explain that purchasing cookies either at a booth or online helps you reach your goals.
What if someone steals money or cookies from the booth?
⚬ Try to get a good look at the offender so you can describe them to security or the police.
⚬ Call 911, and alert security (if applicable).
⚬ Report any incidents to your council according to its guidelines.
PRO TIP: Never attempt to physically recover stolen items or confront a suspect.
What if you’re approached by an angry customer or someone makes you uncomfortable?
⚬ Try to get a good look at the person in case you need to describe them to security or the police.
⚬ If the situation calls for it, call 911 and alert security.
⚬ If it feels safe to do so, we want you to feel empowered to capture the person with your smartphone’s video, photo, or audio recording to provide evidence to police.
PRO TIP: Never argue or negatively engage with a customer. Try to stay calm.
What
if a customer complains about where the cookie proceeds go?
⚬ You can say, “Girl Scout Cookie proceeds stay local to power amazing adventures and life-changing opportunities for girls, such as STEM activities, trips, community projects, and charitable donations. The more cookies you buy, the more you help troops and Girl Scouts gain the skills needed to take on the world!"
PRO TIP: Always practice good listening skills before replying. Do not engage with someone if the situation escalates.
What if you’re asked to leave by store management or security?
⚬ If a problem arises with property/store management or security guards, follow their instructions.
⚬ Report the request to your troop cookie volunteer so they can work with the service unit or the council to resolve the matter.
PRO TIP: Bring a copy of the authorization if it’s available from your council.
What
if someone asks why Girl Scouts use palm oil in their
cookies?
⚬ Palm oil is an ingredient found in most baked snacks sold in the U.S.
⚬ Palm oil ensures shelf life and serves as an alternative to trans fats.
⚬ We continue to explore alternatives, but there are no viable or readily available alternatives at this time.
⚬ Girl Scouts of the USA is a member of RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) which supports efforts to promote the growth and use of sustainable palm oil products.
PRO TIP: If someone is asking questions that you can't answer, feel free to direct them to www.girlscouts. org/cookie for more info.
What if another troop shows up at the same time?
⚬ Contact troop cookie volunteers to verify sign-ups in case someone has arrived at the wrong location.
⚬ Work together to find a solution. Consider splitting the time or having one troop per door.
⚬ Do not involve store management with troop conflicts.
PRO TIP: Girl Scouts and their adult volunteers should always behave in a manner appropriate to a public setting.
Pop-Up Stands Guidelines
When a Girl Scout sets her goals, there must also be a strategic plan behind reaching that goal. Most often, this plan includes participating in a pop-up stand or cookie booth. Girl Scouts should always dress for success! As a representative of Girl Scouts you should always wear sashes or vests during the sale. Girl Scouts will want to practice good People Skills by being attentive to customers and standing next to their display.
GIRL SCOUTS C KIES
There are two types of booth environments that a Girl Scout can participate in: 1
Just you and your Girl Scout
These are referred to as Pop-Up Stands (see page 6). Much like a lemonade stand in your front yard. A Girl Scout and her caregiver are allowed to pop-up in front of their own home on private property.
⏵ An adult must be present at all times.
⏵ The Girl Scout will utilize cookies from her own supply.
⏵ The Girl Scout and adult will work together to manage money. (See your Product Participation Permission Form).
⏵ Participants must all be from the same household and never with another Girl Scout from outside your home. If there are two Girl Scouts from two different households, there must be two unrelated adults present and it is now considered a booth for a troop opportunity and all members of the troop should be invited to participate.
Pop-Up Stands are prohibited at all councilsecured and troop-secured locations. For example; Walmart, Dillons, and other retail sites. Contact the council prior to popping up and confirm that your location choice is acceptable.
2
With a Troop
These are referred to as Cookie Booths (see page 6). These booths are where your Girl Scout will participate with other Girl Scouts from the troop. Girl Scouts should work together to market the cookies at a preapproved location.
⏵ Troop Cookie Manager is responsible for online setup of booth location.
⏵ Troop cookies are utilized.
⏵ All Girl Scouts in the troop are eligible to participate in a Cookie Booth.
⏵ Arrive and leave on time.
⏵ Two Girl Scouts and two unrelated adults MUST be at the Cookie Booth or drive-thru at all times. At least one of these adults must be an approved GSKH adult volunteer.
⏵ NO tagalongs.
NOTE: Your Troop Cookie Manager will discuss more rules and expectations during parent meeting/training.
No matter where a Girl Scout is selling, REMEMBER: Whether a customer makes a purchase or says no, always smile and say thank you! Never chase people down, run through stores, or block door ways. Girl Scouts and adults should NEVER cross in front of vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the sale price for a package of cookies?
Cookies are sold for $6 per package. Cookies can only be sold at this price which is set by our council.
When do girls collect the payment for the cookies? With the Direct Sale format, girls will have cookies in-hand, and they will be selling, delivering, and collecting payment all in one step. If girls don’t have cookies in-hand, they will take the customer’s cookie order and collect payment when the cookies are delivered. Do not leave cookies with customers without receiving payment.
Can a customer write a check for cookies?
Girls should only take checks from people they know and checks should be made payable to their Girl Scouts troop. Girls should only accept checks with the customer’s name, address, and phone number imprinted on the check. It’s a good idea to write the customer’s driver’s license number on the check and to not accept checks over $75.
Are cookie purchases tax deductible?
Cookies purchased for personal or group consumption are not tax deductible. However, cookies purchased for our Care & Share Program, where the customer does not receive the cookies or benefit directly by paying for the cookies, are tax deductible. The Girl Scout should provide customer with a Care & Share receipt.
Does my Girl Scout have to participate in the Cookie Program? Participation in the Cookie Program is voluntary and requires written permission by a parent or guardian. The Cookie Program is a way for girls to finance their Girl Scout activities and special projects. The Girl Scout Cookie Program is not just about cookies. This annual program offers a hands-on opportunity to learn entrepreneurial skills as part of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. We find that most girls enjoy this program and look forward to it each year.
What if a customer is not satisfied with the cookies? Contact the Girl Scout office if a customer is not satisfied with the Girl Scout Cookies that they purchased.
Can I use email, text messaging, and social networks to tell friends and family about the Cookie Program? GSUSA has an interactive online tool, Digital Cookie, that helps girls develop an online storefront and digital link to share with customers that will take them directly to her personal online cookie business. Girls can use email and age-appropriate internet functions as marketing tools to let family, friends, and former customers know about the sale and take cookie orders. Girls 13 and older may use social networking sites such as a personal Facebook or Instagram account, as long as they have their parent’s permission and adult supervision. See pages 10 & 11 for details. As a Girl Scout, girls should not use or post their personal email, street address, or phone number. Instead use an adult’s email or troop email that is monitored by an adult.
Can I take money over the internet? Girls must supply customers with their direct link to their online storefronts in Digital Cookie for payment and girl-delivered requests. Under no circumstances can girls or their caregivers solicit or take money over the internet for the Girl Scout Cookie Program through online sales sites such as Amazon, eBay, or public sites like Craigslist, or buy, sell, trade sites.
Does my Girl Scout have to participate through Digital Cookie? Participating online is a choice and is only one way to participate in the cookie program (see page 6). Packed with fun, easy-to-use tools, Digital Cookie provides ways to take orders, track purchases and deliveries, and more ways to learn! Plus, on your very own personalized cookie site, watch videos, enjoy printable activities, take fun quizzes, and more — all while taking your cookie sale to the next level. See page 10 to get started!
2026 Cookie Gear Preview
Scan the QR or visit in-store for more items. Orders DUE March 1. (All orders subject to availability)
Scan here to view full assortment of items available
Plushy Adventurefuls Cookie Mini Crossbody Bag | $16
Cookie Belt Bag | $14
Troop#
Girl Scout Cookie Goal
The GIRL SCOUTS® name and mark, and all other associated trademarks and logotypes, including but not limited to the Trefoil Design, are owned by Girl Scouts of the USA. ABC Bakers is an of cial GSUSA licensee.
Troop Family Cookie Calendar
Troop Family Meeting Date:
Your TPM will provide communications when and where to pickup product each week. Be responsible and respond to communications.
