Girl Scout Cookie Program Family Guide - Missouri Heartland

GIRL SCOUT COOKIE PROGRAM FAMILY GUIDE Cape Girardeau Area Service Center

Jefferson City Area Service Center

Dexter Area Service Center

Joplin Area Service Center

2136 William Street, Suite 178 Cape Girardeau, MO 63703 1420 Girl Scout Way Dexter, MO 63841

230 Metro Drive Jefferson City, MO 65109

1202 S. Range Line Road, Suite 8 Joplin, MO 64801

Springfield Area Service Center

210 S. Ingram Mill Road Springfield, MO 65802

girlscoutsmoheartland.org 877-312-4764

Important Dates Right Now Talk with your Girl Scout about her Girl Scout Cookie Program goals.

January 3 Girls may start taking orders.

January 22 Initial order period ends.

Initial orders due to troop.

February 17 to 21 Cookie deliveries. Your troop leader will tell you when and where to pick up your troop’s cookies.

February 14 to March 29 Girl Scout Cookie booths and direct sale period.

March 11 Initial order money due to troop leaders. Check with your troop leader on when to submit additional paperwork, if applicable.

Dear Girl Scout Families, Thank you for supporting your Girl Scout in the Cookie Program! Selling cookies is an important part of Girl Scouting, and it’s an experience that provides her with lasting skills and memories. We hope you will enjoy creating these memories together. Many people think of the Cookie Program as just another fundraiser, but it’s so much more. At Girl Scouts, everything is girl-led, including the Cookie Program.

When your Girl Scout has a voice and can help to decide what to do with the money earned, she becomes courageous, confident, and empowered to make the world a better place.

She’s unleashing her inner G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risktaker, Leader). By participating in the Cookie Program, your Girl Scout will learn to:

• Set and reach goals • Make good decisions • Manage money • Become an ethical leader • Ask for what she wants and listen to others

Thank you for helping your Girl Scout develop the leadership skills she will need to become tomorrow’s trailblazer, innovator, entrepreneur, architect, creator, or pioneer. Because of you, she will have the self confidence and know-how to pursue her dreams.

Have questions? Want more info?

Reach out to your Troop Leader or Cookie Coordinator. They are experts in the field and will mentor you through the program.

Visit girlscoutsmoheartland.org or contact the Product Program team at 877-312-4764 or info@girlscoutsmoheartland.org. For fun and inspiring videos about the Cookie Program visit ABC Smart Cookies’ YouTube channel.

THE FIVE SKILLS Goal Setting — Girls set cookie sales goals and with their team create a plan to reach them. Knowing how to set and reach goals are important skills needed to succeed in school, on the job, and in life.

Decision Making — Girls decide where and when to sell cookies, how to market their business, and more. Girls will make many decisions throughout their lives. Practicing this in a safe environment will help girls learn how to make good ones.

Money Management — Girls develop a budget, take cookie orders, and handle customers’ money. Learning to budget and handle money will help girls manage their money—from their lunch money to their allowance, and someday their paycheck.

People Skills — Girls learn how to talk (and listen!) to their customers, as well as how to work with other girls.

This helps them do better in school (on group projects and on the playground) and later, at work and other collaborative environments.

Business Ethics — Girls act honestly and responsibly during every step of the Cookie Program. This matters because employers want to hire ethical employees—and the world needs ethical leaders in every field.

p u e n i l e i k o o c t u o c s l gir peanut butter sandwich

girl scout s'mores Crispy graham cookie double dipped in yummy crème icing and finished with a scrumptious chocolatey coating.

thin mints

Only pure peppermint oil is used to create these round, mint-flavored cookies with a delicious chocolaty coating.

caramel delites Vanilla cookies topped with caramel, sprinkled with toasted flaked coconut, and laced with chocolaty stripes.

caramel thanks- a- lot chocolate chip

shortbread

Shortbread cookies dipped in rich fudge and topped with an embossed thank-you message in one of five languages.

Traditional shortbread cookies, around since the early days!

lemonades

what can iae do? cook

Cookie Program Costs

22%

*Only available during the direct sale.

Crispy vanilla cookies layered with peanut butter and covered with a rich chocolaty coating.

COOKIE PROGRAM COSTS – $1.12 •

Cost of cookies and program operations

TROOP EARNINGS & GIRL RECOGNITIONS – $1.13 •

23% 55%

Rich caramel, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and a hint of sea salt in a chewy, gluten-free cookie.*

peanut butter patties

Savory slices of shortbread with a refreshingly tangy lemon flavored icing.

Troop Earnings & Girl Recognitions

Crunchy oatmeal outside and creamy peanut butter inside.

• Girl & Volunteer Support •

Girl, Troop, and Service Unit rewards Girl & Troop proceeds - used for field trips, camp, events, community service projects, program supplies, books, membership, and more Girls & Troops can earn free Girl Scout memberships

GIRL & VOLUNTEER SUPPORT – $2.75 • • • • •

High quality Girl Scout programs­in leadership, business, outdoors, and STEM Financial assistance & outreach to underserved girls Girl and volunteer recruitment and retention Volunteer trainings, resources, and recognitions Girl events and programs

100% of the cookie proceeds benefit Girl Scouts in the Missouri Heartland jurisdiction. The annual membership dues fund our national organization, GSUSA. Proceeds from the cookies program stay here and are the largest source of income for girl programs, volunteer trainings, and programs. They provide financial assistance to keep Girl Scouting available and affordable to all.

abc's of y t e f a s

Nothing is more important than ensuring the health and safety of girls and volunteers. If you ever feel threatened or compromised, get to safety immediately, call the police, and contact the Product Program Team as soon as possible. Here are a few best practices.

•

• •

• • • •

•

Girls should always wear a Girl Scout membership pin and/or Girl Scout clothing to identify themselves as a Girl Scout. Uniforms are encouraged.

Be familiar with the areas and neighborhoods in which you will be selling Girl Scout Cookies.

An adult must always accompany Girl Scout Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors when they are taking orders, selling or delivering Girl Scout Cookies. An adult must know when Girl Scout Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors are selling; two approved adult volunteers must be present at Girl Scout Cookie booths regardless of the girls’ grade level.

Only sell and deliver Girl Scout Cookies in the daytime.

Never enter a person’s home or vehicle when you are selling or making deliveries.

Always use the buddy system! It’s not just safe, it’s fun.

Be prepared for emergencies! Also, have a plan to safeguard money. Avoid walking around with large amounts or keeping it at home, in the car, or at school.

As soon as possible, give money to your troop cookie coordinator.

Follow safe pedestrian practices, especially at intersections and walking along roadways. Be aware of traffic when unloading cookies and passengers from vehicles.

•

•

Girls’ names and contact information should never be given out to customers. Instead, give the troop/group number and an approved phone number of an adult, or email for customers to request information or order.

Girl Scouts can only sell cookies online with Smart Cookies. Online sale sites, online auction sites, or any other public online sites are prohibited; and girls, parents, and third parties may not accept payment for Girl Scout Cookies online except through Smart Cookies.

Before engaging in online activities, girls must have their parents’ permission to participate in the online portion of the program. All girls must read and sign the Internet Safety Pledge found in the searchable forms directory at girlscoutsmoheartland.org. Additionally, parents/guardians must read and abide by the Terms and Conditions for Parents/Guardians.

RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE TROOP Girl Responsibility Follow the Promise & Law Be willing to take risks Be confident and supportive towards her troop peers Attend and participate in meetings and events Listen to others in the troop and show respect for other opinions Be prepared and conduct herself in a safe manner Respect troop leaders and other volunteers

Family Responsibility Follow the Promise & Law Support your Girl Scout through all facets of her Girl Scout experience Honor all deadlines Allow her to take the lead Volunteer with your troop – your troop leader cannot do it alone Stay connected and ask questions Turn in cookie money often Understand that once you take possession of cookies, they are your financial responsibility

Leader Responsibility Follow the Promise & Law Let girls lead – ensure girls take an active role in decisions Create an inclusive environment where girls and families feel welcome and connected Provide a safe program Listen to and respect every participant; serve as a role model Utilize volunteer resources such as the Volunteer Toolkit Ask for help when needed

Review how the Girl Scout Law pertains to the Girl Scout Cookie Program.

I will do my best to be...

Honest and fair,

Observe the start of the Girl Scout Cookie Program on January 3, 2020.

Friendly and helpful,

Say, “thank you” even if someone does not purchase Girl Scout Cookies.

Considerate and caring,

Promptly meet deadlines.

Courageous and strong,

Do the right thing even if others don’t.

Responsible for what I say and do, Respect myself and others, Respect authority,

Complete paperwork and deposits neatly, accurately, and on time.

Strive to be my best at all times.

Know and obey safety guidelines.

Use resources wisely,

Offer customers the opportunity to order over the telephone or email.

Make the world a better place,

Greet customers with a smile and use manners.

And be a sister to every Girl Scout.

Help sister Girl Scouts.

Smart Cookies

Smart Cookies is the platform for everything cookies. Girls can set goals, send email invites for online ordering, or even send shout outs to friends in their troop to encourage them to reach their goal. Follow the steps below to get the most out of Smart Cookies!

1.

2.

3.

4.

Receive a registration email from noreply@smartcookies.com.

Register and set up account.

Chose a shirt size.

Choose your girl’s recognition items! The system will allow for recognition choices to be predetermined. Please be aware that there are “OR” choices or the system will default to the first item. This will help the troop leader if your girl reaches one of these levels.

5. Set a goal and explore all the other options available through the Smart Cookies program.

6. Continue to monitor activities and track progress towards goal throughout the Cookie Program.

Bonus: By clicking ‘Resources’ on the toolbar you can print cookie information,

thank you cards, and so much more!

N O T T HA T, B U T T H IS.

Support your Girl Scout by giving her the best advice! Here are some of the common questions your Girl Scout may ask you, the frequent, but wrong answers, and the right way to respond.

The Cookie Program starts in two weeks. I don’t feel like selling cookies, can you just give my Troop Leader a check, so I can still go to Disneyland?

NOT THAT, Sure, how much do you need?

BUT THIS. I think you can earn you own way to Disneyland.

Let’s talk about setting a cookie goal and what you can to do reach it.

Work with your Girl Scout on setting her goals.

Suggest she write down her goal and then help brainstorm ways to achieve it.

Mom/Dad, can you take my order form to work and get your co-workers to order from me?

NOT THAT, Of course!

BUT THIS. I’d be happy to help you. Let’s make a poster/video that explains why Girl Scouting is important to you, your goals, and how selling cookies helps your Girl Scout experience. I can share your story with my co-workers.

Work with your Girl Scout to develop new ways to reach customers. Write down and develop a plan to incorporate them into her Cookie Business.

Mommy/daddy, I’m tired. Can we just leave the cookies we didn’t deliver in the car?

NOT THAT, Yes!

BUT THIS. We are responsible for those cookies and must pay for them if anything happens. They could melt in the car or get stolen. I know you’re tired, but it will just take a few minutes to unload them. Let’s do it together.

Talk to your Girl Scouts about proper ways to store cookies and secure the cookie money.

Make a list of dos and don’ts when handling cookies and cookie money.

Mom/Dad, can we post our cookies on Craigslist?

NOT THAT, Absolutely!

BUT THIS. Selling cookies on barter sites like Craigslist isn’t allowed because it lowers the value of Girl Scout cookies, may not be safe, and doesn’t teach you the skills to run a business.

Let’s set up your Smart Cookies website. You can sell to our friends and family by sending them emails, sharing your personalized Smart Cookies link on our private social media sites, and by sending it via text messages.

Work with your daughter to make her Smart Cookies website shine by adding a video telling friends and family why supporting the Girl Scout Cookie Program is important. Make sure to personalize your emails and let your customers know what your program goal is.

I don’t want to go to the Cookie Booth!

NOT THAT, It’s okay, I’ll call your Troop Leader and cancel.

BUT THIS. Why? Are you nervous? Let’s work on your sales pitch together. I bet once you feel confident in what to say, you’ll feel better. I know you really want to reach your goal.

Work with your Girl Scout and talk about what makes her nervous about selling cookies. Write them down and talk about ways to help her to feel confident and remind her of the objectives and goals that led her to participate.

SIX EASY WAYS TO HELP YOUR TROOP SUCCEED! Behind the scenes your troop leader and Cookie Coordinator are working very hard to create the best experience for your Girl Scout. Support their efforts by following these six easy steps: 1. Attend the Cookie Parent Meeting.

2. Read emails/texts and join social networking sites, when possible.

3. Don’t be the “no-show” family. If you can’t make a booth, let your Troop Leader know as soon as possible.

4. Volunteer to help with booths or other tasks.

5. Turn in money often, and make sure to save all receipts.

6. If you need more cookies, just ask. But, do not take more than you can sell. Remember, all cookies you check out from the troop become your financial responsibility!

G .I . I .R . R .L . L . COOKIE SELLERS! EMILY KIRBY Troop 64001 - 3,005 Packages

I am a Girl Scout Senior. The reason I push so hard to sell as many cookies is so I can help to pay for the destinations I go on every year. I wouldn’t, financially, be able to go on these trips if it weren’t for selling Bold, honest, and determined to Girl Scout cookies. I have learned a lot from selling cookies. I have learned money Gir succeed. In her mind failure is no management, determination, and how to talk to people in a more business-like reason not to get back up and setting. I wouldn’t be able to do the things I do now if I didn’t sell GirlCookie ScoutProgram Cookies.Begins 01/03/2020.

The Girl Scout You mayand not take ordersand or sellagain. cookies before this date try again, again,

Set Your Goals

TAYLOR KLIPFEL

Initial Order Recognitions!

Troop 64001 - 3,036 Packages I enjoy travelling and attended my first Girl Scout Destination in 2014 in Alabama. Since then I have travelled to West Virginia, Florida, Switzerland, and Greece. Why have I been able to do so much?

Lemonade Head Boppers Because of the Girl Scout Cookie Program. Selling a 175+ Packages lot of Cookies is not easy—especially as you get older.

It takes dedication that includes working hours of booths, and it also takes support from your leader to help you achieve your goal.

Through the Cookie Program, I have learned about setting goals and managing money. Girl Scouts has provided me with many opportunities including meeting new people and experiencing things no other programs could provide.

Lemonade Coin Purse 225+ Packages

900+ CLUB ADVENTURE

900+ Club

Sell 900+ packages of Girl Scout Cookies and join us for “Hands on in Hannibal” a three day and two-night excursion! Included in this amazing journey will be a tour of the Rockcliffe Mansion, Mark Twain Cave complex and a river boat dinner “Hands on in Hannibal” Three days and two-night excursion: Included cruise and more! This adventure will be all-inclusive including transportation, in this amazing journey will be a meals, lodging and all scheduled attractions. No substitution voucher tour of the or Rockcliff e Mansion, Mark Twain Cave complex and issued. July 31−August 2. Girls will need spending money for souvenirs, a river boat dinner cruise; along snacks and additional opportunities. with other activities. This adven-

That explains why half of all U.S. businesswomen were Girl Scouts.

Thinking isBoard herDoor Hanger Theme Patch outside the box Memo 50+ Packages 90+ Packages specialty, so she’s always looking for a creative way to take action.

A clear correlation: 75 percent of current female senators were Girl Scouts.

Travel Journal, $40 Cookie Credit & 200+ bar 200+ Packages

T-Shirt, $60 Cookie Credit & 300+ bar 300+ Packages

Theme Beach Towel, $175 Cookie Credit & 500+ bar 500+ Packages

Waterprooff B Bag & C Camper Lantern, $200 Cookie Credit & 650+ bar 650+ Packages

Courageous and strong, she’s keen to try new things and embrace the unfamiliar. It’s no wonder that nearly all of the 40 women who have flown in space were Girl Scouts.

She’s confident, responsible, and committed to changing the world. Every year, Girl Scouts collectively spend more than Free Week of Camp OR 3D Doodler Pen Fun with STEM: Magna Tiles, Slime Kit 75 million hours improving their including rell packs, $300 Cookie & Glow Terrarium Kit OR $150 Cookie Credit & 1000+ bar communities.

Credit and 1500+ bar

ture will be all-inclusive including transportation, meals, lodging and 1000+ Packages 1500+ Packages all scheduled attractions. No substitution or voucher issued. July The 2020 Girl Scout Cookie is her chance to step up and show the 31−August 2, 2020.

Girls Program will need spending money for souvenirs, world how she’s becoming a barrier-breakin’, challenge-crushin’, lead-takin’ snacks and additional opportucookie pro! And nities.participation This level will includein a the 2020 Girl Scout Cookie Program can customized help her patch. troop earn next year’s membership on us!

Check out the details!

Color Changing Alarm Clock &

Admission to GSMH Project STEM event for

you and one guest. Including dinner with X 80 Fleece Blanket and Every troop that has a 225 package perGiant girl58 average, and meets all of their the CEO, one night lodging in Rolla, MO and 2500+ bar 2 Project STEM T-Shirts and 3000+ bar 2500+ Packages ACH withdrawals, will receive FREE 2020-2021 Girl Scout memberships* 3000+ Packages for all participating girls and two leaders!

MY GOAL

*Memberships are non-transferable.