Troop Cookie Manager Manual
2025 Girl Scout Cookie Program
Letter from the Product Program Team
Dear Dedicated Volunteers,
You are not just a part of the Girl Scout Cookie Program; you are its heart and soul. Your unwavering commitment transforms the lives of the Girl Scouts you lead. It’s not just about the cookies; it’s about the incredible opportunities you help create for each one.
As you guide your troop through the cookies season, remember it’s more than just selling cookies. It’s a chance for Girl Scouts to develop invaluable life skills. They learn the art of setting ambitious goals, making crucial decisions, managing money wisely, and confidently navigating social interactions. These skills are the building blocks of their future success, and you, as their guides, are the architects of this foundation. Your guidance is what makes this transformation possible.
You are also mentors, leaders, and role models as you empower these Girl Scouts to believe in themselves and their abilities. Through our cookies, they discover their strengths and practice leadership the Girl Scout way—lifting each other up and changing the world, one cookie at a time. Your tireless efforts create a world of possibilities for Girl Scouts.
As you embark on this cookie journey with your troop, know that you are not just selling cookies; you are opening doors to a bright future—running a program is the mindset. Your unwavering support is the wind beneath their wings, propelling them to reach new heights. This is the power of the Girl Scout Cookie Program, and your leadership makes it all possible.
Thank you for guiding the Girl Scouts’ lives. Together, we will continue to change the world, one cookie and one Girl Scout at a time.
Yours in Girl Scouting, Your Product Program Team and everyone at Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois
Table of Contents
2025 Cookie Line Up Page 1
Letter from the Product Program Team Page 2
Important Dates Page 3
Troop Cookie Manager Page 4
Helpful Terms Page 5
Caregiver Meetings Page 6
Troop Initial Order Page 7
Digital Cookie Page 8
Troop Cookie Pickup Page 9
Distributing Cookies Page 10
Finances
Page 11-13
Social Media Etiquette Page 14
Cookie Program Do’s & Don’ts Page 15
Bake It Forward Page 16
Cookie Booths Page 17-18
Cookie Cupboards Page 19
Cookie Communications Page 20
2025 Cookie Incentives Page 21-24
FAQs Page 25
Cookie Checklist Page 26
Important Dates
DECEMBER
December 10: Intro to Cookie Program Zoom Call
JANUARY
January 2: Volunteer Access to Digital Cookie
January 6: Girl/Caregiver Access to Digital Cookie
January 7: Troop Initial Orders Due and Open Office Zoom
January 8: Initial Orders Due
January 11: Digital Cookie Opens and Cookie Techie Week Starts
January 14: Digital Cookie Zoom Call
January 18: Cookie Techie Week Ends
January 19: Cupboard Orders Open in eBudde
January 21: Open Office Zoom
January 27: SU Cookie Delivery Week
January 28: Cookies in Hand Zoom Call
FEBRUARY
February 2: Cookie Cupboard Order and Enter Booth Sites
February 4: Open Office Zoom Call
February 9: Cookie Cupboard Order and Enter Booth Sites
February 11: Boothing Zoom Call
February 16: Cookie Cupboard Order and Enter Booth Sites
February 18: Open Office Zoom Call
February 21-23: National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend
February 23: Cookie Cupboard Order and Enter Booth Sites
February 25: Cookie Wrap-Up Zoom Call
February 26: 1st ACH 50% of balance
MARCH
March 2: Cookie Cupboard Order and Enter Booth Sites
March 4: Open Office Zoom Call
March 9: Last Day of the Cookie Program
March 11: Open Office Zoom Call and Girl Rewards and Unpaid Caregiver Report Due
March 12: Last Day for Service Units to Submit Rewards
March 26: Final ACH
Troop Cookie Manager
Are you a new Cookie Coordinator for your Girl Scout troop, also known as Troop Cookie Manager (TCM)? Thank you for taking the time to help your Girl Scout troop and taking some responsibilities off your volunteer leader’s plate! If you are concerned about how to get started, first attend a cookie training and read all your training materials. Then, contact your Service Unit product manager for additional help.
Tips for Safety and Sanity
• Review the vehicle capacity guidelines in this guide to plan for your initial cookie pick-up.
• Track religiously from the beginning using eBudde and include a paper copy.
• Give yourself enough cushion for your due dates to prepare for unforeseen circumstances.
• Ensure caregivers sign their paperwork and hold them accountable for cookies sold and money owed.
• Count cases and boxes twice...and then a third time- you cannot be too cautious!
• Do NOT allow individual sales at a booth, as it will mess things up for later- troop booths are tracked as troop booths.
• Use the Digital Cookie App as a credit card reader to encourage sales.
• The caregiver must pay for most of the previous cookies before checking out additional cookies, boxes, or cases. Create a timeline for when cookie money is due and enforce that.
• Make a separate bank deposit for each Girl Scout cookie deposit and booth. It might seem like more work, but clearly labeling the deposits will make tracking things easier.
• Do NOT play favorites for friends in the troop; remember that friends do not ask for different timelines that make your job harder.
Troop Cookie Manager Responsibilities and Expectations
• Attend any Service Unit Meeting where the cookie program is being discussed, mainly during December, January, February, and March.
• Complete any online training that Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois offers.
• Attend Service Unit cookie training—Another reinforcement of concepts and get to know your SU team.
• Host a caregiver and girl Cookie Meeting with your troop.
• Hand out all materials to the caregivers and girl when specified in the training.
• Keep an open line of communication with all caregivers.
• Give the caregivers a schedule for turning in funds and picking up cookies. Hold firm to these deadlines and dates.
• Work with the Troop Leader to determine the troop’s initial order and submit that order through Pick up or arrange for troop cookies to be picked up from the Mega Drop or your local Service Unit delivery site.
• Manage the troop eBudde and Digital Cookie site.
• If a girl is not listed in eBudde, that means the girl is not registered for the current Girl Scout membership year. The caregiver must register the girl for her to show in eBudde.
• Keep up with all record-keeping at all times. If this is not done, you will have difficulties closing out the season.
• Communicate any issues that need to be addressed with your SUCM and/or Council.
• Submit final rewards at the end of the season after all cookie allocations are complete.
Helpful Terms
Cookie Acronyms
ACH - Automated Clearing House
CEM - Community Engagement Manager
DC - Digital Cookie/Digital Order Card
GOC - Gift of Caring
GSofSI - Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois
GSUSA - Girl Scouts of the USA
IO - Initial Order
LBB - Little Brownie Bakers
NSF - Nonsufficient Funds
PGA - Per Girl Average
SU - Service Unit
SUPM/SUCM - Service Unit Product/Cookie Manager
PP - Product Program
TL - Troop Leader
TPM/TCM - Troop Product/Cookie Manager
Cookie Lingo
• Digital Cookie: Online selling platform for girls to personalize their sites and send emails to invite friends and family to buy cookies with the option of getting in-person delivery or direct shipment to their home.
• Direct Sale: Girls and troops have cookies in hand. They will hand the cookies to the customer and collect payment simultaneously—there is no waiting period for customers to receive them!
• Direct Shipped: The cookies will be shipped directly to the customer, and the shipping and handling fees will be based on the number of packages purchased. Cookies are paid for online through the girl’s DC link.
• Donated: Donated cookies can be purchased separately or with a shipped or girl delivery order through a girl’s online DC link. The customer cannot choose which varieties of cookies to donate. The cookies will be donated to local children’s hospitals. Donations can also be collected in person. Donations add to the girl/troop’s sales but do not come from the troop’s physical inventory. Donated cookies are part of our Bake It Forward Donation Program.
• Online platform used by volunteers to order cookies, record girl cookie sales and
• Your Girl Scout will deliver the cookies to the customer’s delivery address. The caregiver must approve all in-person delivery orders within five business days. Cookies are purchased online through the girl’s DC link and come out of the troop’s physical cookie inventory. Cookie package credit will need to be given to the girl in eBudde under the Girl Order tab. Caregivers will receive an email at the end of each day if any orders need approval.
• At a booth sale or through door-to-door sales, your Girl Scout can utilize the Digital Cookie app to collect in-person credit card payments from a customer for immediate delivery of
• The troop’s cookie inventory will be started through walkabouts, booths, and/or online girl delivery. The volunteer places orders in eBudde on the Initial Order tab.
• Little Brownie Bakers (LBB): All Girl Scout councils use one of two licensed cookie bakers. GSofSI is under contract with Little Brownie Bakers for our cookies. We also receive rewards from LBB.
• Total packages sold divided by the number of girls selling. Proceeds and certain rewards are based on the troop’s per-girl average.
Caregiver Meetings
Let’s prepare for cookie season!
Review this checklist with caregivers and girls to ensure they are prepared for anything.
Explain the purpose of the cookie program (i.e., five essential skills) and have program material ONLY for registered Girl Scouts.
Elaborate on the cookie program dates and the specific expectations for each caregiver. This comprehensive information will equip them with a clear understanding and make them feel more prepared and involved.
Have Girl Scout members decide on their goals for rewards and a troop goal for spending proceeds.
Share the best method for caregivers to communicate with you.
Girls and caregivers are not allowed to take any cookie orders until the start of the program. January 11 starts the online only sales with Digital Cookie.
Review all cookie program dates, including those assigned by GSofSI and those within your troop.
Explain the initial order (IO) - that the troop will submit and discuss how it will be calculated.
Discuss the process for cookie distribution day, including material distribution (order cards, money envelopes, and other handouts), and ensure that every cookie and money transaction will be recorded and signed.
Explain the process of when and how often families can pick up more cookies from you.
Discuss under what circumstance and time frame Girl Scouts can return and/ or exchange cookies within the troop. It is HIGHLY encouraged to check unsold inventory with caregivers throughout the program, so the troop only ends up with a few unsold cookies.
Review money handling policy; this must include the following:
• How often cookie money must be turned in to the troop?
• How much inventory is allowed for each family before turning in money?
• The troop’s policy regarding accepting checks and large bills.
• What steps the troop is required to do in the case money is not turned in?
Explain the different boothing and cookie stand options.
Explain booth policies and procedures— caregivers need to understand these to know what is expected of them; train by modeling a perfect booth at the meeting.
Remind caregivers of the rules regarding setting up a booth without permission.
Discuss rewards and how they are earned; record Girl Scout members’ sizes and other reward choices now so you do not have to hunt people down later; and ensure that all decision changes are communicated before the end of the season.
Begin talking about how the troop will celebrate a successful cookie season by reviewing plans and reasons for setting goals in a Girl Scout-led fashion.
Troop Initial Order
Initial Orders are due in eBudde on January 7
Initial orders (IO) are placed by January 7 to give your troop a good beginning inventory. Additional cookies will be available in cupboards throughout the season.
How much to order?
It is imperative that troops order enough cookies to start with so that they have the necessary inventory on hand. When determining your IO, keep the following things in mind.
• New troops should consult with their SUCM before placing their order.
• Consider the goals for each girl as well as the troop goal.
• Remind caregivers of the financial liability if an order feels too big. If needed, you can go to a cupboard for more cookies.
• Prepare for a high volume of reorders to supply girls’ needs, particularly during the first two weeks of the program.
• The troop should consider including a starting booth sale quantity in their IO. This can serve as a buffer for girls who run through their orders quickly.
• For returning troops, the recommendation is to order between 50-60% of the previous year’s final sale. Be sure to consider any changes in your troop size.
• Returning troops are highly encouraged to use the available initial order calculator. You can enter the number of girls you will have to sell this year, which will populate out what is suggested.
• Digital Cookie will be active for orders two weeks before troops receive cookies to distribute to girls, so some of your IO will be paid for before you have it in hand.
• Although the troop must order in total cases, the troop cannot require girls to order in full cases. Girls may only need partial cases for some of the less popular varieties.
• Troops are responsible for all cookies ordered.
Restock throughout the season!
Ordering cookies isn’t an exact science, but here are average sales per cookie, so you can get an idea of how many you should order to have a good mix.
Digital Cookie
Digital Cookie is a fun educational tool that helps girls run and manage their Girl Scout Cookie business online. Digital Cookie lets customers pay by credit card and choose between girl delivery or direct shipping. Donations are also an option for every customer.
The Digital Cookie App makes it easy to make and track sales. All Digital Cookie sales will automatically be recorded in eBudde. It is essential to keep the troop sales and individual girl sales separate in Digital Cookie. Every family with a site for their Girl Scout will also be able to see the Troop Site and must ensure they have logged into the correct account when making a sale.
Troop Site
Individual Girl Scout Site
Set up by January 11 with emails to TCM. Set up begins on January 11 with an email to family.
The Digital Cookie app can be used for troop booth sales.
Sales and payments will be recorded on the Girl Order Tab troop line in eBudde- TCM can distribute to active Girl Scouts.
If the troop decides to do this, the troop sales link can be shared in public-facing groups on social media.
Troops can promote “virtual booths”, where customers can order cookies to pick up at a troop booth sale.
The troop site will show as an option for shipping in Cookie Finder beginning February 21.
The Digital Cookie app can be used for sales by the individual Girl Scout.
Sales and payments will record to the individual Girl Scout on the Girl Orders tab in eBudde.
Important Dates & Resources
January 11- Digital Cookie will open for sales!
Girl Scouts can earn the Cookie Techie patch if these requirements are met by January 18:
· Video or image is uploaded to the site 18 or more emails are sent
· At least 25 boxes sold
Didn’t get your registration email?
When sharing sales link on social media, it is best to limit to family and friends and not share in public facing groups.
Caregivers must approve the girl delivered orders within five days or the sales will default to either cancel or donate as selected by customer.
Caregivers can turn the girl delivered option off, along with individual cookie varieties- the site will still allow shipped and donation orders.
Go to Digitalcookie.girlscouts.org and click the “Need a Digital Cookie registration email?” link. If you still can’t log in, contact GSofSI customer care.
Digital Cookie Tip Sheet and Training Videos
Find tip sheets and videos by scanning the QR code.
Troop Cookie Pickup
Before Pickup Day
• Troops must have a current ACH form on file with the GSofSI Finance team.
• Check your delivery confirmation page in eBudde to ensure you have enough vehicles.
• Prepare your vehicle(s) to be sure they are clean and have room for the cookies. If necessary, please remove all car seats before you arrive.
• If using a truck or open trailer, have tarps to keep the cookies dry.
• If your delivery location utilizes pickup time slots, please ensure you arrive no more than 5 minutes before your scheduled time.
How many cookies can fit in a vehicle? Here are the suggested case-to-vehicle ratios we have for the driver’s safety. These numbers are what can fit in a vehicle without backseat passengers.
Day of Pickup
• Count and verify that you have the correct cookies in each variety.
• Be sure only the cookies for your troop get loaded into your troop vehicles.
• When you are sure it is correct, sign for your order and take your receipt.
• Troops accept financial responsibility by signing the receipt; please ensure the quantities are correct.
Distributing Cookies
Rules and Recommendations
• Require caregivers to present you with their order needs each week. Show them where to find reports on Digital Cookie to see which orders still need to be fulfilled.
• It should be the girl and the caregiver’s responsibility to know what orders still need to be fulfilled and what cookies they need from the troop’s inventory.
• As soon as possible, arrange for each girl/family to pick up their cookies.
• Since DC will be open before pickup day, run a report showing what each girl has already sold in their online store. These cookies must be filled first.
• It is recommended that a Girl Scout should not have more than 100 boxes of unsold inventory at a time.
• Girls/families turn in money for cookies sold weekly or before more cookies are picked up.
• Girls/families with a proven track record of high sales can sign out more cookies at a time but must turn in a corresponding amount of money before receiving more.
• Always check the Girl Scout’s eBudde record for the correct amount due, as this amount will always change if she has an online sale.
• We recommend that troops allow girls/families to return cookies to the troop within a reasonable timeframe. Each troop can decide, but it should be clear before the sales begin. If your troop will accept returns, explain the deadline and the amount they are allowed to return. You should set your return deadline as March 1 or earlier.
• It is highly recommended that the troop check with the girls/families about what they have unsold before ordering additional cookies from a cupboard for booths and to fulfill other girl orders.
• As soon as a girl or family member picks up cookies, the information MUST be entered into eBudde to keep all recordkeeping current and accurate.
• ALWAYS WRITE A RECEIPT FOR ANY COOKIES AND MONEY THAT HAVE BEEN EXCHANGED BETWEEN THE GIRL/FAMILY AND TROOP.
Finances
Once a Girl Scout troop signs out cookies from a cupboard, it becomes financially responsible for those cookies. When a family signs a receipt for the cookies, it also assumes financial responsibility for the amount indicated on the receipts.
Money Management
Troop:
• Cookie money belongs to the troop, and any misuse or failure to appropriately deposit funds may result in legal action taken by Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois.
• To ensure the money’s security, deposit weekly funds into your troop’s bank account. DO NOT leave large sums of money in places that may be unsafe. This includes vehicles and your home.
• Troops must deposit ALL monies from cookie sales, including troop proceeds. Troops should not spend troop proceeds until all cookie balances are paid in full with Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois. Troops should regularly collect payments from caregivers throughout the sale to minimize the risk of loss and outstanding balances.
Girl/Caregiver:
• Check out only what you know your Girl Scout can sell. As those sell, turn in the money collected, and then check out more cookies.
• Sign a receipt with your troop for every transaction—money or product—and keep a copy.
• Make payments to your troop frequently—if money is lost or stolen, you are still responsible for paying the troop.
• All money should be collected from the customer when the order is received/given to the customer. This should result in ZERO collections at the end of the season. All Digital Cookie orders are paid for online by credit card at the time of the order.
Receipts
Receipts are crucial because they serve as evidence of the transaction. If a family disputes owing funds and there is no receipt to prove the purchase, the council cannot provide any support to the troop. Two different types of receipts are acceptable during the Girl Scout Cookie Program:
Paper: Each troop receives a receipt booklet at the beginning of the season. This has a duplicate copy. Fill out the top (white), which will then be transferred to the bottom (yellow). One copy is for you, and the other is for the caregiver. Hold onto these until the end of the program in case unpaid balances arise between girls and caregivers. Your SUCM should have extra if you need more.
Electronic: For those who do not wish to hold onto or run out of paper copies, we have the Cookie/Money Exchange Electronic Receipt available. As long as the volunteer and the caregiver’s email are filled out on the form, each party will receive an email copy of the electronic receipt.
Pro Tip: Enter each signed receipt for the appropriate girl in eBudde for easier record keeping. Scan the QR code to get to the Cookie Money Exchange Electronic Receipt or visit: https://forms.gsofsi.org/gs/electronic-receipt
Finances
Troop Proceeds
All troops will earn $1.20 per package and an additional $0.05 per package if they reach a per-girl average 225+. PGA is calculated by dividing the total number of packages the troop sells by the number of Girl Scouts selling.
Reward Opt-Out: Troops with a majority of Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors can opt out of rewards to earn an additional $0.10 per package. Opt-out troops can earn all patches and troop initial or final rewards.
Let’s explore friendly and informative ways to make the most of your troop’s hard-earned money while adhering to Girl Scout finance practices.
1. Girl-Led Financial Decisions: Empowering Girl Scouts to make financial decisions is vital to the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. You may help them learn valuable life skills by providing guidance and support while pursuing their goals. Let’s see how your troop can put their earnings to good use!
2. The Three Piles Approach: One effective way to decide how to allocate your troop’s funds is by using the “Three Piles” method. This approach divides the money into three categories:
• Spend a Little: Consider using part of the funds for exciting adventures or activities. These are the fun activities your troop will plan on doing. i.e., Build-A-Bear, Camp, Ice Cream outings, a trip to STL
• Save a Little: Encourage your troop to set aside funds for future needs or unexpected expenses. A financial safety net can make a big difference in reaching your troop’s long-term goals or organizing a memorable party.
• Give a Little: Girl Scouts are known for their generosity and community spirit. Create a donation fund that cookie entrepreneurs can use to support a charity of their choice or contribute to Take Action Projects that require specific supplies.
3. Spending Wisely: The possibilities are endless when spending your troop’s earnings. Some smart choices include:
• Paying Spring Renewal Registration Fees for active leadership adults and Girl Scouts.
• Investing in uniforms to keep everyone looking sharp and ready to bridge to the next level.
• Getting Bridging Supplies or Kits for special ceremonies.
• Registering for Girl Scout Camp to create unforgettable memories.
• Participating in Program Events hosted by the council.
4. Saving for Future Goals: Saving a portion of your earnings is essential for the long-term success of your troop. It can be used for:
• Achieving Big Goals like an epic troop trip.
• Covering Unforeseen Expenses or Emergencies.
• Funding Projects or Initiatives that require a larger budget.
5. Giving Back: Girl Scouts embody the spirit of giving. Encourage your troop to allocate some funds for charitable purposes, such as:
• Donating to a Charity of their choice. You cannot raise funds for a charity, but your Girl Scouts can donate gifts in kind, e.g., shopping and stocking a food pantry.
• Supporting Community Needs during times of crisis, as many troops did during Hurricane Katrina or the fire in Maui.
Finances
Troop Proceeds (Cont’d)
6. Your Role: As a troop leader, you guide your Girl Scouts through their financial decisions. Teaching them about saving, earning, and spending will equip them with valuable skills for adulthood. Remember, all volunteers listed on a troop bank account are responsible for troop finances. Mishandling Girl Scout funds is a serious matter, and they should be handled carefully to maintain the organization’s integrity.
Zero Tolerance for Misuse of Funds
Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois has a zero-tolerance policy for misuse of girl funds; any adult accepting responsibility for handling money is accountable for its proper use and safekeeping. Unresolved debt under $1,000 will be referred to a collection agency. Unresolved debt above $1,000 will be returned to law enforcement for prosecution. Misuse of funds may result in legal action with law enforcement and termination of volunteer service. This policy includes both parent/caregiver and troop leader debt. Unpaid debt may jeopardize the opportunity to serve as a Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois volunteer.
To minimize the risk of loss, TCMs should regularly collect payments from caregivers throughout the sale and make prompt deposits into the troop bank account. Please provide weekly/monthly financial updates to families for full transparency. We appreciate your understanding and support of the Girl Scout Cookie Program. The program standards are intended to ensure a positive experience for all.
Unpaid Balances
The council should be notified immediately of unpaid balances for girls or caregivers. This gives the council time to resolve the balance before the final ACH sweep.
Girl/Caregiver Unpaid Balances Form should be submitted to the council no later than the specified date provided by the product program. This form can be accessed by scanning the QR code or visiting: https://forms.gsofsi.org/gs/unpaid-cookie-balance.
Service Units and troops are responsible for all money due from their product sales and will be held liable for the funds owing if the following documents are not collected from the Troop/Caregiver.
· Signed receipts for products issued by the troop.
· Signed receipts for money received from the caregiver.
· Any other communication records between the troop and caregiver.
This form can be filled out anytime throughout the program, if you are having difficulty collecting from a caregiver. However, forms are due no later than March 11. Do not give out more cookies if you cannot collect money from previous checkout.
Social Media Etiquette
In the Family Guide, we provided families with guidelines for promoting their Girl Scout cookie business. The guidelines for troops are a little broader. However, it would be best to remember that the extended guidelines apply only to posting your Troop Site Digital Cookie link; individual Girl Scout links can only be used as described in the Family Guide.
Promoting In-Person Delivery
• Troops cannot do this in any circumstance.
• A Girl Scout can only do this on private accounts to ensure it goes out to known customers.
Promoting Booths
• Troops can only do this on private accounts such as Facebook pages and community groups and on Instagram.
Responding to “Where can I get cookies?”
• Troops can post the cookie finder encouraging customers to locate a booth.
• Troops can post the location of their upcoming troop booth.
• Troops can post the troop link if it is set to ship only, no individual girl links.
• A Girl Scout can post the cookie finder link.
As you are on social media during the season, if you see a post that does not follow the rules, remember that Kindness Counts! Reach out privately to the original poster, remind them of the rules, and kindly ask them to remove the post.
Cookie Program Do’s & Don’ts
Do’s Don’ts
• Use receipts for all cookies or money transfers from caregivers.
• Enter receipts in eBudde often.
• Deposit any cookie money often.
• Be a sister to every Girl Scout.
• Train and prepare your troop Girl Scouts and their caregivers on the rules, deadlines, and expectations.
• Contact your SUCM or council contacts FIRST before going to social media.
• Review the booth guidelines before setting up any booths.
• Check for and read any cookie communication emails.
• Encourage your Girl Scouts throughout the program.
• Have well-known troop goals posted on your booths.
• Use the Digital Cookie app to collect credit card payments for cookies.
• Put cash donations towards cookie donation packages.
Kindness Counts
While our youth Girl Scouts are the heart of our organization, none of it can happen without our registered adult members. These amazing adults act with kindness and empathy daily, demonstrating the behavior we want our Girl Scouts to learn. When you see another adult in this uplifting way, you can highlight them by nominating them for a Kindness Counts patch.
These nominations are for adults who have shown you kindness. Every person nominated will receive our Kindness Counts Patch at the end of the cookie program. We will also be featuring some nominations on our social media page.
• Give samples of cookies to potential customers.
• Let Girl Scouts go walking about alone or after sunset.
• Allow a booth anywhere unless scheduled in eBudde.
• Link troop bank accounts to 3rd Party payment services (Zelle, Venmo, Paypal).
• Never sell cookies for more or less than the price set by the council.
• Do not create “Specials” like buy one, get one free; you may not create specials for which not everyone in the council has the same opportunity.
• Never sell another Council’s cookies or other products.
• Give more cookies to Girl Scouts and their caregivers if they have not paid for their previous cookie pickup.
Scan the QR Code to submit your nominations!
Bake It Forward
What is Bake It Forward?
New for 2025, Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois has rebranded our Girl Scout Cookie Donation Program. GSofSI will partner with local Children’s Hospitals and Ronald McDonald House as our Girl Scout cookie donation recipients during cookie season.
How to Participate
Girl Scouts can collect donations through walkabouts, booths, and even digital cookies. The council will handle all donated boxes.
Collecting Donations at Cookie Booths
It is highly encouraged that our Bake It Forward donation program be advertised when a troop is hosting a cookie booth. Troops will have access to printable resources on our website for our donation program, and GSofSI will be providing each troop with a tabletop tent display advertising our new program. All donations received by the troop during a cookie booth during the cookie program must be converted to BIF (Bake It Forward Donations) in eBudde. Every “Keep the change” or direct contribution should also be converted into BIF. Troops should not keep cash donations during the cookie program. Utilize the booth inventory notepad, to keep track of donations collected at booths!
Bake It Forward Rewards
• 12+ Donation Packages: Charm Patch
• 18+ Donation Packages: GOC Charm
• 24+ Donation Packages: Panda Charm
• 30+ Donation Packages: Rock Charm
Cookie Booths
Booth sales are troop activities where girls set up a mobile store in front of local retailers. Your troop can decide how many times they want to participate in a booth throughout the program. Make sure when you sign up for booth sales that you have girls and adults to manage the booth.
Booth Guidelines
• EVERY booth location MUST be entered into eBudde by the Sunday prior and no later than 48 hours in advance to allow your SUCM sufficient time to approve.
• Two unrelated adults must be present at a booth. One must be registered and have a background check.
• At least two registered girls from the same troop must be at one booth location.
• A Senior or Ambassador Girl Scout may sell cookies at a booth with only registered adults (18 or older) present.
• Girl Scouts should not sell inside or in front of establishments that have age restrictions to enter the building.
• Girl Scouts are allowed to set up in front of locations that serve liquor but are family-friendly during daylight hours. However, all cookie booths must be over by 6 p.m. for these establishments.
• The council has the right to deny a booth location if inappropriate.
• TCMs do not have to attend all booths—enlist caregivers to help! The adult designated as the money handler must be a registered Girl Scout volunteer with a current background check on file with GSofSI.
• Do not bring food or drinks to your booths.
• No running, yelling, or horsing around.
• Encourage girls, caregivers, and volunteers to wear Girl Scout attire.
• If you and your troop cannot meet the above guidelines, remove your booth or slot in eBudde.
Safety and Security
• Never leave girls alone and unsupervised at a booth sale
• Use the buddy system for restroom breaks
• Encourage Girl Scouts to handle payments and make change, but closely monitor these transactions.
• Do not use Girl Scouts’ last name on signage, handouts, receipts, etc.
• Keep a vigilant eye on the money box; do not chase the thief if stolen. Call 911, then the council.
• In case of a threatening incident, call 911 immediately and then call the council office emergency line at 800-345-6858.
Cookie Booths
Walmart Cookie Booths
This will be the second year the council will secure all the Wal-Mart cookie booths. All Wal-Mart locations will be open for all troops to sign up for. GSofSI will open all Walmart time slots on a certain date, which is still to be determined, so all troops have a chance to sign up for them. When it comes time to open up the booth timeslots for Wal-Mart, troops can sign up for four booth timeslots during the first week. After that week, troops will be able to sign up for more.
Here are some rules if your troop signs up for the Wal-Mart cookie booth:
• Show up 10 minutes before your scheduled booth.
• If there is a troop from the earlier timeslot, be respectful and give them time to pack up before you start setting up.
• You must set up 15 feet from the entrance door, and only one doorway can be used.
• Cookie Booths must be outside at all times. You are allowed to bring a canopy.
• When you arrive, there is no need to check in with store managers.
• If you CANNOT keep your timeslot, you MUST go into eBudde and release that timeslot.
• If you are switching a time slot with another troop, you MUST release it and have the other troop pick that timeslot as you release it. The troop that is listed in eBudde has the rights to the timeslot.
Donations at a Cookie Booth
All donations received by the troop during a cookie booth during the cookie program are to be converted to BIF (Bake It Forward Donations) in eBudde. Every “Keep the Change” or direct contribution should also be converted into BIF. The troop should not keep cash donations during the cookie program.
Honest and Fair - It’s the Girl Scout Law
We know with the magic of cookies, it is all sweetness, but we have to address the not-so-sweet stuff. First, no one likes it when people try to bend the rules. Here’s the scoop: No cookies can be delivered, sold in person, or displayed until January 11 for online DC orders only and then February 1 for in-person orders. And any social media etiquette or booth guidelines that are not followed will result in the action(s) listed below.
We believe in being honest and fair. Being a Girl Scout means we follow the rules, not actively looking for ways to break them. We are putting these new strikes for foul play in place to make sure everyone plays by the same book and lives up to the Girl Scout Law and Volunteer Code of Conduct. These strikes count per troop, ensuring people realize this is not a school fundraiser without rules— this is the largest entrepreneurial program for young women in the world and, as such, has guidelines that must be adhered to.
Strike 1: Consider it a friendly warning, a reminder to keep it Girl Scout-friendly.
Strike 2: You might lose your premium booth location, so play by the rules.
Strike 3: This one is serious—it means a loss of participation, and you will still owe for cookies.
Cookie Cupboards
While your initial supply of cookies is picked up from a designated location, when you need to replenish, you can go to any cupboard in our Council. The details below are correct at the time of printing but always double-check eBudde before heading to a cupboard. Please respect volunteer Cupboard Managers, follow their requests for placing pending orders, text before arrival, etc. These are the known cupboards at the time the manual was printed.
Anna - Marci Malnar
Belleville - Danyel Bagby
Benton - Alicia Dixon
Carterville - Seth Kohlhaas
Charleston - Sarah Easter
Chester - Tiffany Bryant
Flora-Mike Burge
Glen Carbon - GSofSI Staff
Godfrey - Nancy Matis
Golconda - Talina Norris-Ryder
Highland - Nicole Balint
Marion - Chandra Penn
Mt. Vernon - Sheila Jolly Scrivner
Oblong - Lisa Wagner
O’Fallon - SU 201 Volunteers
Red Bud - Michelle Sturgill
Stewardson - Dawn Quicksall
Reminders
• All cupboard orders must be placed in full case amounts of the same variety. 1 case = 12 packages
• No combining two varieties to make a whole case. For example, 6 Thin Mints and 6 Tagalongs to make a case are prohibited.
• Cupboard orders must be placed by Sunday evening every week, if needed, to guarantee cupboard inventory.
• If cupboard orders are placed after this day, then orders are not guaranteed, and cupboard managers and/or council will make the necessary adjustments.
• Last-minute cupboard orders will then be on a first come, first served basis.
Cookie Communications
The Product Program team will send out our Thin Mint Press Newsletter each week of the Cookie Program. This newsletter will give troop cookie volunteers important cookie information each week. It will be sent out around 3 p.m. every Tuesday.
Cookie Zoom Sessions
We will be hosting Cookie training sessions throughout the session to help new cookie volunteers. We will end each session with an open Q&A session. The link for these sessions will be in the Thin Mint Press newsletter.
December 10- Intro to the Cookie Program
• What is a direct cookie sale
• How to place an initial order
• How to hold a caregiver meeting
• Walk through eBudde
• What to expect during the cookie season
January 14- Digital Cookie
• How to stay organized
• eBudde reports
• eBudde transactions
• Cookie Cupboard orders
January 28- Cookies are In
• Recap reports for cookie distribution
• Cookie Recordkeeping
• How to handle cookies with girl/family and troop
• eBudde walk-through on transactions
After Hours Open Office
February 11- Cookie Booths
• How to do a cookie booth
• Record keeping during a cookie booth
• Donations
• Banking
• eBudde walk-through
February 25- Closing the Cookie Program
• Reconciliation
• Unpaid caregiver balance
• eBudde
• Rewards
We will also be hosting open office Zoom calls throughout the cookie season. The Product Program Team will be on these calls from 6:30 to 8:00 pm for anyone who needs assistance. There will be no agenda for these calls. If you need help with anything, please join.
Open Office Dates:
• January 7
• January 21
• February 4
• February 18
• March 4
• March 11
What do I do if I need more help outside these Zoom calls?
You can always contact your Service Unit Cookie manager and other troop cookie managers in your Service Unit. If the question concerns your Service Unit area, we suggest not using Facebook, as each Service Unit might run things differently.
The Product Program team at GSofSI DOES NOT and WILL NOT monitor Leaders Lounge or other Facebook pages and/or groups.
2025 Cookie Incentives
Final Rewards
Embrace Possibility Patch
Celebrate the season with this inspiring campaign graphic patch for cookie entrepreneurs.
25+ Packages
Cooling Headband
This one-size-fits-all fashion is ideal for all hair types, with many ways to wear it. Cooling fabric. Great for camp!
100+ Packages
Green Panda Tumbler
Quench your thirst with this durable 40-oz water bottle.
165+
Packages
Bamboo Dangler with Pop-in Charms
Display charms in butterfly-shaped holes. Includes two charms and a carabiner key ring.
65+ Packages
Happy Bamboo Plush
Spread positivity with this bamboo stuffie’s bright smile. It can function as a phone holder too!
130+ Packages
Embrace Possibility Panda and Super Patch
Let your imagination soar as your journey through bamboo forests filled with fluttery butterflies and your cuddly 10” panda, poised and ready to enjoy her favorite cookie.
200+ Packages
Embrace Possibility Panda Hair Drying Towel
Hat, Panda Paw Wash Mitt, Hanging Panda Spa
Hand Towel and Bamboo Comb
This is the perfect spa product that will make any camp experience enjoyable!
250+ Packages
2025 Cookie Incentives
400+ Packages
Embrace Possibility Panda Foodie Set
In this set, you can organize your lunch in your bento box with some panda charm. The bento box has plenty of space for your panda-shaped sandwich.
300+ Packages
Embrace Possibility
Pickle Ball
Paddle set
Pickle ball is all the rage right now! And how cute will you look on the court with these panda paddles?!
Girl Scout Lunchbox
This lunchbox pairs nicely with the panda foodie set and will be perfect for school lunches and Girl Scout camp.
500+ Packages
Embrace Possibility Travel Set
Be ready to roll and relax with this cookie-themed duffle bag and the softest and coziest panda neck pillow! The travel case and panda tooth brush will keep you minty fresh during all your travels.
600+ Packages
$125 Adventure Bucks
$125 program bucks to use towards any GSofSI programs.
750+ Packages
Ice Cream Maker, Sno Cone Maker AND $50 Adventure Bucks
Stay cool this summer with your favorite treats! Also add another $50 of Adventure Bucks for more summer fun!
1000+ Packages
2025 Cookie Incentives
Final Rewards
Record Player OR Drone
Girls can choose which explorations they want. Is it exploring the skies this summer with a drone or it exploring the lasted and greatest vinyl record.
1250+ Packages
Telescope OR Outdoor Movie Kit
How will you spend your time outside?
Girls can choose between a Smartphone app-enables telescope OR they can choose with wireless projector bundle with a projector and screen.
1500+ Packages
Dyson Air Wrap OR Apple Max Headphones
Explore Possibilities!
Girls can choose between a Dyson Air Wrap Hair tool OR a pair of Apple Max head phones.
1750+ Packages
Microsoft Surface Laptop OR MacBook Air
Reach the program year in package amounts and choose from a Microsoft Surface Laptop OR a MacBook Air!
2025+ Packages
2025 Cookie Incentives
Donation Package Rewards
• 12+ Donation Packages: Charm Patch
• 18+ Donation Packages: GOC Charm
• 24+ Donation Packages: Panda Charm
• 30+ Donation Packages: Rock Charm
Troop Initial Rewards
Each registered Girl Scout in eBudde by January 7 will receive a “It’s Cookie Time” money bag if the troop’s initial order is 75+ total cases.
Booth Sales Patch
Girl Scouts who sell 30 or more booth packages sold throughout the Cookie Program, will earn the booth sales patch.
Can be earned from one single booth or multiple booths combined.
Each troop will receive a booth kit bundle of the tabletop riser, two-sided table cloth and carrying tote if the troop’s initial order is 100+ cases.
Each selling Girl Scout and up to 2 volunteers can earn the Do-Si-Do panda t-shirt if the troop’s final PGA is 225 or more.
Contest
• Send 18+ Unique Emails through DC
• Upload a Photo or Video in DC
• Sell 25 packages
All must be done through January 11-18 to be eligible.
Troop Final Reward Digital Cookie Kickoff
FAQs
Do I have to submit rewards if we opted out?
Yes. Since girls are now eligible for patches and troop PGA rewards, your cookies need to be allocated to girls and final rewards need to be submitted.
What do I do if I received a damage package of cookies?
As a volunteer, swap out the damage(s) at your nearest cookie cupboard for the same variety. You may visit a cupboard during their operating hours to make the swap. No need to put in a transaction in eBudde. If at all possible, please give the cupboard manager a heads up before your arrival.
How and when does my troop pay for the cookies from initial and cupboard orders?
Money should be deposited into your troop’s bank account, then there will be two different ACH pulls that Council will conduct. In order for us to pull the amounts owed, you must have a troop ACH form on file.
• Please reach out to your Service Unit Treasurer if you are needing assistance on ACH.
- 50% of what is owed to Council will be pulled on February 26th.
- Remaining amount due to Council will be pulled on March 26th.
Where
do the credit card payments from Digital Cookie orders go?
Digital Cookie orders are all paid for by credit card. You will see all payments under the “Payments” tab in eBudde. Those amounts are taken off your totals owed to Council. See the Sales Report tab in eBudde under “Payments Made” for total of DC orders.
Why do we run out of Toffee-Tastics earlier than other varieties?
Each Council is allotted a certain percentage of their previous sale in Toffee-Tastic cases from Little Brownie Bakers. We order all of our Toffee-Tastics up front, and once we are out, we are unable to order anymore.
I
have too many cookies and exhausted all my resources, what do I do?
• Post your offerings on the cookie exchange tab in eBudde! Troops will utilize that tab to find cookies near them and know who to get ahold of. Make sure you answer your emails/texts/calls from other troops inquiring about your cookies!!
• We highly suggest letting your SUCM know what varieties you have to offer to other troops. They are the eyes and ears for your SU during the cookie season, and may know who is looking for additional cookies.
• If all else fails, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Product Program team. We cannot help you unless we are made aware of the challenges you are facing!
Do I need to give package credit for online DC girl delivery orders?
YES! Only payments for those orders come over to eBudde. Please give appropriate credit for those orders. In an ideal world, you will already give credit to girls for those orders when they pick up cookies they said they needed.
Can I accept credit card payments for cookie orders?
YES! Girls and troops can set up their online storefronts through Digital Cookie and use the Digital Cookie app to accept credit card payments in person. This is the only approved method from Council to accept credit card payments from customers.
Cookie Checklist
December
• Register for and attend a cookie rally
• Take the Council Cookie training
• Attend your SU Cookie meeting
• Confirm all Girl Scouts in the troop are registered for the 2025 membership year
• Dec 10: Intro to the Cookie Program Zoom Chat
January
• Ensure all Girl Scouts in your troop are in eBudde by initial order
• Jan 7: Submit IO in eBudde
• Jan 7: Cookie Open Office Hours
• January 8: Cookie Techie Week Starts
• Jan 11: Digital Cookie Opens
• Jan 14: Digital Cookie Zoom Chat
• January 18- Cookie Techie Week Closes
• Jan 19: Cupboard orders open in eBudde
• Jan 21: Cookie Open Office Hours
• Jan 25-Feb 1: Pickup IO cookies and distribute them out to girls
• Jan 28: Cookie Delivery Zoom Chat
• Weekly: Collect funds from troop families DO NOT FORGET RECEIPTS- and make bank deposits
• Weekly: Enter all receipts from cookies checked out, booth participation, and money paid to the troop into eBudde so Girl Scouts can track their sale on their Digital Order card
• Weekly: Read the Cookie Newsletter that comes out every Tuesday for tips and news
• Weekly: Place cupboard orders for additional cookies, if needed, and enter booths for approval by Sunday
February
• Feb 25: Cookie Program Wrap-Up Zoom Chat
• Feb 26: First ACH Pull (50% of what is owed to the council as of 2.21.25)
• Weekly: Collect funds from troop families— DO NOT FORGET RECEIPTS—and make bank deposits
• Weekly: Enter all receipts from cookies checked out, booth participation, and money paid to the troop into eBudde so Girl Scouts can track their sale on their Digital Order card
• Feb 4: Cookie Open Office Hours
• Feb 11: Cookie Booths Zoom Chat
• Feb 18: Cookie Open Office Hours
• Feb 21-23: National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend
• Weekly: Read the Cookie Newsletter that comes out every Tuesday for tips and news
• Weekly: Place cupboard orders for additional cookies, if needed, and enter booths for approval by Sunday
March
• Weekly: Collect funds from troop families— DO NOT FORGET RECEIPTS—and make bank deposits
• Weekly: Enter all receipts from cookies checked out, booth participation, and money paid to the troop into eBudde so Girl Scouts can track their sale on their Digital Order card
• Weekly: Read the Cookie Newsletter that comes out every Tuesday for tips and news
• Weekly: Place cupboard orders for additional cookies, if needed, and enter booths for approval by Sunday
• March 4: Cookie Open Office Hours
• March 9: Cookie Program Ends all online and in-person sales
• March 11: Unpaid Balances Reported to Council
• March 11: Cookie allocations and final rewards due in eBudde
• March 11: Cookie Open Office Hours
• March 26: Final ACH for Remaining amount due to Council
April-May
• Pick up rewards from your SUCM and distribute to Girl Scouts Celebrate your accomplishments!
