Troop Guide Girl Scout Cookie Program - 2020-2021 Girl Scouts of Connecticut 340 Washington Street
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2020-2021
Girl Scout Cookie Program®
Troop Guide
Girl Scouts of Connecticut
340 Washington Street
Hartford, CT 06106
(800) 922-2770
gsofct.org
What’s
Inside
Position Description............................................................................................... 1
2020-2021 Cookie Program Overview..........................................................................................2-5
Calendar.................................................................................................................................................................6-7
Girl Scout Cookie Lineup........................................................................................................................................................................ 8-9
Troop Cookie Manager Checklist .......................................................................................................................................................10-11
Cookie Program Tips.................................................................................................................................................................................. 12
Safety Guidelines ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 13
Cookie Program Girl Training..............................................................................................................................................................14-15
Digital Cookie®.......................................................................................................................................................................................16-17
Initial Order Taking.................................................................................................................................................................................18-19
Connecting with Customers..............................................................................................................................................................20-21
Booth Sales............................................................................................................................................................................................22-24
Goal Getter Sales....................................................................................................................................................................................... 25
Five Skills of the Girl Scout Cookie Program ..................................................................................................................................... 26
Cookies for Heroes.................................................................................................................................................................................... 27
Cookie Delivery Day............................................................................................................................................................................ 28-29
Cookie Cupboards................................................................................................................................................................................30-31
Cookie Program Rewards.................................................................................................................................................................. 32-35
Cookie Program Finances...................................................................................................................................................................36-37
Service Unit Cookie Manager:
Phone/Email Address:
GSOFCT Product Sales Team can be reached via email or (800) 922-2770.
Ann Nunn-Hacku Lisa Deschnow
Director of Product & Retail Sales, ext. 3333 Product Sales Manager, ext. 3346
anunn-hacku@gsofct.org ldeschnow@gsofct.org
Devon Dzicek Sue Pratt
Product Sales Manager, ext. 3339 Sr. Product Sales Manager, ext. 3816
ddzicek@gsofct.org spratt@gsofct.org
Erica Elliott General questions about the cookie program
Product Sales Manager, ext. 3224 can be sent to customercare@gsofct.org.
eelliott@gsofct.org
Position
Description
Position: Troop Cookie Manager
Appointed by: Co-leader
Term: One year
Responsible to: Service Unit Cookie Manager
Purpose: Manages the cookie program for a specific troop/group
Duties and Responsibilities:
Ɩ Meet all deadlines and communicate any concerns
Ɩ Attend the service unit’s troop cookie manager to service unit cookie manager.
training.
Ɩ Ensure girls are registered and have signed Qualifications:
Annual Consent forms on file with the co-leader.
Ɩ Registered as a member of Girl Scouts of
Ɩ Help to plan and incorporate cookie program Connecticut and has completed the
activities into troop meetings. volunteer application process, including a
background check.
Ɩ Convey safety and program materials to girls,
families, and troop volunteers. Ɩ Believes in and subscribes to the principles
expressed in the Girl Scout Mission, Girl Scout
Ɩ Enthusiastically train girls and troop volunteers Promise and Law, and abides by the policies and
about cookie program procedures and guidelines. standards of GSOFCT and GSUSA.
Ɩ Use eBudde to manage the cookie program. Ɩ Is committed to organization diversity.
Ɩ Ensure the troop’s cookie order is picked up at
the delivery site, parent signatures are obtained
for troop records, and cookies are promptly
distributed to girls.
Ɩ Coordinate in-person troop booth sales with
service unit cookie manager OR service unit
booth sale coordinator.
Ɩ Collect payment from girls and ensure the
amount due to council is in the troop bank
account by the scheduled ACH payment dates.
Ɩ Assist in collecting past due funds, and, if
necessary, provide council with detailed
information on uncollectible amounts.
Ɩ Distribute rewards to girls in a timely manner.
1
2020-2021 Cookie
Program
Overview
The Girl Scout Cookie Program is an important
(and fun!) part of the overall Girl Scout
experience—lots of learning for girls and super
delicious cookies for our awesome cookie
customers!
In last year’s cookie program, GSOFCT troops
earned more than $1.8 million in troop proceeds!
These proceeds helped troops fund troop
activities as well as Take Action projects that
benefited Connecticut communities AND
allowed girls to grow in the five skills of the Girl
Scout Cookie Program. Who can argue with that
outcome?
Be sure to check out additional resources at
gsofct.org/cookieresources so YOU can help
make this the best cookie program yet for girls!
Managing the troop’s cookie program
eBudde is the online application used by troops
and GSOFCT to manage the cookie program.
eBudde is where girl orders and troop booth cookies are entered and
allocated. eBudde is also where girl and troop rewards are recorded.
Check out the eBudde troop app (download from the App Store or
Google Play) so you can manage the troop’s cookie program wherever
you are!
Complete instructions, including how to log on to eBudde, will be
available at gsofct.org/cookieresources in late December/early January.
ALL troop users—new and returning— will receive an email in late
December with a link to create/reset their password to access eBudde.
2
This year, due to ongoing concerns regarding
2020-2021 Cookie
Covid-19, troops may be considering how girls Program
can safely participate in the 2021 cookie program.
Overview
Good news: Girls and troops can adapt their Tips for safe
participation in the cookie program to include participation
more virtual options that will allow for less
physical contact, including using Digital Cookie
and holding virtual booths. Look for the cookie
callouts throughout this guide for tips/suggestions about how girls and troops can safely
participate even while Covid-19 is present in our communities. As the cookie program
gets underway, be sure to go to gsofct.org for the most up-to-date Covid-19 guidance.
Digital Cookie® platform
The cookie program’s Digital Cookie platform continues to grow and
enhance Girl Scouts’ experience with the cookie program.
Big
News!
Orders placed online for girl delivery during the Initial Order Taking
Period will automatically flow into the girl’s eBudde record.
NEW THIS YEAR: Troops can set up a troop Digital Cookie site
(February 2021) to better leverage the online platform during the
cookie program at both in-person and virtual booth sales!
See pages 16-17 for more information about this year’s Digital
Cookie platform.
Cookie Business
Badges
When girls sell Girl Scout Cookies, they utilize the
five skills—goal setting, decision making, money
management, people skills, and business ethics—and
learn to think like entrepreneurs.
+ Girls can earn Cookie Business and Financial Literacy
badges and Cookie Entrepreneur Family pins for every
year they participate in the Girl Scout Cookie Program.
Check out the Troop Leader Resources at
girlscouts.org/cookies for additional information about
the pins and badges PLUS other great resources for
activities that can help bring more meaning to a Girl
Scout’s cookie business!
3
2020-2021 Cookie
Program Troop Proceeds
Overview
Troops earn proceeds based on their TOTAL
cookie program sales from January-March. The
calculation is based on cookies sold during the
Initial Order Taking and Goal Getter periods,
at booth sales in March, for the Cookies for
Cookie Cost Breakdown Heroes Program and/or a local Gift of Caring
initiative, and on the Digital Cookie platform.
Eight yummy cookie varieties will be in this year’s lineup. Troop proceeds are based on the troop’s final
Cookie prices remain the same as last year. The six core per girl selling average (PGA). See page 33 for a
flavors—Thin Mints®, Samoas®, Tagalongs®, Trefoils®, complete explanation of troop proceeds.
Do-si-dos®, and Lemon-Ups®—are $5 per box. The two
premium cookies—Girl Scout S’mores® and Information regarding how Juliettes can
Toffee-tastic®—are $6 per box. participate and earn proceeds in the cookie
program is on page 33.
See pages 8-9 for pictures and additional information
about the cookies! ALL cookie proceeds remain in Connecticut.
Proceeds from the cookie program support
troop treasuries and generate important revenue
used by Girl Scouts of Connecticut to support
girl programming and volunteer development.
Cookie Cost Breakdown
The cost of cookies for 2020-2021 is as follows: the six core flavors are $5 per
package and Toffee-tastic and Girl Scout S’mores are $6 per package, which reflects
the higher cost of the ingredients in these premium flavors.
Cost of cookies (core) $1.08
Cost of cookies (premium) $2.07
Cost of rewards (includes patches) $0.12
Troop proceeds $0.85-$0.95
Additional troop proceeds earned by troops
$0.02
meeting Treats & Reads and cookie program benchmarks
TOP Troop Reward $0.05
Council proceeds provide service to girls,
$2.78-$2.88
volunteers, training, property maintenance, etc.
Council proceeds from Toffee-tastic and Girl Scout S’mores $2.79-$2.89
4
2020-2021 Cookie
Program
Overview
Rewards
The 2020-2021 reward lineup is sure to be a hit with girls. There are
girl rewards for achieving goals in all parts of the program. Troop
rewards are offered during the Initial Order Taking Period AND for
achieving success during the entire cookie program.
We have two T-shirts in our lineup, including one for the Troop Initial Glow in the Dark Blanket =
Order Reward for girls! Initial Order Reward for girls at
125 packages (see page 19 for
We are expanding the reward lineup to include additional items more details).
for girls who fully utilize the Digital Cookie platform. Girls can earn
reward items for sending 15+ emails AND at 60+ and 95+ packages
as well as the Cookie Techie patch.
See the order card and pages 32-35 for complete information about
rewards. Troops with an Initial
Order per girl average of
Eco Straw = 60+ Phone 125+ packages will earn a
Samoas Dangler packages sold via Light = 95+ Mint to Achieve T-shirt for
= 15+ emails sent Digtal Cookie packages each girl with an Initial
via Digital Cookie sold via Order (see page 19 for
platform Digtal Cookie more details).
Philanthropic Reward
Introduced last year, this reward option was so popular with girls
that we are bringing it back for this year’s program! This option
allows girls to choose to donate the value of the reward toward The
Shoe that Grows program in place of receiving the reward item.
This option is available at the 90, 125, and 200 package levels and
is noted on the order card with a shoe icon. Girls can choose this The shoe features a
option at one, two, or all three of the designated reward levels. unique design that
Troop cookie volunteers will make this girl’s selection on the allows the shoe to
Rewards tab in eBudde. accommodate rapidly
growing feet.
Older girl troops opting for additional proceeds in lieu of rewards
can also contribute toward this initiative. Contact the Product Sales
Team at customercare@gsofct.org for details.
Each girl who selects this
The unique shoe design helps protect children in Kenya from soil- reward option will earn
transmitted diseases. When children get sick, they are unable to a patch.
go to school and help their families. By protecting their feet as they
grow, these shoes help protect children from disease.
5
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2 Initial Order
Taking begins!
Look for an announcement about a virtual council cookie rally!
Digital Cookie
January opens for order
taking.
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Ensure that each girl/family has an Initial Order Taking card and has
received the registration email from the Digital Cookie platform.
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Check in with girls/families to see if they need assistance. Remind them that all packages sold
during the Initial Order Taking Period will count toward girl and troop Initial Order rewards!
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
31 Initial Order
Taking ends
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 Goal Getter 2 3 4 Deadline to 5 Deadline 6
order taking submit ACH to enter troop
begins authorization Initial Order in
February eBudde
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
National Girl Scout
Cookie Weekend
Troop Digital Cookie links open
21 22 23 24 25 26 27 Cookie
Delivery
Weekend (check
with service unit
for specific date)
Booth Sales
begin!
28
6
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2 3 4 5 6
March Arrange for all girls/families to pick up their
cookie order so they can start delivering customers’ cookies!
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
Start depositing girl/family cookie payments into troop bank account.
14 Digital Cookie 15 16 17 18 19 First ACH 20
closes for girl payment
delivery orders. initiated (60% of
the amount due in
eBudde).
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
Start assigning cookies to girls in eBudde! Check with parents to see if there are any
Digital Cookie girl delivery orders that need to be filled.
28 Last day for 29 30 31
booth sales and
Goal Getter orders.
Finish assigning cookies to girls in eBudde! Deposit final cookie
payments/booth sale money into troop bank account!
Digital Cookie
closes for shipped
and donated
orders.
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2 Troop 3
deadline to
April make final
eBudde entries,
including
finalizing girl
rewards!
4 5 6 7 8 9 Final ACH 10
payment
initiated.
Deadline to
submit TOP
Troop form
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30
May Girl rewards will be shipped to the SU cookie manager in mid-May. Please look for a communication
from her/him about where and when to pick up the rewards, including patches, for your troop.
7
Girl Scout Cookie™
Food Allergen Guide (2020–2021)
For the 2020-21 season, Little Brownie Bakers updated the precautionary allergen disclosure on its Girl Scout Cookie packaging labels. All packaged foods in the U.S. including
Girl Scout Cookies are required to identify any of the top 8 food allergens present as ingredients either in the ingredients list or through a “Contains” statement. A precautionary
allergen disclosure (“Manufactured in a shared facility with” statement) was added to our labels to declare the presence of allergens in the bakery where Girl Scout Cookies are
made. This update was made to continue to prioritize safety and to be transparent and sensitive to the needs of our customers. Little Brownie Bakers confirms that customers
will be buying the same cookies they know and love—and purchase year after year—with no changes made to the manufacturing process.
COCONUT PEANUT TREE NUT WHEAT SOY MILK EGG
do-si-dos®
• Made with Natural Flavors CONTAINS:
• Real Peanut Butter
• Whole Grain Oats
MANUFACTURED IN A
SHARED FACILITY WITH:
girl scout
CONTAINS:
s’mores®
• Made with Natural Flavors
• 100% Real Cocoa MANUFACTURED IN A
SHARED FACILITY WITH:
lemon-ups®
NATURALLY FLAVORED WITH
CONTAINS:
OTHER NATURAL FLAVORS
MANUFACTURED IN A
SHARED FACILITY WITH:
samoas®
• 100% Real Cocoa CONTAINS:
• Real Coconut
MANUFACTURED IN A
SHARED FACILITY WITH:
tagalongs®
• 100% Real Cocoa CONTAINS:
• Real Peanut Butter
MANUFACTURED IN A
SHARED FACILITY WITH:
thin mints®
• Made with Vegan Ingredients CONTAINS:
• 100% Real Cocoa
MANUFACTURED IN A
SHARED FACILITY WITH:
toffee-tastic®
GLUTEN FREE CONTAINS:
• No Artificial
Flavors
MANUFACTURED IN A
SHARED FACILITY WITH:
trefoils®
CONTAINS:
MANUFACTURED IN A
SHARED FACILITY WITH:
Product formulations can change at any time. Consumers should always review The GIRL SCOUTS® name and mark, and all other associated trademarks and logotypes, including but not limited to GIRL SCOUT COOKIES®, THIN MINTS®, TREFOILS®,
the ingredient statement for their individual allergies or dietary restrictions for GIRL SCOUT S’MORES®, LEMON-UPS®, Girl Scout Cookie Program®, and the Trefoil Design, are owned by Girl Scouts of the USA. Little Brownie Bakers LLC is an official
the most up-to-date information on the ingredients contained in the product in GSUSA licensee. The LITTLE BROWNIE BAKERS® name and mark, and all associated trademarks, including SAMOAS®, TAGALONGS®, DO-SI-DOS® and TOFFEE-TASTIC®
that package. For more details check with Little Brownie Bakers. are registered trademarks of Ferequity Inc., an affiliate of Ferrero International, S.A. © 2020 Ferequity Inc. All Rights Reserved. WGT_ 071020
8A l l o u r c o o k i e s h ave . . .
We’ve got delicious NO High-Fructose Corn Syrup
NO Partially Hydrogenated Oils (PHOs)
Girl Scout Cookies
®
Zero Grams Trans Fat per Serving
RSPO Certified (Mass Balance) Palm Oil
NEW! Halal Certification
• 100% Real Cocoa
• Real Coconut
lemon-ups ®
NATURALLY FLAVORED WITH OTHER NATURAL FLAVORS samoas ®
Crispy lemon cookies baked with inspiring messages Crisp cookies coated in caramel, sprinkled with toasted
to lift your spirits coconut and striped with dark chocolaty coating
• Made with
Natural Flavors
• 100% Real Cocoa • Real Peanut Butter
• Real Peanut Butter • Whole Grain Oats
tagalongs ®
do-si-dos ®
Crispy cookies layered with peanut butter and covered Crunchy oatmeal sandwich cookies with creamy
with a chocolaty coating peanut butter filling
• Made with Vegan
Ingredients
• 100% Real Cocoa
trefoils ®
thin mints ®
Delicate-tasting shortbread that is delightfully Crisp wafers covered in chocolaty coating made
simple and satisfying with natural oil of peppermint
specialty specialty
innovation innovation
• Made with
Natural Flavors
• 100% Real Cocoa
girl scout • No Artificial Flavors
s’mores ®
Crunchy graham sandwich toffee-tastic ®
cookies with creamy chocolate GLUTEN FREE
and marshmallowy filling Rich, buttery cookies with sweet, crunchy toffee bits
The GIRL SCOUTS® name and mark, and all other associated trademarks and logotypes, including but not limited to GIRL SCOUT COOKIES®,
THIN MINTS®, TREFOILS®, GIRL SCOUT S’MORES®, LEMON-UPS®, Girl Scout Cookie Program®, and the Trefoil Design, are owned by Girl Scouts
of the USA. Little Brownie Bakers LLC is an official GSUSA licensee. The LITTLE BROWNIE BAKERS® name and mark, and all associated
trademarks, including SAMOAS®, TAGALONGS®, DO-SI-DOS® and TOFFEE-TASTIC® are registered trademarks of Ferequity Inc., an affiliate
of Ferrero International, S.A. © 2020 Ferequity Inc. All Rights Reserved. WGT_081820
9Troop Cookie
Manager
Use this handy checklist to aid you in keeping the troop on
Checklist track with the 2021 cookie program.
Be sure to check your email for the weekly Cookie Recipe
emails for reminders about key dates and deadlines
throughout the cookie season!
November—December 2020
LJ Troop cookie manager registers for Girl Scout membership year and completes the volunteer application
process, which includes a background check.
LJ Co-leader ensures every girl is registered and has a signed Annual Consent and Covid-19 Informed Consent
forms for each girl.
LJ Troop cookie manager attends service unit’s troop cookie mananger training or views recorded training on
gsLearn.
LJ Troop cookie manager holds a meeting (in-person or virtual) with girls and their parents/guardians to explain
the cookie program and set goals. Arrange to distribute materials.
LJ Digital Cookie registration email sent to troop cookie managers and
parents/guardians of registerered Girl Scouts in mid-December.
January 2, 2021
LJ Initial Order Taking begins!
LJ Digital Cookie platform opens for business.a
January 2—31, 2021
LJ Check in with girls and families to offer assistance/support.
LJ Work with the service unit to set up the troop’s booth sale(s).
February 1—5, 2021
LJ Distribute Goal Getter Order Cards to girls. Goal Getter sales
begin on February 1.
LJ Complete girls’ Initial Order entry in eBudde and submit the
order via eBudde by 11:59 p.m. on February 5.
LJ Select time slot in eBudde (Delivery tab)—AFTER
submitting the troop’s Initial Order—to pick up the cookie
order on the assigned delivery day.
LJ Deadline to submit ACH authorization form (if not
previously submitted for the 2020 Treats & Reads Program)
is February 4.
10Troop Cookie
February 27—28, 2021
Manager
LJ Pick up cookies at cookie delivery site on assigned date and time. Check with Checklist
your service unit cookie manager to confirm which date your service unit is
assigned to pick up cookies.
LJ Distribute cookies to a parent/guardian and obtain a signature when cookies are picked up.
February 27—March 28, 2021
LJ Hold booth sales (see pages 22-24 for more about booth sales) and deposit money into troop account.
LJ Fill Goal Getter orders with extra cookies from the Initial Order or from a cookie cupboard (see page 25 for
information about Goal Getter sales).
LJ If girls have online orders for girl delivery that were NOT included in their Initial Order (Digital Cookie online
storefronts are open through March 14 for in-person delivery orders) use the troop’s extra cookies from its Initial
Order or pick up the needed boxes from a cookie cupboard to fill the order. Collect money for Goal Getter and
Initial Order cookies and deposit promptly into troop bank account.
LJ Be sure to assign additional packages sold to girls in eBudde! The troop cookie volunteer will need to do this for
ALL packages (goal getter, girl delivery orders, and booth sale cookies) sold AFTER the Initial Order Taking Period.
LJ Enter payments recevied from families in eBudde under each girl’s name.
March 19, 2021
LJ First ACH payment withdrawn from the troop’s bank account. See pages 36-37 for additional information.
March 28—April 2, 2021
LJ Goal Getter and Booth Sales conclude on March 28. Digital Cookie platform closes for shipped and donated
orders on March 28.
LJ Collect outstanding amounts due from girls/families and deposit money into troop bank account.
April 2, 2021
LJ Troop deadline to finalize eBudde entries, including girl rewards and patches, is 11:59 p.m.
April 9, 2021
LJ Second and final ACH payment withdrawn from the troop’s bank account. See pages 36-37 for additional
information about cookie program finances.
LJ Deadline to submit TOP Troop Reward form at gsofct.org.
May 2021
LJ Pick up girl rewards from service unit cookie manager and distribute to the girls in a timely manner.
LJ Cookie Credits and TOP Troop Reward certificates mailed to co-leader/troop cookie manager.
LJ Deadline to submit Parent/Guardian Cookie Program Delinquency form is May 1, 2021.
11Cookie Program
Tips
To make it girl-
led...let girls
Have girls discuss and decide:
Ɩ Ways to promote the cookie program to EVERYONE!
lead!
Ɩ How to use troop proceeds for fun, learning, and giving back.
Ɩ Where and how to sell (neighborhood, booth sale, parent/family/friend workplace, etc.).
Ɩ How to track progress toward their individual and troop goals.
Ɩ How to celebrate ALL their successes in this year’s cookie program, including growth in the five skills, badges
achieved, and troop proceeds earned.
Involve Parents/Guardians
Parents/guardians play a BIG role in their Girl Scout’s cookie success! In
order for parents/guardians to support their Girl Scout, hold a troop family
meeting to discuss WHY the troop is participating and WHAT the troop goal
is. Be sure to share the five skills (page 26) with the families and what the
girls have voted to use the troop proceeds for.
Goals, Goals, GOALS!
The key to success in the cookie program? Simple. SET A GOAL. Check out
Pinterest for suggestions for goal charts girls can make to track their progress.
Older girls can create a visual to keep on their mobile device to allow them to
stay focused on their goal. Girls/families can also use the Digital Cookie platform
to track sales—both online and offline sales!
Sell beyond family and friends
Wherever they go, girls should be prepared to ask people to purchase cookies.
Don’t worry—customers are eagerly looking for their favorite Girl Scout
Cookies! Reaching out beyond their immediate circle of family and friends will
help girls not only reach, but also likely surpass their goals.
Add new elements
Incorporate fresh ideas to add a spark and challenge to this year’s program.
Check out online tools such as Pinterest for creative marketing ideas and
ways to make the booth sale truly memorable for the girls and customers.
Additional resources for troop cookie volunteers can be found at
gsofct.org/cookieresources.
12Girl Scouts of Connecticut places
Safety
great emphasis on the safety of girls Guidelines
participating in the cookie program. Please
visit gsofct.org/cookieresources for complete
cookie program safety guidelines. All girls Go to gsofct.
and families should be made aware of this org for Covid-19
safety tips.
important information so they can have
a safe and successful cookie program.
Plan Ahead
Ɩ All girls must be registered and have a signed Ɩ Only go door-to-door during daylight hours and in
Annual Consent and Covid-19 Informed Consent familiar neighborhoods. Do not enter the home or
form on file with the co-leader prior to participating vehicle of a stranger.
in the cookie program.
Ɩ Be safe while on the road, especially in busy
Ɩ An adult must accompany Daisies, Brownies, and intersections and along the roadway.
Juniors when they are selling, taking orders, or
delivering cookies. Ɩ Safeguard money at all times. Avoid keeping large
amounts of money in your possession. Money
Ɩ Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors may use should be given to the troop volunteer regularly and
the buddy system and pair up with another girl; promptly deposited into the troop bank account.
however, an adult must be available while they are
engaging in cookie program activities.
Ɩ Educate girls and parents about cookie program Ɩ Girl Scouts must wear a membership pin, uniform,
safety so they understand and are aware of safety or Girl Scout clothing when selling, taking orders, or
measures. delivering cookies.
Ɩ Adults should supervise girls when they are Ɩ The Digital Cookie platform is the only approved
participating in any online activity related to the Girl online sales tool available for girls when selling
Scout Cookie Program. cookies. Girls cannot set up third-party sites where
cookies are sold and money is exchanged online, i.e.
Ɩ Girls should only share their first names and a group Craigslist, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, etc.
contact number or email address overseen by an
adult if customers need to request information or Ɩ Refer to the Safety Activity Checkpoints for
place another order. Never reveal a personal email Computer/Online Activities at gsofct.org for
or street address when online. complete safety guidelines.
Ɩ See page 24 for booth sale safety guidelines.
Safety Online
Ɩ Review the GSUSA Internet Safety Pledge before Marketing prior to using social media to promote a
going online. Girl Scout’s participation in the cookie program.
Ɩ Girls 12 and younger can use social media Ɩ Girls should only use their first names, troop/group
accounts of parents/guardians/trusted adults to number, or council name when selling online.
promote their Digital Cookie online storefront. Girls
13 years and older can use their own social media Ɩ If providing an email address, a girl should use
accounts. either a group account monitored by an adult or
an email account supervised by an adult.
Ɩ Girls and families must review and abide by
GSUSA’s Supplemental Safety Tips for Online
13Cookie Program
Girl Training Holding a cookie program training meeting
(in person or virtual) is the first step to a successful
cookie program! This is an opportunity to capitalize on
the girls’ excitement about selling cookies, to discuss girl
and troop goals, and what the troop would like to do with its
proceeds from the cookie program.
Topic Discussion Points
Brainstorming and The troop can discuss ways to use their cookie proceeds. Girls can get started by brainstorming
Goal Setting answers to the following:
• What can we do with our cookie money to help others?
• What can we do with our cookie money for fun and learning?
Girls should estimate how many boxes of cookies the troop and each girl will need to sell to reach
their goal. Have the girls record their goals on their paper order cards and Digital Cookie dashboard
so they can share their goals with customers.
Safety Review • Review the safety guidelines on page 13 and the safety guidelines outlined in the Safety
Activity Checkpoints for Cookie and Product Sales at gsofct.org.
• Go to gsofct.org to view GSOFCT’s Covid-19 guidelines.
• Review the cookie order card with girls so they are familar with the cookies and the two price
Know Your Cookies points ($5 and $6). Cookie varieties and ingredient information are on pages 8-9 in this guide.
• If the girls have participated in the cookie program before, you can ask them about their
favorite cookie flavors.
• If the girls are new to the cookie program, encourage the more experienced cookie sellers to
share information about the cookie flavors.
Taking Cookie
Review program dates (see calendar on pages 6-7).
Orders
Review ways girls can reach out to customers:
Girls can • The Digital Cookie platform allows girls to reach out to customers in a
take cookie completely contactless way through email and social media (see pages
orders using 16-17) for more details.
contactless
• Girls can also reach out to customers in person. Girls should only sell in
methods to help
familiar neighborhoods. When taking orders in person, girls and families
maintain social
must abide by local and state health guidelines regarding wearing masks
distance.
and maintaining social distance.
1 case = 12 individual
packages of cookies
14Cookie Program
Girl Training
Topic Discussion Points
Interacting with • Girls can prepare an in-person sales pitch to ask customers to purchase cookies. Remind
Customers girls to let in-person customers know about purchasing cookies for Cookies for Heroes.
• Younger girls can work with their families to set up their Digital Cookie storefront and create
messaging for their customers about what they hope to learn while participating in the
cookie program and how the troop plans to use the proceeds.
• Older girls can develop strategies to market their cookie business beyond friends and family,
including using social media, holding virtual cookie booths, and safe ways they can reach out
customers they know in their communities.
Discuss this program with girls (see page 27 for complete details). Encourage girls to set a Cookies
Cookies for Heroes
for Heroes goal AND to share this goal with customers.
Goal Getters & Remind girls they can continue their cookie program with Goal Getter orders and holding booth
Cookie Booths sales (in person or virtual).
• Girls can continue using their Digital Cookie online storefront to reach customers. Girl delivery
orders can be placed through March 14 and direct shipped and donation purchases can be
made through March 28.
• Girls should discuss the possiblity of holding an in-person booth sale, assuming they can be
held according to local and state public health guidelines.
• Girls can discuss the possibility of using social media platforms to host virtual booths. Girls
and families must review GSUSA’s Supplemental Safety Tips for Online Marketing prior
to hosting a virtual booth.
Rewards • Older girls (Junior and older) can discuss if they want to take individual girl rewards OR
additional troop proceeds. Troops MUST vote (majority rules) to decide to take additional
proceeds in lieu of rewards.
• NOTE: Daisy and Brownie troops are required to take individual girl rewards.
• Show the rewards on the order card. Encourage girls to think about setting goals to help them
earn their desired rewards.
• Discuss with girls/families when and where cookie orders can be picked up.
Cookie Delivery and
Payments • If girls/families accept checks from customers, they should be made
payable to GSOFCT and should only be accepted from friends and
family. Turn in money to the troop cookie volunteer promptly.
• Girls/families can consider accepting payment electronically
Electronic payments from customers and troops should consider using Cheddar Up
from customers to accept payment electronically from troop families.
and to the troop will
• Cookies should not be left with customers without payment being received.
make transactions
convenient and safe for • Cookies ordered via Digital Cookie are paid for by the customer at the point
everyone. of purchase. Girls do not need to collect payment for these cookie orders.
• Discuss with girls/families that money earned through the cookie
program belongs to the troop and not to individual girls.
15Digital Cookie
The Digital Cookie
platform allows girls to bring The Girl Scout Cookie
their cookie program to the next Program and the
level with easy-to-use online tools. Access Digital Cookie platform
to the Digital Cookie platform (digitalcookie.girlscouts. provide girls with
org) begins in late December. Look for a registration modern-day skills.
email late December to get started.
Four simple steps to get girls
started with Digital Cookie:
1. Register. Parents/guardians of all registered Girl Scouts will receive an email invite on December 28
to register their Girl Scout(s) for this year’s Digital Cookie platform. Follow the link in the email to get
started.
2. Set up an online storefront. Girl Scouts can enter their sales goal,
share their cookie story, and upload a fun picture or video. Save the
storefront settings, have the site approved by a parent/guardian,
publish the site and, beginning on January 2, 2021, the online
storefront will be live for customers to purchase cookies!
3. Invite customers. Girls can manage their cookie customer list and
send ready-to-use emails inviting people to support their cookie
program. They can share a link to their Digital Cookie online storefront
on social media with family and friends.
4. Track goals. Girls can keep tabs on how close they are to their cookie package goal by tracking the
number of boxes sold, number of orders placed as well as sales by delivery type and cookie variety.
Girls can add their offline sales to get a complete picture of their cookie program.
1. Digital Cookie will support a troop link and optical recognition of credit
cards (February 2021).
Æ Troops can use the troop online storefront at booth sales so booth
cookies accrue to the troop rather than an individual girl.
Big
News! 2.
Æ
Æ
The troop Digital Cookie link will also be included on the Cookie
Finder app for shipped and donated purchases.
OCR capability will allow for contactless payment at booth sites.
In-person orders for girl delivery will be clearly identified as to whether
they will be included in a girl’s Initial Order.
3. The troop’s Digital Cookie dashboard has been redesigned to improve
functionality including giving troop volunteers insight as to which girls
have open Digital Cookie sites and if any girls have girl delivery orders
waiting for parent/guardian approval.
16Digital Cookie
Digital Cookie
Top Tips for Girls
Ɩ Girls can use Digital Cookie to keep track of their customers year to year. Girls
can add customers manually or import them. When customers place an online
order, the order details will be included in the customer’s record. Customers who
placed an order via a social media link to the girl’s Digital Cookie storefront can
also be added to the Girl Scout’s customer list.
Ɩ Using the Digital Cookie app, girls can bring their cookie business with them
everywhere. They can send customers an email with a link to their storefront
OR, once cookies have arrived, they can accept credit card payments and give
cookies to the customer on the spot.
Ɩ Digital Cookie allows girls to elevate their cookie program beyond the in-person
ask and booth sale while developing marketing skills.
Ɩ Girls can customize their online storefont with specific messaging about
what they are learning in the cookie program and how their troop will use the
proceeds earned.
Ɩ Girls can use email and social media to drive customers to their online storefront
so they can see how their purchase is benefitting the Girl Scout and her troop!
Digital Cookie Top Tips for
Troop Volunteers
Ɩ Remind girls that the Digital Cookie platform is a contactless way to reach out to customers.
Customer credit card payments at the point-of-purchase eliminates the need for the girl/
family to collect payment for Digital Cookie orders.
Ɩ During the Initial Order Taking Period (January 2-31), orders received for girl delivery on the
Digital Cookie platform will be added to a girl’s eBudde record on the Initial Order tab on the
DOC line.
Ɩ Once the Initial Order Taking Period closes (after January 31), girl delivery orders will
populate in the girl’s eBudde record on the Girls Order tab.
Æ Check with girls and families to see if they have additional girl delivery orders.
Æ These additional orders can be filled with surplus cookies from a troop’s Initial Order or
the needed cookies can be picked up from a cookie cupboard (see pages 30-31 for more
information about cookie cupboards).
Æ Remember to assign these additional cookies to girls in eBudde!
Ɩ Orders received for direct ship to the customer or donation flow over directly to a girl’s
eBudde record for the entirety of the cookie program (January 2-March 28).
Æ These orders can be viewed on the Girl Order tab in eBudde.Use the DOC Order by Girl
report (Report tab in eBudde) to view all Digital Cookie orders for each girl in the troop,
including the breakdown by cookie variety for girl delivery orders.
17Initial Order
Taking
Initial Order Taking
kicks off on
Saturday, January 2!
Girls can take orders in
person, via phone/email/
text, and through the
November/December 2020 Digital Cookie platform!
Ɩ Attend troop cookie volunteer training in your service unit OR view
the online troop training tutorial.
Ɩ Registration emails for the Digital Cookie platform will be sent to troop volunteers and parents/guardians in late
December.
January 2 —31, 2021
Ɩ Troop cookie managers gain access to eBudde on January 1.
Ɩ eBudde instructions will be available at gsofct.org by January 1.
Ɩ Cookie program starts and Digital Cookie online storefronts open for business on January 2.
Ɩ Review the contact information listed for the co-leader and troop cookie manager in eBudde and make any
necessary changes.
February 1—5, 2021
Ɩ Enter girls’ Initial Orders into eBudde. The deadline to enter the troop’s Initial Order is 11:59 p.m. on February 5,
2021. NOTE: Cookies ordered in the Initial Order CANNOT be returned to a cookie cupboard.
Ɩ In-person orders received via Digital Cookie during the Initial Order Taking Period will AUTOMATICALLY be
entered as part of the girls’ Initial Order. Shipped and/or donated orders will also be automatically recorded in
a girl’s eBudde record.
February 27 & 28, 2021
Ɩ Pick up troop’s Initial Order cookies at the assigned date, time, and cookie delivery site.
Ɩ Distribute cookies to families. Obtain an adult signature for each girl’s cookie order.
Ɩ Initial Order rewards will be distributed to troops on or around Cookie Delivery Day.
18Initial Order
Girl Initial Order Reward Taking
Girls who sell 125+ packages during the Initial Order Taking
Period will earn the ridiculously soft Glow-in-the-Dark Fleece Blanket!
Ɩ All packages sold on the order card and through the Digital Cookie platform during the
Initial OrderTaking Period will count toward a girl’s Initial Order Reward.
Ɩ Eligible girls will earn the Initial Order Reward, even if the troop opts for additional
proceeds.
Can only be earned during the
Initial Order Taking Period!
Troop Initial Order Reward
Troops averaging 125 packages per girl selling during the Initial Order Taking Period will earn
the Mint to Achieve T-shirt for each girl with an Initial Order.
Ɩ All packages sold by girls on their order cards and through the Digital Cookie platform
plus cases ordered on the Booth line in eBudde under the Initial Order tab will count
toward the troop’s Initial Order per girl selling average.
Ɩ All troops are eligible to earn this reward, including those which opt for additional
proceeds in lieu of girl rewards.
Ɩ To qualify troops must have at least two girls who have
sales during the Initial Order Taking Period. Can only be earned during the
Initial Order Taking Period!
Ɩ NOTE: Girls registered as Juliettes are not eligible for this
reward.
Booth Sale Bonus
Troops earn $20 for every 20 cases ordered
on the Booth line on the Initial Order tab.
Ɩ Troops MUST have AT LEAST two girls
with Initial Orders entered in eBudde to
earn the bonus. Booth cookies ordered
on the Initial Order will be picked up with
the rest of the troop’s cookies on Cookie
Delivery Day.
Ɩ When ordered as part of the Initial Order,
booth sale cookies CANNOT be returned
to a cookie cupboard, even if not sold
during the cookie program.
Ɩ Girls registered as Juliettes do not qualify
for this bonus
19Connecting with
Customers
Many people would love to buy Girl
Scout Cookies, but they don’t
know a Girl Scout or have not
been asked! Here are some
ideas for connecting with
customers. Encourage girls
and families to reach out to
people in ways that make sense
for them, but also try some new
strategies for finding customers.
Friends and Family
These individuals are frequently a Girl Scout’s first cookie customers because they are
the people girls know best. A younger girl can find it helpful to practice her sales pitch
with people she is comfortable with.
Ɩ Visit friends and family in person or reach out by phone, text, or via a marketing During this year’s cookie
program, girls/families
email through the Digital Cookie platform (see pages 16-17 for more information should consider which
about the Digital Cookie platform). reach-out methods they
are comfortable using.
Ɩ Girls older than 13 can use their social media accounts to let people know they
are participating in the cookie program. Girls 12 and younger can use their parent,
guardian, or trusted adult’s social media accounts.
Æ NOTE: Girls and families must review the Supplemental Safety Tips for Online Marketing at gsofct.org prior
to using social media to promote a Girl Scout’s cookie program.
Ɩ Strategize ways to find customers beyond friends and family, including developing a marketing plan and
reaching out to all the communities girls are part of, including after-school activities and houses of worship.
Ɩ Follow up with customers after their cookie order is delivered to thank them and to see if they would like to
purchase more!
Door-to-door in the neighborhood
When taking in-
person orders, follow Ɩ Girls take orders on their order cards and then return to deliver the cookies and
local and state guidelines accept payment.
regarding wearing a mask
and maintaining social Ɩ Girls can leave a flyer or door hanger at familiar homes letting neighbors know
distance. they’re selling Girl Scout Cookies. The marketing piece can provide an adult’s phone
number or adult-monitored email address so the Girl Scout can be contacted to
place an order. Girls can also send neighbors an email with a link to their Digital
Cookie online storefront.
Ɩ Another idea: Conduct a walkabout in March with cookies in hand so neighbors can
buy cookies on the spot!
20Connecting with
Customers
Ɩ Workplace Sales
The key takeaway: Ɩ Parent/guardian/family friend
ALWAYS ask people workplaces may allow a girl to make a presentation
if they would like to to staff (in-person or virtually), ask individuals to buy
purchase cookies. cookies, or forward a picture of the order card with
cookie variety descriptions along with a note with the
Being asked is how Girl Scout’s first name and cookie goal attached to it.
people become cookie
customers! Ɩ If a girl is marketing her cookie program at a place
of business, an adult may be responsible for the order
card, but girls should take responsibility for filling orders,
writing thank-you notes and, if possible, delivering
cookies.
More tips for reaching customers
Ɩ Let customers know about the Cookies for Heroes Program. Customers can purchase cookies
to be donated to active duty service members, veterans, and local heroes (see page 27 for more
information).
Ɩ Keep the order card or the Digital Cookie app on a mobile device handy so girls won’t miss a cookie
sale opportunity!
Ɩ Girls can visit local businesses to ask employees/owners if they would like to order cookies as gifts for
loyal customers or thank-you gifts for employees.
Ɩ Other prospective customers include school and extracurricular teachers, coaches, social workers,
and members of a family’s house of worship.
21Booth Sales
February 27 - March 28, 2021
C ookie booth sales are a great way for girls to reach new customers and for
troops to increase their sales! Booth sales are generally held in front of local
businesses or at community events where there is a high level of foot traffic. Girls
can also consider holding a virtual booth on social media with the supervision of
troop adults. Details about holding a virtual booth can be found at gsofct.org.
Check out pages 22-24 in this guide to ensure you have the information needed for
the girls to have a successful booth sale season! Don’t forget to review the GSOFCT
Booth Sale Guidelines for Troops ahead of holding your booth sale.
How does the troop obtain a booth sale site?
Booth sale sites are handled at the service unit level. Troops should check with their service unit cookie manager
to find out what the service unit’s procedure is for securing a booth site. Booth sales can only be held during the
booth sale period (February 27–March 28, 2021). Any exceptions must be approved by the Product Sales Team.
Troops may only hold booth sales in their service unit. If they wish to hold a booth sale outside of their service
unit’s border, they must contact their service unit cookie manager to see about obtaining permission to hold the
booth sale at the desired location.
Once a booth site is confirmed by the service unit, check with the service unit cookie manager to determine if
the service unit or troop volunteer is responsible for adding the booth site into eBudde. The booth site MUST be
entered into the troop’s eBudde record (Booth Sites tab). Listing the booth site in eBudde:
Ɩ Acts as the troop’s trip application AND
Ɩ Allows the booth to be listed in the Cookie Finder app.
Occasionally council will set up booth sites that are open to ALL troops regardless of where the site located. These
booth sites will be listed in eBudde and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
22Basic guidelines for holding a booth sale
Ɩ Booth sales are considered a troop activity. Occasionally, a Girl Scout in a troop
will want to hold a booth sale outside of/in addition to her troop’s booth sale(s).
These girls and families must adhere to the service unit procedures for securing Visit gsofct.org for
a booth site and GSOFCT’s guidelines for holding a booth sale. the most up-to-date
guidance regarding
If this situation arises, please refer the parent to the service unit volunteer who booth sales and
handles booth sites for your service unit. In addition, please refer the parent to Covid-19.
the GSOFCT Booth Sale Guidelines for Families document available at gsofct.org.
Ɩ Troops may stock their booth sale by:
Æ Ordering cookies on their Initial Order on the Booth line, and/or
Æ Picking up cookies at a council or service unit cupboard (see pages 30-31)for more information
about cookie cupboards, including the return policy).
NOTE: Cookies ordered as part of a troop’s Initial Order may NOT be returned to a cookie cupboard,
even if the cookies are not sold by the end of the cookie program.
Ɩ Only cookies received in one of the following ways may be sold during the 2020-2021 booth sale season:
Æ Picked up from a GSOFCT cookie delivery site on February 27 or February 28, 2021, or
Æ Picked up from a GSOFCT cookie cupboard beginning the week of February 22, 2021.
Cookies from Election Week Cookie Sales, a different council, or past sales cannot be sold. Troops may
not promote, collect, or sell items other than Girl Scout Cookies at a cookie booth.
Ɩ Booth sales can be held for as few as 60 minutes or for an entire day. Factors that will influence the
duration of the booth sale include:
Æ The number and ages of girls available and the availability of adult volunteers.
Æ The availability of the location as determined by the service unit.
Æ The weather! Cold, windy, and rainy or snowy conditions may dictate a shorter booth sale.
Ɩ Check in with the business owner/manager and follow any instructions that she/he gives you. Do not ask
the business for any supplies or change; be sure the troop brings everything it will need for the booth
sale.
Ɩ Store cases off the ground and keep things neat! Remove empty cases right away. Remove everything the
troop brought to the site when it leaves.
Ɩ ALL cash donations should be used to purchase cookies for either the Cookies for Heroes Program OR the
troop’s local Gift of Caring program; donations should NOT be taken as a donation to the troop.
Ɩ Girls must be present at all times. Adults may assist, but not sell Girl Scout Cookies.
Ɩ At least two adults MUST be present at the booth. At least one of these volunteers must be registered
with GSOFCT and have a background check. Consider having additional volunteers on hand to assist with
bathroom breaks and/or in case of emergencies.
Ɩ Girl Scout Cookie booths should NOT be held in partnership with businesses, organizations, or events
that a girl cannot legally patronize, including bars, breweries, tobacco stores, liquor stores, and marijuana
dispensaries, etc.
23Booth Sales
What are the safety guidelines Ɩ A Cookies for Heroes flyer and/or a box wrapped
in the Cookies for Heroes box wrap to promote the
regarding booth sales? program.
Ɩ At least one approved adult from each troop is Ɩ A box or container to collect cookies that are
expected to participate in product sales training purchased for a troop’s local Gift of Caring initiative,
and update the girls and volunteers on safety and if applicable
program materials before the booth sale.
Ɩ Cookie costumes for girls to wear to attract
Ɩ Visit gsofct.org to review the most up-to-date customers to the booth. See Pinterest for ideas!
Covid-19 guidelines.
Ɩ Snack and/or water for the girls. Girls should step
Ɩ Girls must either wear their Girl Scout uniform, a away from the table to eat or drink.
membership pin, or informal Girl Scout clothing.
Girls should dress for the weather. Pro tips for cookie booths
Ɩ Check out the booth sale site beforehand. Look for Ɩ Talk about the Cookies for Heroes Program with
security measures and the location of the nearest customers. Use the Cookies for Heroes wrap around
bathroom. a box of Thin Mints to visually promote the program.
Ɩ Ensure the table does not block pedestrians, bikes, Ɩ Allocate the cookies to all girls who participated at
or cars around your booth. Keep girls safely away the booth sale under the Girl Order tab in eBudde.
from cars. This ensures all girls who participated receive credit
for the sales. Refer to the Goal Getter/Booth Sale
Ɩ Girls should be in charge of making all sales. eBudde instructions for step-by-step directions.
These instructions will be available at gsofct.org/
Ɩ Safeguard the cash box. Adults are responsible for cookieresources by mid-February.
the cash box and assisting girls.
Ɩ The cookies should be allocated in a way that is fair
Ɩ Review the Safety Activity Checkpoints for Cookie to ALL of the girls. Keep in mind: Girls who did not
and Product Sales (page 58) at gsofct.org. come to the booth the day of the sale may have
helped out in other ways, such as making posters or
Ɩ The girl/adult ratio should be followed at all times. helping with the cookie pickup/distribution.
See page 19 in Volunteer Essentials, which is
available at gsofct.org.
Ɩ A first aid kit must be accessible at the booth at all
times.
What should the troop bring
to the booth sale?
Ɩ In addition to cookies, bring a cash box with starter
change and a table. If the troop opts to accept
credit cards, remember to bring the card reader or
mobile device with Cheddar Up app, if applicable.
Ɩ Signs and decorations for the table.
Ɩ Cards and ribbon to make multi-box bundles for
occasions, such as birthdays or holidays.
24Goal Getter
Sales
Cookie program fun
continues when girls
participate in the Goal
Getter Period! Goal Getter
orders can be taken
During Goal Getter sales girls can... February 1-March 28!
Ɩ Try something new! Reach out to additional customers via the Digital
Cookie platform or test out a new marketing strategy. Talk with the girls
in the troop about progress made toward their goals and what they
want to try next.
Ɩ Earn more rewards! Final rewards are based on girls’ total sales, including Goal Getter sales.
Ɩ Increase troop proceeds! Proceeds are calculated based on the final per girl selling average. So, the higher the
final per girl selling average, the greater the per box troop proceeds (see page 33 for proceed levels). Have the
girls calculate how many more boxes they need to sell to move to the next proceed level.
Ɩ Have fun! Girls can have a photo shoot or record videos to personalize their Digital Cookie storefronts. Or they
can make a cookie-inspired craft (check out littlebrowniebakers.com for ideas).
Assigning Goal Getter Packages
Ɩ All Goal Getter cookies should be assigned to girls in
eBudde.
Ɩ Goal Getter eBudde instructions will be available at
gsofct.org/cookieresources by mid-February.
Ɩ Assigning packages will ensure girls receive all earned
rewards, and the correct amount of money is collected
from each family.
Collecting Goal Getter Order
Cards and Filling Orders
Communicate to girls/families how to submit Goal Getter
orders. Goal Getter orders can be filled in two ways:
1. Use the troop’s extra cookies from the troop’s
Initial Order. It is a best practice to use the troop’s
extra packages first to fill Goal Getter orders.
2. Pick up the cookies from a cookie cupboard.
More information on cookie cupboards is on
pages 30-31.
25You can also read
