2026 Cookie Family Guide | Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles

Dear GSGLA Girl Scouts and Girl Scout Families,

I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your resilience and generosity.

Last year, just as cookie season started, devastating wildfires deeply impacted Los Angeles and our Girl Scout community. Needless to say, the timing of this year’s cookie kick-off is poignant. It is a time to reflect and honor all our community has endured, while lifting each other up with Girl Scout spirit and experiencing the lighthearted joy the season brings our Girl Scouts and their cookie customers. I'm profoundly touched that, last year, over 2,000 Girl Scouts donated to GSGLA’s Fire Relief fund in lieu of getting a cookie reward, to support troops affected by the wildfires. Now that is the true spirit of Girl Scouting.

This guide has all you’ll need to start your cookie journey. Through this beloved program, Girl Scouts earn money for their troop, fund adventures and trips, and the Cookies for the Community program helps give back to the community. Girls learn five key business skills as they launch and grow their cookie businesses, and our team here at GSGLA is here to support all of you along the way.

Thank you for your continued support. I can’t wait to see our Girl Scouts shine—one cookie at a time.

Yours in Girl Scouting,

Theresa Edy Kiene Chief Executive Officer

On my honor, I will try:

To serve God* and my country,

To help people at all times, And to live by the Girl Scout Law.

GIRL SCOUT FAMILY PROMISE

On my honor,I will try:

To support my Girl Scout and her troop,

To help girls lead at all times, And to always keep it fun!

I will do my best to be honest and fair, friendly and helpful, considerate and caring, courageous and strong, and responsible for what I say and do, and to respect myself and others, respect authority, use resources wisely, make the world a better place, and be a sister to every Girl Scout.

*Members may substitute for the word God in accordance with their own spiritual beliefs.

Look for tips from amazing cookiepreneurs in the purple boxes pp 11-17

Cookie Crunch Time is Back at GSGLA Stores!

Get ready to kick off the 2026 Cookie Season with our high-energy, in-person Cookie Crunch Time Days!

Cookie Crunch Time Days are 1/27, 1/29 & 1/30!

· Become a Cookie Pro! Discover smart sales and marketing tips to help your Girl Scout reach her goals and fund amazing troop adventures.

· Earn Cool Pins & Badges! Learn how your Girl Scout can snag special cookie entrepreneur awards.

· Shop the Fun! Grab cookie-themed gear to make her booth pop and boost excitement for her cookie business.

· Enjoy Activities & Giveaways! Because cookie season should be fun for the whole family!

Stay tuned for event dates and details at your local GSGLA store. Don’t miss out, Cookie Crunch Time is the perfect way to start the season strong!

About Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles (GSGLA)

SHOP HOURS:

Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

All GSGLA Shops are open the first and third Saturday of each month 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

Want $5 off your next GSGLA shop purchase? Cut out the coupon on the shop flier and bring it into any GSGLA store for your discount!

BUSINESS/CUSTOMER CARE HOURS:

Need assistance? Staff are available by phone/ email/chat Mon-Fri, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

All GSGLA offices are closed on the second and fourth Monday of each month.

GSGLA is committed to the extraordinary legacy of Girl Scouts and its mission to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.

For more information on how to join, volunteer, reconnect, or donate, call 213-213-0123 or visit girlscoutsla.org.

Información disponible en español o llamando al 213-213-0123.

GSGLA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. girlscoutsla.org

¿Necesitas la versión de esta guía en español? visita: issuu.com/girlscoutsofgreaterlosangeles

A 501(c)3 non-profit organization, Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles is a business that has been granted tax-exempt status by the Internal Revenue Service because it furthers a social cause and provides a public benefit. GSGLA staff are guided by a volunteer board of directors and powered by many dedicated volunteers in our community who provide program opportunities for Girl Scouts.

Our Locations

Arcadia 145 East Foothill Blvd. Arcadia, CA 91006

Canoga Park 22323 Sherman Way #14 Canoga Park, CA 91303 Open by appointment only

Inglewood 423 North La Brea Ave. Inglewood, CA 90302

Long Beach 4040 North Bellflower Blvd. Long Beach, CA 90808

Santa Clarita 18316 Soledad Canyon Rd. Santa Clarita, CA 91387

Upland

313 East Foothill Blvd. Upland, CA 91786

Important Dates

December 4 Cookie merchandise arrives in GSGLA retail stores.

January 6 Order taking begins (Digital Cookie opens).

February 1 GSGLA Cookie Go Day! Cookies are in-hand and can be delivered to customers.

February 6 Cookie boothing begins!

February 20-22 National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend.

March 8 GSGLA Cookie Program ends.

The theme for this year’s Girl Scout Cookie Program is Brave. Fierce. Fun! Our new mascot, Merritt the Black-footed Ferret, embodies the courage and curiosity Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles Girl Scouts bring to every challenge.

Girl Scouts are encouraged to be brave—trying new booth spots, testing creative marketing ideas, and setting goals that matter to them. Whether they’re striving to earn funds for their troop planned activities, earning a mascot reward, building skills, making friends, or giving back, every Girl Scout Cookie sale helps grow confidence and leadership.

With your support, Girl Scouts embrace being fierce entrepreneurs ready to take on the world. Let’s cheer them on as they turn fun into fearless achievement!

Where Cookie Proceeds Go

Every dollar from Girl Scout Cookie sales powers adventures right here in Greater Los Angeles!

Girl Scouts use cookie proceeds to travel, camp, and give back through community service.

Proceeds fund 350+ amazing programs in leadership, outdoors, STEAM, and life skills.

And they cover financial assistance for 8,363 Girl Scouts, including memberships and campership.

Our delicious lineup is baked by Little Brownie Bakers, one of two official Girl Scout Cookie bakers in the U.S.

• NEW COOKIE ALERT! Welcome Exploremores to the lineup!

• No PHOs, no high-fructose corn syrup, zero trans-fat, RSPO-certified palm oil*, and Halal certified.

• Freshness date-stamped; nutrition info on the order card or littlebrowniebakers.com.

Cookies for the Community Ripple Effect

When customers donate cookies through Cookies for the Community (C4C), they spark a ripple of kindness:

Girls learn key business skills: goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills, and business ethics.

GSGLA programs grow for Girl Scouts within the LA area, thanks to their generosity.

Troops earn funds for activities and community service projects.

Customers feel great knowing their donations make a difference.

How It Works:

• Customers donate money for cookies that go to C4C partners.*

• Donations are tracked by the troop and delivered by GSGLA to local nonprofits.

• Troops earn proceeds, and individual Girl Scouts earn rewards.

Recipients enjoy a sweet surprise that brightens their day.

Last year, GSGLA donated 185,700+ packages!

• Even out-of-town friends and family can contribute—no shipping required!

*All monies received as donations are considered a C4C donation. For example, if someone says, “Keep the change,” this money (the change) goes toward C4C.

Receipts for tax-deductible donations are available at girlscoutsla.org.

Just some of our community partners...

Fun + Fierce: 5 Skills Girl Scouts Build

The Girl Scout Cookie Program isn’t just about selling cookies—it’s about building lifelong skills while having fun and working toward goals. Whether it’s their first time participating or they’re returning for more fun, here are the 5 essential skills Girl Scouts develop:

��People Skills

Girl Scouts practice their sales pitch, connect with customers, and collaborate with their troop.

Why it matters: Builds confidence, communication, teamwork, and courage.

��Goal Setting

Girl Scouts set personal and troop goals, then work with leaders and families to achieve them.

Why it matters: Prepares them for success in school, careers, and life.

��Business Ethics

Girl Scouts learn to manage inventory, honor commitments, and follow program guidelines.

Why it matters: Builds integrity, fairness, and accountability.

Entrepreneurship Badges + Pins

��Money Management

Girl Scouts track orders, handle payments, and help manage troop finances.

Why it matters: Teaches financial literacy, responsibility, and budgeting.

��Decision Making

Girl Scouts choose how to sell and market cookies and help decide how to use troop funds.

Why it matters: Strengthens creativity, problem-solving, and leadership.

Girl Scouts can earn cookie badges and the Cookie Entrepreneur Family Pin as they grow these skills—setting them up for a lifetime of leadership and success!

• Cookie Business & Entrepreneur Badges: From goal setting and sales pitching to market research and digital marketing, Girl Scouts explore and develop their own business ideas.

• Cookie Entrepreneur Family Pin: Girl Scouts work as a team with family support to build their cookie skills at home.

Learn more about the badges and pins at girlscouts.org/cookiebadges and shop at our local GSGLA retail stores.

Cookie Time = Family Time

Cookie season is a great chance for families to bond and support their Girl Scout’s growth. Here’s how to get involved and work as a team:

• Talk about goals and create a plan together.

• Ask your troop leader how you can support the troop’s success.

• Keep celebrating your Girl Scout’s progress and cheer them on!

• Help your Girl Scout earn the Cookie Entrepreneur Family Pin and cookie badges by practicing skills at home.

• Assist with setting up their Digital Cookie site.

• Help them connect with their family/friend network and make arrangements for sales.

• Attend the Cookie Marketing Webinar as a family.

• Model great business skills—ethics, decision-making, people skills, and safety.

• Remember: Let your Girl Scout take the lead—even if it’s quicker to do it yourself. That’s how they grow!

We're here to help! Contact customer care: 213-213-0123 | customercare@girlscoutsla.org

Cookie Inventory & Getting Started

How Cookie Inventory Works

• Families determine how many packages of cookies they want based on their Girl Scout’s goals.

• Work with your Troop Cookie Chair (TCC) to determine your starting inventory.

• Girl Scouts use Digital Cookie and order cards to track sales.

• Need more cookies? Contact your TCC.

Planning Inventory with Goals

Goal setting is the first step to cookie success—and it’s even more fun when done together!

• Girl Scouts brainstorm troop activities and set a budget.

• Each Girl Scout chooses a personal goal (like earning their favorite reward).

• Troops set a shared goal to work towards together.

• The Troop Cookie Chair (TCC) places the Starting Inventory Order (SIO) based on those goals.

• With clear goals and a strong start, your Girl Scout and their troop are ready to be brave, fierce, and fun!

• Families do not pre-pay for cookies—they turn in funds to the TCC as cookies are sold.

• Final payments for remaining inventory are due shortly after the program ends.

• Check in frequently with your TCC to manage your inventory, turn in money, and confirm when the remaining payment is due.

Say Hello to Your Cookie Crew

Success takes a team—and your Girl Scout has a great one!

Family & friends: encouraging and lending a hand.

learn entrepreneurial skills together.

Initial Delivery & Cookie Storage Tips

Your Troop Cookie Chair (TCC) will let you know when and where to pick up your starting inventory the weekend of January 30 – February 1.

When you do:

• Count each package with your TCC, sign a receipt, and keep a copy.

• Families are financially responsible for paying for all cookies received— including any that are damaged, melted, or stolen.

• Never store cookies in a car.

• Keep them cool, dry, and off the ground—avoid garages and strong odors (like smoke or food).

Cookie Inventory

• Only take what your Girl Scout can initially sell and go back to your troop for more.

• Sell through cookie stands, walkabouts, workplace sales, digital marketing, and extra boothing! And go back to your customers to see if they want to buy more.

• Unsold cookies? Team up! Your troop should work together to sell every package. It helps build the 5 Skills.

• If you have extra inventory, check with your TCC about returning or exchanging undamaged, sealed packages.

• If your troop allows returns, cookies must be returned by the deadline your TCC sets.

Cupboard Crew: Lend a Hand, Earn a Patch!

Cookie cupboards are located throughout the greater Los Angeles area for troops to get more cookies during the program. Help troops stock up on cookies by volunteering at a local Cookie Cupboard! With more helping hands, we keep things running smoothly and quickly for everyone.

• Volunteer 4+ hours and earn a special patch as a thank you!

• Meet fellow supporters, have fun, and make a difference.

• Open to all Girl Scout supporters who are 18+. Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors can help with adult supervision.

• Must be able to lift at least 10 lbs.

When: February 3 – March 10

Where: Currently scheduled at Arcadia, Canoga Park, Covina, Downey, Glendale, Inglewood, Long Beach, Redondo Beach, Santa Clarita, Upland, and other locations as they become available. Sign up: GSGLA.ivolunteer.com

��Reminder: If something isn’t listed here, check with your Troop Cookie Chair (TCC) —some activities may not be allowed due to safety, fairness, or other reasons.

Girl Scout Cookie Selling Guidelines

When selling cookies, Girl Scouts MUST:

• Wear their uniform to be easily identified.

• Follow all online and in-person selling rules and safety guidelines.

• Be present during any cookie sales and take the lead.

• Be supervised by a responsible adult, including keeping an eye on cookies and money.

• Sell in-person only within GSGLA boundaries.

Safety First

• Use first name + last initial only. And no personal info (like phone, address, or school).

• Never enter homes/vehicles, go into yards with dogs, accept food/drinks, etc.

• Use the buddy system and be mindful of your surroundings.

• Only sell during daylight hours for walkabouts/ cookie stands.

• Do not post photos online of Girl Scouts who are not related to you.

“A lot of people think that the only benefit of selling cookies is earning money for the troop. But that’s just the beginning. There are a lot more benefits that we gain by participating. One of those is business ethics which will be very important throughout my life.”

—Milan T.

We're here to help! Contact customer care: 213-213-0123 | customercare@girlscoutsla.org !

Cookie & Food Handling

• Leave pets at home.

• Keep cookies cool, dry, and out of the sun—use a rolling cooler on hot days.

• Do not provide samples of cookies or sell any other type of food/beverage at a cookie stand or booth.

Money-Handling

• Sell cookies at the correct price: $6 or $7 per package

• Collect payment when cookies are delivered to customers (unless prepaid via Digital Cookie).

• Safeguard money—avoid carrying large amounts and turn in funds to the troop promptly/frequently.

• Families must pay the troop for sold cookies before receiving more.

“My advice for Girl Scouts selling cookies for the first time is to believe in yourself. Don’t be afraid to talk to new people. Just be friendly, make eye contact, and do your best. It’s okay if you feel nervous at first, because the more you practice, the easier it gets. And remember to have fun! Cookie season is about learning, growing, and making memories with your troop.”

—Sophia E.

“The Cookie program has taught me to venture outside of the norm. I learned how to negotiate with my customers, and I feel my business ethics has gotten better throughout the years. I love talking with little Girl Scouts, and asking them about their goals, and helping them better their sales pitch.”

—Briann D.

Ways To Sell Cookies

Don’t be shy, most people are just waiting to be asked. Girl Scout Cookies? Sold!

WHO CAN SELL?

Girls Individually

Girls with Their Troop

WHERE TO SELL

Residential Area

Business/Commercial Area

Walkabouts and Door-To-Door

Girl Scouts can sell cookies in residential neighborhoods, including parks (city ordinance permitting). Commercial and retail areas are not considered residential, so walkabouts and door-to-door sales are not allowed.

Girl Scouts MUST:

• Have an adult present at all times.

• Keep cookies protected from the elements (heat, rain, etc.).

Girl Scouts MAY:

• Deliver cookies to customers from Feb 1 – Mar 8, 2026.

• Sell door-to-door in residential areas within GSGLA.

• Leave door hangers or business cards for residents.

• Sell to close friends/family outside GSGLA boundaries.

• Accept payments via: Digital Cookie, credit card reader, Venmo/Zelle/ PayPal only when linked to the troop account, cash, or checks (with troop approval).

Cookie Stands

Cookie stands are lemonade-style booths set up on a residential property where your Girl Scout or someone you know lives within GSGLA boundaries.

Girl Scouts MUST:

• Have an adult present at all times.

• Stay inside property boundaries (not on sidewalks or medians).

• Receive permission, if needed, before setting up a cookie stand (by HOA or property manager).

• Follow city/property management/HOA signage rules and don’t include personal information.

• Keep cookies protected from the elements (heat, rain, etc.).

• Accept payments via: Digital Cookie, credit card reader, Venmo/Zelle/PayPal only when linked to the troop account, cash, or checks (with troop approval).

• Get management approval to set up a cookie stand in the common areas of their apartment/gated community.

“Provide a fun tip for every flavor even if it is a flavor you personally aren't crazy about. It can be the new one or the one that freezes well or the one that pairs great with a morning cup of coffee or tea.”

—Phoebe S.

��Reminder: If something isn’t listed here, check with your Troop Cookie Chair (TCC) —some activities may not be allowed due to safety, fairness, or other reasons.

Cookie Booths

Cookie booths are a fun way for Girl Scouts to build confidence, teamwork, and communication skills while selling cookies in public. Cookie booths may only take place from February 6 to March 8.

Boothing is a privilege, and we are guests at these locations—Girl Scouts represent their troop and the Movement. Let’s make a great impression!

Girl Scouts MUST:

• Be approved and scheduled by your Troop Cookie Chair (TCC) to be at any commercial location.

• Have an adult present at all times (check with your TCC for adult-to-girl ratios).*

• Ask their parents/caregivers to volunteer at approved booths.

• Only registered Girl Scouts may be present at booths—no siblings, friends, or pets.

• Follow all rules set by GSGLA, the troop, and the business.

• Keep cookies visible, cash hidden, and bring change.

Girl Scouts MAY:

• Booth at TCC approved & scheduled businesses or drive-throughs (Feb 6–Mar 8).

• Request special booth locations (ask your TCC).

*Cadettes and up may host one girl/one parent booths from Feb 20–Mar 8 if all troop members are given the chance to participate. At multi-door locations, all approved doors must be covered.

“Be yourself and have fun! Having a good attitude makes the work of selling and delivering cookies much easier.”

—Elvie L.

Workplaces/Businesses

Workplaces are great places for Girl Scouts to connect with their parents’/caregivers’ cookie-loving coworkers!

Girl Scouts MUST:

• Work with their parent/caregiver to get permission from the business owner/manager.

• Sell only to employees (not customers, clients, or patrons). Cookies may not be visible or for sale to the business’s customers.

• Not sell to businesses/individuals for resale purposes.

Girl Scouts MAY:

• Make a sales pitch or leave an order card with a message to the employees when their adults take cookies to sell at their workplace.

• Sell to their parents’/caregivers’ workplace colleagues who work outside GSGLA.

Keep Sales Within GSGLA Boundaries

To support fellow councils, Girl Scouts must sell only within GSGLA—unless it’s to close friends or family. Selling outside our GSGLA council region* is only allowed in certain circumstances.

Selling at cookie stands, walkabouts, or boothing of any kind outside of GSGLA borders is never allowed.

Girl Scouts MAY:

• Sell to your family, your family’s close neighbors, and friends outside GSGLA borders.

• Sell only to parents’/caregivers’ workplace colleagues outside of GSGLA boundaries (not their customers or to friends/your extended family’s workplace).

*View the council map at girlscoutsla.org.

“My number ONE reason why I was able to sell over 3000 boxes is because of my confidence. Confidence is key when selling cookies!”

—Saela J.

��Reminder: If something isn’t listed here, check with your Troop Cookie Chair (TCC) —some activities may not be allowed due to safety, fairness, or other reasons.

Digital Cookie: Smart, Safe, and Super Easy! Digital Cookie helps Girl Scouts reach their cookie goals from anywhere—at home or on the go!

With Digital Cookie, Girl Scouts can:

• Offer cookies for girl delivery, direct shipment, or donation (C4C).

• Accept online and in-person payments using the “Take a Payment” feature.

• Set and track personal and troop goals.

• Build and reuse customer lists each season.

• Promote their storefront through emails, social media, and text messages.

• Send custom thank-you emails to customers.

Getting Started

Parents/guardians will receive a login email from noreply@mail. gsdigitalcookie.com on January 6 to set up their Girl Scout’s Digital Cookie storefront.

To receive the email:

• Girl Scouts must be registered for the 2025–26 year by Dec 19, 2025.

• Registered after Dec 19? No worries—Girl Scouts will be added to Digital Cookie on a regular basis.

Or go directly to www.gsdigitalcookie.com/GSGLA beginning January 6!

Ready to sell cookies via Digital Cookie? Keep these things in mind.

Girl Scouts MAY:

• Start taking orders via Digital Cookie and order card on Jan 6.

• Share their Digital Cookie link on approved social media (ages 13+): Facebook, Instagram, X/ Twitter, TikTok, Nextdoor (in their immediate neighborhood only).

• Post a video and include their Digital Cookie link.

• Ask customers to share the Digital Cookie link with friends and family.

Girl Scouts may NOT:

• Post links on resale sites (Craigslist, eBay, Amazon, Facebook Marketplace, or resale groups, etc.).

• Share personal info (phone, address, school) online.

Three Easy Steps to Launch Your Digital Cookie Storefront

1. Visit www.gsdigitalcookie.com/gsgla

gsdigitalcookie.com/gsgla 1 2 3

⇨ Follow the prompts and have your troop number ready.

⇨ My Troop Number is: _________

⇨ Remember, Digital Cookie is mobile-friendly and easy to set up on phones or tablets.

2. Create Your Personalized Storefront ™

⇨ Build your custom avatar that looks just like you!

⇨ Be sure to record a message/video and send a thank you note to customers.

⇨ And earn virtual rewards along the way!

3. Share your Digital Cookie Storefront

⇨ Share your goal and avatar with family and friends by entering their email addresses—the system will send them out for you.

⇨ Don’t forget to post (with adult help) on social media or text family/friends!

⇨ Once customers have the link, they can shop online with just one click!

��Reminder: If something isn’t listed here, check with your Troop Cookie Chair (TCC) —some activities may not be allowed due to safety, fairness, or other reasons.

Girl Scout Rewards

Creating Your Cookie Marketing Plan

You are the CEO of your cookie busines, get creative and have fun promoting your Girl Scout Cookie sales! Here are some ideas:

• Print business cards or door hangers with your Digital Cookie link or QR code. Share them with everyone you come into contact with.

• Use the GSGLA Cookie Marketing Kit for tools and tips–online at girlscoutsla.org/cookies or ask your troop leader.

• Remind customers that cookies are seasonal and freeze well!

• Highlight Exploremores, our new cookie variety. Customers will be excited to try it!

• Offer pickup hours for pre-orders.

• Wear your vest or sash wherever you go customers will see you and ask if they can purchase cookies. Give them your business card if you don’t have cookies on the spot.

• Use the GSGLA Social Media Toolkit (graphics, backgrounds, etc.)–available on girlscoutsla.org/ cookies.

• Send texts like “It’s cookie time!” or “Ready for Girl Scout Cookies? I have cookies available now!”

• Film fun intro or live videos for social media or upload on your Digital Cookie site.

• Create a custom hashtag (e.g., #GirlScout[YourFirstName]).

• Promote troop commercial booth locations (not residential cookie stands).

• Use countdowns on Instagram Stories or TikTok to build excitement.

• Add your Digital Cookie link to your bio or stories.

“To reach new customers online, I keep an account on social media just for cookies where I post sales videos and delicious pics of the cookies. My parents both share my link on social media every week, and we keep a sign in our front yard with a QR code on it so that people exercising and walking dogs can easily order cookies.”

—Quinn W.

Social Media Safety

Girl Scouts 13+ can post their Digital Cookie link on approved platforms (with adult permission):

Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter, TikTok, Nextdoor (in their neighborhood only).

Younger Girl Scouts can post via a parent/caregiver’s account with their supervision.

Take the GSUSA Internet Safety Pledge before going online and follow all safety guidelines from:

• Safety Activity Checkpoints

• Digital Marketing Tips for Cookie Entrepreneurs

• Supplemental Safety Tips for Online Marketing Check out page 14 of this guide for more info on Digital Cookie. Visit girlscouts.org or scan the QR code for full details.

Cookie Marketing Webinar with GSGLA Pros

Back by popular demand, join GSGLA’s marketing and cookie teams for a fun and interactive Cookie Marketing Workshop designed to help your Girl Scout expand their marketing skills.

Date: January 8 Time: 6:00 PM Learn digital, social, and in-person marketing tips for Girl Scouts of all ages.

Register on gsEvents https://qrco.de/bgSo0N

6:00 PM

“[Make] lots of videos! I love to involve my animals, especially my miniature cow and my dog in my videos!.”

—Hensley D.

Selling Tips for Girl Scouts

1. Ask friends, family, and everyone you meet to buy or donate Girl Scout Cookies.

2. If this is your first time selling, partner with a Girl Scout sister who has lots of experience to help guide you on your journey.

3. Share your Digital Cookie link via email, text, or social media (with adult help).

4. Reconnect with past customers using last year’s order card or Digital Cookie list.

5. Market online and send follow-up communications throughout the season.

6. Attend the GSGLA Cookie Marketing Webinar to get the inside scoop on how to market your cookie business and hear advice from fellow Girl Scouts who have sold over 3,000 packages of cookies.

7. Sell door-to-door, leave door hangers/business cards, set up a cookie stand (starting Feb 1), or booth with your troop (starting Feb 6).

8. Get creative with safe, approved marketing strategies. Check out page 16 for tips!

9. Need more cookies? Ask your Troop Cookie Chair (TCC)!

10. Follow up with customers before the program ends.

11. Say thanks—use Digital Cookie’s thank-you email or make your own cards!

Make the Most of Cookie Deliveries

Delivering Girl Scout Cookies is a fun way to connect with happy customers, and a great way for firsttime cookie sellers to get involved! Here are some tips to make it extra special:

• Visit your local Girl Scout shop for cookie carts, signs, and fun marketing items.

• Package cookies in decorated bags with thankyou notes that highlight how their purchase supports your Girl Scout’s goals.

• Include a door hanger or business card to encourage repeat orders.

• Coordinate delivery times with customers, place cookies at the door, send a quick text, and follow all safety guidelines from pickup to drop-off.

Cookie Money Tips for Parents/Caregivers

When Selling Cookies:

• Use Digital Cookie’s “Take a Payment” feature for inperson card payments.

• Girl Scouts may accept payments through PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle only when attached to a troop bank account.

• Accept checks only from trusted individuals:

° Payable to “Girl Scout Troop [insert #].”

° Must include customer’s address, phone, and license number.

° Add Girl Scout’s first name + last initial in the memo.

° No out-of-state checks.

• Avoid accepting bills over $20 to reduce counterfeit risk.

• Turn in funds to your TCC promptly & frequently. Make sure to get a signed receipt.

• Parents/guardians are financially responsible for all funds, including any lost, stolen, or counterfeit money or missing cookies.

When Receiving Cookies:

• Always get a receipt from your TCC–for both cookie packages and payments.

• Families may use Venmo, PayPal, or Zelle to pay the troop for cookies only if linked to the troop’s bank account (with troop approval).

• Families and troops are financially responsible for all cookies ordered and received.

Girl Scouts can only start selling on January 6. No early orders, payments, or donation asks before this date—that would be considered early selling! If someone says, “Put me down for…” before Jan 6, respond with: “Thanks! I’ll reach out once the program starts to take your order.”

“Always

be smiling. A smile goes a long way. Smiling makes people stop and notice.”

—Josie C.

��Reminder: If something isn’t listed here, check with your Troop Cookie Chair (TCC)—some activities may not be allowed due to safety, fairness, or other reasons.

Cookie Program

Roles & Responsibilities

For Girl Scouts:

• Be a registered member for the 2025–26 year.

• Start selling via Digital Cookie/paper orders on Jan 6; deliver cookies starting Feb 1.

• Set personal and troop goals.

• Know your cookie varieties and wear your uniform + membership pin.

• Share how proceeds support your troop with customers.

• Promote Cookies for the Community (C4C) donations.

For Troop Cookie Chairs & Leaders:

• Train Girl Scouts and families; distribute materials.

• Support the troop throughout the sale and ensure they are following all guidelines/rules.

• No quotas—let girls set their own goals.

• Collect payments after cookies are sold; set regular collection dates.

• Deposit funds frequently and provide receipts for cookies and payments.

For Parents & Guardians/Caregivers:

• Encourage participation and help build the 5 Skills.

• Model your behavior off the Girl Scout Promise & Law – Girl Scouts learn from observing the adults around them (page 3).

• No selling before Jan 6 or delivering/selling cookie packages before Feb 1.

• Help set goals and support troop planning.

• Assist the TCC and Troop Leader.

• Assist with booth sales and securing locations in partnership with your TCC.

• Communicate inventory status weekly with your TCC.

• Safeguard cookies and money; retain all receipts.

• Follow all troop and GSGLA guidelines and due dates.

• Understand consequences for noncompliance.

Following Guidelines Matters

If Girl Scouts, parents/caregivers, or troops do not follow the established guidelines, one or more of the following consequences may be applied*:

• Loss of top reward level

• Reduced troop proceeds

• Adjusted package counts

• Forfeited rewards or proceeds

• Loss of future booth opportunities

Avoid These Behaviors:

• Selling or delivering before official dates.

• Selling on a school campus or at a parking lot or out of a vehicle.

• Selling at adult-oriented locations, such as but not limited to inside/outside of a bar, strip club, casino, liquor store, gun show, or marijuana dispensary.

• Selling cookies for the wrong price or expired product.

• Selling without adult supervision, including boothing with the incorrect Girl Scout/adult ratio.

• Parents/caregivers selling without Girl Scouts present (except at workplaces to employees only, which must include a message from the Girl Scout).

• Inappropriate Girl Scout behavior, for both Girl Scouts and adults.

• Disrespecting booth locations or timeframes.

• Selling cookies to a business/individual for resale.

• Conducting a booth without receiving approval from your TCC.

• Not following health and safety guidelines.

Be sure to review the rest of this guide for further information on all guidelines that Girl Scouts, parents/caregivers, and troops must follow.

*Decisions on consequences are made by GSGLA leadership and remain confidential to protect privacy.

Reminder: Prior to the start of the cookie season, the documents listed below are to be signed by parents/ caregivers and retained by your troop leader. Access these documents for a reminder of the guidelines that were agreed upon at the start of the program. These documents can feel like a lot but following guidelines keeps everyone safe and makes sure all is fair. Be sure to review this info carefully!

Fall Product and Cookie Programs Parent/Guardian Permission and Responsibility Agreement

https://qrco.de/bgSnma

Cookie Program Code of Conduct Agreement

https://qrco.de/bgSnpO

’s Goal Tracker

Reach Out

What's Your Cookie Pitch?

Customers love to hear what purchasing a package of cookies does for Girl Scouts. Use this fun pitch to promote your personal cookie story:

Hi, my name is __________ and I'm a Girl Scout. In Girl Scouts I get to do a lot of fun activities like ________ and _________. My troop also helps the community by __________. I'm here selling Girl Scout Cookies so my troop can ___________________. Would you please support me by purchasing some? They are delicious! You can also make a donation to our Cookies for the Community program, where cookies are donated to service members, first responders, and community members in need of assistance. Thanks for your support!

423 N. La Brea Ave.

Inglewood, CA 90302

girlscoutsla.org

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It’s Cookie Time!

¿Necesitas la versión de esta guía en español? visita: issuu.com/girlscoutsofgreaterlosangeles

CONTESTS AND MORE

Just when you thought cookie season couldn’t get any more fun, here come the contests! We’ll have several throughout the season and encourage all to participate:

• Merritt the Black-footed Ferret BFF Challenge

• Cookie Family Guide Scavenger Hunt

• Cookie Marketing Webinar Attendee Drawing

• Cookie Curb Appeal

Win prizes or a chance to be featured on GSGLA social media! Visit the Cookies+ page at girlscoutsla.org for details.