Guide - KEEP FOR JAN-MAR - Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Family
coo k ie
geles Publication
Greater Los An
Guide
Girl Scouts of
Jan 2019
pull-o
u t p os
inside ter
!
O R JA N - M A R
KEEP F
It’s G i r l S c o u t
Coo ki e T i m e !
COOKIE CART
$35
FUN PATCHES
$1.50 2019 COOKIE
ACTIVITY PIN
$2
CLOUDED
LEOPARD
CHARM
COOKIE JAR POWERED BY $7 COOKIE KICK-OFF
COIN PURSE LEOPARD PAW COOKIES FUN PATCH
$10 CHARM MONEY POUCH $1.75
$5.50 GIRL SCOUT
$7 COOKIE SALE
“GIRL SCOUT BUTTON
COOKIES ROCK” $1.25
APRON
$13.75
SWEET GIRL SCOUT
COOKIES MAGNET
$5
“COOKIE PARTY”
RHINESTONE T-SHIRT
Youth (XS-XL): $20 “DON’T MISS OUT” YARD COOKIE YARD SIGN
Adult (S-XL): $22 SIGN WITH STAKES WITH STAKES
Adult (2XL-3XL): $24 $9 $9
COOKIE TABLECLOTH
$12.50
COOKIES BANNER BUY COOKIES
GIRL SCOUT COOKIE WITH GROMMETS STOP SIGN
ROLLABANA COOKIE (36 x 20.5”) $8.25
$6.50 CROSSING SIGN $16.50
$8.25
Available to purchase in GSGLA stores BOLD cookie-
themed items to promote and increase your sales!
www.girlscoutsla.org
Table of Contents
Headquarters
801 S. Grand Avenue, Suite 300
3 Welcome! Los Angeles, CA 90017
4 2019 Girl Scout Cookie Program
Business hours:
5 5 Skills for Girls Mon—Fri, 8:30 a.m.—5 p.m.
GSGLA offices are
7 The Girl Scout Difference closed on the second
and fourth Monday
8 Where the Proceeds Go of each month.
9 Taking A Leap: Girl Stories
11 The Line Up
12 Tips for Selling Cookies
13 Getting Started
14 Ways to Market Cookies
15 Ways to Sell Cookies
18 Digital Cookie & Online Marketing
Guidelines
19 More on Ways to Sell Cookies
GSGLA is committed to the
20 Cookie Boothing Requirements,
extraordinary legacy of
Roles, & Responsibilities
Girl Scouts and its mission
to build girls of courage,
21 Cookie Code of Conduct
confidence, and character,
23 Gift of Caring who make the world a
better place.
25 Level Up!
For more information on
26 Contests & Fun how to join, volunteer,
reconnect, or donate,
27 Cookie Pro call 213-213-0123
or visit girlscoutsla.org.
28 Cookie Time is Family Time
GSGLA is an Equal
Opportunity Employer.
Información disponible en
español o llamando
al 213-213-0123.
Dear GSGLA Girl Scouts and Girl Scout Families:
Alas, it’s cookie time! Today, more than ever before, it is imperative to teach
entrepreneurial skills to young girls to help encourage life-long financial understanding,
success, and independence. The Girl Scouts Cookie Program has long provided girls
and young women hands-on experiences in the 5 Skills—goal setting, decision making,
money management, people skills, and business ethics.
Why is this so important?
Because greater job creation and economic independence will result when
entrepreneurship is nurtured in girls. With this in mind, we want to help equip female
leaders of tomorrow.
In this year’s Cookie Family Guide, we showcase ways girls can get started selling
cookies (p. 12), as well as ways to market (p. 14), and sell cookies online (p. 18). Plus,
find out the new ways to "Level Up!" your cookie goals.
While the Cookie Program assists girls in earning funds toward exciting and educational
activities as well as community projects, our research shows it also helps Girl Scouts
develop more enduring attributes like a strong sense of self and positive, ethical values.
This time-honored tradition not only shapes the entrepreneurial spirit of participants,
but also builds girls of courage, confidence, and character!
Yours in Girl Scouting,
Lise L. Luttgens
Chief Executive Officer, GSGLA
3 girlscoutsla.org | 213-213-0123
THE 2019 GIRL SCOUT
cookie
PROGRAM
The Girl Scout Cookie Program is the world’s leading business and financial literacy program by and for
girls. Are you ready for the fun? Read on to get the basics on how to participate and how to make this
the best Girl Scout Cookie season ever!
5 things to know about the cookie program
January 27
to March 10
1917
In 1917, the first-known cookie
sale by Girl Scouts took place
The 2019 GSGLA Cookie Program
as a way to earn money to
runs January 27 to March 10.
support girl-led community
All registered Girl Scouts can
service projects and other
participate. The cookie program
activities. Girl Scouts have
only happens once a year!
been entrepreneurs for more
than 100 years.
800m
Nationally, the Girl Scout Cookie
Program grosses more than
$800 million in sales.
5 Girls Skills for
Girls who participate in the
Girl Scout Cookie Program
100%
All of the proceeds
generated from the cookie
program stay within the
learn and practice five
local council to support
valuable skills (goal setting,
Girl Scout programs right
decision making, money
here in our community!
management, people skills,
and business ethics) that will
help them now and in the
future. (See 5 Skills for Girls
on p. 5.)
girlscoutsla.org | 213-213-0123 4
e S e l l i n g Pe rks
C o o k i
5 Girls Skills for
and ways girls benefit
from cookie-selling!
My friends and I work
1 Goal Setting together to set our troop
goal for the season;
Girl Scouts set cookie sale goals individually
and with their troop. She creates a plan to maybe we'll donate to
reach them. She develops cooperation and
team-building skills all along the way!
our local animal hospital
⇨ Assist your Girl Scout in setting practical
or go on an adventure.
goals by looking at the rewards, talking about Selling the cookies is
community projects, and discussing troop
activities. Aid your Girl Scout by role-playing great but what we do
when she needs assistance in this thought with the money we earn
process.
is even greater.
2 Decision
Making
Girl Scouts help decide how their troop will spend
their cookie money, furthering the critical-thinking
and problem-solving skills that will help her in many
aspects of her life.
⇨ Ask your Girl Scout how her troop plans to use the
proceeds, what individual goal she'd like to set,
and what things she can do to meet her goals.
5 girlscoutsla.org | 213-213-0123
3 Money
Management I make
Girl Scouts take cookie orders, handle customers’
money, and gain valuable and practical life skills change
regarding finances and money.
⇨ For her personal sales, allow your Girl Scout to
happen!
count the money with you. Encourage her to
separate her order, and tally up the amount due.
I get a 4 People Skills
lifetime Girl Scouts learn how to talk to, listen to, and
work with all kinds of people while selling
supply of cookies. These experiences help her develop
healthy relationship and conflict-resolution skills.
confidence ⇨ Help your daughter feel comfortable asking
in every friends and family to support her. Encourage
her to speak confidently and to say thank you.
package.
5 Business
Ethics
Girl Scouts are honest and responsible at every
step of the cookie program, which reinforces the
positive values she is developing as a Girl Scout.
⇨ Act honestly, responsibly, and follow the rules
during every step of the cookie program and
encourage your daughter to run her business
as a professional.
girlscoutsla.org | 213-213-0123 6
The Girl Scout Difference
Our Girl Scout Leadership Experience is a one-of-a-kind leadership development
program for girls with proven results. It’s based on time-tested methods
and research-backed programming that embolden girls to take the lead—
both in their own lives and in the world.
And the inclusive, all-female environment of a Girl Scout troop creates a
safe space where girls can try new things, develop a range of skills, take
on leadership roles, and just be themselves.
1 Strong Sense of Self
Girls have confidence in themselves and their abilities, and form positive identities.
2 Positive Value
Girls act ethically, honestly, and responsibly, and show concern for others.
3 Challenge Seeking
Girls take appropriate risks, try things even if they might fail, and learn from mistakes.
4 Healthy Relationships
Girls develop and maintain healthy relationships by communicating their feelings directly
and resolving conflicts constructively.
5 Community Problem Solving
Girls desire to contribute to the world in purposeful and meaningful ways, learn how to
identify problems in the community, and create “action plans” to solve them.
7 girlscoutsla.org | 213-213-0123
Did you know? All proceeds from
Girl Scout Cookies® stay local!
When you purchase Girl Scout Cookies from a young, budding entrepreneur, you’re
supportingher success today and tomorrow. Girl Scout Cookies’ proceeds stay local to:
1 2 3
HOW A PACKAGE OF COOKIES SUPPORTS GIRL SCOUTS
Girl and volunteer
support, including
High quality Girl Scout financial assistance for
programs, such as underserved girls and
leadership, business, outdoor, volunteer training
and STEM workshops. and resources.
24%
49%
27%
Troop earnings and
rewards, which girls use
for activities like travel,
camp, and community
service projects.
The Girl Scout Cookie Program is the largest girl-led
entrepreneurial program in the world!
girlscoutsla.org | 213-213-0123 8
Taking a Leap:
The Girl Scout Cookie Program Provides
Essential, Real-World Skills to Girls
The Girl Scout Cookie Program—the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program for girls in the world—not
only helps Girl Scouts earn money for fun, educational activities, and community projects, but it also
helps girls learn the 5 Skills: goal setting; decision making; money management; people skills and
business ethics. In addition, the program gives girls first-hand opportunities to exercise essential skills
in leadership, marketing and entrepreneurship, and helps each member unleash her inner G.I.R.L. (Go-
Getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader).
Junior Girl Scout Sophia P. of Troop 2352 in Santa Clarita has grown
tremendously from her experiences in the cookie program during
her time as a member between first and fourth grades. In addition
to learning goal-setting, how to plan steps to achieve a goal,
prioritizing, and how to work hard to achieve her objective, Sophia
has also had many chances to improve her people skills through
cookie-selling, in particular, with the support of family.
“When I started selling cookies as a Daisy, I was scared because I
was really shy and didn’t like talking to people—especially grown-ups
and strangers,” said Sophia. Her uncle RJ helped instill confidence in
Sophia by tagging along as back-up and encouraging her to greet customers
using their last names during her door-to-door sales.
The cookie-selling process taught Sophia important lessons in decision-making and prioritization like
when she had to decide between taking her Tae Kwon Do black belt test and attending Elite 1,000
reward event at Disneyland on the same day. In the end, Sophia was able to attend the reward event
breakfast and the YES Program, and left shortly afterward to take her black belt test, which she
passed with flying colors. She later returned to Disneyland to celebrate her accomplishments with her
Girl Scout sisters as a result of selling more than 2,000 packages of cookies.
“If I didn’t take the black belt test that day, I would have to wait another six months, so even though I
was really looking forward to celebrating my successes and I really love Disneyland, I picked Tae Kwon
Do,” said Sophia. “I knew that if I worked hard the next year, I could go again.”
Sophia has developed an acumen in upselling by selling cookies to a man who was adamant he didn’t
want any. Changing her initial tactic, Sophia instead asked if he would like to give cookies as gifts.
“He started thinking about it, then he took out his phone and called his grandkids and asked what
flavors they would like,” she said. “He ended up buying 11 packages of cookies!” In addition, Sophia
9 girlscoutsla.org | 213-213-0123has picked up more entrepreneurial skills and is a whiz at upselling jewelry
to customers while working annually at her parents’ pearl jewelry booth
at the Los Angeles County Fair. She has had great success in offering
customers a discount if they purchase multiple items (with her
mother’s consent, of course).
With the success of cookie sales, the importance of giving back
through the cookie program is not lost on Sophia. She and her
troop recently donated cat food and $50 they had earned during fall
product program to a local animal shelter to aid its many ailing cats. In
addition, Sophia was instrumental in showing compassion for and aiding
her cancer-stricken grandfather. “I would always ask him if he needed
something, and if he did, I would get it right away,” said Sophia.
Overall, the best part of the cookie-selling program for Sophia is spending time with her Girl Scout sisters.
“We have so much fun boothing in front of stores and we love to make up silly songs and dances and wear
cookie costumes when we’re selling cookies…it’s just so much fun,” said Sophia.
Much like Sophia, Brownie Madison of Troop 317 was greatly impacted by the cookie program. Madison’s
mother Debra C., who is also her troop co-leader, shared that Madison had been nonverbal with most
people outside of her own family prior to her involvement in the cookie program. When their troop first
began boothing, Madison would not talk to anyone, said Debra. “We didn’t push, we let her stand there
and hold a package. But toward the end [of cookie season], she started asking customers if they wanted
cookies, which is huge!”
Madison also took exercising her newfound skills a bit further by handing neighbors her order card during
the fall product program, which was a “really big deal” according to Debra. “The most important thing is
getting [Madison] out of her comfort zone and letting her know that everything will be okay, and teaching
her to be comfortable when someone talks to her.” Through her efforts, Madison sold
more than 100 units during the fall product program!
Debra credits Girl Scouts for providing her daughter opportunities
to step out of her comfort zone, socialize with others and work
at selling a product while having fun. According to Debra, her
daughter’s involvement in Girl Scouts is worthwhile because
Madison can focus on learning new skills and bonding with her
Girl Scout sisters while simultaneously coming out of her shell,
due in large part to the cookie program.
Our research shows that the skills learned through participation
in the Girl Scout Cookie Program and other Girl Scouts leadership
programming helps to awaken girls’ curiosity and creativity, and
ultimately build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make
the world a better place!
girlscoutsla.org | 213-213-0123 10The Line Up
Customers love our amazing, name-brand Girl Scout Cookies baked especially for us by
Little Brownie Bakers, one of the two bakers that produce Girl Scout Cookies in the USA!
ars
ING!
5 yedelicious!
NEW PACKAGE!
SAM E CO O KI
• 12 packages per case
• Cookies are $5/package and $60/case, except for the two specialty cookies:
gluten-free Toffee-Tastic and clean/non-GMO Girl Scout S’mores varieties which
are $6/package and $72/case, because they cost more to produce
• Girl Scout Cookies are date-stamped for freshness
• No high-fructose corn syrup; zero grams trans fat
• See order card for nutritional information, or visit littlebrowniebakers.com
11 girlscoutsla.org | 213-213-0123Key Players
Tips for Selling Cookies There are several groups of people who
will make your cookie business a complete
1. Ask friends and family to buy or donate success:
Girl Scout Cookies.
2. Review last year’s order cards and 1. GSGLA staff will provide the necessary tools
contact your reliable customers. to conduct a successful cookie business.
3. Need more cookies? Contact your troop 2. Your troop cookie chair/troop leader will
cookie chair. organize and guide your troop through the
4. Do residential door-to-door sales, set program.
up a lemonade stand at your home or at 3. Your troop consists of registered Girl Scouts
the home of a close relative, booth with ready to put their leadership skills into
your troop, or sell online through Digital action.
Cookie (shipment or Gift of Caring only). 4. Your support team consists of family and
5. Prior to the end of the sale, contact your friends who will encourage and assist you.
customers again to place another order. 5. Customers are the awesome people who
will financially help Girl Scouts reach their
goals!
How to Handle Cookie Money—
Tips for Parents
⇨ Always count money and only take checks from people you trust. Checks received are to
be made payable to “Girl Scout Troop [insert troop number].”
⚬ Accept only preprinted checks with issuer’s address. Write the issuer’s phone
number and driver’s license number on the face of check.
⚬ Note the girl’s first name and last initial in the memo line of the check.
⚬ Caution against accepting out-of-state checks.
⇨ Do not accept $50 or $100 bills. These are the most commonly counterfeited.
⇨ Turn in money to your troop cookie chair (TCC) promptly and frequently, as
communicated by your TCC. Don’t hold onto the money, as it can get misplaced or mixed
with your own funds. Always get a receipt from your TCC for money you turn in for your
daughter’s individual orders.
⇨ Money turned in should be what was directly received from the customer. Do not
deposit cash into your personal account and write a check to the troop. Families are
financially responsible for any lost, stolen, or counterfeit money.
girlscoutsla.org | 213-213-0123 12INVENTORY & GETTING STARTED
HOW A DIRECT SALE WORKS
⇨ Sell actual inventory instead of promises!
⇨ The direct sale format allows you to have the inventory in hand so customers don’t have to wait!
⇨ Cookies are distributed to families at the start of the sale using a specific formula for your troop. This is
referred to as the starting inventory order (SIO) which is placed by your troop cookie chair.
⇨ Girls can use order cards to track sales or customer contact information.
⇨ Families are not limited to the one-time inventory allotment; they should pick up additional inventory
as needed throughout the sale—check with your troop cookie chair.
⇨ Families turn in funds to the troop for cookies as they sell them. Cookies are not pre-paid.
⇨ Balance for all cookies is due shortly after the sale (March 10, 2019).
COMING UP WITH A TROOP INVENTORY
Kick off the cookie program with your troop by discussing what to do with cookie proceeds as well as what
funds are needed for program supplies, registration dues, uniforms, etc.
⇨ As a troop, calculate the budget needed for the activities chosen to determine your troop’s sales goal.
⇨ Relying on the troop's goal, the troop cookie chair (TCC) will submit the starting inventory order (SIO).
⇨ All members of the troop should support the collective goals that girls discussed and agreed on.
⇨ The troop is financially responsible for all cookies ordered and received.
⇨ The troop will get the majority (75–80%) of its cookie inventory through the SIO. Cookies are ordered in
full case quantities (12 packages per case)—additional cookies may be ordered through the TCC.
STARTING INVENTORY DELIVERY DAY (JAN. 25-26)
When picking up your cookies:
⇨ Count each package before leaving your troop cookie chair.
⇨ Sign a receipt and take a copy. You are financially responsible for each package of cookies you sign for.
⇨ Always keep your cookies in a cool place—do not store in the garage. (If cookies are damaged, you are
still responsible for paying for them.)
⇨ Store cookies away from strong odors, such as cigarette smoke and pungent foods.
WHEN CAN I SELL GIRL SCOUT COOKIES? (JAN. 27-MARCH 10)
No cookie orders or sales can take place prior to Jan. 27. However, you may announce the sale start date in
advance.
⇨ It is considered "early selling" any time a girl/adult accepts someone’s request for a certain cookie
quantity or variety, takes money for cookies, asks potential customers questions like, “Will you buy
cookies from me?” or solicits for Gift of Caring donations before Jan. 27.
⇨ If a potential customer responds prior to Jan. 27 with comments like “Put me down for…,” the
appropriate response must be “Thank you for your pledge. We will contact you at the start of the
program to take your order.”
13 girlscoutsla.org | 213-213-0123WAYS TO MARKE T COOKIES
Marketing your cookie business is extremely important in order for it to be a success! Here
are some effective marketing techniques:
DIGITAL COOKIE
Digital Cookie is a fun and interactive website that assists girls in learning the
essential 5 Skills and tracking cookie sales. It is a password-protected private area
for Girl Scouts only.
When using Digital Cookie, girls can:
⇨ Learn about goals and selling tips
⇨ Set troop and individual goals
⇨ Record their customer lists so they can be saved and reused each cookie season
⇨ Send secure emails to customers to take online orders for shipment only and to
accept Gift of Caring donations.
Starting Jan. 27, parents can log into gsdigitalcookie.com/gsgla and set up their
girl's account. The Girl Scout will have fun creating her personalized avatar and
sending out emails to family and friends.
INTERNET
Although the girls or their families/friends may not sell cookies on the internet, girls
can use age-appropriate internet tools to promote their cookie business to people
she personally knows. However, cookie delivery and payment must be done in
person except through Digital Cookie. Online social networking sites (such as
Facebook and Twitter) are a great place for teens 13 and older to promote and ask
for cookie orders on private accounts to people she personally knows—with parent
permission. Be sure to follow computer/online use guidelines in Safety Activity
Checkpoints. For additional resources, visit girlscouts.org.
Remember, selling Girl Scout Cookies on eBay, NextDoor, Craigslist, Amazon, or any other
online internet website is NOT allowed.
COOKIE MOBILE
Bling your booth! Girls can decorate wagons for walkabouts, lemonade stands, and
their cookie booths to attract customers to purchase cookies. Watch for council
communications that advertise contest rules and other ideas. Plus, visit your local
Girl Scout store to check out our new cookie carts and other cookie-themed signs,
T-shirts, and more items!
OTHER MARKETING IDEAS
⇨ Cookie chairs, pick up your troop's special cookie marketing kit during training! It's chock-full of items you
can use during boothing.
⇨ Try a troop text-a-thon to let friends and family know “It’s cookie time” or “I have cookies NOW, no waiting!”
⇨ Have a Cookie House Party and sell cookies by the case! Visit littlebrowniebakers.com for details and
resources.
⇨ Remind customers that Girl Scout Cookies are only available once a year, and they freeze well.
⇨ Visit girlscoutsla.org for marketing downloads like business cards, marketing kits, and more!
girlscoutsla.org | 213-213-0123 14WAYS TO SE LL COOKIES
In Person Digital Walkabout or Lemonade Cookie Special Booth
Sales Cookie Door-to-Door Stand Booth Request
WHO CAN SELL?
Girls Individually ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Sell with Your Troop ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
WHERE TO SELL
Residential Area ✓ ✓ ✓
Business/Commercial
Area
✓ ✓
Online and Gift of
Caring for Shipment
✓
Cookie House Party
(Invite only)
✓
WALKABOUTS AND DOOR-TO-DOOR SALES:
The practice of going from door-to-door in a residential neighborhood (not
commercial or retail areas, like parking lots, etc.) to sell cookies (no stationary
booths).
⇨ Door-to-door selling is permitted in residential areas only, including parks (city
ordinance permitting).
⇨ Girls should be familiar with the neighborhoods.
⇨ Girls must always have an adult with them and should never be out after dark.
⇨ Girls should not go into a yard if there is a dog or a closed gate/fence.
⇨ Girls should never enter a customer’s home or accept food or beverages.
⇨ No pets are allowed while selling cookies.
⇨ If a customer stops a girl while walking around her neighborhood, she can sell
her/him cookies; however, the girl is not permitted to stay in that spot and
continue to sell. She must continue to the next door.
LEMONADE STANDS:
A booth set up on the property where the girl or a close family member resides,
as their city, homeowner's association, and/or property management permits.
⇨ Girls must have an adult present at the lemonade stand at all times—cookies
and money should never be left unattended.
⇨ Lemonade stands are not to be set up on the street, sidewalk, street corner,
medians or outside of fencing or walls.
⇨ Girls who reside in an apartment, gated community, or similar housing
must obtain management approval prior to setting up—set-up must be in a
common area inside the complex (not on the street or sidewalk).
⇨ Any signage must follow city, property management, and/or homeowner
association signage rules.
⇨ Keep cookies shaded from the elements (i.e., heat, rain, etc.). Consider using a
rolling cooler on hot days to keep cookies from melting (for walkabouts, too).
15 girlscoutsla.org | 213-213-0123WORKPLACE SELLING:
The practice of taking orders or selling cookies at a workplace (including a
parent’s workplace).
⇨ Girls must contact business owners or managers to request permission to sell
at the business.
⇨ Girls can make a sales pitch to staff or leave an order card in a location visible
to employees.
⇨ Girls can only sell to the employees of the business.
⇨ Parents may have cookies to sell at their place of work to employees only, but
any displays must include a message from the girl. Displays cannot be visible
by workplace’s customers/patrons. This includes all retail establishments.
⇨ Girls are not to set up booths at businesses without special booth approval;
ask your troop cookie chair.
⇨ There are several high-rise buildings in Downtown LA, Burbank, Woodland Hills,
Long Beach, and on the Westside that belong exclusively to GSGLA’s corporate
booth program. Older girl troops can apply for these sites separately; ask your
troop cookie chair.
COOKIE BOOTHS:
Stations, usually a table and chairs, where a group/troop of Girl Scouts sell
cookies, most often set up at a storefront. Boothing encourages teamwork and
learning. (Boothing is a privilege! As guests in front of a business, we need to be
on our best behavior.)
⇨ Boothing can be done only during Feb. 8–March 10.
⇨ Locations are pre-authorized by GSGLA; consult your troop cookie chair for
availabilities or to seek required approval for any special booth locations
outside of what is offered (see p. 19).
⇨ Girls and adults must be present at each cookie booth. A troop cannot
booth without parent help. At least two girls per door are required to be
present at all times. Two adults are required, one must be a registered Girl
Scout member and at least one must be female.*†
⇨ No tagalongs: Only registered Girl Scouts can booth; therefore, siblings and
friends are not allowed.
⇨ Do not block entrances; approach customers only as they are leaving the
business.
⇨ Unless authorized by the business, do not affix anything to the property of
where the booth is held.
⇨ Make sure the cookie inventory is always in sight; do not leave cash visible,
and keep change on hand.
⇨ Clean up all trash; do not use trash cans at the booth location.
*Senior/Ambassador troops only require a minimum of two girls and only one female adult OR one girl and two adults (one of which is female).
†Cadettes and up can host one girl-one parent booths Feb 22-Mar 10; however, all girls in the troop must be given the opportunity to participate
in the booth. Priority is given to troop boothing over individual girl boothing. Booths must be scheduled by the troop cookie chair on behalf of
the girl, and you should check with the troop cookie chair before and after the booth to verify sales to be credited to the girl, true up inventory,
and to remit proceeds to the troop.
girlscoutsla.org | 213-213-0123 16www.gsdigitalcookie.com/gsgla
Follow the prompts to participate in the Digital Cookie program. Please have your
troop number before starting.
My troop number is
cookies, you will earn virtual rewards.
When you send emails to family and friends, they will see your goal and hear your Me2 deliver
your special message. By clicking a link, they will be able to shop online (Gift of Caring and
direct shipped orders only) while supporting you and Girl Scouts! Don’t forget to share on social
media with the help of a parent / guardian.
17 girlscoutsla.org | 213-213-0123Digital Cookie Promotion &
Online Marketing Guidelines
Using Digital Cookie, Girl Scouts in the Greater Los Angeles council have an exciting opportunity to extend their
cookie sales to friends and family nationwide with cookies for shipment and Gift of Caring donations only,
while learning the particulars of online selling, e-commerce management and digital promotion. Similar to the
traditional selling method, Digital Cookie continues to be a girl-led program in which girls make the sales and
oversee all aspects of the transaction with adult supervision. Now, selling to a far-away relative or family friend is
as easy as sending them a girl’s unique Digital Cookie URL! To ensure Digital Cookie sales remain in the hands
of the girls, and to protect the girls from potentially dangerous situations, we’ve outlined the following tips
and tricks to implement on both the troop and individual level.
Marketing as an Individual Seller Marketing as a Troop
Girls should: Troops should:
• Use Digital Cookie to enhance their Girl Scout Cookie • Use Digital Cookie to teach girls about e-commerce, web
Program experience by combining this method with in- design, social media best practices in a fun, exciting way!
person sales for an optimal learning experience. • Work together to create troop and individual promotional
• Create compelling digital content communicating the materials to equally market Digital Cookie as a group as
significance of why she is selling cookies with text, well as on each girl’s personal cookie site following Girl
images, videos, and graphics. Scouts’ individual seller parameters.
• Curate an online customer base of personal friends/ • Ensure troop-focused Cookie Season promotional
family. content is shared on social channels as long as:
• Post messaging (i.e. social media or email) from a • General details about the cookie program, Five
privately controlled account that includes a cookie pitch Skills and/or the troop’s Girl Scout experiences
and unique URL for cookie-purchasing; details must be are highlighted without disclosing any location or
provided in a private message/page for those the girl or contact information.
her parents know personally and cannot be forwarded • Direct customers to Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles’
or shared beyond the designated group (i.e. a closed cookie finder (girlscoutsla.org/cookies) as an
Facebook group). alternative call to action.
• Share posts on private social media accounts that
generally highlight the cookie program, Five Skills and/or Troops should not:
their Girl Scout experiences, as long as the information • Post content with direct links to troop members’ personal
does not disclose any location or contact information. Digital Cookie sites.
• Post content including direct contact details (i.e. phone
Girls should not: number, address and/or email) as important safety
• Post/share information or ask for cookie sales though any precaution.
public-facing digital channels such as online pages, social
media, or a public digital cookie page with a unique URL,
etc. This safety precaution prevents third parties from
soliciting cookie sales.
• Use public-facing digital ads or boosted posts to promote
their cookie sales.
NOTE: Public-facing digital channels and social media accounts include those in which the public can follow, post or interact
with anyone within that channel without special permissions. Private accounts denote those in which messaging is only seen
by a closed group of personal friends and family.
Questions or concerns? Please refer to the GSUSA Safety Activity Checkpoints document.
girlscoutsla.org | 213-213-0123 18MORE ON BOOTHING
BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER A BOOTH
⇨ Arrive and end on time. Respect the next scheduled troop and prepare to turn over the site.
⇨ Make sure you have the important phone numbers: troop leader, troop cookie chair.
⇨ Arrive with a great attitude, smile, and say thank you even if a customer does not buy.
⇨ All conflicts must be resolved quietly, peacefully, and out of earshot from the girls and the public.
⇨ Cell phones, iPads, or other electronic devices should not be used during your boothing shift for personal use.
SPECIAL BOOTH REQUESTS
⇨ Examples of a special booth include unique, one-time opportunities at: churches, schools, sporting events,
drive-thru booths, and small businesses.
⇨ Consult with your troop cookie chair for details. Special booth requests require written pre-approval and
can take a week or longer to obtain.
EXCHANGING AND RETURNING COOKIES
⇨ It’s the family’s responsibility to exchange or return undamaged, factory-sealed cookies to your troop within
the timeframes and guidelines provided by your troop cookie chair (TCC).
⇨ Any cookies not returned to the TCC by the designated date will be the financial responsibility of the family.
It’s about teamwork: all troop members can pitch in to help with any unsold cookies.
SELLING OUTSIDE THE COUNCIL AREA
Being a sister to every Girl Scout means respecting our sister Girl Scouts in neighboring councils. As such, selling
outside the GSGLA council region (AKA “cross-border selling”) is only allowed on an exception basis, starting Jan.
27. (Visit girlscoutsla.org to view a council map.)
⇨ Family: Girls can sell to family and to the family’s immediate neighbors outside of GSGLA's borders.
⇨ Friends: Immediate friends are okay.
⇨ Workplace: In the parent or guardian’s workplace only (to friends and work colleagues only, not to their
customers). Friends' and extended family’s workplaces are not allowed.
⇨ Lemonade stands, walkabouts, and boothing of any kind: Never allowed outside of GSGLA borders.
⇨ Wear the membership pin and Girl Scout clothing to identify yourself as a
Girl Scout.
⇨ Always use the buddy system.
⇨ Be familiar with the neighborhoods where you will be selling cookies.
SAFETY ⇨ Partner with adults.
TIPS ⇨ Never enter a customer’s home.
WHILE SELLING COOKIES ⇨ Never approach customers in cars.
⇨ Follow safe pedestrian practices when crossing streets. Be aware of
traffic when unloading vehicles.
⇨ Have a plan for safeguarding money (avoid carrying large amounts; have
supervising adult deposit proceeds immediately).
⇨ Sell only during daylight hours.
⇨ Never provide a girl’s name, address, or email address.
⇨ Be web-wise. Take the GSUSA Internet Safety Pledge at girlscouts.org
before going online.
19 girlscoutsla.org | 213-213-0123COOKIE PROGRAM
REQUIREMENTS, ROLES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES
FOR GIRLS:
⇨ Be a currently registered Girl Scout.
⇨ Ensure no cookie orders are taken or sales made prior to the start date, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2019.
⇨ Set individual goals and help the troop set and achieve overall troop goals.
⇨ Participate in troop meetings and cookie program discussions.
⇨ Know your product; learn about the cookies.
⇨ Be easily identifiable as a Girl Scout. Wear your uniform or other Girl Scout attire, and your membership pin.
⇨ Tell customers how your troop will use cookie proceeds.
⇨ Encourage customers to support the Gift of Caring (GOC) cookie donation program.
⇨ Participate in the troop booth sales.
FOR PARENTS & CAREGIVERS:
⇨ Sign the 2018 Fall Product-2019 Cookie Program Parent/Guardian Permission Responsibility Agreement.
⇨ Encourage your daughter to participate in cookie program activities. Work with her to build her 5 Skills.
⇨ Ensure no cookie orders are taken or sales made prior to the start date, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2019.
⇨ Guide your daughter when making individual learning and sales goals. Work with your daughter and her troop in
setting goals to help determine the number of cookies to order.
⇨ Respect and support the troop goals.
⇨ Participate in booth sales and assist the troop cookie chair and troop leader.
⇨ Keep your troop cookie chair updated on your daughter’s inventory—request more cookies when you sell out.
⇨ Be responsible for payment of all cookies received and safeguarding all monies collected from customers.
⇨ Participate in the receipting for all cookies received and for all money submitted to troop. Retain all receipts.
⇨ Follow all troop guidelines and timeframes for turning in money and cookie exchanges and returns.
⇨ Follow all rules and guidelines for selling as defined by GSGLA and understand consequences for noncompliance.
FOR TROOP COOKIE CHAIRS/TROOP LEADERS:
⇨ Train the girls and parents and distribute all needed materials, providing ongoing support throughout the sale.
⇨ Do not set quotas for individual girls.
⇨ Allow time for cookies to be sold before requiring payment from parents and set up periodic collection dates.
⇨ Collect and deposit all funds due from the girls/parents into the troop account frequently.
⇨ Enter all troop and girl orders and money collected into the cookie system (eBudde).
⇨ Meet deadlines as set by the service unit cookie program chair and as indicated in the troop guide.
⇨ Keep track of individual girl sales and boothing sales.
⇨ If your troop is doing additional money-earning events, ensure the troop adheres to the participation
definition as outlined in Volunteer Essentials.
girlscoutsla.org | 213-213-0123 20COOKIE CODE OF CONDUCT
Girls and adults must adhere to information contained in this family guide and all GSUSA and GSGLA rules
and regulations when selling Girl Scout Cookies. These rules are in place so that girls can run a successful,
fair, fun, and safe cookie business. Consult your troop cookie chair with any questions.
FOR GIRLS:
⇨ I will adhere to the principles of the Girl Scout Promise and Law and follow all GSGLA guidelines.
⇨ I will follow the rules to help make sure program activities are safe, fun, and successful.
⇨ I will not sell cookies prior to the sale start date of Jan. 27, 2019.
⇨ I will wear appropriate Girl Scout attire and dress neatly and appropriately for the weather.
⇨ I will treat other people, myself, property, and equipment with respect.
⇨ I will remove all trash from boothing sites.
⇨ I will listen carefully to all instructions and appropriately respond to all directions given by Girl Scout
leaders, troop cookie chairs, or the adult in charge.
⇨ I will not run or demonstrate any physical activity that could place me in harm. I will not participate in any
roughhousing, running, loud voices, or inappropriate language.
⇨ I will never give out my last name, address, or phone number to customers. Instead, I will refer the
customer to the adult volunteer.
FOR PARENTS & CAREGIVERS:
⇨ I will adhere to the principles of the Girl Scout Promise and Law and follow the GSGLA guidelines.
⇨ I will follow the rules to help make sure program activities are safe, fun, and successful.
⇨ I will make sure my daughter does not sell cookies prior to the sale start date of Jan. 27, 2019.
⇨ I will be respectful of the Girl Scout leaders, troop cookie chair, or the adult in charge.
⇨ I understand I am responsible for all money collected on behalf of the troop and misuse of council and/or
troop funds will not be tolerated.
⇨ I understand I am financially responsible for all product received and all cookies must be paid by the March
2019 deadline set by my troop cookie chair.
⇨ I will treat other people, myself, property, and equipment with respect. I will not leave trash behind.
⇨ I will remove all cardboard boxes and trash from boothing sites and dispose of them at my home.
⇨ I understand that siblings (tagalongs) are not allowed at a cookie booth.
⇨ I will not violate Girl Scout policies, create discord, or damage or misuse property.
⇨ I will not demonstrate violence of any kind, including inappropriate conduct, profanity, or verbal abuse.
⇨ I will not be under the influence or hold possession of illegal substances during any Girl Scout activities.
Firearms or weaponry are not allowed.
⇨ I understand smoking is not allowed in the presences of girls during Girl Scout activities.
⇨ I will support the goals established by my daughter and her troop.
⇨ I understand that adults may assist, but cannot sell cookies. This is the girl’s business to operate.
21 girlscoutsla.org | 213-213-0123CONSEQUENCES
If girls and/or troops are not selling in accordance with established rules and regulations, girls and/or
troops can be penalized by having one or more of the following consequences applied*:
⇨ Removal of the highest reward level earned
⇨ No future boothing
⇨ Reduction in troop proceeds or opt-out proceeds
⇨ Reduction in packages sold for girl and/or troop
⇨ Forfeiture of girl and/or troop proceeds/rewards
Examples of rule violations include:
⇨ Taking orders or selling before Sunday, Jan. 27, 2019
⇨ Selling cookies for the incorrect price
⇨ Selling cookies outside of authorized areas
⇨ Conducting a booth without submitting and receiving a special request approval
⇨ Girls selling or delivering cookies alone
⇨ Boothing with the incorrect girl/adult ratio or inappropriate behavior at a booth location
⇨ Failure to pay for cookies and submit money as stated by GSGLA and/or your troop cookie chair
*Decisions on consequences to apply are decided by the service unit cookie program chair, GSGLA's product program
manager, and/or director of retail & product programs. The severity of the consequence imposed will be based on the rules
and regulations broken, impact to others, safety, and if one or multiple rules were broken.
JANUARY 25-26 Cookie delivery day. (Check with your
IMPORTANT troop cookie chair.)
DATES JANUARY 27 GSGLA Cookie Program begins. No cookie
orders are allowed to be taken or sales
made prior to this start date.
FEBRUARY 8 Cookie boothing begins.
FEBRUARY 22-24 National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend
featuring the Golden Ticket contest
MARCH 10 GSGLA Cookie Program ends. (No sales
allowed after this date.)
⇨ GIRLSCOUTSLA.ORG
MORE INFORMATION ⇨ LITTLEBROWNIEBAKERS.COM
& RESOURCES ⇨ GIRLSCOUTS.ORG
⇨ FACEBOOK.COM/GSGLA
girlscoutsla.org | 213-213-0123 22ring
CaEFFECT
Gift ofRIPPLE
Considered the ninth cookie variety in the lineup, the Gift of Caring (GOC) program is a council-wide
community service project that encourages customers to donate cookies. This cookie variety is sugar-
free, fat-free, trans-fat free, dairy-free, gluten-free, and calorie-free for the customer.
Potential customers on diets, or those who have food restrictions/allergies or any other reason not to
buy cookies for themselves can buy a package virtually that will be donated to families in need and/or
servicemen and women in the military.
GIRLS LEARN SKILLS
HEART-WARMING EFFECT
Girl Scouts learn key
You feel the heart-warming
business skills, such as
effects of donating to the
goal setting, decision
community.
making, money
management, people
skills, and business ethics
ACTIVITIES & SERVICE A TASTE OF JOY
Girls earn funds for The gift of Girl Scout Cookies
activities and community brightens the days of our
service projects. charity partner beneficiaries.
INNOVATIVE PROGRAMS
Proceeds support
innovative programs for
Girl Scouts within the
Greater Los Angeles area.
23 girlscoutsla.org | 213-213-0123HOW IT WORKS:
• Girl Scouts can encourage customers to support our GOC partners by donating money for cookies.
• Customers provide monetary donations that the troop or Girl Scout collects.*
• The troop or Girl Scout does not hold or store actual cookie packages for GOC.
• The donations are tabulated and reported as GOC donations.
• The GSGLA product programs team coordinates the delivery of the cookies to our community partners.
TIPS:
• Family and friends outside of the GSGLA area are great groups to target for GOC. That way, they can
support a girl’s cookie goals without incurring the cost of shipping cookies.
• Use the pull-out poster in this Cookie Family Guide to promote GOC at your sale!
*All monies received as donations are considered a GOC donation. For example, if someone says, “Keep the change,” this money (the
change) goes toward GOC. GOC donations are tax-deductible; receipts can be provided to customers upon request.
Last year, our council exceeded our goal of donating
125,000 Gift of Caring (GOC) packages by donating
130,000 packages to our nonprofit charity partners: Los
Angeles Regional Food Bank, Bob Hope USO, Blue Star
Mothers, Operation Gratitude, and Goodwill of Southern
California.
In 2019, let's beat our goal of 145,000 packages! GOC Top
Sellers will be invited to an event where they will see GOC
in action. Last year, top sellers participated in the GOC
Cookie Drop at Bob Hope USO at LAX where we surprised
servicemembers and their families with a special cookie delivery.
2019 event details are TBD.
Plus, returning this year is a special patch troops can earn for reaching
20 packages of Gift of Caring cookies sold, per GOC-selling girl.
CHARITY PARTNERS
MEDIA PARTNER
girlscoutsla.org | 213-213-0123 24LEVEL UP
You can end the cookie season with a big splash when you reach this level
(formerly Club 500). Smart Cookies get an exclusive Girl Scouts-only day
at Hurricane Harbor water park, plus all the food you can eat and all the
fun you can possibly have under the sun!
500 packages
This trio of cool stuff for this level is definitely for the girl who’s going places!
You get a messenger bag that tells the world you’re a cookie boss of courage,
on the confidence, and character; a cool water bottle with ever-cold technology; and
the coolest interchangeable Girl Scout earbuds.
950 packages
We’ve sweetened the deal for this reward (formerly Elite 1000). This Disney
Resort adventure has some new and upgraded exclusives, including a Girl
Scouts-only YES program experience, and preferential and exclusive access to a
few specific rides (for a limited time). Plus, the Girl Scouts-hosted meal is now
inside the park! Our girls are making the world a better place, and celebrating at
1,200 packages
the happiest place on earth!
Two days and one night at our GSGLA camp in Big Bear, Camp Osito Rancho, just
for our GSGLA girls that reach this level and their plus one adult chaperone. Days
and evening are filled with fun activities, GS traditions and great food. Join us
for a very special Girl Scout experience, meet new GS friends, visit with girls you
have known, and spend quality time with your adult chaperone.
1,500 packages
For Boss Ladies only! A day trip to Catalina with our council CEO, Lise Luttgens,
just for our GSGLA girls that reach this level. Travel over to Catalina on the
Catalina Express and spend quality time with Lise on the boat, at lunch, and
during a special activity.
2,000 packages
Star treatment is in order for this reward level. Participants will be a featured
GSGLA spokesperson to share their cookiepreneur story with one (or more) of
our awesome media company partners! Plus, they’ll get an exclusive VIP, behind
the scenes experience and media training. Are you ready for your close up?
3,000 packages
Please refer to the cookie order card for details on all rewards offered.
More information for each event will be provided to qualifying cookiepreneur families!Feb. 23
GOLDEN TICKET 100-PACKAGE GIVEAWAY
2019
On Saturday, Feb. 23, tell customers that if they buy one more
package of Thin Mints, they might win 100 packages of Girl
Scout Cookies!
In celebration of National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend, “golden
tickets” will be placed randomly on packages of Thin Mints. If
a customer gets one, she or he will win a variety pack of Girl
Scout Cookies. One lucky winner will get the grand prize: 100
packages of Girl Scout Cookies!
GOLDE
Schedule to booth on Saturday, Feb. 23—your troop might be
TICKE N selected from the drawing and be a #GSGoldenTicket booth.
T
#GSGoldenTicket clues will be posted on our Twitter and
Instagram pages (@GirlScoutsLA) to drive customers to you.
Check our newsletters, website, and social media for more
details!
COOKIE MOBILE CONTEST
Decorate your cookie mobile (AKA your wagon hauling all
those cookies during walkabouts), and submit a photo to
cookies@girlscoutsla.org by Saturday, Feb. 9. We’ll place
finalists in one of the below categories and then let our
Facebook followers vote on the winners. Winners will earn
a pizza party for their whole troop! Make sure to follow
Facebook.com/GSGLA to find out more!
Categories:
• Most Artistic
• Best Use of Cookies
• Most Original
• Best Use of “Go For Bold” Theme
girlscoutsla.org facebook.com/GSGLA @girlscoutsla @girlscoutsla
girlscoutsla.org | 213-213-0123 26Unleash your G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader)™
potential for a chance to win the...
COOKIE
ENTREPRENEUR
EXPERIENCE
Featuring the DC Super Hero
Girls™, plus an all-expenses-
paid trip to sunny California
for incredible behind-the-
scenes VIP adventures at
Warner Bros. Studio!
PRIZE PROVIDED BY
TM
Here’s how to enter:
Highlight your
unique cookie story by:
★ Answering a set of questions
★ Creating your very own
mini graphic novel
(it’s easy with our handy
a s atc h
template!)
c h ve p
e
s
i
lu
xc r
u n lo c k e a l pu
fo r o p tion
Find entry details, official rules, submission tips,
and downloadable mini-graphic novel templates at
girlscouts.org/cookiepro
The GIRL SCOUTS® name, mark, and all associated trademarks and logotypes, including the Trefoil Design, G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader)™, and Cookie Pro™ are owned by Girl Scouts of the USA.
DC SUPER HERO GIRLS and all related characters and elements © & ™ DC Comics and
Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. DC LOGO: TM & © DC. WB SHIELD: TM & © WBEI. (s18)
27 girlscoutsla.org | 213-213-0123 TMCookie time is
®, TM, © 2017-2018 Kellogg NA Co.
family time
Share the adventure of cookie season.
Here are some tips for getting the whole family involved:
Have a Girl Scout cookie craft night and work on Plan to celebrate when she reaches her goals—it's an
some fun girl activities. A younger brother or sister important last step in learning the rewards of goal-
may also want to get in on the fun. setting.
Siblings and friends might form a "brigade" to bring When she brings home the patches that she earned
in the cookies from the car. while selling cookies, help her iron them on her
uniform following iron-on instructions.
Your family may post a goal tracker in a central
place so everyone can see how sales are stacking up. Host a Cookie House Party and sell whole cases of
Praise her often! Girl Scout Cookies®. Ask your council volunteer how
you can get started, or go to:
Grandparents and extended family may spread the LittleBrownieBakers.com.
word it's Cookie Season to their friends, expanding
their immediate circle of contacts.
She might set up a cookie booth in their front yard
and invite family to help.
girlscoutsla.org | 213-213-0123 28Volunteer for Cookie Cupboard
& Get a Special Patch
Have fun, get exercise, and make friends while helping pull orders for troops. Volunteers
include parents, husbands, friends, aunts, uncles, and anyone over the age of 18* who would
like to support Girl Scouts.
The more volunteers, the shorter the wait in line for leaders/troop chairs and a more
successful experience for everyone. Anyone who volunteers for 4 hours will get a special
cookie cupboard patch to add to their collection!
From Jan 31 to Mar 10, 2019, we have opportunities in Arcadia, Covina, Culver City, Downey,
Long Beach, Santa Clarita, Redondo Beach, Upland, and Woodland Hills. (Volunteers must be
able to lift at least 10 lbs.)
Please sign up at www.gsgla.ivolunteer.com
*Seniors/Ambassadors may volunteer if accompanied by an adult.COOKIE CRUNCH TIME
DAYS ARE BACK!
TUESDAY, JAN. 22 - THURSDAY, JAN. 24
Join us at our GSGLA Girl Scout stores for cookie tastings, hot chocolate, cookie
themed activities and tips for boosting your business. Also, shop our fun and creative
cookie-themed merchandise before the season starts Jan. 27th! See you there!
Make sure you watch for GSGLA FB, Instagram or Twitter store postings featuring store
specials on these days. If you don’t follow us, you may want to now.
facebook.com/GSGLA @girlscoutsla @girlscoutsla
Want to
advertise in
our cookie
family guide?
Contact ads@girlscoutsla.org
to learn how!801 S. Grand Ave., Suite 300
Los Angeles, CA 90017
girlscoutsla.org
213-213-0123
© 2018 Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles. All Rights Reserved.
Service Centers
Arcadia Santa Clarita
101 East Wheeler Avenue 21515 Soledad Canyon Road, Suite 118
Arcadia, CA 91006 Santa Clarita, CA 91350
Inglewood Upland
423 North La Brea Avenue 313 East Foothill Boulevard
Inglewood, CA 90302 Upland, CA 91786
Long Beach Woodland Hills
4040 North Bellflower Boulevard 20931 Burbank Boulevard, Suite A
Long Beach, CA 90808 Woodland HIlls, CA 91367
Palmdale Headquarters
41307 12th Street West, Suite 105 801 South Grand Avenue, Suite 300
Palmdale, CA 93551 Los Angeles, CA 90017You can also read
