2023-20242023-2024
CCOOKIE
PROGRAMPROGRAM
ManualManual
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GIRL SCOUTS–ARIZONA CACTUS-PINE COUNCIL, INC. |
Program Manual
The fundamental parts of the Girl Scout Cookie
Program remain consistent every year; therefore, to
use resources wisely, this Program Manual is designed
to be used for multiple cookie seasons. It provides
you with the basics of the cookie program and
information on specic policies or procedures.
The Family Guide
The Family Guide is a fun and interactive resource
to get families excited about the Girl Scout Cookie
Program.
Girl Scouts–Arizona
Cactus-Pine Website
You’ll nd whatever you need for the cookie program
on our website. From girl and troop materials to
forms, trainings, contest details, logistics, and digital
copies of the manual.
Welcome to the
Girl Scouts
_
Arizona
Cactus- Pine Cookie
Program!
This exciting program has
empowered millions of girls with
entrepreneurial and nancial
knowledge for over 100 years.
The iconic cookie program is the
largest girl-led business in the
world, and with your guidance,
the girls in your troop will develop
the skills needed to become
independent women in the
future.
With the support from your
Service Unit and Council, you will
be prepared to lead the girls in
your troop through this journey.
Please don’t expect perfection,
especially if you are new to the
program. You may make mistakes
along the way, but in this safe
environment, you’re never alone
because there is a network of
people to assist you.
Thank you for embarking on
this rewarding journey. Your
commitment and passion to
the Girl Scout Movement will
empower the girls in your troop
and leave a legacy for the girls
that will follow.
Let’s start by reviewing where to
nd the information you need to
have a successful and fun cookie
season.
Where to Find
What You Need
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COOKIE PROGRAM MANUAL
eBudde Manuals and Information
eBudde is the database developed by our Council’s licensed baker,
Little Brownie Bakers, used by the Troop, Service Unit, and Council
to schedule booths, manage the logistics, inventory and the payment
process during the program. After training and paperwork is
completed, you will receive access to eBudde.
eBudde Troop App
The eBudde Troop App brings the eBudde platform to your smart
phone or tablet. Busy volunteers will love the convenience of this free
mobile app. Information on the eBudde Troop App is found on our
website and in eBudde tutorials.
Girl Scout Sisters
Face-to-face interaction is the best way to learn savvy, creative
techniques, adopt tricks of the trade, have fun and make lifelong
friends! Attending neighborhood meetings, joining the Leader’s
Facebook Group and attending Council-sponsored events are all
great ways to connect with your Girl Scout community.
Email and the eBudde Dashboard
Leading up to and during the cookie season, there are important
updates, reminders and deadlines that will be communicated to
you via email by the GSACPC Product Program Team and Service
Unit Cookie Managers. Your Service Unit Cookie Managers will send
you information pertinent to your neighborhood, while emails from
the Product Program Team will come through eBudde to share
deadlines, inventory status, etc. Important information, including
cupboard locations will be sent out in Sweet News.
Sweet News
This weekly e-newsletter is sent during the cookie season and
contains important and timely information about promotions,
marketing strategies and answers to common questions. Make sure
you are opted into Sweet News emails.
Table of Contents
Where to Find
What You Need ............. 2
Girl Scout Cookie Facts! ...... 4
Cookie Season tips .......... 5
Dates and timeline .......... 6
Girl Rewards ................7
Where does the money go? .. 8
Important links ............. 9
Building your cookie team ...10
Who can sell girl scout cookies? ..12
When can she sell cookies? .. 13
Where can she sell cookies? ..14
Parents ....................15
Goal setting ................17
Badges and Certicates ..... 18
Cookie Logistics ............21
Cookie Delivery ............ 22
Troop inventory ........... 23
Digital Cookie ............. 26
Boothing .................. 28
Boothing Basics ........... 32
Booth Sale Worksheet ...... 33
Stocking for booths ........ 34
No shows ................. 35
Canceling last minute ...... 36
Boothing tips for success ... 37
Emergencies .............. 38
Cookie Financials .......... 39
Payment options ..........40
Cookies for the Community ..41
End of the Program ........ 42
Cookie Contest ............ 44
For the Record ............. 45
Media Inquires ............ 46
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GIRL SCOUTS–ARIZONA CACTUS-PINE COUNCIL, INC.
Girl Scout Cookie Facts!
Girl Scout Cookies Make the World a Better Place!
It’s true! The cookie program accomplishes many ambitious goals at the same time.
Girls Build Critical Skills at all Age Levels
From learning to set and accomplish goals, to counting change, building a budget, and working collaboratively,
the Girl Scout Cookie Program has a recognized curriculum for each age group that will teach girls the skills they
need to become successful leaders.
Creating Community
The cookie program creates community within the troop and beyond. Girls develop civic engagement skills as
they work collaboratively to set goals and decide where to spend their troop proceeds. The program asks girls to
think about their needs, wants, philanthropy and service projects.
The cookie community ourishes because the cookie program is a shared experience and extends beyond the
troop. Every year thousands of girls and volunteers support one another, network and share stories and tips
across the nation. The community supports the girls in the program, and the girls give back to the community
through cookie donation programs and service projects nanced through their cookie proceeds.
Cookie Entrepreneurs
The cookie program creates entrepreneurs! Did you know that the Girl Scout Cookie Program is the largest
girl-led business in the world, selling
millions of cookie packages nationally?! The cookie program teaches
millions of girls how to run a successful business every year.
Financial Independence
The Girl Scout Cookie Program supports a nancially independent Girl Movement by developing a program
that grows nancially savvy girls. The cookie program is the nancial pillar of Girl Scouts. With 100% of cookie
proceeds staying within our council, local troops and girls.
Council Proceeds
The funds Council receives are reinvested into programs and activities for girls, maintaining our camps, training
our volunteers and other membership support.
Troop Proceeds
Troop proceeds are based on the total sales of the troop. Girls decide how to use these funds. Many troops use
their earnings to fund community projects and/or implement a spend, save, and give policy.
Girl Rewards
Girls earn rewards based on their individual sales. They can select to receive the incentive reward, Program
Credits or Summer Camp Vouchers. Program Credits can be used to help purchase items in the Council Shop,
membership dues, Girl Scout travel and other Girl Scout programs and events.
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COOKIE PROGRAM MANUAL
11 Tips for a Stress-Free
Cookie Season
1. It takes a team! Ask for help from parents. Don’t try
to be the Cookie Manager and Troop Leader. Use the
Troop Cookie Meeting doc available online.
2. Take the training. There’s training in your Service Unit
as well as many online resources to help you.
3. Help girls set goals. Be sure to explain how the cookie
program supports all Girl Scouting.
4. Earn a Cookie Badge! Ask the girls which badge they
want to earn during the cookie season.
5. Involve the parents – hold a parent cookie meeting,
explain why it’s important to participate, share the
troop’s goals and ask for their help. Parents can help
with booths, run to the cupboard and help with Girl
Program.
6. Participate in a cookie rally. It’s a great way to get girls
excited for the program.
7. Manage your cookie inventory. Ask for weekly
inventory status and money from girls. Remember,
no girl should have more than 200 unpaid packages
of cookies at a time. Troops are responsible for any
unpaid balances over that amount from a girl.
8. Submit an initial cookie order. Cookies will go fast
during the rst few weeks of the program!
9. Only booth in locations that will be open, accessible
and safe for all girls. Girls should not sell in or in front
of establishments that they cannot legally patronize.
10. Rebalance your avor mix by exchanging unopened
full cases of slower selling cookies with higher selling
cookies throughout the program – especially after
week three. Sales will begin to slow after week three,
but Thin Mints and Samoas are traditionally the best
sellers. Be warned, chocolate avors may be harder
to nd towards the end of the program, so it’s best to
make your trades early.
11. Be kind and considerate to other Troop Leaders and
cookie volunteers. We all are working towards the
same goal – a safe, fun and successful cookie program
that helps girls learn and grow.
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5
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3
2
1
11
The Girl
Scout Law for
Volunteers
We believe the Girl Scout Law is the best guide as we lead
girls through the cookie program.
» I am HONEST – I follow all the dates,
deadlines and nancial obligations for the
cookie program.
» I am FAIR – I ensure all girls have the
opportunity to participate in the cookie
program.
» I am FRIENDLY – I show compassion and
empathy for all those I meet.
» I am HELPFUL – I serve as a resource for
parents and my sister volunteers.
» I am CONSIDERATE – I share our unused
cookie booths with other troops.
» I am CARING – I thank parents and
volunteers for their time and hard work.
» I am COURAGEOUS – I choose to take the
high road in my dealings with others.
» I am STRONG – I strive to meet my
responsibilities and ask for help when I need
it.
» I am RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT I SAY
AND DO
– I am a good role model for others.
» I RESPECT MYSELF AND OTHERS – I
am polite and encourage girls to be the same.
» I RESPECT AUTHORITY – I respect
the retailers who allow us to sell at their
businesses and remind others it is a privilege
to do so.
» I USE RESOURCES WISELY – I rely on
the expertise of others.
» I MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER
PLACE
– I encourage girls to participate and
promote Cookies for the Community.
» I am A SISTER TO EVERY GIRL SCOUT
– I remember the cookie program provides
life changing experiences for all the girls in
our council and makes Girl Scouting possible
tomorrow.
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GIRL SCOUTS–ARIZONA CACTUS-PINE COUNCIL, INC.
Before the ProgramDuring the Cookie ProgramAfter Program
Cookie Dates & Timeline
This season’s ofcial public-facing sale dates are Jan. 15 - Feb. 25.
Dec. 4 DOC Access for Volunteers
Dec. 4 Exclusive Booth Round – starts at 8pm – one or two slots
Dec. 5 Cookie Booth Round 1 – starts at 8pm – 4 slots
Dec. 6 Cookie Booth Round 2 – starts at 8pm – 4 slots
Dec. 7 Cookie Booth Round 3 – starts at 8pm – 6 slots
Dec. 8
Open Booth Round 4 – starts at 8pm – If Walmarts are secured, Open Booth Round, if
Walmarts are not secured, 8 slots
Dec. 10 Troop Initial Order due in eBudde by 11:59pm
Dec. 11 DOC Access for Parents
Dec. 12 Service Unit Initial Order Due
Jan. 5 - 15 Extended Area Cookie Delivery/Cupboard Delivery
Jan. 13 - 14 Metro Phoenix Cookie Delivery
Jan. 15 Girl Scout Cookie Program starts
Jan. 15 - Feb. 25 DOC shipping available
Jan. 16 – Feb. 25 Cupboards open – check eBudde for hours and locations
Jan. 29
Money due in troop account for rst ACH ($1 for each cookie package picked up through Jan.
28th and money owed for t-shirts) ***** Does not include DOC packages
Feb. 1 First ACH
Feb. 12
Money due in troop account for second ACH ($1.50 for each cookie packaged picked up
through Feb. 11th) ***** Does not include DOC packages
Feb. 15 Second ACH
Feb. 16-18 National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend
Feb. 24 Bring Home the Cookies 5K at Westgate
Feb. 24 All Council Contest entries due
Feb. 25 Girl Scout Cookie Program ends
Mar. 3 Final Rewards – troop submits nal rewards in eBudde
Mar. 3 Parent/Guardian Outstanding Balance Form (T17s) due
Mar. 4 All money due in troop account for nal ACH withdrawal
Mar. 6 Service Units Submit Final Reward Choices
Mar. 7 Final ACH
May - Aug.
Girl Renewal Events and Girl Rewards Distributed
(Check with Service Unit Reward Specialist or Troop Leader)
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COOKIE PROGRAM MANUAL
My Personal Goal:
NUMBER OF PACKAGES
Girl Scouts
Arizona Cactus-Pine
2024 Girl Rewards
Participation
Patch
15+ packages
Fashion
Patches
90+ packages
Crossbody Bag
OR *$10 PC/SC
250+ packages
Socks OR
*$5 PC/SC
160+ packages
Mini
Dangler
125+ packages
Mini Plush
OR *$8 PC/SC
200+ packages
Week-Long GS
Trip to
Savannah,
Georgia - Girl
Scouts’
Birthplace
OR *$750 PC/SC
7,500+ packages
GS Staycation
OR *$350 PC/SC
3,500+ packages
Trip to
Disneyland OR
GS Event at
Great Wolf
Lodge OR
*$500 PC/SC
5,000+ packages
Choose Your Own
Adventure with a
$1,500 Travel
Voucher with any
approved Girl
Scout Partner OR
*$450 PC/SC
4,500+ packages
Camp Surf
(Brownies & up)
OR *$400 PC/SC
4,000+ packages
GS STEM Event
at Andretti
Indoor Karting
& Games
OR *$300 PC/SC
3,000+ packages
GS Camping
Weekend OR
Scheels Overnight
Experience
OR *$250 PC/SC
2,500+ packages
Plush OR
*$12 PC/SC
335+ packages
Collapsible
Cup & Pillow
OR *$15 PC/SC
450+ packages
Super Seller
Patch & GS
Celebration at
Dave & Busters
(2 Dates
Available***)
OR *$30 PC/SC
560+ packages
Build-A-Bear
Workshop &
Celebration
(Acknowldgement
of Mighty Mints)
OR *$85 PC/SC
1,550+ packages
Goal Getter
Patch & *$125
PC/SC
1,050+ packages
Bandana OR
Lanyard
60+ packages
Weekender Tote
& Makeup Pouch
OR *$50 PC/SC
850+ packages
Digital Cookie Rewards
Daisy 280
Brownie 319
Junior 423
Cadette 550
Senior 645
Ambassador 470
*$200 PC/SC
2,000+ packages
Hat, T-Shirt& Apron
OR “The Shoe That
Grows” Donation
OR *$45 PC/SC
650+ packages
Opt-Out** Reward #1
Opt-Out** Reward #2
Opt-Out** Reward #3
Opt-Out** Reward #5
**Opting out of rewards means girls are forgoing all reward levels
from 60 packages to the level specied. (All patches can be earned.)
Program Credits work similarly to
a gift card and is a girl reward
earned through selling Girl Scout
Cookies and Fall Product. Girls
may choose Program Credits
instead of selected Cookie/Fall
Reward items and they can be
used to pay for a variety of Girl
Scout products and activities.
IGMs will also earn additional
Program Credits in lieu of troop
proceeds. Proceeds can be used at
the Council Shop, GSUSA Shop
Online, Council- Sponsored
Programs, Membership
Registration, Lifetime Member-
ship Dues, Council Summer
Camp, Services Unit Encamp-
ments or Day Camp, Travel,
GSUSA Destinations and High
Awards Projects. Program Credits
expire 15 months from date of
issue. For more details, visit
girlscoutsaz.org/program-credits
Program Credits
Starting at 7,700+ packages
girls will earn $25 in Program
Credits for every additional
200 packages sold.
2023 PGAs
The Cookie Entrepreneur Family pin collection helps girls learn essential skills and how to
think like entrepreneurs with support from their families.
Each Girl Scout level has its own set of requirements to help families guide their Girl Scout as she
runs her own cookie business year after year. Girls can earn all 13 pins in the collection—one
unique pin for every year they participate!
Learn more at girlscouts.org/entrepreneurfamily
Cookie Entrepreneur Family Pins
Initial Order
Reward
200+ troop PGA on
Initial Order
One shirt per girl plus one
adult shirt per troop. Five
additional shirts may be
ordered at $12 each.
Gift of Caring
Rally Patch
Volunteer Patch
Gift of Caring
Patch
30+ packages of
CCC or TCC
Participation
Patch
Create DOC Website
& Send 25 emails
Volunteer
Patch
2 per troop
Rally Patch
Attend your
Neighborhood
rally
See it
Write it
Magical Marker
100+ DOC packages
Wallet Pouch
200+ DOC packages
Blanket
300+ DOC packages
Action Patch &
*$50 PC/SC
500+ DOC packages
All rewards are subject to change. Rewards are cumulative except for Opt-Out options. *Choice can be made between Program
Credits (PC) or 2024 Summer Camp Voucher (SC). ***See website for detailed description of items and reward dates.
Sell 450 pkgs and
opt-out of all rewards then
choose a pair of Custom
Converse $100
Sell 1,050 pkgs and
opt-out of all rewards for
Apple AirPods Pro Edition
Sell 3,500 pkgs and opt-out
of all rewards then choose a
Printer & Apple MacBook
or Samsung Galaxy Book
Sell 7,500 pkgs and opt-out
of all rewards for everything
in Opt-Out Reward #4
PLUS a $3,000 Travel
Voucher with any approved
GS Partner to choose your
own adventure.
$3,000 with Approved
Girl Scout Travel
Partners
Sell 5,000 pkgs and
opt-out of all rewards for
an Apple Bundle (Apple
Pencil, iPad Pro 11-inch,
MacBook Pro 13.3-inch
& iMac)
Opt-Out** Reward #4
Top Selling Girls will enjoy dinner with GSACPC Co-CEOs
Approved
By the Girl and Adult
Advisory Committees
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GIRL SCOUTS–ARIZONA CACTUS-PINE COUNCIL, INC.
Support the Girl Scout Movement
The Power of Cookies
Where exactly does the money go?
How the cookie crumbles
Cookie
Program Costs
Girl and Volunteer
Recruitment,
Training, Resources
and Financial
Assistance
Programs,
Activities and
Camp Properties
Troop, Girl and
Service Unit Proceeds
and Rewards
$
1.19
$
1.32
$
1.19
$
1.30
The Girl Scout Cookie Program has funded Girl Scouting for over 110 years and has provided the
resources for millions of girls to experience Girl Scouting. From camp and travel to STEM and
everything in between, the cookie program provides the funding.
When girls participate in the cookie program, they are honoring girls that came before them and
leaving a legacy for future girls to enjoy the opportunities that Girl Scouts provides. Whether you
sell 10 packages or 1,000 packages, you are contributing to the success of the Girl Scout Movement
in Arizona.
100% of cookie proceeds stay in the Arizona Cactus-Pine Council to benet local Girl Scouts. Cookie
proceeds fund 62% of our Council’s operating expenses.
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COOKIE PROGRAM MANUAL
Important Links
» Troop Product Manager Agreement – https://girlscoutsaz.jotform.com/232085607265861
Troops must sign this online agreement before a troop can participate in the cookie program.
» Initial Order –CALCONIC_ Calculator
This link helps you calculate the cookies to order (by avor) on your Initial Order.
» Digital Cookie – https://www.girlscoutsaz.org/en/cookies/nd-cookies/digital-cookie.html
» Little Brownie Bakers – littlebrowniebakers.com and youtube.com/LittleBrownieBakers
A great source for clip art, activities, videos and blogs about goal setting, volunteer success, selling
tips, Cookie Rookie information, Take Action Projects, and more.
» Full Cookie Program Manual –
https://www.girlscoutsaz.org/en/cookies/everything-cookies/cookie-
program-resources.html
» Cookie Contests – girlscoutsaz.org/cookie-contests
Girl Scout Cookie Season
Welcome to the 2024 Girl Scout Cookie Program! As a Troop Cookie Manager, you have the privilege of
bringing out the passion and drive in girls so they can achieve their goals. This exciting program has
empowered millions of girls with entrepreneurial and nancial knowledge for over 110 years. With your
guidance, girls will develop the skills needed to become independent women of the future.
Your primary responsibilities:
Complete volunteer training with your Service Unit Cookie Manager. Expect emails from your Service
Unit person to receive training. Cookie manager will not have access to eBudde until training is
complete.
Manage the cookie program in eBudde, the online cookie management system (either on the desktop
version or the eBudde™ Troop App Plus).
Distribute materials and ask for support from parents.
Work with your troop to incorporate Badge Work into the
Girl Experience.
Sign up for Council Booths or input self-scheduled booths
in eBudde.
Enter orders from girl order cards and keep eBudde up to
date.
Highly recommended to pick up cookies and re-order at
least weekly.
Distribute cookies to girls/parents.
Collect money from cookie pickups and issue receipts.
Enter and distribute girl rewards.
Have questions or
need support?
Contact your local Service Unit
Cookie Manager, your Member
Support Executive (MSE), or
the Product Program Team at
or (602) 452-7030.
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GIRL SCOUTS–ARIZONA CACTUS-PINE COUNCIL, INC.
Building Your Cookie Team
Managing the Girl Scout Cookie Program is a rewarding and worthwhile experience. Watching girls
develop the skills and condence they need to be successful and condent is an experience you
will never forget. Many of our veteran volunteers have shared stories about shy girls who become
articulate entrepreneurs because of the skills they learned by participating in the program. It’s an
enriching experience that benets the lives of both the girls who participate and the adults who
mentor them.
Like all worthwhile activities, the cookie program can seem daunting for new leaders and new
troops. With some training and support from your Service Unit Team and the Product Program
Team, and by building a strong Troop Cookie Team, it will all fall into place. Having a collaborative
and supportive Troop Cookie Team is vital and will enhance the cookie program experience for both
girls and adults.
The Product Program Team recommends the following Troop Cookie Team structure and that the
Troop Leader not hold these positions. Parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles and recent Girl Scout
graduates all make great volunteers. Many people are willing to help. Sometimes all you need to do is
simply ask them!
Troop Cookie Manager(s)
The Troop Cookie Manager oversees
the logistics of the program and keeps
the program running smoothly. She or
he is responsible for eBudde, handling
the troop cookie nances, organizing
troop booth sales and managing troop
and girl inventory. This volunteer must
be extremely organized and detail-
oriented.
The position can be shared. For
example, one volunteer can manage
eBudde and cookie nances, one
can schedule booths, and another
can regulate troop and girl cookie
inventory and handle parent/girl
communication.
Cookie Program Volunteer(s)
The Cookie Program Volunteer will mentor the girls
through the educational portion of the program. She or
he will implement a girl-led curriculum incorporating
the Five Skills and include badge work. This position
can be held by more than one volunteer. In fact, a small
team of parent volunteers or older girls can coach
different subjects.
Parent Volunteers
Parent volunteers can help with many different tasks,
activities and booths during the cookie season. They
can self-schedule booths, chaperone booths, run
events, host meetings, track girl inventory, pick up
inventory and prep Girl Program supplies.
Older girl troops may want to create their own Cookie Team, with adults mentoring in supportive
roles. For example, older girls can self-schedule booths, manage inventory and communicate with
each other about money owed and marketing techniques.
If you have a difcult time getting one person to commit to a large role, think about breaking the job
responsibilities into smaller, less time-consuming volunteer roles.
This is your Troop Cookie Team. You are encouraged to be creative and innovative as you develop it.
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COOKIE PROGRAM MANUAL
Get the Essentials!
Refer to our Volunteer Essentials
and Safety Activity Checkpoints at
girlscoutsaz.org/blueprint. You’ll
get just about everything you need,
including basic facts, forms and tips for
planning outdoor activities, managing
troop nances, promoting safety,
arranging trips and selling cookies.
Troop Resources
If your troop is planning in-person cookie sales events, there are lots of ways girls can creatively rise to
the occasion! Whether they run a traditional, drive-thru or pop-up booth, girls will have fun making
signs — and gain valuable experience managing money and talking to customers.
Help her market like an entrepreneur
Help girls plan their in-person events
with these action steps:
» Early on, determine what type of booth girls
would like to host, following council safety
guidelines.
» Use eBudde
™
and the eBudde App if scheduling an
in-person booth — the system will also help you
allocate booth sales to individual girls after the
event.
» Discuss with girls how transactions with
customers will be handled safely.
» Hold a booth planning meeting, in person or
virtually, so girls can divide roles, design their
booths and create signage to attract customers.
» Spread the word about your upcoming event on
social media.
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GIRL SCOUTS–ARIZONA CACTUS-PINE COUNCIL, INC.
Who can sell Girl Scout Cookies?
What kind of cookies do Girl Scouts
sell?
Getting to know the Girl Scout Cookie avors can be fun! Use memory games to get younger girls
familiar with the avors.
Everyone likes to sample the cookies. If available, pass out cookie samples at your troop meeting.
Attend your local leader meeting for more information.
Daisies and Brownies
Girls in this age group want to tell everyone
about being a Girl Scout. Use this excitement
to build sisterhood and trust in your troop.
To introduce the concept of community, talk
about the millions of other Girl Scouts, just
like them, who are also selling cookies.
Juniors and Older
As girls get older, they will enjoy engaging in
progressively more complex conversations
about inclusivity, acceptance and
community.
» $5 – Core Cookie Flavors Thin Mints, Samoas, Tagalongs, Trefoils,
Lemon-Ups, Do-si-dos and Adventurefuls
» $6 – Specialty Cookies – Gluten-free Toffeetastics and Girl Scout
S’mores
When can she
sell cookies?
Girl Scouts should be a sister to all and not take
orders or sell before the start date. Review the
cookie program sales dates with girls and let them
know when they can start selling cookies! Refer to
page 6.
Why should she
sell cookies?
It’s all about girl learning and generating the
income to nance girl learning. In Girl Scouts, the
girls selling the product get to decide how to spend
the troop proceeds they earn. This approach is
unique to Girl Scouts and is the bedrock of the
program.
Girls will learn practical skills they will use
throughout their life as they run a business and
make decisions about the money earned. All girls
will set goals and create a strategy to reach them.
Younger girls will learn how to count change and
speak to customers; older girls will build complex
budgets and dive into prot and loss principles.
And the best part – the badge curriculum is top
notch and turnkey-ready for girls.
But wait, there’s more! Not only will the girls in
your troop learn lifelong skills selling cookies,
the program is also the nancial pillar of the
organization. Girls earn funds for their troop and
funds that support all Girl Scout programming
in the Council. The cookie program provides
the resources to nance everything from troop
trips and service projects, to summer camp and
volunteer training.
Take time at your meeting to discuss how
participating in the cookie program not only
supports her own troop experience, but
also connects her to the bigger Girl Scouting
Movement. The cookie program has supported
Girl Scouting for over 100 years. Without it, there
would be no Girl Scouting for anyone. Like the girls
who came before her, her participation is critical
to the future of the movement.
Everything girls do in Girl Scouting is
designed to help them grow into leaders
of courage, condence and character.
The skills girls learn through the Cookie
Program will help them grow into leaders
in their own lives, leaders in business and
leaders in the community.
To make it
Girl-Led...
let Girls Lead!
GOAL SETTING
Girls set cookie sales goals
individually, and with a team,
create a plan to reach them.
DECISION MAKING
Girls decide where and when
to sell cookies, how to market
their business, and what to
do with their earnings.
PEOPLE SKILLS
Girls learn how to talk (and
listen!) to their customers, as
well as how to work with
other girls.
BUSINESS ETHICS
Girls act honestly and
responsibly during every
step of the cookie program.
MONEY
MANAGEMENT
Girls develop a budget, take
cookie orders and handle
customers’ money.
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COOKIE PROGRAM MANUAL
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GIRL SCOUTS–ARIZONA CACTUS-PINE COUNCIL, INC.
Where does she sell cookies?
Girls can sell cookies in a variety of places. She can sell cookies to friends and family in person
or through her Digital Cookie site, she can go on walkabouts, she can make posters or deliver a
presentation to mom or dads’ work colleagues, or set up a standabout (with permission from the
property owner) on non-commercial property.
And she can also booth! 80% of troops booth because it’s a great way to sell cookies, connect with
the community, and gives girls a safe setting to learn how to express themselves by interacting with
customers.
Recently a popular TV show portrayed a family selling Girl Scout Cookies by just loading up the car
and setting up shop in front of a random store. When it didn’t work out at that location, they simply
packed up and found another store front to set up their booth. In reality, it’s more organized than
that. While boothing is a great way to sell cookies, increase your customer base, and connect with
the local community, there are specic processes that must be followed to ensure girl safety, prevent
double bookings and comply with requests from our corporate boothing sponsors. Please refer to
page 28 to review boothing policy and procedures.
Girls are encouraged to be creative when deciding where to sell cookies; however, there are a few
places girls cannot sell or market cookies, including (but not limited to) any public-facing social
media platforms (including Next Door, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, etc.), in front of marijuana
dispensaries or any place she cannot legally enter, or at a booth location that has not been approved
through the Council.
Excluding cookies shipped through Digital Cookie, Girl Scouts can only sell cookies in their Council’s
jurisdiction. Please refer to page 46 for the Arizona Cactus-Pine Council jurisdiction map.
How does she sell cookies?
Deciding how to sell cookies is part of the learning for the Troop Leaders, parents and girls. It’s an
important piece in the program and clear planning will help girls (and you) be successful.
The rst step in creating a plan to sell cookies, is deciding how many cookies the girls want to sell,
which leads to goal setting. All girls can set goals. At your rst cookie meeting, guide girls through the
goal setting process.
As part of the goal setting process, girls should understand the concept of needs versus wants.
Discuss the resources needed for troop supplies, snacks, etc. and what the troop wants to do for fun,
like afternoon eld trips and long-term travel goals. Don’t forget to talk about the resources needed
for service projects, supporting their favorite charity or resources for high awards.
The steps below can be modied to mentor the girls through individual or troop goal setting. Girls’
voices should take priority in this discussion. Remember, Troop Leaders cannot mandate that girls
sell a specic number of cookies – it’s up to the girls (and their parents/ care givers).
Work through the steps below to help girls set goals and determine their sales plan to reach them.
15
COOKIE PROGRAM MANUAL
Simple Steps to Develop a Cookie Goal
Discuss the purpose of the goal.
» Why do Girl Scouts sell cookies?
» Who benets from the money earned in the cookie program?
» Why does she want to sell cookies?
Set a goal.
» Make sure the goal is specic, measurable and trackable.
» Talk about time management and the effort needed to reach her goal.
» Confront unrealistic goals but encourage her to stretch outside her
comfort zone.
Break the goal into smaller steps and benchmarks.
» Write down the big goal and work through ways to achieve it.
» Set a focus within the goal. For example, walkabouts during the week, booths on the
weekends.
» Set benchmarks to mark progress. Use a poster board to map out progress or use the Digital
Cookie site to record progress.
» Talk about potential obstacles.
Discuss the number of booths and walkabouts it may take to achieve the goal.
» Think about ways to stay positive. What will she do if she feels like giving up?
» Celebrate effort, determination and persistence. Setting goals and working to achieve them
is hard work!
» Praise her when she meets a benchmark. Put it into perspective when she doesn’t.
Parent/ Caregiver Meeting
Girls and Troop Leaders should spend time planning a parent/ caregiver meeting. With a little
coaching, girls can come up with clever, fun and informative ways to share their individual
and troop goals. They’ll have even more fun telling their parents how they want to spend the
proceeds!
Girls can talk about the difference between troop needs and wants and share long and short-
term goals. To add more pizazz and style to the meeting, help girls develop a marketing and sales plan
and then wow the parents by having the girls present their campaigns.
Encourage the girls to explain the importance of inventory management to their parents. They
can illustrate how they would need to sell more than four boxes of cookies to pay for just one
unsold box.
Girls can stress to parents they should only take the number of cookies they can sell (they can always
come back for more), the importance of communicating girl inventory numbers to the troop, and
turning cookie money into the troop weekly, and that cookies can’t be returned to the troop.
Help Us
Reach Our
Goals!
®, TM & © Girl Scouts of the USA. ®, TM & © 2022 Ferrero Group.
16
GIRL SCOUTS–ARIZONA CACTUS-PINE COUNCIL, INC.
Girl Scouts is a safe environment where you have the freedom to have fun while learning.
Entertaining ways to present topics include skits, posters, girl-made videos, songs, cookie Jeopardy,
or other fun interactive trivia games.
Parent meetings are also the perfect place to get more help! Explain the ways parents can be involved
in their daughter’s cookie selling experience. You may wish to create a one-page yer to highlight the
logistics.
Logistic Topics to Be Covered with Parents
» The Parent/Guardian Permission and Financial Agreement must be signed. If the agreement has
already been signed for the Fall Product Program in the same membership year, it also covers
the cookie program.
» Cookie selling dates. Girls cannot begin selling (or taking orders) until the start date.
» Inventory management. No more than 200 unpaid packages of cookies should be checked out
to a girl, unless she has a proven track record. Additional cookies can be checked out when the
money is turned in.
» Cookies cannot be returned to the troop; ask parents to only take what they can sell. They can
always get more.
» Explain who to contact to pick up more cookies.
» Communicate the troop schedule for turning in cookie money.
» Talk through the process of how to sign up for booths.
» Discuss proper booth behavior and protocol. Do parents drop off girls at the booth? Will you
be at every booth or do you need parent booth chaperones? What is the money handling
procedure? How are girls expected to act at booths?
» Emphasize the importance of keeping booth commitments. Emergencies happen, but canceling
at the last minute hurts the entire troop and the entire Council.
Because no shows hurt
everyone, they may result in the troop losing additional booths.
» Review the Cookies for the Community Program, cookie contests and promotions.
» Discuss girl safety.
» Guide parents to GSlearn trainings.
» Guide parents to the website.
The Five
Cookie Customers
Pitch Practice
The GIRL SCOUTS ® name, mark, and all associated trademarks and logotypes, including the Trefoil Design, are owned by Girl Scouts of the USA. Little Brownie Bakers, a division of Ferrero U.S.A, is an ofcial GSUSA licensed vendor.
LITTLE BROWNIE BAKERS® name and mark, and all associated trademarks, are trademarks of Ferrero Group. ©2023 Girl Scouts of the USA.
17
COOKIE PROGRAM MANUAL
Encourage girls to keep climbing. Once they
set a package goal, they might challenge
themselves further, like building more
marketing or entrepreneurship skills.
Six Essential Skills
1. Goal Setting
Girls learn how to set goals and create a plan to reach them.
Action steps: Encourage girls to set incremental, achievable goals. Help girls
break down those goals through setting weekly challenges.
2. Decision Making
Girls learn how to make decisions on their own and as a team.
Action steps: Talk with girls about how they plan to spend the troop's cookie
earnings.
3. Money Management
Girls learn to create a budget and handle money.
Action steps: Build on girls’ interest in learning to manage all facets of the
cookie business, such as creating a budget to fund a troop experience or
guring out the percentage of customers who selected the donation option.
4. People Skills
Girls nd their voice and build condence through
customer interactions.
Action steps: Ask girls about new marketing ideas they want to try. They can
discuss how to tailor their cookie pitch to achieve their goals.
5. Business Ethics
Girls learn to act ethically, both in business and life.
Action steps: Talk to girls about the importance of delivering on their promise
to customers. They can also consider offering a a Cookies for the Community
option.
6. Managing Uncertainty
Girls learn to manage uncertaincy at GSACPC.
Action steps: Encourage girls to perservere through unforeseen challenges
and uncontrollable circumstances.
Goal Setting
Goal setting is one of the six essential skills girls develop through the Girl Scout Cookie
Program.
®
With your support, they’ll learn how to set realistic goals and achieve them.
Inspire her to dream big
18
GIRL SCOUTS–ARIZONA CACTUS-PINE COUNCIL, INC.
How can you inspire girls to think courageously? Let girls
knowhow they can earn a badge, patch, or pin — and wear it
on their vest or sash — as a symbol of their important Girl Scout
Cookie Program achievements.
Girls can earn one of the Cookie Business badges this year when
they complete requirements that help them develop new skills as
they learn and grow their business. Badges are ofcial
Girl Scouts of the USA recognitions that can be placed on the
front of their Girl Scout uniform.
Girls collect patches as they achieve specic cookie program
milestones, including things like sending emails, selling at booths
and using Digital Cookie. These are fun patches that can be worn
on the back of the uniform to show her cookie business success.
Where you’ll learn more:
• girlscoutsaz.org
• girlscouts.org/cookiebadges
• girlscoutcookies.org/troopleaders for poster download
Patches and pins can be used for recognition at any point in
the Girl Scout Cookie season, from the earliest planning meetings
through the booth phase.
Where you’ll learn more:
• girlscoutsaz.org
• LittleBrownie.com/volunteers
Check out the Cookie Business badges and
Financial Literacy badges at
girlscouts.org/badgeexplorer.
On average, Girl Scouts were
two times as likely
to have done entrepreneurial
activities as other girls!
“Today's Girls, Tomorrow's Entrepreneurs”
Girl Scout Research Institute, 2019
Badges, Patches and Pins
My Personal Goal:
NUMBER OF PACKAGES
Girl Scouts
Arizona Cactus-Pine
2024 Girl Rewards
Participation
Patch
15+ packages
Fashion
Patches
90+ packages
Crossbody Bag
OR *$10 PC/SC
250+ packages
Socks OR
*$5 PC/SC
160+ packages
Mini
Dangler
125+ packages
Mini Plush
OR *$8 PC/SC
200+ packages
Week-Long GS
Trip to
Savannah,
Georgia - Girl
Scouts’
Birthplace
OR *$750 PC/SC
7,500+ packages
GS Staycation
OR *$350 PC/SC
3,500+ packages
Trip to
Disneyland OR
GS Event at
Great Wolf
Lodge OR
*$500 PC/SC
5,000+ packages
Choose Your Own
Adventure with a
$1,500 Travel
Voucher with any
approved Girl
Scout Partner OR
*$450 PC/SC
4,500+ packages
Camp Surf
(Brownies & up)
OR *$400 PC/SC
4,000+ packages
GS STEM Event
at Andretti
Indoor Karting
& Games
OR *$300 PC/SC
3,000+ packages
GS Camping
Weekend OR
Scheels Overnight
Experience
OR *$250 PC/SC
2,500+ packages
Plush OR
*$12 PC/SC
335+ packages
Collapsible
Cup & Pillow
OR *$15 PC/SC
450+ packages
Super Seller
Patch & GS
Celebration at
Dave & Busters
(2 Dates
Available***)
OR *$30 PC/SC
560+ packages
Build-A-Bear
Workshop &
Celebration
(Acknowldgement
of Mighty Mints)
OR *$85 PC/SC
1,550+ packages
Goal Getter
Patch & *$125
PC/SC
1,050+ packages
Bandana OR
Lanyard
60+ packages
Weekender Tote
& Makeup Pouch
OR *$50 PC/SC
850+ packages
Digital Cookie Rewards
Daisy 280
Brownie 319
Junior 423
Cadette 550
Senior 645
Ambassador 470
*$200 PC/SC
2,000+ packages
Hat, T-Shirt& Apron
OR “The Shoe That
Grows” Donation
OR *$45 PC/SC
650+ packages
Opt-Out** Reward #1
Opt-Out** Reward #2
Opt-Out** Reward #3
Opt-Out** Reward #5
**Opting out of rewards means girls are forgoing all reward levels
from 60 packages to the level specied. (All patches can be earned.)
Program Credits work similarly to
a gift card and is a girl reward
earned through selling Girl Scout
Cookies and Fall Product. Girls
may choose Program Credits
instead of selected Cookie/Fall
Reward items and they can be
used to pay for a variety of Girl
Scout products and activities.
IGMs will also earn additional
Program Credits in lieu of troop
proceeds. Proceeds can be used at
the Council Shop, GSUSA Shop
Online, Council- Sponsored
Programs, Membership
Registration, Lifetime Member-
ship Dues, Council Summer
Camp, Services Unit Encamp-
ments or Day Camp, Travel,
GSUSA Destinations and High
Awards Projects. Program Credits
expire 15 months from date of
issue. For more details, visit
girlscoutsaz.org/program-credits
Program Credits
Starting at 7,700+ packages
girls will earn $25 in Program
Credits for every additional
200 packages sold.
2023 PGAs
The Cookie Entrepreneur Family pin collection helps girls learn essential skills and how to
think like entrepreneurs with support from their families.
Each Girl Scout level has its own set of requirements to help families guide their Girl Scout as she
runs her own cookie business year after year. Girls can earn all 13 pins in the collection—one
unique pin for every year they participate!
Learn more at girlscouts.org/entrepreneurfamily
Cookie Entrepreneur Family Pins
Initial Order
Reward
200+ troop PGA on
Initial Order
One shirt per girl plus one
adult shirt per troop. Five
additional shirts may be
ordered at $12 each.
Gift of Caring
Rally Patch
Volunteer Patch
Gift of Caring
Patch
30+ packages of
CCC or TCC
Participation
Patch
Create DOC Website
& Send 25 emails
Volunteer
Patch
2 per troop
Rally Patch
Attend your
Neighborhood
rally
See it
Write it
Magical Marker
100+ DOC packages
Wallet Pouch
200+ DOC packages
Blanket
300+ DOC packages
Action Patch &
*$50 PC/SC
500+ DOC packages
All rewards are subject to change. Rewards are cumulative except for Opt-Out options. *Choice can be made between Program
Credits (PC) or 2024 Summer Camp Voucher (SC). ***See website for detailed description of items and reward dates.
Sell 450 pkgs and
opt-out of all rewards then
choose a pair of Custom
Converse $100
Sell 1,050 pkgs and
opt-out of all rewards for
Apple AirPods Pro Edition
Sell 3,500 pkgs and opt-out
of all rewards then choose a
Printer & Apple MacBook
or Samsung Galaxy Book
Sell 7,500 pkgs and opt-out
of all rewards for everything
in Opt-Out Reward #4
PLUS a $3,000 Travel
Voucher with any approved
GS Partner to choose your
own adventure.
$3,000 with Approved
Girl Scout Travel
Partners
Sell 5,000 pkgs and
opt-out of all rewards for
an Apple Bundle (Apple
Pencil, iPad Pro 11-inch,
MacBook Pro 13.3-inch
& iMac)
Opt-Out** Reward #4
Top Selling Girls will enjoy dinner with GSACPC Co-CEOs
Approved
By the Girl and Adult
Advisory Committees
Our Vision: Girl Scouts develop business skills as they become cookie entrepreneurs.
Award/Badge What Girl Scouts Learn
Daisy (Grades K–1)
Cookie Goal Setter
How to run their own business working with their troop to decide how to use their money, set goals, and share those
goals with real customers
Daisy (Grades K–1)
My First Cookie Business
How to sell cookies and excite customers with a sales pitch and how to use the troop’s earned cookie money
Daisy (Grades K–1)
Cookie Entrepreneur
Family Pin
How to have fun with their family while running their Girl Scout Cookie® business. Families help Daisies take their
rst steps to selling cookies
Brownie (Grades 2–3)
Cookie Decision Maker
How to think like an entrepreneur by working with their team and making decisions for the success of their cookie
business
Brownie (Grades 2–3)
My Cookie Customers
How to get new customers, talk to them about the cookie business, and keep them coming back
Brownie (Grades 2–3)
Cookie Entrepreneur
Family Pin
How to have fun with their family while running their Girl Scout Cookie business, such as setting a stretch goal,
brainstorming ideas, and practicing their sales pitch with their families
Junior (Grades 4–5)
Cookie Collaborator
How to collaborate with their troop, community, and network to set goals, make decisions, and grow their cookie
business
Junior (Grades 4–5)
My Cookie Team
How to use teamwork to help their cookie business by bringing their different skills and ideas together to meet their
goals
Junior (Grades 4–5)
Cookie Entrepreneur
Family Pin
How to have fun with their family while running their Girl Scout Cookie business, such as developing their sales
strategy and ne-tuning their sales pitch
Cadette (Grades 6–8)
Cookie Innovator
How to make smart money decisions that reect their values, explore their money habits, and know how to track
their spending
Cadette (Grades 6–8)
Cookie Market Researcher
How to create a budget for their future based on earning power, living expenses, and giving back
Cadette (Grades 6–8)
My Cookie Venture
How to invest, manage their spending habits, be a safe and savvy spender, and make informed money decisions
Cadette (Grades 6–8)
Cookie Entrepreneur
Family Pin
How to take the lead while getting support from their family when running their Girl Scout Cookie business,
including hitting benchmarks, nancial planning, and growing their customer network
Senior (Grades 9–10)
Cookie Boss
How to lead with condence as they become the boss of their cookie business to reach their goals
Senior (Grades 9–10)
My Cookie Network
How to use their network—their team, customers, and those who support their business—to strengthen their
customer base and take their cookie business to the next level
Senior (Grades 9–10)
Cookie Entrepreneur
Family Pin
How to take charge of their Girl Scout Cookie business by setting and reecting on goals, strategy, the future,
marketing, and showing appreciation, plus letting their family know how to support them
Ambassador
(Grades 11–12)
Cookie Inuencer
How to become an authority on their cookie business, come up with new ways to share information so it makes a big
impact, and inspire younger Girl Scouts
Ambassador
(Grades 11–12)
My Cookie Business Resume
How to market themselves and showcase their cookie business accomplishments in a resume and portfolio to stand
out as someone who knows how to think like an entrepreneur
Ambassador (Grades 11–12)
Cookie Entrepreneur
Family Pin
How to take charge of their Girl Scout Cookie business, including sales, learning goals, money management skills,
and inspiring younger Girl Scouts, plus letting their family know how to support them
The Girl Scout Cookie
Program Badges and Awards
© 2022 GSUSA. All rights reserved. Not for commercial use. This material is proprietary to GSUSA and may be used, reproduced, and distributed exclusively by GSUSA and
with GSUSA’s permission by Girl Scout councils and their staff in connection with Girl Scouting.
Girl Scout Entrepreneur Badges
Award/Badge What Girl Scouts Learn
Daisy (Grades K–1)
Toy Business Designer
How to come up with an idea for a toy, design it, make it better, and share
it—just like an entrepreneur
Brownie (Grades 2–3)
Budding Entrepreneur
How to become an entrepreneur by making something, testing it out,
improving their idea through feedback, and then pitching it to others
Junior (Grades 4–5)
Business Jumpstart
How to come up with an idea that solves a problem, get feedback and
revise it, and pitch it to others to bring it to life like an entrepreneur
Cadette (Grades 6–8)
Business Creator
How to think like an entrepreneur: come up with a business idea that
solves a problem, design a prototype, solicit feedback, improve their idea,
then create a business plan and pitch it
Senior (Grades 9–10)
Business Startup
How to nd out more about the entrepreneurial mindset and what it takes
to start their own business, including coming up with a business idea,
designing a prototype, soliciting feedback, improving their idea, then
creating a business plan and pitching it
Ambassador
(Grades 11–12)
Entrepreneur
Accelerator
How to think and act like an entrepreneur as they bring their business to
life, learn how to work with a team, and motivate people to take a chance
with them. They will come up with a business idea, produce a prototype,
identify customers, solicit feedback, improve their idea, then create a
business plan and pitch it
Scan for more
on badges
Our Vision
Girl Scouts develop the entrepreneurial mindset
by creating their own products and businesses.
Girl Scout Entrepreneur Badges
Our Vision
Girl Scouts develop the entrepreneurial mindset
by creating their own products and businesses.
21
COOKIE PROGRAM MANUAL
Cookie Logistics
The most important tip, especially for new leaders, is don’t expect this to go perfectly. Things
are bound to happen, so expect the unexpected, focus on the big picture and allow yourself
(and the girls) to learn while doing. Working with girls can be a glorious mess and wonderfully
rewarding all rolled into one. Girl Scouts is a safe environment where you have the freedom to
have fun while learning. Your Product team is here for you. Reach out to us here via email at
productprogram@girlscoutsaz.org .
Troop Initial Orders
Making a healthy, but responsible, initial order to start off the cookie season will not only benet
your troop, it also helps manage inventory council-wide. A strong initial order will provide your
troop with enough cookies to get through the rst couple weeks of the program without having
to visit a cupboard.
This is a time saver for the troop because multiple trips to the cupboard takes time and energy
best spent elsewhere. Cookies go incredibly fast during the rst few weeks of the program and
under ordering will cause unnecessary stress on the troop. Initial orders help everyone!
» It gives the Council and the Bakery an idea of how many cookies are needed Council-wide
throughout the program and helps keep cupboards better stocked.
» Data shows that cookies will sell fast at the beginning of the program. If you under order,
you may need to make multiple trips to the cupboards, which can be overwhelming.
» Over-reliance on the cupboards will create cookie shortages and long lines at the cookie
cupboards. Please do not use the cupboard to pick up your initial order.
» There is a Girl Reward tied to initial orders!
How To Make An Initial Order
Making a responsible initial order is quick and easy. Simply use the Initial Order Calculator
on the Council website . It will give you a breakdown by avor of what to order based on your
troop’s sales last year. You can even adjust for girl participation.
How Does the Initial Order Calculator Work?
For returning troops, GSACPC recommends that the initial
order be equal to 85% of the troop’s total per girl average (PGA)
from last year, multiplied by the number of girls selling this
year:
Initial Order Calculation Example
Previous Year’s Troop PGA = 170 packages
PGA x .85 = 145
Girls selling this year = 10
145 x 10 = 1,450 packages
New
troops can also
use the calculator!
It will calculate the initial order using
the total Council PGA for the specic age
group. If you are concerned about how
many to order, it’s a good idea to discuss
your initial order with your Service Unit
Cookie Manager or other experienced
Troop Leaders in your area.
22
GIRL SCOUTS–ARIZONA CACTUS-PINE COUNCIL, INC.
Once the number of cases needed for the Initial Order is determined, troops enter it into eBudde
and submit it. You may submit your Initial Order as soon as you have access to eBudde, but you
will not be able to change it later. The Initial Order must be submitted before the deadline. Don’t
forget to submit your Initial Girl Reward Order, too, if your troop has earned it.
Best Practice
Troop cookie inventory should be placed under the other row in eBudde by avor. The other
category is used to keep track of your troop cupboard. Cookies are transferred from other to
individual girls as they check them out throughout the program. This keeps your inventory
record clean and easy to manage.
Initial Order Girl Rewards
Initial Order Girl Rewards are tied to the per girl average of the troop’s initial order based on the
number of girls selling (not girls registered) in your troop and is submitted at the same time as
the Initial Order for troop inventory.
EBUDDE TIP: For eBudde to calculate the per girl average (PGA) for the initial order, you must
assign ONE package of cookies for each girl selling in eBudde. Most troops assign each girl selling
a box of Thin Mints.
Caution! If you meet the PGA required to earn the Initial Order Reward but fail to assign EACH
girl selling ONE box of cookies, eBudde won’t be able to calculate the Initial Order Girl Reward. This
means the item won’t be ordered for your troop and you may have to forfeit the reward because
Council does not have enough stock to fulll Girl Reward orders that were not entered into eBudde.
If you are unsure how to enter your initial order and initial order girl rewards into eBudde, please
contact your Service Unit Product Manager and/or visit our website for eBudde tutorials and the
Council Specic eBudde manual.
Cookie Delivery
Cookie Delivery is an exciting weekend in January when over
two million packages of cookies are distributed throughout the
Council.
How It Works
The Product Program Team schedules a delivery site, date and time with each Service Unit. The
Service Unit schedules a cookie pick-up time with each troop. The troop schedules a cookie pick-
up time with girls and parents.
Each Service Unit manages delivery day a little differently. Your Service Unit will contact you
about delivery logistics.
23
COOKIE PROGRAM MANUAL
CAR TYPE # OF CASES
Compact Car 23
Hatchback Car 30
Mid-size sedan 35
Standard Car 35
Sport Utility Vehicle 60
Station Wagon 75
Mini-Van
(seats in) 75
Pick-up Truck
(full bed) 100
Cargo Van
(seats in) 200
Please Keep the Following in Mind:
Dž
Arrive at the date, time and location assigned
by your Service Unit Product Manager.
Dž
Small children should be left at home due to
safety concerns.
Dž
Count and re-count cases of cookies before
you sign the delivery receipts. Once you
have signed for the cookies, they are your
responsibility.
Dž
Keep your delivery receipt!
The chart outlines how many cookies should t in
your car. These amounts assume the car will be
empty, except for the driver. Make sure you bring
enough vehicles to pick up your entire order.
Throughout the Program
There are simple, but crucial elements of the Girl Scout Cookie Program that must be completed
throughout the program.
Troop Inventory
Cookie Inventory
It is critical that cookie inventory is closely monitored. Remember the troop must sell more than
four boxes of cookies just to pay for one unsold box. A large surplus at the end of the program
can wipe out troop proceeds and create many ill feelings. Troops cannot return cookies to
Council, just like the Council cannot return cookies to the Bakery.
Girl Inventory
Communication with girls and parents is key! It is critical that troops have a clear picture of how
many packages of cookies remain unsold in their troop. Girls should be reporting their inventory
status AND turning money in .
Girls should only take the number of cookies they can sell. Troops should limit the amount a
girl can have checked out at one time to a maximum of 200 unpaid packages – unless she has
a proven track record. Troops cannot turn in parents for unpaid cookies over 200 packages.
Remind parents that girls can always come back for more!
Regardless of the number of cookies a girl has, troops should never give girls additional product
if they haven’t turned in cookie money.
24
GIRL SCOUTS–ARIZONA CACTUS-PINE COUNCIL, INC.
On the other hand: Troops cannot arbitrarily assign a number of cookies that each girl MUST
sell or require that each girl sell the same amount. Troops can make goals, encourage and
mentor, but cannot force a girl or parent to take cookies. Nor can troops require payment when
girls pickup cookies. Payment cannot be collected from parents until the cookies are sold.
How Many Boxes of Cookies Should You Give to Each Girl? Things to Consider:
» How many boxes does the girl want to sell (goal)?
» How much parental support does she have?
» How much time does she have to booth?
» Can she sell at her parent’s workplace?
» Is she using Digital Cookie?
Girl Inventory Affects Troop Inventory
Check girl inventory before going to a cupboard. It is better to use unsold girl inventory at a
booth than to stock up troop inventory and leave the girl and parent unable to sell (or pay for) the
cookies she has checked out.
Use the Girl Cookie Counter located on the council website or create a shareable online document
to track girl inventory in real time.
Troop Inventory
Troops are nancially responsible for the cookies they order. Most troops easily sell the inventory
they check-out. However, occasionally troops will order more than they are able to sell. This can
be caused by a sudden illness or an unexpected situation. If you nd your troop has over ordered
cookies, don’t panic, but be proactive and immediately follow the steps on the next page.
» Time is critical! Post excess cookies on the Cookie Exchange in eBudde (remove the post
immediately after they have been transferred out).
» Pick up additional booths in eBudde or self-schedule booths.
» Talk to parents. They may be able to work with their daughter to sell additional cookies.
» Contact your Service Unit. They may be able help you network with troops looking for
cookies.
» Use inventory for Troop Cookies for the Community donations.
» Contact your MSE and the Product Program Team.
And remember when you need more cookies, help your sister troops! Before you pick up cookies
from a cupboard, use the Cookie Exchange in eBudde to see if there is another troop who can
transfer cookies into your troop. They may even deliver!
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COOKIE PROGRAM MANUAL
Restocking Troop Inventory
at Local Cupboards
Cupboards are satellite inventory stocking stations for volunteers across
the council. Generally, cupboards are in the garage of volunteers’ homes.
Council Cupboard locations are listed on the dashboard in eBudde.
For safety reasons, the locations of the cupboards are not listed on the
website. Hours of operation, special instructions and current inventory
availability are all listed in eBudde under the transaction tab and specic
cupboard location.
To help ensure that girls consistently have access to the cookie avors
they need, cupboards are strategically consolidated throughout the
program. Email notications are sent to announce cupboard closures and
the information is posted on the eBudde Dashboard.
Cupboard volunteers spend countless hours assisting volunteers and
managing inventory. Please treat them with the utmost respect and
follow these guidelines:
» Orders must be entered into eBudde 24-48 hours prior to pick up.
Exceptions may be made for unexpected inventory needs, but please
don’t abuse the practice. See the eBudde training for details on how
to enter your cupboard order.
» The person picking up the inventory must be entered into eBudde
and they must know their password for the cupboard to release the
cookies. See the eBudde training for details.
» Cupboards distribute cookies by case or packages.
» Cookies cannot be returned!
» Generally unopened and sealed cases of core avors may be
exchanged for a different case of cookies; however, exchanges may
be limited or not allowed at the end of the program. Exchange
avors early during the sales period.
» Specialty cookies can only be exchanged with each other.
» Damaged cases and packages may be exchanged.
» If there is a council-wide cookie shortage, cupboards may limit the
amount troops can pick-up.
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GIRL SCOUTS–ARIZONA CACTUS-PINE COUNCIL, INC.
Telephone
Girls can call contacts from previous sales to see if they would like to purchase cookies again.
Call customers again before the end of the program to thank them and ask if they
need additional cookies. Older girls may want to text friends and family to let them
know “It’s Cookie Time!”
Businesses
» Girls may approach local businesses and ask to sell cookies in the workplace.
» Girls may ask local businesses to sponsor a “Milk and Cookies” event. The
employer purchases Girl Scout Cookies as well as milk for their employees. Girls
can take additional orders from the employees.
Digital Cookie
Digital Cookie is the only platform where girls can sell Girl Scout
Cookies online. This tool will help your Girl Scout enhance her
cookie business with online and mobile channels that make it
easy for cookie fans near and far to contribute to her success.
Girls will use the DOC platform to build personalized business
pages where they can earn badges, set goals, use bar graphs and
pie charts to track boxes sold and document service projects. Plus,
they will have fun playing cookie trivia and other games.
All registered Girl Scouts will receive an email in December inviting them to participate in this exciting
program. This secure online system allows girls to design personalized online storefronts to share their
cookie program goals and invite customers to support them. Girls 13 and over will need to have their
own email address to use DOC.
Digital Cookie Mobile App: Girls can use their Digital Cookie mobile app on walkabouts and for in-
person sales! After girls have set up the Digital Cookie website, they can download the app and use
the same log-in as their Digital Cookie website.
The Customer Digital Cookie Experience
Customers must receive an email from a Girl Scout. Customers cannot go directly to a girl’s storefront.
Online storefronts will share cookie and service project goals and customers can see a picture or video
of their favorite Girl Scout.
All digital cookies are paid for online with a credit card and can be delivered in three ways:
» Cookies are shipped directly to the customer. This is the perfect option for out-of-town friends and
family who want to support their favorite Girl Scout! Delivery charges will apply.
» Girls can deliver cookies to local friends and family. This will save on delivery charges, but a
parent/guardian must approve the transactions, or the sale will be declined.
» Cookies in hand are available to customers when girls are selling via door to door or booths.
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COOKIE PROGRAM MANUAL
Digital Cookie Troop Links
When setting up the Troop Link, there will be two links the troop may use.
» Troop Cookie Link – is used for domestic orders. Troops will be able to take preorders
with payment and customers will be able to pick up at a designated troop location. Girls are
able to deliver cookie orders with the help of an adult.
» Designated troop location can be an existing cookie booth, drive-thru booth, or a public
location chosen by the troop. DO NOT MEET AT YOUR HOME.
» Troop Shipped Only Link – is mostly used for out of state/jurisdiction orders. Customers
will use this link to order their cookies for direct shipping to their home or to donate (CCC)
cookies. Once the Troop Leader sets up this link, no other action is needed.
» This link will show up in the Cookie Finder for all customers, starting Feb. 16.
Customers will enter their zip code in the Cookie Finder, similar to when they nd a
booth. You can still use this link as soon as it is set up.
Other Online Tools
Although girls and their parents cannot make
nancial transactions online with Girl Scout
product (other than Digital Cookie); girls can
market their cookies on PRIVATE social media
accounts and follow up with the customer in
person. Please follow these guidelines when
marketing cookies online to ensure girl safety:
» GIRL SAFETY is top priority and girls
should take the Girl Scout Internet Safety
Pledge found on the GSUSA Website prior
to marketing cookies online.
» Girls who are 13 or older may use their own
Facebook page (with appropriate guardian
supervision) or other social networking
sites to let friends and family know that it
is cookie time again! Tip: Follow @GSACPC
on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and
TikTok, and share their content promoting
Girl Scout Cookies!
» Girls cannot market or sell product on Craigslist, Facebook, Nextdoor or any public facing
platforms - this includes private messaging individuals to sell cookies.
» Personal emails or street addresses of girls should never be used. Instead, girls can use a
group or adult email account monitored by an adult.
» Girls should only use their rst name or troop number.
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GIRL SCOUTS–ARIZONA CACTUS-PINE COUNCIL, INC.
Boothing
Booths and Girl Scout Values
Eighty percent of GSACPC troops booth because boothing is a
great way to increase sales, engage with your local community and
connect to the Girl Scout Movement.
If you are new to Girl Scouts, you may be asking yourself, what
is a booth? A booth is a temporary “shop” that troops set up to
sell Girl Scout Cookies to the general public. Booths are the most
direct and visible interaction the public has with Girl Scouts. They
are traditionally set up in front of local businesses; however, other
possible locations include sporting events, churches, or community
events.
Please keep in mind that because GSACPC has such a vibrant
boothing culture, occasionally the competition and fervor to
increase sales can get the best of the kindest person. Please be
graceful and kind if you nd yourself in a difcult situation. The
Girl Scout values and identity outlined in the Girl Scout Promise and
Law are there to help us navigate through these types of situations.
As Girl Scouts, we are required to follow our Law and Promise,
especially when others are not – even other Girl Scouts.
» We ask adults to remember they are role models for our girls.
Please do not argue in front of girls.
Our Mission
Girl Scouts builds girls of courage,
condence, and character, who
make the world a better place.
Girl Scout Promise
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 Law
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.
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COOKIE PROGRAM MANUAL
» If two troops arrive at a booth, the troop with the eBudde conrmation always takes priority
and the other troop must leave. Always bring your eBudde conrmation and written permission
(for self-scheduled booths) from the store manager.
» Never involve a store manager or store employee in any disagreement. If you can’t resolve a
problem, leave, even if you are right. Take the girls on a walkabout and call the Product Program
Team, when you can.
» Follow all store managers’ instructions, even if they ask you to leave. Be courteous to their
requests. Store Managers have the nal say, NOT the Product Program Team. Take the girls on a
walkabout and call the Product Program Team, when you can.
» Follow proper ratios: Two adults (one must be a registered Girl Scout) and two to four girls.
» You may see some people behaving poorly. If you wish to lodge a complaint about another Girl
Scout adult volunteer, please contact the Product Program Team or MSE and we will help resolve
the conict. Please do not use Facebook or other social media to vent.
Boothing the Girl Scout Way!
» We are guests at booth sites. Please act like a guest in a friend’s
home.
» Don’t monopolize your favorite booth site.
» Always greet the store manager on arrival and departure; thank
you notes add a great Girl Scout touch!
» Be respectful of our store supporters! Leave their competitors’
bags, shirts, or other material at home.
» Be considerate of the troop scheduled before and after you. Do
not arrive more than ve minutes before your scheduled time or
stay after your scheduled time.
» Keep doorways and walkways clear.
» Divide girls into shifts based on the number of girls in
your troop. No more than four girls and two adults at
one time. No less than two adults and two girls.
» At least one adult must be a registered Girl Scout.
Juniors and above can have a one to one ratio.
» Non-Girl Scout siblings and friends are not allowed at the booth.
» Greet customers with a hello when they enter the store and ask
them if they would like to purchase cookies as they leave.
» Wear a form of Girl Scout identication and appropriate attire.
» Some properties may allow more than one Girl Scout booth in
front of different stores in the strip mall. This is okay. There
should be enough trafc for all troops. Please be respectful and
supportive of all girls boothing.
» Leave the booth site cleaner than when you found it. Do not
overll the stores’ trash cans. Take the empty boxes with you
and recycle them.
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GIRL SCOUTS–ARIZONA CACTUS-PINE COUNCIL, INC.
Council-Scheduled Booths
Council-scheduled booths are those scheduled through council and are listed in eBudde. Most
of the council-scheduled booths are entered before booth rounds begin. However, our partners
determine both the times and dates when they will allow boothing and when that information is
released to the council. As such, additional council-scheduled booth opportunities may become
available throughout the program. Notication that new council-scheduled booths have been
uploaded to eBudde will be sent through email.
Troops may not contact businesses that have made council-scheduled booth arrangements.
These partners generally include (but are not limited to) large grocery store chains, Wal-Mart,
Bashas’ and Fry’s. Sometimes Council has an agreement with a specic store in a chain, like
one Walgreens or one Barro’s Pizza, or a community partner such as ASU, the Phoenix Zoo or a
community college. These will be shown in eBudde.
It is critical that we maintain a positive relationship with our partners for their continued
support of Girl Scouts and our cookie program. Understandably, our partners do not want eld
calls from troops, if they have already agreed to a Girl Scout booth schedule.
Please respect our partners and check eBudde to see which store locations are council-scheduled
and then follow these guidelines:
» If most of a chain retailer’s locations are listed in eBudde, it means they have a state or
national agreement. You may not call that business, even if your specic store location is not
listed.
» If only a few of a chain retailer’s locations are listed in eBudde, then you may call any of the
locations NOT LISTED. Do not call any locations already listed in eBudde. If a business or
organization has only one location listed in eBudde, such as a restaurant, community college
or the Phoenix Zoo, please do not call them.
» Council will help keep you up to date on boothing at specic businesses and locations via
our email communications.
What Are Booth Rounds?
Council-scheduled booths are extremely popular and competition for them can
be erce. Booth rounds were created to provide more equitable access to council-
scheduled booths among troops and to prevent hoarding booth sites. Troops are
limited to a specic number of council-scheduled booths they can select each week.
Booth rounds take place several weeks before the program begins. The booth round
dates are located on the council website and page 6 of this manual.
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COOKIE PROGRAM MANUAL
Self-Scheduled Booths
Self-scheduled booths are booths that troops scheduled
themselves. These booths are entered into eBudde by the
troop and need Council approval, which takes 1-2 busi-
ness days. If you need approval for a last-minute booth
opportunity, please email productprogram@girlscoutsaz.org
to expedite the process. We will do our best to accommodate
your request.
» You may begin self-scheduling booths as soon as you have
access to eBudde.
» Select self-scheduled booth locations wisely. Make sure the
business is child-friendly and appropriate for Girl Scouts.
Locations catering to adults only, like bars, gun shops or
marijuana dispensaries are inappropriate selling locations.
» Get written permission for any self-scheduled booth from the store manager and bring
a copy of it to the booth. Use the Self-Scheduled Booth Authorization Form located on our
website.
» Make sure the property management company allows boothing. Sometimes the store
manager will approve a booth when the property management does not allow boothing on
their property.
» Remember to ask the store manager if any other authorization is needed.
What Is a 1:1 Ratio Booth?
Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors may booth with a 1:1 ratio, meaning one adult
to one girl. The adult must be a legal guardian, who is a registered Girl Scout and background
checked. Sisters may booth together with their legal guardian.
Booths must be scheduled through the Troop Cookie Manager or IGM Coordinator and entered
into eBudde.
Guidelines
» Girls should use their own inventory (not troop inventory).
» 1:1 ratio booths should be self-scheduled booths.
» High volume sites, like Fry’s Food Stores and Wal-Mart, are
not eligible for 1:1 booths UNLESS an unforeseen emergency
prevents a girl from attending and the site risks a no-show
or late cancellation.
Daisy and Brownie ratio for booths is always two adults and two-
to-four girls. One adult must be a registered Girl Scout.
What is the Difference
Between a Booth and
a Standabout?
Standabouts are lemonade-
style stands on private, non-
commercial property. Girls
must have permission from
the property owners. They
do not need to be entered
in eBudde.
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GIRL SCOUTS–ARIZONA CACTUS-PINE COUNCIL, INC.
Thin Mints
31%
Samoas
17.7 %
Tagalongs
13.1%
Adventurefuls
9%
Do-Si-Dos
7. 8 %
Lemon-Ups
6.4%
Trefoils
6.5%
S’mores
6%
Toffee-Tastics
2.5%
Boothing Basics
Ordering packages for booths sales isn’t an exact science. Ask experienced troops for guidance
and use the average sales per cookie variety to get an idea of your avor mix.
What you’ll need at a
Girl Scout Cookie Booth
□ 2-4 girls and 2 chaperones – one must be a
registered and background checked Girl Scout!
□ $50 in ones and ves.
□ A fanny pack to keep the money safe.
□ Table, two chairs, signs and other decorations.
□ A credit card reader and smartphone.
□ Troop Cookie Inventory. Using girl inventory can
get complicated, so if you do this, make sure to keep
detailed records.
□ A Booth Sale Worksheet to document sales which
can be found on our website or in the Program
Manual.
□ A copy of your eBudde documentation.
□ After booths reevaluate the cookie avors and tally
what is left in inventory. Add the booth info sheet
into the Booth recorder sheet in eBudde.
□ Enter booth sales into booth recorder.
Basic Girl Scout Booth Manners
1. Check in with the store manager. Follow all
instructions given.
2. Be respectful of the troop boothing before and after
you. Don’t take sales after your shift ends.
3. Leave the site cleaner than when you found it, we
are guests.
4. Keep doorways and walkways clear.
5. Be respectful of our store supporters! Leave their
competitors’ materials at home.
6. Take empty boxes with you to recycle.
7. Have fun and enjoy the experience.
Total
Adven-
turefuls
Lemon-
Ups
Trefoils
Do Si
Dos
Samoas
Tag-
alongs
Thin
Mints
S’Mores
Toffee-
tastics
Donations
# of
boxes –
start
minus #
of boxes
– end
boxes sold
(subtract
end from
start)
total
traditional
(# boxes
sold
x $5.00)
total spe-
cialty
(# boxes
sold
x $6.00)
$
Financials
Ending Cash $ The amount you have at the end of this booth sale
(includes cash, checks and credit card payments).
+ DOC/Clover Income + $ Total DOC/Clover sales.
– Starting Cash – $ The amount you started with in your cash box
Total Sales = $ Subtract ‘Starting Cash” from “Ending Cash.” This number
should match the “Total Sales” number in the table above.
Date Time Location
Booth Sale
Worksheet
Participants
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GIRL SCOUTS–ARIZONA CACTUS-PINE COUNCIL, INC.
Stocking for Booths
Stocking a booth can be nerve-wracking. How many cookies should you take? What if you run out
of cookies? What if you have too many cookies left over? Every booth is different, even at the same
location. The time of day, the beginning or end of the program, the weather, girl experience, avor
variety and even a sporting event can affect your booth.
Consequently, predicting sales can be difcult. The best source for advice is an experienced Cookie
Volunteer in your area. Network with your Girl Scout sisters and ask for guidance, strategy and tips
about the area. Remember it’s better to run out, especially at the end of the program, than to overstock
and not be able to sell the leftovers. Below are recommendations, not guarantees, of what is needed for
a typical booth.
» A “good” booth could sell 20-30 boxes an hour.
» A “great” booth could sell up to 50 boxes or more an hour.
A Good Starting Point:
» 2 cases each of Lemon-Ups (or applicable rotating avor),
Trefoils, and Do-Si-Dos
» 4 cases each of Samoas and Tagalongs
» 5 or 6 cases of Thin Mints
» Add one S’mores and one Toffee-tastic
What Should I Expect from the
Girls at a Booth?
All girls are different. However, the following information is a guideline of what you should expect
from girls at different levels and the appropriate amount of time girls should be at a booth. Please
consider your girl’s abilities, fatigue factors and goals to keep boothing fun, not a chore.
Daisies are
generally able to
greet customers,
have product
knowledge and
explain Cookies for
the Community.
Attention spans are
short, and girls need
close supervision.
The recommended
time for a Daisy to
booth is an hour.
Brownies are
generally able to
make change with
adult assistance,
greet customers,
have product
knowledge, share
goals and explain
Cookies for the
Community.
Attention spans
are short. The
recommended time
for a Brownie to
booth is one to two
hours.
Juniors are
generally able to
condently make
change and speak
with customers.
Juniors should be
able to share their
goals in detail.
Attention span
is moderate. The
recommended
time for a Junior
to booth is two to
three hours.
Cadettes,
Seniors &
Ambassadors
are generally able
to complete the
sale without adult
assistance. Girls at
this age are able to
clearly express their
goals and can be
active in setting up
their booths. The
recommended time
for these girls to
booth is up to four
hours.
Booth Tips
If you can, arrange to have
a parent available to bring you
additional cases from home or a cookie
cupboard (if open), if you need more
inventory while you are boothing.
While boothing, be sure to keep the
chocolate avors with you and in the
shade! The backup cases of NON-
chocolates can stay in the car until you
need them. But even then, remember
that cars can get really hot.
35
COOKIE PROGRAM MANUAL
No Shows are a no, no!
No shows to a booth, any booth, even your self-scheduled booths, hurt everyone – as does last
minute cancellation. Although emergencies happen, they are rare occurrences, therefore, no-
shows or last-minute cancellations should happen rarely. Here’s why no-shows or last-minute
cancellations impact all of us:
Cookie Finder
Cookie Finder is an app that directs thousands of customers to cookie
booths. However, this app is only a positive experience for customers
when girls are boothing at the sites listed.
Understandably, customers are frustrated when they use the app to locate
the nearest a box of Thin Mints only to nd that there are no Girl Scouts
at the site! Every year, the Product Program Team receives multiple calls
from upset customers who have visited several sites listed in Cookie
Finder but are unable to nd any cookies. This damages the Girl Scout reputation and causes a
loss in revenue.
Impacts Girls
GSACPC is known across councils as a boothing council. This means that boothing is critical to
our sales success. Troops that don’t show for their booth deprive other girls from that boothing
opportunity. Many girls would happily take your spot, but they can only do so if they know it’s
available. If you must cancel, please cancel at least 24-48 hours prior to the booth so other girls
have time to pick-up the booth.
Damages Relationships
Booth partners are excited to support Girl Scouts and expect girls to be at their location during
the specied times. When a troop does not show up to a booth site, it damages the relationship
with our boothing partners.
2023 Cookie Contest Winner: Teagan, Peoria
36
GIRL SCOUTS–ARIZONA CACTUS-PINE COUNCIL, INC.
Canceling Booths at the Last Minute
Emergencies come up, girls get sick, life happens, and although canceling last minute in
eBudde is better than a no-show, late cancellations should only be used as last resort.
How to prevent no-shows or last-minute cancellations:
1. Don’t overbook booths. Just because a booth is open doesn’t mean your troop has the
resources to staff it.
2. Cancel the booths in eBudde as soon as you know your
troop cannot staff it. If it is a council-scheduled booth, do
not post the open site on social media and hold the spot
in eBudde. If it is a council-scheduled booth, open it back
up to the council, not just your Service Unit, by canceling
it immediately in eBudde. If it is a self-scheduled booth,
cancel it in eBudde rst and then you can network with your
neighborhood to let others know it’s open. They will need to
re-enter it in eBudde.
3. Don’t schedule 1:1 booths at high volume sites like
Wal-Mart or Fry’s Food Stores. These sites are for multiple
girls boothing and 1:1 booths at these sites should only
happen if one girl had an emergency and another girl could
not take her spot.
4. Talk to your parents about no-shows and last-minute
cancellations. Discuss the reasons why it’s important to let
you know as soon as possible if their daughter is unable
to booth. Troops who no show to a booth or frequently
cancel at the last minute will lose council-scheduled booth
privileges.
Boothing for Success
Get help from parents! Don’t feel obligated to do to every booth. Parents are willing to
help, just remember that one of the two booth chaperones must be a registered and back-
ground checked Girl Scout. This person should handle the money and inventory. Help Girl
Scouts shine! Know booth policies and guidelines listed in the Program Manual. Share this
information with booth chaperones.
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COOKIE PROGRAM MANUAL
Increase Your Booth Sales: Tips for Success!
» Bling your Booth! Customers will love your air.
» Bring along a troop goal poster and pictures of activities in which your troop has
participated. Don’t forget to include your Service Projects!
» Girls should speak clearly at an appropriate volume. Shouting and loud boisterous selling
techniques push customers away, decrease sales and can harm our reputation and
partnerships with the business. Make signs to encourage bundling of cookies (i.e., get X boxes
for Y).
» Bundle packages and attach recipes that use the cookies, or offer handmade cards, such as
“Happy Birthday” or “Thank You.”
» Promote the Cookies for the Community Program. Customers love to see Girl Scouts
supporting the community.
» Brainstorm with your girls and create your own marketing strategy!
Walkabouts – Girl and Volunteer Safety
» Wear the Girl Scout membership pin and/or Girl Scout clothing to
identify yourself as a Girl Scout.
» Adults must accompany Girl Scout Daisies, Brownies and Juniors
selling door-to-door.
» Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors must be supervised by an
adult when selling door-to-door and must never sell alone.
» Never enter the home or vehicle of a person when you are selling or making deliveries.
» Avoid selling to people in vehicles or going into alleys.
» Know the neighborhood where you are selling.
» Have a plan for safeguarding money.
» Avoid walking around with large amounts of cash.
» Do not walkabout at night.
» Always follow safe pedestrian practices, especially when crossing at intersections or walking
along roadways.
» Be aware of trafc when loading product and passengers from vehicles.
» Girls’ names, addresses and email addresses should never be given out to customers.
» Use a group contact number or address overseen by an adult for customers to request
information, reorder, or give comments.
38
GIRL SCOUTS–ARIZONA CACTUS-PINE COUNCIL, INC.
Dealing with Customer Complaints
Although the Bakery has very high standards of quality, occasional complaints are to be
expected. Any and all complaints should be handled quickly and in a professional manner.
Satisfying the customer is the primary focus. So, no matter which troop sold the package of
cookies, please assist the customer.
» Replace damaged or unsatisfactory cookies for any customer (even if the cookies did not
originate from your troop). Council will reimburse your troop or replace the box of cookies.
» Notify the Council’s Product Program Team at productprogram@girlscoutsaz.org.
» Call Little Brownie Bakers at 1-800-962-1718 or visit littlebrowniebakers.com.
Girl and Volunteer Safety
» Two adults and 2-4 girls at each booth unless it is a 1:1 booth.
» One adult at the booth must be a registered Girl Scout with a cleared background check.
» Have a copy of the MS-27 Emergency Card and important health history handy.
» Girls should always be at a safe distance from oncoming trafc.
» Provide girls with breaks during their booth shift.
» Appoint someone to safeguard the cash box. Fanny packs may be used in place of a cash
box.
» Never let the cash out of your sight.
» Cash box: $30 in one-dollar bills. No more than $100 in cash box at one time!
» When you have more than $100 in the box, move it to a safe location.
» Do not accept bills over $20. Council will not replace counterfeits over $20.
What to Do In Case of a Major Emergency
(Theft, Fire, Personal Injury, etc...)
» Care for the immediate needs of the victim.
» Secure help. Call 911, if necessary.
» Follow the instructions on the MS-27 Emergency Card – in the forms library on our website.
» In the event of a major emergency, please notify Council by calling the Cookie Emergency
number found on the eBudde Dashboard or the Council 24-hour emergency number at
602-531-5935.
» Contact your Troop Cookie Manager, and/or Service Unit Manager, if needed.
» Do not issue any statements to the media. If the media contacts you, please emai our
Marketing and Communications Team at marcom@girlscoutsaz.org and/or call the
emergency number to report it.
» Do not post statements on social media sites.
39
COOKIE PROGRAM MANUAL
Cookie Financials
Troop Bank Deposits
Properly handling cookie money is critical for a successful Troop Cookie Program. Please follow
these simple, but effective steps:
» Deposit cookie money into your troop account weekly (or more often).
» Only deposit money into the troop bank account. Don’t ‘mingle’ Girl Scout money with
personal money.
» Provide parents with a signed receipt when collecting money (and checking out cookies).
» Regularly verify account balance and deposits with bank records.
» Conrm there are sufcient funds for ACH debits.
ACH Process
ACH is short for “Automatic Clearing House,” which is the method Council uses to transfer funds
owed for the cookie program from your troop’s bank account into the Council’s bank account.
There are three ACH dates when funds are withdrawn: two during the program and one a few
weeks after the program. Please see cookie dates and timeline page for the ACH dates. The two
ACHs during the program are generally $1.00-$1.50 per box checked out. The nal ACH will
transfer the nal amount owed to Council. Your troop must have sufcient amounts in the troop
account for every ACH debit.
To ensure a successful transfer of funds and to prevent your troop
account from being overdrawn (troops are responsible for all
overdraft fees), you need to understand the ACH Process.
IMPORTANT! Please review the process so you know how it
works and what to expect. It takes Council a few days to prepare
the ACH.
1. Troop bank balances are checked at end-of-day the Monday
before the ACH date. By doing this, we know what’s in your bank account, and we
minimize the risk of an account overdraft.
2. The ACH is prepared on the Tuesday before the ACH.
3. The ACH is approved on Wednesday before the ACH.
4. The ACH posts to your bank account on Thursday. You should also see
the transaction posted in eBudde under the “Sales Report” tab.
Note that you need to deposit the money before 5:00 p.m. on the Monday before the ACH. Money
deposited after Monday at 5:00 p.m. will not be included in the ACH. However, you should be
making regular deposits throughout the program. Please be aware of holidays because if the
bank is closed on Monday, the money must be deposited on the Saturday prior.
EBUDDE TIP
You can nd the total
amount due to Council
and the total cookies
checked out on the Sales
Report Tab.
40
Council should be able to collect the full amount due from your troop during the scheduled ACH. If Council
is unable to collect the full amount because of insufcient funds, we will continue to attempt ACHs from
your account (you will not be notied) until the balance is paid.
It is the Troop Cookie Manager’s responsibility to check their bank account and the “Sales Report” tab on
eBudde to know what the troop has paid, and what is still due.
REMEMBER: We check the troop’s bank balance on Monday and base our ACH withdrawal on the available
balance. If troop money is spent between Tuesday and Thursday, the account may become overdrawn. Troops
are responsible for all overdraft fees. If the Monday falls on a bank holiday, money must be deposited on the
Saturday before the ACH.
Customer Payment of Cookies
Customers always pay for cookies when they receive them, and payment options are increasing as
technology evolves. For the most current customer payment options, please check the website. However,
please note if your troop accepts checks, they should be made out to the troop. Only accept checks from
people you know. Be aware that all insufcient funds or bounced check fees are the responsibility of the
troop.
Payment Options
First Data (CloverGo) is our Council’s preferred Credit Card Platform. Fees for
First Data are 2% + $0.08/transaction. For troops that sign up to use First Data,
the GSACPC Leadership Team will partner with the Troops to cover the fees
during the cookie season (January-February). Any fees associated with using
the card reader outside of Girl Scout Cookie season will be the responsibility
of the troop and will be withdrawn from the troop account through ACH. The
platform is app- based and no device or swiper is needed. Troops will have the
option to purchase a device for $39.95 if they prefer one. Visit the training in
GSLearn for instructions on how to sign up for First Data.
Troops may choose to use Square or other credit card readers, but they are
responsible for any fees associated with using these readers, even during the
cookie program. Since GSACPC does not have an established partnership with
these companies, we will be unable to support any issues that arise with these
readers.
The use of Peer-to-Peer Payment Platforms (Cash App, Facebook Payments,
etc.) apps is permitted for receiving funds into your account only, with the
exception of Facebook Payments which may also be used to send money.
PayPal is not permitted.
Please note: Credit cards should never be used by families to make payment to troops
for cookies sold through another means. This is not a good use of resources as there are
credit card fees associated with credit card transactions – even when the troop is not
responsible for them. Troops may accept Facebook Messenger for cookie payment from
parents.
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COOKIE PROGRAM MANUAL
Cookies for the Community
Customers love to donate cookies!
Support the local community and boost troop sales by participating in the Cookies for
Community Program! Talk with your troop about Cookies for the
Community to nd out which option works best:
Girls who participate in
the Cookies for the Community Program offer customers more opportunities
to help them reach their and their troop goals all while also giving back
to our community. There are two different donation opportunities: Troop
Donations (TCC) and Council Donation (CCC). CCC donations can be sold in
person and through the DOC link. TCC donations can only be sold in person.
The Cookies for the Community Patch (known as the Gift of Caring Patch
from our baker) is a girl reward not a troop reward. To earn the Cookies for
the Community Patch, girls need to sell 30+ packages of TCC and/or CCC.
This can be achieved by having a combination of the following:
» 30+ packages of CCC
» 30+ packages of TCC
» Combinations of TCC and CCC cookies that equal 30+ packages.
The eBudde Specialist will need to enter all the donated cookies in eBudde under CCC and TCC.
Troop Cookie Donations (TCC) are cookies that will be donated to an organization using
the cookies from the Troop Inventory. The Troop will handle all the logistics of contacting
and scheduling a pick-up or drop-off of cookies to the organization of their choosing. Please
complete the donation agreement form found online. Tip: If customers buy cookies during a booth
for donation, do not place the packages on the side, continue to sell all packages until the end of the
booth. Troops can always get more cookies for donations later.
Council Cookie Donations (CCC) are cookies that will be donated to an organization using
the cookies from the Council Inventory. Council handles all the logistics of contacting and
scheduling a pick-up or drop-off of cookies to those organizations.
Digital Cookie (DOC) Donations are a great way for family and friends to help the girls
meet their goals. These cookie donations are Council Cookies and will
automatically be added in eBudde under CCC for the girl. DO NOT subtract
the DOC donations and move them to TCC. If DOC donations are
moved, Council will contact the Troop Leader and move them back. Troops
will not be able to pick up CCC Cookies to do a personal drop off.
Cookies for the Community Tip! Lead the pitch by asking all customers
if they would like to donate a box of cookies, instead of asking if they would
like to buy one. Customers who want to buy a box will stop – they want to
eat the cookies – while customers who weren’t going to stop, may have a
change of heart and buy a box to support a local charity.
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GIRL SCOUTS–ARIZONA CACTUS-PINE COUNCIL, INC.
End of the Program
Follow these simple steps and closing out the cookie program will be a breeze!
If You Still Have Cookies & the Program is Almost Over
» Continue to use Cookie Exchange in eBudde to connect with other troops to transfer cookies out
of your troop inventory. You may nd a troop who needs to fulll their Troop Cookies for the
Community order and will transfer your cookies into their troop.
» Contact your Service Unit Cookie Manager. She or he may be able to help you network with
troops who need additional cookies.
» Continue to sell the cookies. The end date of the cookie program means you must pay for your
cookies, and cookies sold, and Girl Rewards must be assigned to girls. eBudde will be closed, and
you will not be able to pick up more cookies. However, it doesn’t mean you can’t continue to sell
the cookies you have in your possession. In fact, it’s highly recommended that you do continue to
sell, because the troop is responsible for paying for all unsold cookies. You will not be able to return
them to Council.
» Time is of the essence. Girl Scout Cookies contain no preservatives and expire Sept. 1.
A Day or Two Before the End of the Program
» Verify eBudde sales reports against receipts. If you nd something is incorrect, email the
Product Program Team at productprogram@girlscoutsaz.org.
» Assign all cookies to the girls.
» Make sure all Final Girl Reward selections have been made.
» Submit your Final Girl Reward order in eBudde.
Shortly After the Program
» Verify all funds have been deposited into your troop account.
» Make sure you know the nal ACH date and understand the ACH
process.
Nonpaying Parents
» If you have a nonpaying parent, submit the online Parent Outstanding Balance Form (found on
the Council website) by the due date. LATE forms are not accepted.
» Attach the signed Parent/Guardian Agreements, all transaction receipts and email
communication pertinent to the collection of debt.
» If the troop fails to submit the form by the deadline, the troop will assume all nancial
responsibility for any unpaid balances.
» If the balance is paid by the parent after the form has been submitted, contact the Product
Program Team and the collection process will stop.
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COOKIE PROGRAM MANUAL
The Largest
Girl-Led Business
in the World
Inspiring scally savvy girls and
nancially independent women for
over 100 years.
The Girl Scout Cookie Program
is more than just a sale, it is
a program that provides girls
the skills they need to become
successful women. Whether
working on a high school science
project, running a household,
being a project manager or a
company CEO, there aren’t many
organizations that help girls learn
key business skills. Girl Scouting
does, with the largest girl-led
business in the world!
Yes, we admit it: Girl Scouts are
savvy, smart and resourceful. We
have a one-of-a kind, top-notch
program that simultaneously
mentors girls, gives them an
opportunity to develop lifelong
skills and helps to fund their troop
and organization. Not an easy
claim to make!
Our hope is that you witness
the fruits of your labor as you
watch young girls develop into
articulate, condent young
women because of Girl Scouts and
their participation in the cookie
program. The work of dedicated
volunteers like you, and the girls
you mentor, helps to ensure this
organization continues for another
100 years.
Thank you.
The Collection Process
» Council will make every attempt to collect money
owed from parents or Troop Cookie Managers.
» If we are unable to collect payment, or start a payment
plan, we may turn the debtor over to an outside
collection agency.
» Deliberate misuse of funds will result in prosecution to
the fullest extent of the law.
» Collection fees are the responsibility of the debtor.
» Girls who owe money from a previous program year
are not allowed to sell cookies individually. They may
booth with their troops, but their parent or guardian
cannot handle cookie money.
Celebrate Your Success!
Girls should plan a party or pick a place they want to visit to
celebrate their successes and reward their hard work!
Girl Rewards
» Girl Rewards are cumulative.
» Girl Rewards arrive 1-3 months after the program.
» The invitations for event rewards will be sent directly
to the girl, usually via email.
Little Brownie Bakers
GSACPC cookies are made by Little Brownie Bakers
(LBB), one of two bakeries licensed to produce
Girl Scout Cookies in the U.S., LBB leads the way
in creating delicious snacks with wholesome
ingredients:
» RSPO Certied (Mass Balance) Palm Oil
» No High Fructose Corn Syrup
» No Partially Hydrogenated Oils
» Zero Grams Trans Fat per Serving
» 100% Real Cocoa in Thin Mints, Tagalongs,
Samoas and Girl Scout S’mores
» Thin Mints are Vegan
» Toffee-tastics are gluten-free
For more ingredient information please see
littlebrowniebakers.com
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GIRL SCOUTS–ARIZONA CACTUS-PINE COUNCIL, INC.
Cookie Contest
Enter the 2024 Cookie Spirit
Contest!
The creative spark that ignites during each cookie season is
incredible – booths are blinged out, Walkabouts are made with
colorful cookie wagons, and unique cookie marketing content is
being shared with family and friends. This season, share your
cookie ingenuity by entering the 2024 Cookie Spirit Contest for a
chance to win $75 in program credit and a Girl Scout goodie bag!
To enter submit the following:
GSACPC Walkabout photos
A walkabout is what we call going door-to-door selling cookies!
When you’re venturing out into your neighborhood, make sure to
snap a few photos to submit for the contest
.
General cookie spirit video (30 sec max)
Unleash your inner lm director and submit a 30 second video
that captures your vibrant cookie spirit!
Cookie air photos
Get creative and level up your wagon, or lemonade-style cookie
booth! Show us your decorations and all that makes your booth
stand out.
Four winners will be announced each Saturday from Jan. 20 –
Feb. 24 on Council’s social media platforms, totaling 24 winners!
Visit girlscoutsaz.org/cookie-contests to learn more.
2023 Winner: Lila, Flagstaff
2023 Winner:Madison, Mesa
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COOKIE PROGRAM MANUAL
For the Record -
Cookie Program Facts to Have in Your Back Pocket
There are incorrect rumors about Girl Scouts that tend to resurface during cookie season, when we are most visible
to the public. The most common misperceptions are about Girl Scouts’ relationship to Planned Parenthood, that
girls/troops only receive a small portion of the cookie funds, and that Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts are the same
organization. Visit girlscoutsaz.org/cookie-resources and download a For the Record and Palm Oil handout to have
handy during cookie season.
Here are the facts:
» Girl Scouts does not support Planned Parenthood in any way. Girl Scouts does not advocate one way or another
on issues which we consider private issues and best handled by families.
» 100% of the cookie proceeds stay in Arizona Cactus-Pine Council to benet local girls. Funds raised from the sale
of cookies benet all the Girl Scouts in our Council both directly and indirectly. Cookie proceeds are the largest
source of income for Council’s girl programs, volunteer training, our facilities, four camp properties and the
nancial assistance that keeps Girl Scouting in Arizona available and affordable
for all.
» Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts are two completely different organizations, each
with a Congressional Charter. Girl Scouts serves girls in an all-girl, girl-led and
supportive environment. Only Girl Scouts sell GS Cookies.
We encourage all participating cookie program volunteers to review the facts on Girl Scouts,
in relation to social issues and nancials, in preparation for cookie season. You can nd this
information at girlscoutsaz.org/fortherecord.
These are not the topics we want to focus on during cookie season as
it takes away from the girls and the important program pieces that are
promoting positive learning. However, we think it is important troops are
informed (and keep parents in the loop) so none of our members feel caught off
guard if a misinformed customer approaches them.
If approached by misinformed customers:
» Please refer them to girlscoutsaz.org/fortherecord or the Marketing and
Communications Team at marcom@girlscoutsaz.org
» Remind them our priority is to let the girls learn and have fun. Ask that adults
keep adult conversations to themselves. Approaching girls with salacious
materials at a cookie booth is not acceptable, should be reported to Council and
will be investigated.
» Safety is important. We don’t want members putting themselves in an
undesirable situation. This is especially true if a person becomes agitated in
conversation - please remove yourself and girls from the setting.
Why do some people voice concern about Girl Scout Cookies? In short, it’s because they’ve been fed false
information about Girl Scouts and the Girl Scout Cookie Program. As a large and visible organization, Girl Scouts
is occasionally a target for outside groups with clear agendas. Please encourage everyone to seek the facts at
girlscoutsaz.org/fortherecord.
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GIRL SCOUTS–ARIZONA CACTUS-PINE COUNCIL, INC.
Media Inquiries
During the Girl Scout Cookie Program, troops are occasionally approached by reporters from television,
radio, newspaper, and online media for interviews and photo opportunities. Be sure you understand what
they are interested in covering before agreeing.
If you plan to work with local media, please focus on your neighborhood’s local papers and radio stations
to avoid overlap with council efforts. If you would like to be part of council’s proactive media efforts,
including early morning TV segments, please email marcom@girlscoutsaz.org.
If you are approached by the media in a crisis or uncertain situation (such as being solicited for your Girl
Scout opinion on potentially controversial topics), please DO NOT make any statements to the media.
Instead, contact the council communication Team immediately at
marcom@girlscoutsaz.org or 480-365-8671.
As a member of Girl Scouts, you are a representative of the organization. What you say and do impacts the
whole organization.
The following guidelines are important to remember when speaking to media:
» You are never obligated to speak with members of the media. Please refer them to Council and we
can help coordinate, whether or not you decide to be involved.
» Do not issue any statements to the media regarding any controversial topics, emergencies or
accidents on behalf of GSACPC.
» Specic questions regarding cookie sales data, procedures or policies should be directed to the
GSACPC Product Program Team.
Council Borders
Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council covers
central and northern Arizona, which is roughly
two-thirds of the state. Please keep in mind
the following information regarding Council
borders and selling cookies:
» GSACPC Girl Scouts can only sell within
these borders.
» Parents, guardians, or relatives may not
bring order cards to work, if they work
outside of Council borders.
» No booths may be set up outside
Council borders.
119 E Coronado Road
Phoenix, AZ 85004
602.452.7000 | 800.352.6133
girlscoutsaz.org
