Cookie Primer for New Troop Leaders and Cookie Managers Within the Central Westmoreland Service Unit

Okay, so you are new to this cookie business. I get it. It can be overwhelming.

The Girl Scout Cookie Program is a time-honored tradition that is LITERALLY the nation's largest girl-run business, and our Service Unit takes the program seriously. Yes, we may even seem to be a bit competitive over it, but I'm going to tell you a little secret...we may SOUND competitive, but we are really all here to help each other out). You need to remember that we take our Law seriously. We ARE sisters to every Girl Scout. Also, this program isn't about us (as volunteers), it's about the girls.

We have several new troop leaders (and new troops in general), so I want to give you a little head start on the Girl Scout Cookie Program. This is definitely not the end-all of details about the program, but it can get you started (until we have our Service Unit training in December).

(1.) Start by reading about the Girl Scout Cookie Program on our council's website. Here you can:

• Learn about the eight variety of cookies.
• See where all the cookie money goes.
• Read about the five skills the girls develop through the program.
• Peruse the Cookie FAQs (At the time I am posting this blog, the FAQs have not yet been updated for the 2017 program.)
• Learn a little bit about Girl Scout Cookies over the past 100 years. (We are celebrating 100 years of Girl Scout Cookies this year.)

(2.) Decide who your troop's Cookie Manager is going to be and let the Service Unit know. This is the approved volunteer who will organize the program for your troop.

(3.) READ YOUR EMAILS FROM THE SERVICE UNIT AND THE COUNCIL. I know we all get busy at this time of year, but now is not the time to ignore or delete Girl Scout emails. 

(4.) Check your online troop roster. We know that administrative details are a pain in the butt, but they are a necessary evil. If a girl is not registered, she simply can't be a part of your troop until you get her registered. If the parents (or you) need help getting her registered, reach out to the GSWPA Customer Care Center or to the Service Unit.

(5.) Finally, realize that there really isn't anything you should be (or must be) doing right now. If you've read through the five skills for the program, identified a troop Cookie Manager, keep up with your emails, and ensure that your troop roster is up-to-date, you are on track for a fantastic cookie season.