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2026 Cookie Program Extended to April 30
Key Dates Calendar
- January 6: Digital Cookie troop links open
- January 14: Initial Order taking begins | Digital Cookie Platform opens
- February 20: ACH Authorization due | Families enter paper order card orders via Digital Cookie
- February 22: Deadline for troops to enter in their troop's Initial Order and submit Initial Order rewards
- February 20 - 22: National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend
- March 5: Time slots open in eBudde for troops to select their cookie pick up time for March 14
- March 14: Cookie Deliver Day | Booth Sales Begin
- April 3: First ACH Payment initiated
- April 19: Last day for "girl delivery" option in Digital Cookie
- April 24: Assign packages, finalize eBudde entries, including rewards via eBudde by 11:59 p.m.
- NEW EXTENDED DATE - April 30: Cookie Season closes READ THE NEW FAQ HERE
- May 1: Final ACH payment initiated
- Late June/early July: Rewards shipped to service unit cookie managers
Cookie Bosses who participate in one or more challenges will automatically be entered to receive the grand reward, which includes one of each of the challenge rewards!
Click here to download the full challenge flyer and use it to track your challenge progress!
Need to submit content to complete a specific challenge? Click here for the 2026 Cookie Boss Challenge JotForm!
Challenge #1: Wed 2/11–Tue 2/17 
Congratulations to the recipients of Cookie Boss Challenge #1:
- Haley D
- Maeve M
- Alexandra D
- Zoe T
| Challenge | Dates | Weekly Theme | Cookie Boss Skills | Cookie Boss Action |
| Challenge #1 | 2/11–2/17 | Girl Scouts Love Their Heroes | Use your cookie business to give back to military, veterans, and local heroes through Cookies for Heroes. | From January 14 through February 17 at 11:59pm, sell 8+ packages for Cookies for Heroes through Digital Cookie and be automatically entered for a chance to receive 1 of 4 Woobles Heart Kits. |
Challenge #2: Wed 2/18-Tue 2/24
| Challenge | Dates | Weekly Theme | Cookie Boss Skills | Cookie Boss Action |
| Challenge #2 | 2/18–2/24 | National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend | Celebrate National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend by sharing your troop’s goals and how cookie proceeds will be used. | Post on social media what you/your troop is planning to do with your Cookie Program funds - be sure to tag @GSOFCT and use #CookieBossChallenge2026 in the post and direct message GSOFCT your Girl Scout's name and troop information. The first 250 messages we receive will earn a special National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend patch. |
Challenge #3: Wed 2/25-Tue 3/3
Congratulations to the recipients of Cookie Boss Challenge #3!
Maddie S. - Cadette from Avon
Maddie T. - Brownie from Norwalk
Juliette D. - Junior from Milford West Haven
Sinai A. - Daisy from Monroe
| Challenge | Dates | Weekly Theme | Cookie Boss Skills | Cookie Boss Action |
| Challenge #3 | 2/25–3/3 | Digital Cookie Customers | Grow your business by reaching new customers online with Digital Cookie. | Add 2+ new Digital Cookie customers between February 25- March 3 at 11:59pm and be automatically entered for a chance to receive 1 of 4 Amusable JellyCats. |
Challenge #4: Wed 3/4-Tue 3/10
Congratulations to the recipients of Cookie Boss Challenge #4!
Madison M. Brownie from Arrigoni SU
Jacqueline S. Ambassador from Monroe SU
Isabella G. Daisy from Stamford SU
Clara S. Brownie from West Hartford SU
| Challenge | Dates | Weekly Theme | Cookie Boss Skills | Cookie Boss Action |
| Challenge #4 | 3/4–3/10 | Digital Cookie Sales | Increase your online sales and practice digital entrepreneurship skills. | Sell 10+ packages via Digital Cookie from March 3 to March 10 at 11:59pm and be automatically entered for a chance to receive 1 of 4 Cozy Cookie Sets. Cozy Cookie sets include slippers and a pillow. |
Challenge #5: Wed 3/11-Tue 3/17
Congratulations to the recipients of Cookie Boss Challenge #5!
Stella B. Daisy from Greater Lyme SU
Maddy M. Cadette from Trumbull SU
Juliet P. Brownie from Wallingford SU
Isla S. Cadette from Greater Lyme SU
| Challenge | Dates | Weekly Theme | Cookie Boss Skills | Cookie Boss Action |
| Challenge #5 | 3/11–3/17 | Girl Scout Week (Carry the Torch) | Honor Juliette Gordon Low and the Girl Scout mission by showing how you are carrying her legacy forward through courage, confidence, and character. | Share one way you are “carrying the torch” this cookie season (helping others, leading, serving your community, or running your business with confidence). By March 17 at 11:59pm, submit a photo, short video, or reflection for a chance to receive 1 of 4 legacy patches and a GSOFCT sweatshirt. |
Challenge #6: Wed 3/18-Tue 3/24
Congratulations to the recipients of Cookie Boss Challenge #6!
Salmon Brook | Junior Troop 66050
Greater Lyme | Daisy Troop 63069
Amity New Haven | Senior Troop 60323
Southington | Multi-level Troop 66538
| Challenge | Dates | Weekly Theme | Cookie Boss Skills | Cookie Boss Action |
| Challenge #6 | 3/18–3/24 | Creative Booth Ideas | Make your booth stand out with creativity and fun. | Share your new booth theme, decorations, or display ideas by March 24 at 11:59pm for a chance to receive 1 of 4 ice cream party experiences for your troop. |
Challenge #7: Wed 3/25-Tue 3/31
| Challenge | Dates | Weekly Theme | Cookie Boss Skills | Cookie Boss Action |
| Challenge #7 | 3/25–3/31 | Flex Your Entrepreneurship Skills | Practice pitching your cookie business to new audiences. | Pitch cookies to a local business or organization and show us your entrepreneurial spirit by March 31 at 11:59pm to be entered for a chance to receive 1 of 4 GSUSA cookie-themed backpack purses and an Exploremore patch. |
Challenge #8: Wed 4/1-Tue 4/7
| Challenge | Dates | Weekly Theme | Cookie Boss Skills | Cookie Boss Action |
| Challenge #8 | 4/1–4/7 | Girl Scouts Love Their Heroes (Round 2) | Continue giving back by supporting heroes through Cookies for Heroes. | From January 14 through April 7 at 11:59pm sell 15+ packages for Cookies for Heroes through Digital Cookie and be entered for a chance to receive 1 of 4 customized Supermix hat or pencil case. |
Challenge #9: Wed 4/8-Tue 4/14
| Challenge | Dates | Weekly Theme | Cookie Boss Skills | Cookie Boss Action |
| Challenge #9 | 4/8–4/14 | Explore More Sales Push | Highlight the impact of the Exploremore cookie and boost sales. | Sell 3+ packages of Exploremores through Digital Cookie from April 8 through April 14 at 11:59pm and be entered for a chance to receive 1 of 4 LEGO sets. |
Challenge #10: Wed 5/15-Tue 4/21
| Challenge | Dates | Weekly Theme | Cookie Boss Skills | Cookie Boss Action |
| Challenge #10 | 4/15–4/21 | Explore More Stories | Celebrate creativity and resilience by sharing how you explored new ways to reach customers this season. | Submit a short video or story by April 21 at 11:59pm showing us how you reached new customers this year versus last year (flyers, door-to-door, social media, business pitches, etc.) and be entered for a chance to receive 1 of 4 Kodak Mini Keychain Cameras. |
About the Girl Scout Cookie Program®
Every year, Girl Scouts troops throughout Connecticut use their cookie earnings to make their communities a better place. All proceeds from the cookie program stay in Connecticut! These funds allow Girl Scouts to participate in events and activities they choose and helps Girl Scouts of Connecticut (GSOFCT) to fund programming, leadership development opportunities, and trainings for youth members and adults throughout the state.
As the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world, the Cookie Program offers both first-time and veteran cookie sellers the opportunity to have fun and learn 5 essential skills:
Click here to complete the 2026 Virtual Rally Patch Order Form
Connecting with Cookie Customers
Connecting with Customers
Many people would love to buy Girl Scout Cookies, but they have not been asked! Work with your troop leaders and family to identify new ways to connect with customers in addition to tried-and-true methods.
TOP TIPS:
- Girl Scouts should always ask people if they would like to purchase cookies. Being asked is how people become cookie customers!
- Let customers know about the Cookies for Heroes Program. Customers can purchase cookies to be donated to active- duty service members, veterans, and local heroes
- Be sure to set up and use Digital Cookie to reach customers and accept contactless payment for cookies. Remember that more than half of the cookies sold each season are sold online using Digital Cookie
- Girl Scout families play a big role in the success of a Girl Scout’s cookie program. Be sure adults know the Girl Scout and troop goal, and the 5 skills that Girl Scouts learn through the cookies program- Business Ethics, Goal Setting, Money Management, People Skills and Decision Making
Friends & Famliy
Friends and family are frequently Girl Scouts’ first cookie customers because they are the people Girl Scouts know best! Younger Girl Scouts can find it helpful to practice their sales pitch to people with whom they are most comfortable.
- Visit friends and family in person or reach out by email, text, or phone. Use the Digital Cookie platform to send marketing emails.
- Girl Scouts 13 years and older can use their social media to let people know they are participating in the cookie program. Girl Scouts 12 and younger can use their parents, guardians, or trusted adult’s social media account.
- Strategize ways to find customers beyond friends and family by developing a marketing plan and brainstorming all the communities the Girl Scout and her family belong to.
Door-to-Door in the Neighborhood
- Girl Scouts can take orders on their order cards throughout the initial order period and return to deliver the cookies when they arrive in March. Remember: Cookies are paid for when they are delivered.
- Girl Scouts can leave a flyer or door hanger at familiar homes letting neighbors know they are selling Girl Scout Cookies. The marketing piece can include a QR code that will take the customer directly to the Girl Scout’s Digital Cookie storefront. The piece can also provide an adult’s phone number and an adult-monitored email address so the Girl Scout can be contacted to place an order. Girl Scouts can also email neighbors a link to their Digital Cookie site using an adult-monitored email address.
- Another idea: Conduct a walkabout with cookies in hand or take orders using the Goal Getter order card in March and April so neighbors can buy cookies.
Parent/Caregiver/Family Friend Co-workers & Colleagues
- Parent/caregiver/family friend workplaces may allow a girl (in person or virtually) to ask individuals to buy cookies.
- A workplace might allow the adult to forward a picture of the order card with cookie variety descriptions and a note with the Girl Scout’s first name and cookie goal.
- If a Girl Scout is marketing her cookie program at a place of business, an adult may be responsible for the order card. Girl Scouts should take responsibility for filling orders, writing thank-you notes, and, if possible, delivering cookies.
Booth Sales | March 14th - April 19th
Click HERE to explore all the information for Booth Sales
More Tips and Ideas for Reaching Customers
- Let customers know about the Cookies for Heroes Program. Customers can purchase cookies to be donated to activeduty service members, veterans, and local heroes (see page 24 for more information).
- Keep the order card handy or download the Digital Cookie app so you won’t miss a cookie sale opportunity.
- Visit local businesses to ask employees/owners if they would like to order cookies as gifts for loyal customers or thank-you gifts for employees.
- Other prospective customers might include school and extracurricular teachers, coaches, social workers, and members of your house of worship.
Digital Cookie
The Digital Cookie platform allows Girl Scouts to add e-commerce to their cookie program. Girl Scouts can use email and social media to drive customers to their online storefront where customers can purchase cookies for girl delivery or direct shipping.
Registration information will be sent by email once the season begins. Check back for details in January 2026.
Using the Digital Cookie app, Girl Scouts can send customers an email with a link to their online storefront and accept credit card payments via the app for in-person purchases.
Note: Inform your troop leader when you need cookies for a Digital Cookie Girl Delivery order.
Girl Scouts can also earn special rewards for Digital Cookie sales, including a unique charm to add to the Charm Patch!
Reaching out to Customers
Families are instrumental in helping Girl Scouts reach their cookie program goals. While friends and family may be a Girl Scout’s first customers, remember these tried-and-true ways to expand your cookie network:
Door-to-door sales and distributing door hangers, if permitted.
Parent/caregiver/family friend’s coworkers and colleagues.
- Sharing a Girl Scout’s Digital Cookie site on social media.
Before using social media, Girl Scouts/parents/caregivers must review the Digital Marketing Tips for Cookie Entrepreneurs and Families and Supplemental Safety Tips for Online Marketing.
Booth Sales
For cookie booths being held at private residences, please fill out and submit the applicable form (2026 forms coming soon)
- Family booth sale at private residence
- Troop booth sale at private residence
Handy Resource Links
For Cookie Sellers
- Juliette Cookie Program Guide (IRG)
- Goal Getter Order Card
- Door Hanger
- Goal Tracker
- Cookies For Heroes Flyer
- Cookies For Heroes Box Wrap
- Cookie Business Card
- Cookie Gift Tags
- Cookie Thank You Tags
- Exploremores Table Tent
- Table Tent
- Girl Scout Giphy channel
For social media tiles, clip art, and printable resources to help you with your cookie program, click here.
For Parents/Caregivers
- Cookie Program Practical Tips
- Allergen information
- Parent Letter
- Cookie Program Rewards
- Entrepreneurship Badges & Pins
- Digital Cookie Family Flyer
- Digital Cookie Tip Sheets and Video Index
- Digital Marketing Tips for Cookie Entrepreneur Families
- Cookie Family Connection Guide
Cookie Entrepreneur Family Pin Requirements
Safety
The safety of Girl Scouts is our priority throughout the Girl Scout Cookie Program. All Girl Scouts and families should know the safety guidelines to ensure a successful and safe cookie program.
Note: Girl Scouts/families should be aware of and abide by any state and local public health guidance.
- All Girl Scouts must be registered and have a signed Annual Consent form on file with a co-leader before participating in the cookie program.
- Work with your troop leaders to learn about cookie program safety, ensuring you understand and are aware of safety measures.
- The Digital Cookie platform is the only approved online sales tool for Girl Scouts to sell cookies. Girl Scouts cannot set up third-party sites where cookies are marketed or sold, i.e., Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Craigslist, etc.
- Review the Safety Activity Checkpoints for Computer/Online Activities AND Cookie and Product Sales for complete safety guidelines.
- Review the GSUSA Internet Safety pledge before using the internet to promote a Girl Scout’s cookie program.
- Girl Scouts and families must review and abide by GSUSA’s Supplemental Safety Tips for Online Marketing before using social media to promote a Girl Scout’s cookie program.
- A trusted adult must work with the Girl Scout on all aspects of the cookie program.
- An adult must accompany Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors when they sell, take orders, or deliver cookies in-person.
- Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors may use the buddy system and pair up with another Girl Scout. However, adults must be available while Girl Scouts engage in cookie program activities.
- Adults should supervise Girl Scouts when participating in any online activity related to the cookie program.
- Girl Scouts 12 and younger can use the social media accounts of parents/caregivers/trusted adults to promote their cookie program. Girl Scouts 13 years and older can use their social media accounts if ok with their parents/guardians.
- Girl Scouts should only share their first names, troop/group number, or council name when selling online.
- If providing an email address, a Girl Scout should use either a group account monitored by an adult, or an email account owned by an adult.
- Never reveal a Girl Scout’s email or street address when online.
- Girl Scouts should wear a membership pin, uniform, or Girl Scout clothing when selling, taking orders, or delivering cookies.
- Only go door-to-door during daylight hours and in familiar neighborhoods.
- Do not enter the home or vehicle of a stranger.
- Be safe on the road, especially in busy intersections and along the roadway.
- Girl Scouts, family members and volunteer should be sure to safeguard money collected for cookie sales at all times.
- void keeping large amounts of money in a Girl Scout’s or family’s possession.
Booth Sale Safety
The Girl Scout/adult ratio for booth sales should always be followed. Check with troop volunteer for details. Additional information can be found in Safety Activity Checkpoints
- Check out the booth sale site beforehand. Look for security measures and the location of the nearest bathroom.
- Stay safely away from cars.
- Girl Scouts should oversee making all sales.
- No promotions, collections, or selling items other than Girl Scout Cookies is allowed at cookie booths.
- Booth locations should not block a store location or exit.
- Be sure to have a plan for safeguarding the money collected at the booth. Do not keep large amounts of money at the booth location.
Cookie Program Rewards
Important Notes about Rewards:
- All Girl Scout rewards, EXCEPT for Initial Order rewards, are based on all cookies sold from January 14 - April 19, 2026
- All girl rewards are cumulative EXCEPT for Cookie Credits. Girl Scouts will earn the highest value Cookie Credit based on her/their final package total
Important Notes on Cookie Credits:
- Girl Scouts earn Cookie Credits beginning at 200+ packages
- Cookie Credits can be used to pay registration fees for 2026 GSOFCT Summer Camp or to purchase items from any GSOFCT shop or camp trading post.
- When Cookie Credits are used to pay 2026 GSOFCT Summer Camp registration fees, the value of the Cookie Credit will be doubled!
- Cookie Credits are mailed to the co-leader or troop cookie volunteer in mid-May, then given to the Girl Scout/Family.
- Cookie Credits expire on September 23, 2026.
Virtual Rally Patch Order Form
Once you have completed watching the 2026 Virtual Rally you can request your patch by completing the 2026 Virtual Rally Patch Order Form .