The Power of Decision Making

As we prepare for the cookies, we’ll be highlighting one of the 5 Skills each month leading up to the 2026 Cookie Program. We’ll share information and resources you can use with your troop. This month’s focus: Decision Making!

Decision making is one of the five essential skills girls learn through the Girl Scout Cookie Program. It’s a skill that will help them for the rest of their lives whether they’re choosing to participate in cookies, planning their booth schedule, or deciding how to use their troop’s cookie proceeds.

Learning to make decisions helps Girl Scouts become confident leaders. They learn that their choices matter, that they can change their minds if they learn something new, and that mistakes are opportunities to grow.

Remember Girl Scouts isn’t just about cookies, it’s about creating a safe space for girls to try, fail, succeed, and grow. The decision making skills they build now will help them navigate school, friendships, careers, and leadership roles for years to come.

Here are some activities you can do with your Girl Scouts that will enhance their decision making skills.

Wants and Needs Activity

Explore more this Girl Scout Cookie season!

NEW: Exploremores™ Girl Scout Sandwich Cookie Joins the lineup!

Taking after the classic chocolate treat, the new rocky road ice cream inspired cookie captures the limitless spirit of exploration that drives Girl Scouts. 

Each purchase of Exploremores™ and every box of Girl Scout Cookies supports girls as they unbox a world of possibilities one cookie at a time.

Are you ready to explore more?!

For more on the new cookie, click here!

Goal Setting Tips and Tricks

As we prepare for the cookies, we’ll be highlighting one of the 5 Skills each month leading up to the 2026 Cookie Program. We’ll share quick tips and resources you can use with your troop. This month’s focus: Goal Setting!

Setting a goal together as a Troop helps Girl Scouts connect the cookies they’re selling to the adventures they want to have. Your troop will learn that they are building something meaningful together. When Girl Scouts see how their effort adds up to a goal, it motivates them, teaches teamwork, and gives them a big reason to be proud when they reach it.

How can you make goal setting fun with your troop?

We’ve created some fun activities for different troop levels. Click on the links below to learn more about the activities you can do with your Troop.

Daisy and Brownies – Cookie Goal Garden
Activity Instructions
Activity Worksheet
Activity Template

Juniors and Cadettes – SMART Cookie Goals
Activity Instructions
Activity Worksheet

Senior and AmbassadorsCookie Business Planning Session
Activity Instructions
Activity Worksheet

Brave, Fierce, Fun! Cookies, Here We Come!

It’s never too early to start planning for cookie season success! Click the image above to see what’s in store for this year’s program

Service Units – Recruit your Cookie Program dream team now!
Your Service Unit Cookie team is essential for supporting troops and ensuring a smooth, successful program.
Click the image to learn more about building your team.

Troops – Build your support squad early!
Having a troop cookie team in place now means less stress and more success later.
Click the image for ideas to help you recruit your team.

Gluten-Free Cookie Orders Are Open!
Troops wanting to offer Girl Scout gluten-free cookies can place their order now through October 15, 2025.
Council will place orders for Juliettes who wish to offer them.
Click the image to place your Troop’s order today!

Troop Banking Form Reminder
The Troop Banking Form is now open—submit yours today! Click the link below to complete your form.
Returning Troops: Submit your form by October 31, 2025.