Every cookie season is a new adventure! One filled with goal setting, teamwork, and growth. As a troop volunteer, you play a key role in helping Girl Scouts gain confidence, leadership skills, and financial literacy through the Cookie Program.
This page walks you through everything you need to get started in the Cookie Program, from deciding on who will be the Troop Cookie Coordinator to placing your Initial Cookie order.
Let’s make this cookie season one your troop will always remember!
Why should your Troop Participate in the Cookie Program?
All proceeds earned from the Girl Scout Cookie Program are used to benefit girls within our local Council (GSOC). Troops use these proceeds to fund Troop experiences, activities, and community service projects, as well as Council initiatives such as supporting and building membership, and creating
innovative girl programming.
Here’s a list of things GSOC Troops use their proceeds on:
- Community Service Projects – Troops love giving back! Many use their proceeds to make a positive impact in their communities by supporting local animal shelters, creating book-sharing libraries, and contributing to other meaningful causes.
- Troop approved activities – Proceeds can fund exciting troop adventures such as visits to the zoo, museums, sleep overs or other Girl Scout approved destinations that spark curiosity and fun.
- Troop supplies – Funds help cover materials for troop meetings, workshops, and creative projects like arts and crafts.
- Troop Travel – Many troops use their proceeds for travel opportunities, using their funds to explore new places and create Troop memories.
5 Steps to Start your Troop in the Cookie Program
Step1: Determine who will be the Troop Cookie Coordinators(s)
Troops often share responsibilities to make managing the Cookie Program easier. As a Troop, decide who will be the Troop Cookie Coordinator(s) also known as a TCC.
- The designee will start their role by completing the required gsLearn training to prepare for the program ahead.
- TCCs play an important role in guiding their troop through the Cookie Program.
- Establishing your TCC early ensures your troop is ready for a smooth and successful Cookie Program.
Step 2: Connect with your Service Unit Cookie Manager
Your Service Unit Cookie Manager is your main contact for support during the Cookie Program. As you begin in your TCC role be sure to:
- Let your Service Unit Cookie Manager (SUCM) know you’ll be serving as your troop’s TCC.
- Make sure your SUCM officially appoints you. They will then share important program dates, give you access to digital systems (like ABC Smart Cookies), and links to key council resources.
Building this connection early ensures you have the information and guidance needed for success.
Step 3: Host a Family Meeting in December
As a TCC, you’re required to host a troop cookie kickoff meeting (in person or virtual) by December 15, 2025 to share program goals and expectations. During the meeting be sure to:
- Make sure every participating girl is registered and has a signed permission slip.
- Discuss how Troop proceeds will be used
- Work with girls to set a troop goal (this should be girl led)
- Review how Girl Scouts can participate safely
- Estimate how many cookies your troop should order for the Initial Cookie Order in ABC Smart Cookies.
Step 4: Place your troop’s Initial Cookie Order – Due by 11:59pm on December 15, 2025
The only way to guarantee having the cookies your troop wants to sell to customers is to place an initial order for your Troop. We encourage
troops to place an initial order for 85% of the cookies their troop plans to sell during the Cookie Program. There are no limits (minimum or maximum) on initial orders!
If a troop does not place an Initial Order, the next opportunity to get cookies will be from a Cookie Cupboard, which opens January 29, 2026 (after the program begins January 25, 2026).
Important Reminders:
- Troops may not set quotas for individual Girl Scouts
Troops may not require payment from parents in advance.
Key Dates:
- Troop Initial Orders Due: December 15, 2025 by 11:59 PM PST
Troop Initial Cookie Order Pick-Up: GSOC Mega Delivery (January 24, 2026) or your Service Unit’s Distribution Day
Step 5: Have Fun!
Pre-orders begin January 6, 2026, and in-hand and girl-delivery orders start January 25, 2026.
Encourage your Girl Scouts, celebrate their progress, and support them through every part of the way. The Cookie Program is a hands on learning experience that builds confidence, teamwork, and essential life skills and most importantly, it should be fun!
Ready to get into Cookies?
Once you’re ready to start the Cookie Program with your troop, visit the Cookie Troop Team page. You’ll find a list of important Troop resources, which includes helpful materials, and guidance to support your Girl Scout every step of the way.
For any additional questions contact Girl Scouts of Orange County at
949-461-8800, or email our Customer Care team at CustomerCare@GirlScoutsOC.org.