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The purpose of Girl Scout cookie activities is twofold: (1) to help girls develop leadership skills, learn business and money management, and work as a team toward a common goal; and (2) to generate income for Girl Scout councils and troops and to help underwrite Girl Scout program in the United States.

The vision for Girl Scout cookie sales is to develop these activities in ways that will:

• Maintain these activities as important life-learning experiences for girls.
• Enhance the perception of these activities as a way to support Girl Scouting in general.
• Continue cookie activities as the premier program-related revenue source in this country and as a source of substantial pride and revenue for the Girl Scout movement.

What is Important About Girl Scout Cookie Program Activities (Key Messages about Girl Scout Cookie Program Activities)

• Girl participation is voluntary, and parent/guardian permission is required.
• The safety of girls is the number one concern in managing cookie activities.
• Girls are the primary beneficiaries of cookie activities. They learn and gain experience while participating in these activities, and they benefit from the program and services made possible by the revenue generated.
• Teamwork, cooperation and the support of the council CEO are necessary for successful council-sponsored cookie sale activities..
• The adult role is to encourage and support a girl’s participation in cookie activities, not assume sole responsibility for sales.
• For the American public, Girl Scout cookies are a symbol of Girl Scouting. In presenting this activity to families, volunteers, and the public, the focus should be on the program behind the symbol.
• Girls should be motivated to participate in cookie activities by "what they get to do" rather than "what they get." Awards and incentives should recognize achievement and be consistent with Girl Scout program goals and objectives as well as with troop goals.
• Through an activity that is related directly to its purpose of serving girls, Girl Scouting advances that purpose and is able to generate a significant portion of the money it needs to fulfill its purpose.

Council-sponsored product sales activities are not fund raising. They are educational program activities that generate revenue which is used to support Girl Scouting, including the money that goes directly to the troop selling the cookies.

Girl Scout troops may participate in no more than two council-sponsored product sale activities each year. Councils must use a GSUSA licensed vendor. Daisy Girl Scouts and their parents may not sell cookies or other products.

Note: "Purpose and Values Statement for Girl Scout Cookie Program Activities" was originally developed by the Cookie Sale Think Tank, held in November 1995.

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