Cookie Advice for Troop Cookie Managers and Troop Leaders

Alyssa Parker, Troop Cookie Manager for Troop 2268

How do you get your troop excited for the Cookie season?
Before beginning the cookie season, we prepare the girls by talking about the power of our team. We discuss all that we can do for our troop and others if we have a successful selling year. We emphasize the importance of having a partnership between the girls and their parents. Being able to gain the support of the parents is a key component. Next, we set up a whole meeting to discuss what we will do with the proceeds that we make from cookie sales. We decide on a trip or two, and then figure out how many boxes that each girl would have to sell in order to earn those trips. Finally, we will talk about ways we can use the proceeds to either host a meeting or event for a younger troop or support to a charity.

How does the troop set their goals for the season?
The girls have set their goals based on their interests in where they would want to travel to as a group. We look at all the badges that we are trying to earn for the year and see if a trip would coincide with them. We also will talk about ways we can participate with younger troops to get them involved with us.

How did your troop use Cookie proceeds from last year?
From this past year's cookie proceeds we went to the Hofstra University Ropes Course where we participated in a 3-hour workshop focusing on the power of team component for the Agent of Change Journey. The girls participated in this adventure education course and ended with a high climb. Another part of our proceeds will be going into our Teddy Bear Tea Party that we are hosting for the 1st year Daisy Troop in Long Beach. We are so excited for this event where we will be having a Holiday Themed party while making Holiday Cards together for those in need.

What advice or information would you like to share with new Troop Cookie Managers?
Our cookie program is a lot of work. However, it is the best way to come together as a team to reach a common goal. It is very important to have the girls share the same vision for what you will do with your cookie proceeds. As a side note: I am the cookie manager and also the troop leader. My daughter is very into selling cookies and being her own entrepreneur. I am standing out there with her in the freezing cold as she sells. One of the best things that I would emphasize to your troops is that it is important for the girls to be the ones selling for themselves. They should be a part of every sale made. The time I have spent with my daughter for the past 5 years has been priceless. I would not trade that time for anything. The cookie program is a great way to bring your girls together as a group but also to share the experience one on one with their parents!