For Troop Leaders and Troop Cookie Managers

For Community-Area Product Leaders

Each Girl Scout’s rewards are based on the sales totals for packages and donations sold and transferred in Smart Cookies. Some reward levels require a choice between an item and a Cookie Credit. To collect the reward choices for the troop, you can:

After collecting the choices, enter the reward order in Smart Cookies on or before April 7. If a selection is not made by then, the choice will default to Cookie Credits. Review the instructions in the Online Cookies Systems Guide or check out this video to walk you through the steps. The initial order patch and the Cookie Crossover Patch are all tracked outside of Smart Cookies.

If your troop achieved a 300, 400, or 500 PGA (per girl average), you’ll order the troop PGA rewards in Smart Cookies. If your troop did not reach these PGA levels, no action is needed. To confirm your Troop PGA, view the Troop Balance Summary Report or view it on your Smart Cookies dashboard.

All Cookie Credits and Juliette Program Credits are issued on cards that are mailed to Girl Scouts to their address on file with River Valleys the week of May 26. The Happy Camper Coupon at the 850-package level must be used for one River Valleys’ summer resident camp session or council-approved Community/Area Day Camp session for summer 2025. Maximum value is $225. Electronic coupon codes are sent to the primary caregiver’s email address in mid-May, along with information on how to redeem the code. The “fine print” for all rewards at the 700-package level and above can be found on the cookie rewards page.

Troops who reach a 500+ Per Girl Average (PGA) have the option to select between Girl Scout Day at Valleyfair passes or a $25 Membership Credit for each Girl Scout participating and 2 Troop Volunteers (or 1 Troop Volunteer if Juliette). Membership Credits will be available for use on membership for the 2025-26 Girl Scout year only. Credits will be sent via email as individual codes to the participating Girl Scout's parent/guardian and to the individual Troop Volunteer(s). Have a Lifetime membership already? You can give this code to another volunteer within the troop to use as they complete their registration.

Troops must have a second contact inputted in Smart Cookies in order to enter 2 troop volunteers in the Troop Recognition Order for the Troop PGA rewards. Troops without this second contact were emailed earlier this week. Email us at girlscouts@girlscoutsrv.org by end of day tomorrow, 4/2, with the contact information for your second contact. Second contacts must be registered volunteers.

Volunteers can order this year’s panda-themed hooded sweatshirt. Complete the order form by May 5. Payment for the hoodies must be done by ACH from the troop account or for Juliette’s, a reduction in Juliette Program Credits. Hoodies will be shipped to the address on the form later this summer. One order per troop, please. The cost includes shipping and handling fees.

Utilize our Six Steps to Wrap up the Cookie Program to close out your sale.  The final ACH is May 2. Complete a Finance/Inventory Issue Form by April 7 if you are impacted by the following issues:

Review the Finance/Inventory Issue Form FAQ’s for more details.

We are in the final week of Cookie Seller Spotlight submissions! This week’s Cookie Seller Spotlight Winners are:

Daisy/Brownie/Junior Winner: Brownie Claudia M.

Even though her troop chose not to sell cookies this year, second-year Brownie Claudia was determined to keep going! With the support of her cookie manager mom, she found a way to sell on her own. It quickly became a family effort—even her older brother, Caleb, helped by asking his middle school teachers to support his sister. Claudia set a modest goal of 50 boxes, but her dedication helped her triple that number, selling 163 boxes! She also exceeded her donation goal, selling 13 boxes for charity.

Claudia is proud of her success and excited for next year’s cookie challenge!

Cadette/Senior/Ambassador Winner: Ambassador Troop 18051 (Pictured: Jennavive, Zasha, and Emily)

For the past few years, our troop has taken cookie sales to a whole new level—selling ON Lake Waconia to ice fishers! Led by Jennavive, the girls created a mobile cookie booth using an old trailer and an ATV. Each year, they improved their setup with signs, storage, and new features. This year, Emily joined Jennavive and Zasha, braving freezing temperatures to sell for 4-6 hours on the ice. They even take a lunch break at a local restaurant, which supports them by buying cookies too! While big cities have traditional booth sales, our troop sells 300-350 packages in a single day—a huge accomplishment for our community! They often need to restock mid-weekend. This year is bittersweet as the girls prepare to Bridge to Adults, but they will always cherish their one-of-a-kind cookie adventure!

Girl Scouts in the winning troops receive the 2025 Cookie Seller Spotlight patch. All weekly winners are eligible for Cookie Seller Spotlight of the Year and the grand prize, a Dave & Buster's Experience for their troop. These final winners will be announced in next week’s edition.

Final Cookie Spirit Award Winners for 2025 are:

Ryan Shiek: This is Ryan’s third year as TCM. Each year cookie selling gets easier and more streamlined because he listens to our feedback, is extremely organized, and is handy with PowerPoint presentations! Troop 18763 is VERY lucky to have him!

Caitlin Meyer: Caitlin goes above and beyond for the girls of Troop 27604, ensuring that everyone feels supported, included, and valued. Her dedication is unmatched. Whether it’s organizing activities, finding ways to meet the unique needs of each girl, or encouraging them to grow in confidence and leadership, Caitlin does it all with a warm smile and a genuine passion for our troop. She embodies the true spirit of Girl Scouts, always leading by example with kindness, patience, and a can-do attitude. During cookie season, Caitlin’s energy and commitment shine even brighter. She motivates the girls, teaches them valuable skills, and fosters a spirit of teamwork and perseverance

Ryan and Caitlin will receive a Cookies On the Go prize pack. Thank you to all the wonderful volunteers who took part in this year’s awards. The Cookie Program would absolutely not happen without all of you!

Cookie Walkabout Week Grand Prize Winners:

Thank you to everyone who participated in Cookie Walkabout Week and congratulations to the Cookie Walkabout Week Grand Prize Winners who have each one a pair of UGG boots or slippers!

Cookie Walkabout stickers will be mailed to the home address on file to every Girl Scout who participated. River Valleys will be reaching out to the winning Girl Scouts' caregivers via email with more information. 

River Valleys was notified there is an issue with using the QR code for submitting completed Cookie Bingo cards. Instead of using the code, take a photo of the completed card and email the image to us at girlscouts@girlscoutsrv.org to be entered into the contest. Entries are accepted until April 15, final winners will be emailed the first week in May and shared in The Cookie Press.

It’s April Volunteer Appreciation Month! To share our gratitude for the impact you make volunteering for the Cookie Program, join us at our Snack + Shop appreciation events. Drop-in anytime during the events for snacks, a 15% shop discount, gift bags, raffles, and more! Registration closes on April 8 for the St. Paul and Rochester events and April 22 for the Brooklyn Center and Mankato events.  

Remind troops of the reward deadline and offer Smart Cookies support before April 7. Encourage Troops to reach out as soon as possible if they encounter any issues—waiting until the last minute may limit your ability to assist them effectively. Review last week’s The Cookie Press for a list of helpful reports and actions in Smart Cookies to support Troops with wrapping up their season.

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