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Troop Cookie Manager2017 HANDBOOK

GIRL SCOUTS OF NE KANSAS & NW MISSOURI

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100 years ago, a troop in Muskogee, Oklahoma had the idea to send care packages to GIs serving overseas during World War I. To fund that service project, girls baked cookies and sold them in their high school cafeteria.

Over the years, the Girl Scout Cookie Program has evolved into a way to fund dreams and serve communities. Without cookies girls miss out on leadership training, camping under the stars and adventures of a lifetime. Without cookies there aren’t as many community gardens, donations to shelters and smiles overseas when a GI opens a care package.

The proceeds from the annual GSKSMO Cookie Program stay local—girls set goals and make decisions about troop proceeds. Some are used right away; some are banked for big trips in future years.

Proceeds collected by Council Headquarters are used to support Girl Scouting across our 47 counties. This includes camp maintenance, financial assistance, volunteer training and keeping costs affordable for STEM programming, outdoor experiences, Gold Award workshops and so much more.

Your participation and support of the annual Cookie Program means the world to every Girl Scout that is part of the 47 counties that are Girl Scouts of Northeast Kansas & Northwest Missouri. Thank you for all you do.

1917 First known cookie sale by Girl Scouts

1922 Cookie recipe and business plan shared

1925 Girl Scout recipe for s’mores first published

1935 Girl Scout Cookie name appears on cookie boxes

1936 Commercial bakers help meet growing demand

1937 Cookie sales go coast to coast

1944 Calendars stand in for cookies due to wartime shortages

1952 Girl Scout Cookies help foster racial integration

1961 Cookie earnings fund outdoor activities

1970 Cookies help power first Earth Day experiences

1992 Girl Scout Cookies go to outer space

1994 Low-fat and sugar-free cookies join the lineup

2001 Girls send “Gift of Caring” to troops overseas

2013 First National Girl Scout Cookie Day engages girls and consumers

2014 Cookie sales go online with Digital Cookie™

FIRST STEPS GOING NATIONWIDE TAKING ACTION NEW HORIZONS INTO THE FUTURE

Girl Scout Cookies Fuel a Century of Adventure for Girls

We are celebrating a big milestone with the Girl Scout Cookie Program, 100 years! We want to showcase our Girl Scouts

running their cookie businesses through social media and media.

If you have a creative idea, an awesome photograph or need support, please work

with our council’s Brand & Marketing team by emailing prdept@gsksmo.org.

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Service Unit Product Sales Manager (SU PSM):

Preferred contact method:

SNAP login:

SNAP password:

My initial order pick-up date/time is:

My initial order pick-up location is:

My Cookie Cupboard location:

Cookie Cupboard hours:

THANK YOUfor growing future business leaders!

We value all the time you give to make the Cookie Program possible for girls!

YOU are mentoring our future entrepreneurs as they celebrate reaching their goals and build skills that last a lifetime.

We appreciate all you do for girls, the countless hours you spend away from your family and the dedication you show every day!

Yours in Girl Scouting,

Joy Wheeler, CEOGSKSMO Board of Directors and Staff

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Thank You 3

Fast Facts

Cookie Acronyms & Jargon 4

Support 4

Safety 5

Accidents 5

Program Calendar 6

The Basics About Cookies 8

First Steps 9

How To

Get into SNAP 12

Update troop information 12

Review girl information 12

Set up a filing system 12

Enter the booth lottery 13

Know if my troop won a location in the booth lottery 13

Place my troop’s initial order 13

PIck up the initial order 14

Manage damages 14

Distribute cookies to parents 14

Order more cookies after initial delivery 15

Transfer cookies between troops and/or girls in SNAP 15

Deposit cash and checks 16

Enter council deposits into SNAP 16

Track girl payments in SNAP 16

Place my troop’s recognitions order 16

Prepare for turn-in with my SU PSM 17

Pick up recognitions? 17

The Extras

Online Order Cards - COCOmobile 18

Online Selling - COCOmobile 18

Running Reports 19

Booth Sales 20

No Call List 20

Independent Booth Sales 21

Tips for Successful Booth Sales 21

Bling Your Booth 21

FAQs 22

Celebrating with our 2015 & 2016 Bling Your Booth Contest Winner – Troop 484 from Chillicothe, Missouri.

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Fast Facts about Cookie Acronyms and Jargon:

ABC Smart Cookie: A website (abcsmartcookies.com) provided by the baker with graphics and tips to support the program.

ABC: ABC is the baker we use for cookies.

Bling Your Booth: Bling Your Booth is our annual, optional troop cookie booth contest. Watch your email for more information!

COCOmobile: An app that allows girls to manage their cookie program via smartphone or tablet. Girls must register at COCOcommand first.

COCOcommand: A website for girls and their parent/guardian to use to promote, and track, the girl’s cookie program.

COCOdirect: A website allowing girls to send emails to customers to purchase cookies online.

Cookie Badges: Badges earned after completion of activities in the Girl Guides. Badges are worn on the front of the sash/vest and are available for purchase in the council shop.

Cookie Cupboards: A location where troops can pick up cookies after the initial order. Cookies are ordered via SNAP by 11:59pm the Sunday prior to

pickup. Most cupboards are run by volunteers. Troops are assigned to specific cupboards.

Cookie Patches: Patches given to the girl recognizing individual achievements. These are provided by council at the end of the program (May). Troop leaders must complete an order in SNAP at the end of the season. Patches are worn on the back of the sash/vest.

Cookie Pin: An annual award earned after participating in the Cookie Program and completing participation activities outlined in the Cookie Sale Activity Guide. The pin, awarded each year in a different color, is worn on the sash or vest, available for purchase in the council shop. The 2016 pin is melon.

Mission Delivery or Membership Manager: This is the council staff person assigned to oversee your SU.

SNAP: The online tool we use to manage the Cookie Program (abcsnap.com)

SU PSM: Service Unit Product Sales Manager

SU: Service Unit

SUTM: Service Unit Team Manager

TCM: Troop Cookie Manager

Fast Facts about Support

Troops should contact their service unit product sales manager (SU PSM) with all questions.

Training Support & Reminders: During the duration of the Cookie Program, you will receive Cookiegrams with reminders, directions and details on the Cookie Program. To ensure you receive it’s important you update your troop information in Snap and that you add prdept@gsksmo to your online address book. Every Cookiegram is unique; please take a moment to review each issue. If you need to access a past issue, visit gsksmo.org, click on “Cookies & More” link and then “Cookies.” Here you’ll find links to training sessions, support materials and more.

Additional SNAP Support: ABC offers 24 hour support at 1-800-853-3730 or at abctech@interbake.com. SNAP Support can assist with help on how the program works. They cannot help with order adjustment, cancellation, or anything that is specific to our council. Please contact your SU PSM for assistance.

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Fast Facts about Accidents

If there is an accident involving a Girl Scout, please use these guidelines:

• Give priority attention and all possible care for the injured.

• Secure help as appropriate (call 911).

• Follow council’s emergency procedures (emergency card).

• Call council’s emergency line at (816) 759-3040 (available 24/7).

• If applicable, do not make any media statements. Media inquiries should be referred to the council.

Fast Facts about Safety

Safety of the girls is our first priority. Please make sure you have thoroughly reviewed (and then shared with girls, parents and volunteers) the Safety Activity Checkpoints at gsksmo.org/besafe.

• Discuss safety at troop meetings and role play safety situations.

• Ask parents to discuss safety one-on-one with their daughter(s) at home.

• Remind parents that girls must be accompanied by an adult when they sell cookies. At no time should a Girl Scout be alone while participating in the Cookie Program.

• Girls should not carry money with them. Proceeds should be turned into the Troop Cookie Manager, on a weekly basis, by an adult. A receipt must be filled out with the adult receiving a copy and the troop retaining the original. INSTRUCT PARENTS TO NOT SEND MONEY TO SCHOOL WITH THEIR GIRL SCOUT. Lost or stolen funds are the responsibility of the parent.

• Only sell in familiar areas during daylight hours.

• DO NOT enter the home of a customer, go up to an automobile on the street or follow a customer into a building or alley.

• NEVER give out (or use on signs/flyers) girls’ names, addresses or email addresses.

• Per GSUSA, girls 13 and older may use their own Facebook page for publicizing cookies; girls under 13 should use a parent or guardian’s Facebook account, with that adult’s consent. Please see the Girl Scout Internet Safety Pledge for all Girl Scouts for guidelines for online behavior.

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FEBRUARY 2016

S M T W T F S

1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8 9 10 11

12 13 14 154 weeks of Bling Your Booth fun starts now! See your Cookiegrams for details!

16Council-spon-sored booth sales begin*

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19 20 21 22 23 24 25

26 27 28

JANUARY 2017

S M T W T F S

1PROGRAM BEGINS

2Deadline for entering cookie booth lottery*

3 Cookie booth lottery runs and COCOdirect opens

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8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16COUNCIL OFFICES CLOSEDTroop Orders due in SNAP

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29 30 31

Troops collect orders from girls

Girls continue to take orders through early March

Cookies delivered to service units

Operation Sweet Treat Weekend(National Cookie Days)

Cookies delivered to service units

*For Cass, Clay, Jackson & Platte, MO and Johnson & Wyandotte, KS counties only.

2017 COOKIE PROGRAM CALENDAR Dec. 14: Booth Lottery Registration Open Dec. 21: Family Orders May Be Taken

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MARCH 2017

S M T W T F S

1 2 3 4Recognition ordering opens

5 6 7 8 9 10 11

12PROGRAM ENDS

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19 20 21 22 23 24 25

26 27 28 29 30 31

APRIL 2017

S M T W T F S

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2 3 4 5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

16 17 18 19 20 21 22

23 24 25 26 27 28 29

Recognitions Scheduled to Arrive

Early May

2017 COOKIE PROGRAM CALENDAR

Last Day for Late Troops

to Sell/Deposit

Troops collect from parents, make final bank deposits and order recognitions

Troops meet with SU PSMs

Troops meet with SU PSMs

11:59 PM: SNAP turned off for

all troops

Cookie Construction is March 4! Learn more at gsksmo.org/construct.

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The Basics About Cookies

Who may sell?Every registered girl should be offered the opportunity to participate in the Cookie Program with her parent/guardian deciding whether the Girl Scout will participate. Before a girl receives a cookie order card, parents should review the permission slip, sign it and give it to the TCM.

Girls who reside in multiple residences must have permission from each parent/guardian if each wants cookies. For example if mom and dad live apart, and mom signs the permission slip, cookies should not be given to dad until he signs a separate permission slip.

Independently Registered Girls (formerly Juliettes) may participate in the Cookie Program. For more information email cookies@gsksmo.org.

! Troops cannot force a girl or her parents to take a set number of boxes. Recommend that each girl try to sell enough boxes to reach the troop’s goal. Remember that some will exceed and some will sell less. All girls in the troop should benefit equally in any cookie-funded activity.

Why do the girls have to wait until January 1?We ask that girls refrain from selling before this date so that all girls begin on the same day. Social media announcements and orders from friends and co-workers should not begin until this day. A reminder is on the girl order card.

Are there restrictions on where Girl Scout Cookies can be sold?Cookies may not be sold to businesses for resale. Troops/volunteers/parents may not set up cookie booths at liquor stores, cigarette/cigar stores, adult businesses or any business that with a minimum age of 21 to enter, even if the girl is not entering the business. Please use your best judgment. If in doubt, contact the Product Sales Team to discuss.

What is Cookie Share?Cookie Share is a way for customers to support girls, Girl Scouts and other organizations. This year we are supporting the USO and the VA Hospital in Kansas City. Other locations may be added. Girls who sell 12 or more packages for our ‘virtual’ Cookie Share program will earn a Cookie Share patch.

To participate, girls collect $4 per package for each Cookie Share sale. The sale is tracked in SNAP and the money is turned in as if the customer purchased a package of cookies but neither the troop, nor the girl, has to actually order or deliver the cookies. At the end of the program we’ll tally how many packages were purchased and that number of packages will be delivered to our designated organizations.

In order for girls to earn the Cookie Share patch, the troop must participate in the virtual program. Troops may donate cookies to organizations on their own but girls will not receive a patch for these efforts.

Instructions on how to track each girl’s Cookie Share sales are in the ‘How To’ section of this handbook.

What is Cookie Dough?Cookie Dough is a girl recognition that is earned based on the number of packages sold. Cookie Dough can be used to offset shop purchases, day and resident camp and more. Girls who earn Cookie Dough will receive a mailed postcard at the end of the season (approx. mid April) with more info. See the recognitions worksheet to see how girls earn Dough.

PriceOur traditional line of Girl Scout Cookies are priced at $4 per package, $48 per case. Trios (gluten-free), are priced at $5 per box, $60 per case (these were ordered in September. Reorders are not available). Troops earn .65¢ per package sold. Cookies are paid for, by the customer, at the time of delivery. Customers should not prepay. Cookies may not be sold for more or less per package or case.

VarietiesWe offer nine varieties of cookies: Thin Mints, Caramel deLites, Peanut Butter Patties, Peanut Butter Sandwiches, Lemonades, Shortbreads, Thanks-A-Lots, S’mores and Trios.

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First Steps

SAMPLE AGENDA FOR GIRL & PARENT MEETINGS:

• Benefits of participating in the Cookie Program: Five key skills (the 5 Skills) that will serve girls for life—goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills and business ethics; cookie proceeds and girl recognitions.

• Set troop and individual goals.

• Safety standards (see Safety Standards in this handbook).

• Dates: start and end, due dates and deadlines, and when initial orders arrive.

• It’s ok to continue to take orders—manage expectations about when product will be available.

• Ask for adult assistance in picking up the initial order, reorders and money turn in.*

• Price, varieties of cookies and when payment is collected (at delivery).

• Adults signing for cookies and their payment obligations. Cookies cannot be returned.

• Enjoy a sample of S’mores, our new cookie.

• If your troop ordered Trios, please review those details.

• COCO Mobile and COCO Digital (see ‘The Extras’ section for additional information)

• Cookie Booths – when, where, etiquette and volunteers.

• Importance of parent support for the girl and the troop.

• What badge will you work on? Will you be earning the annual Cookie Pin?

• Ask parents to fill out the permission slips.

• Hand out materials

• Cookie Order Cards (one per girl, available in English and Spanish)

• Money Envelope (one per girl)

• Parent Permission slips (one per girl)

• If time permits, do a fun activity related to Girl Scout Cookies.

*Adults handling money and product should be currently registered Girl Scouts with background checks.

Start by setting a date, and then invite the parents, to a Cookie Program meeting. Girls have different attention spans depending on age. Have your girls participate in the meeting and be prepared to have them work on an activity, like discussing goals and sampling cookies during the meeting. For younger girls, you may want to ask an older girl or co-leader to lead them in a secondary activity while you finish your parent meeting.

Obtain your Cookie Program materials from your SU PSM. She/he will have order cards, money envelopes, receipt books, cookies and permission slips for you to use. If you need more, reach out to your SU PSM.

Prepare an agenda for your girl and parent meetings. We suggest you print out your agenda and hand it out so parents can take notes.

Host a girl & parent meeting

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1. Log into SNAP (abcsnap.com) and make sure you can get into the program. Your SU PSM will provide you with login and password information. If you cannot get in, contact your SU PSM.

2. Look at your troop info and update as needed.

3. Look at your girl info. Is anyone missing? Girls are listed by their registered names so Missy might be listed as Melissa. If a girl is missing you will want to see if she is registered. If you confirm she’s registered but isn’t listed, email cookies@gsksmo.org with her name, your name, the troop and SU number. Feel free to email us with any errors as well.

First Steps (continued)

Being organized will make your Cookie Program experience easier.

We strongly suggest you use an organizational filing system to organize your troop’s Cookie Program. Ideas and suggestions are in the ‘How Do I’ section of this handbook.

Recruit assistants to help you count money and cookies during the program. Ask them to commit to specific dates.

Prepare your troop in SNAP

Organize materials

Get Product Sales deposit materialsEvery troop should have a troop banking account. This account is used for “everyday” banking like depositing dues, paying for supplies, etc. If you don’t have a troop account and live in a Bank of America service area, visit gsksmo.org/troopfinance. From there, choose ‘Open/Change a GS Bank Account.’

Troops outside of a Bank of America service area should consult their membership manager.

You will deposit all cash you collect from cookie sales into your troop account. This allows you to collect your troop profits right away.

Every troop should also have Product Sales deposit materials. If you live in an area where there is a Bank of America, your materials consist of both paper deposit slips that are unique to your troop and an ATM deposit card, also unique to your troop. These materials can be requested by going to gsksmo.org/psbanking. Click the link to request materials. You can choose slips, an ATM card or both. For new troops, choose both.

Note: Your troop and Product Sales deposit cards will look very similar. Please be sure to read the information that accompanies them when they arrive. Feel free to use a sharpie (gold or silver work great) and write on the front of the card. For example: ‘troop’ and ‘cookies.’

DO NOT share your unique troop materials with other troops, even if you manage more than one troop. Materials are coded for the troop that requests them; each troop should have their own materials.

For troops outside of the areas Bank of America serves, your SU PSM will have deposit slips for you. Please be sure to mark your SU number and Troop number on all slips before turning them into the bank.

Booth Lottery

If you are in the KC Metro area and would like to participate in the booth lottery, enter your choices in SNAP by January 2, 2017. Discuss first in your troop meeting, then see the ‘How To’ section for instructions.

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First Steps (continued)

Collect initial orders from girls and enter in to SNAP by January 16, 2017.

Receive delivery day, place and time from SU PSM.

Pick up cookies, sort and distribute to parents. USE YOUR COOKIE RECEIPT BOOKS FOR EVERY TRANSACTION! FILL OUT COMPLETELY! If you have a problem and do not have complete records we may not be able to help you collect missing funds.

Place orders, as needed, for additional cookies using the Planned Order Tool.

Collect, and deposit, money collected, regularly. USE YOUR COOKIE RECEIPT BOOKS FOR EVERY TRANSACTION! FILL OUT COMPLETELY! If you have a problem and do not have complete records we may not be able to help you collect missing funds.

• Endorse checks with ‘Girl Scouts.’• Write your SU and Troop

Number on all receipts. • Receipts from deposits to the council’s

bank accounts must be turned in; if you need a copy please make one and turn in the original receipt.

• Enter deposits made to the council account in SNAP.

• Never bring cash or checks to a SU PSM for turn in.

Sign up for troop turn in with your SU PSM. She/he will announce details. Prior to this meeting you will need to have made all council and troop banking deposits and complete your troop recognition order.

You will need to bring the following to the meeting.

• Details on parents/guardians who have not paid in full (parent/guardian name, address, phone and email address along with total amount due.

• Girl permission slips for all girls.• Receipts from your council deposits, marked

with your SU/Troop number on them. • Receipt Books with your SU/Troop

Number marked on them.• A printed copy of your Troop Balance

Summary, after your final entries are made.

Pick up your troop’s girl recognition from your SU PSM when they are in (scheduled for mid May).

Celebrate! Hand out recognitions, patches, badges and Cookie Pins and use proceeds for service and fun!

Send us pictures! Email celebration photos to prdept@gsksmo.org. Include your contact information please!

Recognitions

Initial Orders

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Get into SNAPYou need a user name and password for SNAP. This will be provided to you by your SU PSM.

Go to www.abcsnap.com to access the site.

Tips about SNAP:

• Don’t use the back button on your browser in SNAP or you’ll have to log in.

• There is a 30 minute time limit that SNAP can be inactive before you’re logged out for security reasons.

• Emails sent via SNAP come from noreply@abcsnap.com. It’s a good idea to add this email address to your contacts to prevent emails going to spam folders.

Update my troop information• Mouse over MY TROOP and choose EDIT TROOP INFORMATION from the drop down menu.

• Choose your troop’s current level. For mixed aged troops choose “group.”

• The TCM should fill in ALL data as the main contact including address, phone and email addresses. Fill in the troop leader as the alternative contact. If you are both the TCM and the leader you only need to enter once.

• Click SAVE.

WHY? This is how we know who to contact if there are any questions or problems throughout the program.

Review my girl information• Mouse over MY TROOP and choose ADD/EDIT/DELETE TROOP GIRLS from the

drop down menu.

• Look at girls listed. If anyone is missing, check to see if they have registered. If they have registered, email cookies@gsksmo with your name, troop and SU numbers and the girl’s name.

• Click on a girl to edit her t-shirt size.

• Click SAVE.

Set up an organizational filing system for my troopOrganizational filing systems can be simple or fancy—use of manila folders, hanging files and accordion files are examples of ways you can organize. TCMs who create a filing system, and use it, swear by it!

There are two main ways of organization: by the girl or by the item. For example, if you create a file for each girl you would file her permission slip and all receipts under the girl. An alternative would be to make a file for each item: permission slips, girl receipts, bank receipts. Some troops do a hybrid. However it makes sense to you is fine; this allows you to have the materials you need at your fingertips.

How To

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How To

Enter the booth lotteryHigh-traffic, popular locations in the KC Metro area are assigned via a booth lottery to minimize calls to retailers. To participate in the lottery you must enter your choices in SNAP by January 2, 2016. For a list of stores on the no call list, see Booth Sales in this handbook. If you are outside Johnson and Wyandotte counties in Kansas or Cass, Clay, Jackson and Platte counties in Missouri, your SU PSM will provide direction on booth sales.

• Log in to SNAP, mouse over COOKIES and choose BOOTH SCHEDULER, then, SCHEDULE A BOOTH OR LOTTERY REQUEST.

• Double-click on any location you are interested in, a calendar will appear. Use arrows to work through the months.

• If you see a date of interest AND it says available, click on it. Resting your cursor on the blue box will show available shifts.

• To enter the lottery for a specific shift, double-click on the blue box and click REQUEST on the time slot you want. Confirm your selection.

• Troops may enter for 3 shifts but will only “win” a maximum of one.

See what booths my troop has signed up forIf you’ve been assigned a booth through the KC area lottery your troop will be notified through SNAP via email (which is one reason it’s important your troop info is updated correctly). For more info on cookie booths, please look ahead in “The Extras” section of the handbook.

Place my troop’s initial order/Should I order moreAll troops need to place their initial cookie order in SNAP by 11:59 PM on January 16, 2017. Girls are welcome to continue selling and additional orders can be placed in February and March for pick up in late February and early March. If you know you are going to have a booth sale we recommend you order additional cookies at the time of the initial order. (See Booth Sales for more information.) All orders are rounded up to the nearest case (12 packages) quantity.

! Remember: Cookies may not be returned to SU or council cupboards. All cookies picked up and signed for by the troop are the troop’s responsibility. Troops who find themselves with leftover cookies have until April 30, 2017 to complete sales and deposits.

• To Place your Initial Cookie order (due January 16) log in to SNAP and mouse over COOKIES, then INITIAL ORDER.

• Using the data on your girl’s order cards and COCOmobile reports enter the number of packages each girl has ordered by variety, including Cookie Share. Remember you will not receive cookies ordered in the Cookie Share column.

• Troops who ordered Trios in September will receive additional instructions. If you did not order Trios, do not enter an order for Trios.

• After entering all girl orders, note the number of packages in the ‘Extra Packages for Even Cases’ column; your troop will receive these cookies as part of your initial order.

• If additional packages are needed enter them in the ‘Booth/Extras’ row.

• Click SAVE. This will send you back to an overview of your order. If you need to edit, click the pencil icon to edit. To cancel the order click the red circle/white x. To confirm the order click the �. If editing is needed after the order has been committed your SU PSM may be able to help. Once initial orders are placed by the Council the order cannot be changed.

How do I know if my troop won a location in the booth lottery?

You will be emailed either way. Troops who did not win will be contacted by the Product Sales Team the week of January 2. Please have your phone number updated in SNAP so we can help you find a location.

How To

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Pick up the initial order

Your SU PSM will let you know what time and where to pick up your troop’s cookies. At that time, make sure you count, and double count, what you are signing for to ensure your troop’s order is complete. You may want to bring along help to double-check your counting and to make sure you can transport your complete order. Remember that some SU delivery locations are only available for a window of time; cookies cannot be left overnight nor is it the SU PSM’s responsibility to transport your troop’s cookies. Here’s a chart of approximately how many cookies you can fit into a vehicle:

VEHICLE *with driver only NUMBER OF CASES

Compact Car 23

Hatchback/Small Wagon 25 - 30

Mid-Size Sedan (six passenger) 35

Minivan/SUV (eight passenger) 60

Full-Size Wagon 75

Van (seats left in) 150

Van (seats removed) 200

Manage any damages

If you find at the time of delivery you have a damaged case, bring it to the attention of the SU PSM. She/he may be able to exchange it immediately. If not, it’s your responsibility to place an order for the damaged case and exchange it. If you have damaged cookies, place a planned order for a full case of the variety, even if you have less than a full case of damages. Do not wait until your turn-in meeting at the end of the program; your troop is responsible for the sale of the product.

Distribute cookies to parents

We suggest you sort prior to parent pick up. Again, use more than one person to count and double count. Then have the parent count.

USE YOUR COOKIE RECEIPT BOOKS FOR EVERY TRANSACTION! FILL OUT COMPLETELY!

If you have a problem and do not have complete records we may not be able to help. Troops retain the original white copy and the parent receives the yellow copy.

Cookies should be kept in an odor-free, controlled temperature between 40 – 70 degrees. Cookies exposed to temperatures outside of that range can bloom (where the chocolate looks dusty and white) or melt. Please don’t keep product where it can be exposed to dirt, fuel or exhaust odors, pet odors or cigarette/tobacco smoke. All cupboards have been instructed to refuse exchanges (exchanging is optional by each cupboard) of cases that have odors or stains.

7/16

GIRL SCOUT S’MORES

TRIOS

How To

TIPS: Arrive early. Be patient.

Volunteer to help for a while!

!

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How To

Order more cookies after initial delivery

Every troop is assigned to a Cookie Cupboard. Some cupboards are managed by the SU, others are managed by the council. Your troop will be assigned to a specific cupboard. To place an order for additional cookies you must have the order placed by the Sunday prior to the week you want to pick up, 11:59 PM. For example, if you want cookies the week of February 13 your order must be in by February 12 at 11:59 PM.

The council-sponsored cupboard opens on February 16 and will remain open until March 10 on Thursdays from 12 – 7 and Fridays from 12 – 4. SU cupboards are open at the discretion of the volunteer but will close no later than March 3. If you are assigned to a SU cupboard you will be re-assigned to the closest council or regional cupboard for the final week.

To place a reorder for cookies log in to SNAP and mouse over COOKIES, then choose PLANNED ORDER from the drop down menu.

• Choose your cupboard and pick up date.

• Enter cases needed, by variety.

• Click SUBMIT and SAVE.

• Troops can place up to two planned orders each week. If you need to edit your planned order email cookies@gsksmo.org with your SU and troop number and details, including cupboard assignment.

PLEASE NOTE: We reserve the right to run out of stock on slower selling varieties like Shortbreads and Thanks-a-Lots.

Transfer cookies between troops and/or girls in SNAP

It’s fine to exchange cookies between girls and troops. The party who gives the cookies should complete the transfer in SNAP. We strongly suggest use of receipts to make sure all parties have written proof of the transfer.

• Mouse over COOKIES, click TRANSFER ORDER. Choose the type of transfer and use drop down menus to complete.

• Girl to girl: this will be used to move packages from girl to girl, if needed. Enter number of packages, not cases.

• Troop to girl: used to distribute cookies from the total troop order to each girl. Enter number of packages in quantity for individual sales; in this case, the girl is financially responsible for these cookies. Enter number of packages under “booth” to give a girl credit for packages sold at a booth sale; this does not add to the girl’s financial responsibility.

• Troop to troop: used to move packages to and from troops, if needed. Enter packages, not cases.

• Click SAVE.

Note: If you make an error, simply delete the transfer. Don’t try to fix by creating a reverse transfer.

Tracking Cookie Share

To track Cookie Share packages sold after the initial order simply go to Cookies and choose ‘Virtual Cookie Share’ from the drop down menu. Enter quantity by girl and save. You can continue to do this throughout the program.

Any Cookie Share orders you entered as part of your girl’s initial orders do not have to be re-entered.

How To

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Deposit cash and checks collected from girls

Collect and deposit weekly. USE YOUR COOKIE RECEIPT BOOKS FOR EVERY TRANSACTION! FILL OUT COMPLETELY! If you have a problem and do not have complete records we may not be able to help.

Cash is deposited into your troop account. Keep your receipts for your records; a copy of deposits to troop accounts is not needed by council.

• Checks are deposited into the Product Sales Account (see ‘First Steps’ section of this handbook for more info).

• Write your SU and Troop Number on all receipts.

• Receipts from deposits to the council’s bank accounts must be turned in; if you need a copy please make one and turn in the original receipt.

• Enter deposits made to the council account in SNAP.

• All checks must be deposited within 90 days of date on check.

• Never bring cash or checks to a SU PSM for turn in.

• BOA users: If you have an issue at an ATM, note the date, time and location and email cookies@gsksmo.org with details.

Sometimes the bank finds errors with deposits, both plus and minus. If we are alerted of a discrepancy we will alert you via email as quickly as possible. Please note, this may be two or more weeks after your deposit. If you have any questions about the error, please return the email with your questions.

Enter Product Sales deposits in SNAP• Log in to SNAP and mouse over FINANCES.

• Click on ADD NEW TROOP TRANSACTION.

• Fill in the fields in the pop up box.

▪ You are entering a deposit.

▪ The date of the transaction should match the receipt.

▪ Leave the reference and notes fields blank.

• Click SAVE.

Note: Deposits made to your troop account are NOT entered in SNAP.

Track girl payments in SNAP• Go to FINANCES in SNAP.

• Click ADD NEW GIRL TRANSACTION. A pop up box will appear. Choose the girl from the drop down menu, the date you received the payment, the amount and type of payment. Take the time to enter cash and checks separately. Add any reference or notes you’d like (references will be visible on the screen below, notes are only visible when you open the transaction) and click SAVE.

• Once this is entered, you can run the Girl Balance Summary report to get an overview of how much each girl owes. To run this report mouse over REPORT then choose REPORTS from the drop down menu. Under ‘Popular Reports’ click TROOP BALANCE SUMMARY. Change the ‘Unit of Measure’ field to packages and click VIEW REPORT.

How To

Every troop should have a troop account and every troop should have Product Sales Deposit Materials.

In areas where there is a Bank of America (BOA) your troop account may have been set up through the council. If you have this type of troop account, you have two cards from BOA: a deposit card and a debit card.

17

How To

Prepare for troop turn-in with my SU PSM

Sign up for troop turn in with your SU PSM. She/he will announce details. Prior to this meeting you will need to have made all council and troop banking deposits and complete your troop recognition order.

DO NOT BRING CASH, CHECKS OR DAMAGED PACKAGES TO YOUR TURN IN MEETING!

You will need to bring the following to the meeting.

• Details on parents/guardians who have not paid in full (parent/guardian name, address, phone and email address along with total amount due.

• Troops who wish to turn parents over for unpaid balances must have receipts and permission slips for each girl. Otherwise, the debt remains the responsibility of the troop.

• Girl permission slips for all girls.

• Receipts from your council deposits, marked with your SU/troop number on them.

• Receipt Books with your SU/troop number marked on them.

• A printed copy of your Troop Balance Summary, after your final entries are made. To run the Troop Balance Summary mouse over REPORT then choose REPORTS from the drop down menu. Under ‘Popular Reports’ click TROOP BALANCE SUMMARY. Change the ‘Unit of Measure’ field to packages and click VIEW REPORT.

Pick up recognitionsRecognitions usually arrive mid May. Your SU PSM will let you know when and where you can pick up the girl recognitions. Most items are shipped to the SU PSM from our vendor, however, some items will be delivered directly to the girl. Watch your Cookiegrams for more details.

! NOTE: Girls will receive a mailing regarding Cookie Dough. The mailing will include how much was earned and how it can be used, along with instructions and deadlines. TCMs will not need to print a certificate.

Cookie Pins and optional patches will be available in the council shop.

PLEASE DISTRIBUTE RECOGNITIONS IN MAY. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL FALL.

Place my troop’s recognition order

Do not place your troop’s recognition order until you have completed all transfers in SNAP. Placing a recognition order should be your final step. Orders are due March 16. You will be able to place your troop’s recognition order beginning March 4.

• Log in to SNAP and mouse over the RECOGNITIONS icon. Click on CREATE RECOGNITION ORDER. Choose ‘MAIN’ under ‘PLAN TYPE.’

• Click CREATE ORDER.

• The screen you will see next will list each girl in the troop on the left, even if she did not earn any recognition. Click on each girl’s name, one at a time, to review her order.

• Each recognition range should be headed by a green bar. If the bar is red, some type of action is needed. In some cases you may need to choose between the item and Cookie Dough. Be sure, as there are no exchanges.

• Click SAVE and EXIT.

Once you do this you’ve created an order. You can do this once. After, edit, review or complete your recognition order, mouse over the RECOGNITIONS icon and click VIEW. To edit, click on the pencil. To delete, click on the red circle/white x. To commit, click on the ✓ . Once you commit your order you cannot edit.

You will notice a STATUS column. R means ‘needs review,’ U means ‘Uncommitted,’ T means ‘Committed by Troop’ and C means ‘Committed by Council.’

Note: Orders for Achievement Bars and Cookie Share will not show in SNAP.

How To

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Online Selling – COCOdirectGirls can use COCOdirect as a means of selling cookies online. COCOdirect is optional for each girl to use. Councils using the other cookie baker (Little Brownie Baker) have a different program so you may find friends and family with different alternatives. COCOmobile will be available to our council January 3.

Customers making purchases of cookies on COCOdirect can order (six or twelve packages of a single variety or an eight package sampler) cookies and, for an additional cost, have them shipped directly. Troops receive the same .65¢ per package proceeds and sales of these cookies are counted towards girl recognition. Sales data is uploaded, by the council, into SNAP and can be found with your financial transaction. Please allow time for this upload of info, it is not automatic.

All girls, and their parents/guardians, should follow these guidelines and tips before embarking on any promotion of cookies via online. Girls and parents should work together and parents/guardians should always be present during any online activity regarding cookies.

All girls, and their parents, must review the Girl Scout Internet Safety Pledge at http://www.girlscouts.org/en/help/help/internet-safety-pledge.html

To access COCOdirect:

Register for COCO via abcsmartcookies.com to get username (MUST USE REGISTERED NAME) and password.

• Log in

• Select ONLINE MARKETING

• Click SEND AN E-CARD

• Choose the COCOdirect e-card to send an email that allows customers to order and pay.

• Add a message, preview and hit send.

The other options allow you to send your local friends and family an email that allows them to give you an order but the girl must secure the product delivery and collect payment.

COCOdirect does not affect our internet rules. The only proceeds that may be collected online are those sales made through COCOdirect. The use of PayPal, eBay and sites where the financial transaction occurs online is prohibited.

Girls 13+ may use their own Facebook pages for Cookie marketing (sales, booths). Girls under 13 should partner with their parent/guardian on the adult’s Facebook page or other social networking sites; however, remember this is a GIRL-LED program and your Girl Scout should be involved. We strongly suggest caution when posting girl or adult specific information on Craigslist or Facebook.

The Extras

Online Order Cards – COCOmobileCOCOmobile is a smartphone app (available for iPhone and android phones) girls can use to have a mobile version of their order card. Orders can be taken, goals, payment and girl delivery tracked.

If a girl uses COCOmobile she will need to place orders with her TCM as usual; it does not automatically order the cookies nor does it ‘talk’ to SNAP. Think of it as an electronic order card.

To use COCOmobile you must download the free app and register online at abcsmartcookies.com Click on COCO and then GIRLS. Leaders can register too, just click on VOLUNTEERS.

COCOmobile can be used to access COCOdirect.

Easy monthly giving =more girls with courage, confidence & character

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mission of Girl Scouts through monthly giving.

DaisysCircle.org

19

The Extras The Extras

Running Reports

SNAP offers several reports to assist you with keeping track of your troop and the details of your Cookie Program, including boxes sold, Cookie Share, finances, transfers and recognitions.

To access, log on at www.abcsnap.com, mouse over the REPORTS icon and choose REPORTS from the drop down menu. That will change your screen. At the bottom left, you’ll see several options to choose from. Choose SUMMARY REPORTS. Now, you’ll see a box in the middle auto-fill. Choose the report you want and click GO TO REPORT. Here’s what each of those reports do:

• Available Booth Sale Summary shows open booth sale options by location, including date and shift available after the lottery is completed.

• Booked Booth Sales Summary: List of unavailable booth sale shifts by location, including date and time.

• Girl Balance Summary: Very useful overall report that will show you, by girl, her packages sold, transfers and financial transactions.

• Girl Cookie Order Detail Summary: Pulls the entire troop in one report and details what was sold by variety for each girl. This report can be run by cases, packages or both. We suggest choosing packages.

• Recognition Order Summary by Girl: Allows you to choose an individual girl and what patches, bars, Camp Coupons and plush she has earned.

• Recognition Order Summary by Troop: The same report as by girl but shows your entire troop. The total number of bars, patches, coupons and plush should equal the total needed for every girl in the troop.

• Total Troop Sales & Finances – Condensed View: This report shows a lot of the same information as the Troop Balance Summary in a line item format. It does not show the contact information or averages and it will show zeros in the damages column. This is more for a Service Unit level, but we keep it available for troops in case you want a condensed view. May be run in cases, packages or both; we suggest packages.

• Track Cookie Share: Gives a recap of how many packages each girl sold for cookie share and the total number of packages overall.

• Troop Balance Summary: Detailed information about the total troop including contact information, averages, number of girls selling and cookies ordered.

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The Extras

Booth SalesBooth Sales are a great way to show girls how to run a small business and to boost proceeds. The more traffic and the better the booth the more you will sell. Last year, we estimate troops sold an average of 50 packages per hour at high traffic locations.

The first rule of booth sales is you must have Thin Mints. People will walk away if you don’t have them. After that, make sure you have the other top sellers. The list to the right shows what girls in GSKSMO sold, overall, in 2016:

Thin Mints – 27%

Caramel deLites – 16%

Peanut Butter Patties – 16%

Peanut Butter Sandwich – 12%

Lemonades – 11%

Shortbread – 7%

Thanks-A-Lots – 7%

No Call ListMajor retail locations are the most sought after. In an effort to make sure we don’t overwhelm the stores with requests, we ask that all troops in all counties in our council refrain from contacting these merchants:

Academy Sports + OutdoorAce Hardware StoresAldiAMC TheatresAnimal Clinic of Boardwalk ClinicAndy’s Frozen CustardApex Climbing GymApple MarketAt HomeBackwoodsBass ProBarnes and NobleB&B TheatresBelger Arts CenterBest BuyBichelmeyer MeatsBig BiscuitBig LotsBroadway CafeBurlington Coat FactoryCabela’sCash SaversCharles Trails WestCostentino’s MarketCostcoCountry MarketCrowley FurnitureCrown CenterCVS

Dick’s Sporting GoodsEuston HardwareFamily VideoFeldmansFestival FoodsFirst WatchFive BelowThe Fresh MarketFulk ChiropracticFurniture Mall of KansasGrain Valley MarketGen X ClothingGreenAcres MarketHalf Price BooksHarbor Freight ToolsHen HouseHobby LobbyHyVeeIbex Climbing GymIKEAIndependence CenterJo-Ann Fabric + CraftKansas City River MarketKmartKohl’sLegendsLowe’sMacy’s Main EventMenard’s

Michael’sMidwest CycleryNebraska Furniture MartNuts + BoltsOffice Depot/OfficeMaxOld NavyOld Time PotteryOneLife FitnessPack’s HardwarePatricia’s FoodsPayless Discount FoodsPetcoPetSmartPinstripesPrice ChopperPryde’s Ole WestportRed Star StudioREIROKCRunning Horse Ranch and HomeSam’s ClubScheel’sSearsSky ZoneSproutsStrasser HardwareSunfresh MarketSunrise MarketSutherlands

Taco BuenoTargetTrader Joe’sTrue Value HardwareWaldo HardwareWalgreensWalmartWalmart Neighborhood MarketWestlake HardwareWild ChildZona Rosa

In the Kansas City Metro Area (Johnson and Wyandotte counties in KS; Cass, Clay, Jackson and Platte counties in MO), booth sales at the major retailers listed above will be set up by a Booth Sale Committee and distributed via lottery. To enter the lottery, please see instructions in this handbook (‘How To’ section).Troops outside of the counties listed above will need to follow direction given by their SU PSM in regards to the stores listed here.

New for 2017: S’mores!ABC has estimated that our S’mores order may be approximately nine percent of the overall sales which means we will see lower numbers in some of the other varieties of cookies. (For your reference, Cranberry Citrus Crisps accounted for three percent of sales last year.) We will do our best to keep plenty of S’mores in stock for your orders!

21

The Extras The Extras

Booth Sales at Independently Owned Retailers/Craft Fairs/Etc.

If the store is NOT listed on the ‘No Call’ List, troops are welcome to make arrangements on their own with local merchants, retailers and businesses. All booth sales must be approved by council; approval is granted by entering in SNAP. This also allows your booth to be listed on the national Cookie Booth Finder app! This step is not needed if you are assigned a booth via the lottery.

• Go to COOKIES and choose BOOTH SCHEDULER from the drop down menu.

• Click TROOP SECURED BOOTHS.

• Fill in all required information. (Use the same info under ‘Chain/Store’ and ‘Location.’ Contact info is your name, phone, etc.). Add the sale date, start and end times and click ADD TIME.

• Click SAVE.

The Product Sales team will review entries and approve. If there is an issue with a location you will be contacted. Stores considered inappropriate include liquor stores, tobacco stores and bars.

Viewing Assigned or Cancelling Booth SalesYou can see (and cancel, if needed) booth sales assigned to your troop.

• Go to COOKIES and choose BOTH SCHEDULER and REQUEST LOTTERY. Your troop’s booth sales should appear near the bottom.

• Click the red circle/white X to cancel.

Maximizing the Booth Sale SeasonDid you know that only 60% of customers who would like to purchase Girl Scout cookies are ever asked? Keeping girls safe and working as a team is a priority, and booth sales whether council-scheduled or troop-scheduled give you a great opportunity to meet your goal. We encourage booth sales as a way to connect with even more customers ready for their once-a-year treat! We will be working hard to promote the season of booth sales and encourage you to take advantage of some or more of these opportunities. Remember to read your Cookiegrams for all the details as they are solidified.

• Bling Your Booth Competition: We will have four weekly online voting opportunities and one grand champion round. You help your girls decorate using the theme: Be Unique. Be You. and then submit a photo for voting. Great prizes like troop Cookie Dough will be awarded!

• Operation Sweet Treat Weekend (National Cookie Days, Feb. 24-26): a weekend to promote our Cookie Share Partner the USO and VA Hospital celebrate the service our military men and women provide.

• Cookie Construction: (Mar. 4) Girl teams along with architecture and design professionals will gather at Crown Center to create amazing structures from cookie boxes. There will also be an opportunity to be a part of the booth sale. Watch the Cookiegrams for all the details on how your troop can request a shift.

Tips for Successful Booth Sales• Use merchandising (signs, sign holders, table clothes,

balloons, cookie box displays) to stand out. Create fliers or banners to hang up, with permission, to advertise the sale ahead of time. Be courteous and kind to all, including those who say no.

• Remember: Business owners/managers have the final say in how Booth Sales are held at their stores. Booth Sales are limited to four girls and two adults at one time. Never leave a girl unattended. If a girl needs to use the restroom, an adult should accompany her.

• Most booths are outside--dress accordingly!

• Always be prepared with your supplies including tables, chairs and change.

• Get a “no thanks” from a retailer? Use your SU’s Facebook page to let fellow TCMs and leaders know as well.

• Always leave a booth sale location better than you found it, even if another troop is coming in behind you. Do not tape signs to property other than your own. Pick up your trash!

22

What happens if a parent doesn’t pay?As long as the troop has records of the finances for the parent (correctly filled out receipts, parent permission slip) the troop can report non-payment when the TCM meets with the SU PSM. Information needed, in addition the documents noted include the parent/guardian’s name, address, all phone numbers (home/cell/work), email address, dates contacted, reason and the total amount due. The SU PSM will assist in determining how much is due to the council and how much is due to the troop. TROOPS SHOULD NOT PAY FOR A PARENT. We will not reimburse you later if you later decide you can’t collect. Troops may not report a parent after the troop meets with their SU PSM. Without proper documentation, the troop assumes the financial liability.

What happens if we have cookies left?Troops are financially responsible for the cookies they pick up at their initial order, any reorders they pick up and any packages they agree to accept from other troops. Troops have until April 30, 2017 to complete all cookie sales and deposits. Troops with unpaid balances at the end of the cookie program will be sent letters of reminders. If you receive a letter, you must contact us; it means we show your troop as unresolved. Troops who do not pay for cookies may be subject to collections, troop leader removal and/or legal action.

Can I Get Samoas or Savannah Smiles?Yes and no! The two official Girl Scout Cookie bakeries have different names for our cookies. Samoas=Caramel deLites, Tagalongs=Peanut Butter Patties, Do-si-dos= Peanut Butter Sandwich and Trefoils=Shortbread.

Little Brownie Baker makes other variaties: Savannah Smiles, Toffee-rific, and a different version of the S’mores cookie (sandwich style). These are not available to our troops.

A Girl Scout transferred to/from my troop in the middle of the Cookie Program. What do I do?If both troop leaders (old and new) are in agreement the girl should pay for all cookies sold during her tenure with her first troop and any remaining unsold cookies will transfer to her new troop using a troop to troop transfer in SNAP. If leaders are not in agreement please contact the SU PSM for assistance.

What do I do if someone complains about the cookies?Please ask the customer to email cookies@gsksmo.org with their contact info and concern. Encourage the customer to retain the packaging as well.

Why isn’t there a sugar-free option?They were offered several years ago, but did not sell. Many Girl Scout Cookies, when compared to like varieties of sugar-free cookies, often have similar dietary exchanges. We recommend customers compare our Shortbreads if they are looking for like carb exchanges.

What do I do if someone contacts me from the media?If local media reaches out to do a story on your Cookie Program, that’s great! We ask that you refer any media requests to Gina Garvin, VP of Brand & Marketing. Gina can assist in making sure you get the most out of the opportunity. Gina can be reached, via email at prdept@gsksmo.org or by phone at 816-759-3046 or 800-728-8750.

How do I borrow Cookie Costumes?Cookie Costumes may be checked out in sets from the Kansas City, St. Joseph, Lawrence, Topeka and Manhattan Council offices. A $5 deposit is required. Please contact the office most convenient to you for more information and to make a reservation.

Acceptance of credit cards for cookie purchasingWe allow troops to accept credit cards for cookie purchases.

Troops may acquire the hardware/software of choice, tying the deposits to their troop accounts as if cash is accepted.

PLEASE NOTE: Troops may not charge an additional fee for credit card purchases to cover fees. All cookies must be sold at the $4 price point ($5 Trios).

Troops may set a minimum purchase for credit card purchases.

We ask, for your protection, that should you have a customer who wishes to charge more than $250 that you facilitate that charge through the council office by emailing cookies@gsksmo.org.

FAQs

23

Scout Admission

Price

Workshop Add-On Price

(per scout)

Total Price(per scout)

Additional Adult

Admission Price

1 Attraction

$7.00+tax $3.00+tax per workshop $10.00+tax

1 FREE Adult for every 5 Scouts! $10.00+tax per

additional Adult

2 Attractions

$12.00+tax $3.00+tax per workshop $15.00+tax

1 FREE Adult for every 5 Scouts! $20.00+tax per

additional Adult

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24

Make This Your Best Cookie Season Ever!

We invite Girl Scouts from across our council to join us…

2017 Girl Scout Cookie Kick-OffSaturday, January 21, 2017

9:30 am – 4:00 pm

UMKC Swinney Recreation Center5030 Holmes Street

Kansas City, MO 64110

$20 per person until Dec. 1$25 per person Dec. 2 – Dec. 15 (or until spots are filled)

Registration includes:

• Ticket to the UMKC Women’s Basketball Game (Tip-Off: 2:00 pm)• Boxed lunch• Community partner booths to explore• 20+ fun, hands-on skill-building activities to help Girl Scouts earn their Cookie Pin• Goody bag including patch, Cookie Pin and much more!

Get all the details, join us as a volunteer and register your Girl Scouts for this must-attend event!

gsksmo.org/ckoGIRL SCOUTS OF NE KANSAS & NW MISSOURI | GSKSMO.ORG | 816.358.8750