Cookie Program Resources

The Girl Scout Cookie Program is the most publicly visible activity in Girl Scouting and provides us a unique opportunity to model leadership by doing our part in reducing community transmission of COVID-19. Girls and adults should understand and follow this guidance, as well as model Girl Scout Law behavior at all times, while representing Girl Scouts during all Cookie Program activities.

This guidance is designed using the California Blueprint for a Safer Economy , and has been updated 02/2021 based on improving community transmission and vaccination rates, and on-going monitoring with our sister California Girl Scout councils. 

• GSNorCal COVID-19 Guidance and  PARENT/CAREGIVER & VOLUNTEER COVID PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT FOR IN-PERSON MEETINGS should be reviewed, accepted, and adhered to by participating girls and adults.
• Girls should remain within their county boundaries when conducting in-person activities – with the exception of:
  • All Counties: contactless porch product deliveries;  
  • Orange and yellow counties may go to same color counties for in-person activities.
• Non-compliance with State of California, County-specific, and GSNorCal COVID guidance may result in removal from the 2021 Cookie Program.
  • First report results in volunteer follow up with the girl and her family.
  • Second report results in GSNorCal staff follow up and possible removal from the 2021 Cookie Program. 
  • Examples of non-compliance: not wearing masks, not taking social distancing precautions, more than two people at a booth, etc.

In-person activities:

• Door-to-Door Marketing and Transacting:
  • Flyers, business cards, signs with girls’ online shop information may be distributed.
  • Knocking on doors to transact with customers allowed with appropriate safety precautions in place.
    • Customers may not answer their door to minimize their exposure. We recommend knocking once and then leaving contact information.
  • Required safety precautions:
    • Masks are required. Double masking is recommended.
    • Gloves are recommended for visual safety reassurance.
    • 6 foot physical distancing.
    • Contactless whenever possible, including payment acceptance.
• Contactless payment acceptance:
  • We recommend all customer purchases be transacted through girls' online shops.
  • When not possible to accept payment through girls’ shops, we encourage using credit card readers to reduce transmission touchpoints.
  • Should a girl and adult choose to accept cash or check in rare circumstances, appropriate safety precautions must be taken and adults should deposit these physical payments into their personal account, then electronically transfer the funds to their troop volunteer.
• Contactless deliveries:
  • Volunteers will provide families with county and site-specific guidance for exchange of products. Plan for extra time.
  • Contactless porch product deliveries should be planned and shared with customers in advance of the drop.
• In-person order pickups – walk up or drive by:
  • Individual Household participation allowed in all counties. One girl and one adult only.
  • Follow county, site, property, and/or business restrictions.
  • Review Walk-up & Drive-by Site Guidance.
    • Required safety precautions:
    • Masks are required. Double masking is recommended.
    • Gloves are recommended for visual safety reassurance.
    • Hand sanitizer available.
    • Clearly marked 6 foot physical distancing.
    • Signage with QR code and customer instructions recommended over verbal communication.
    • Contactless whenever possible, including payment acceptance.
    • Outdoor only.
  • Site acquisition and approval process varies by service unit. Check with your local cookie volunteer prior to setting up site.
    • Major chain retailers should not be approached by families or troop volunteers.
    • Sites not guaranteed to be included in Cookie Finder.
    • Appeals and concerns escalate to the Product Program staff.

Please note: Even with health and safety precautions, there are no guarantees that anyone can prevent exposure to COVID-19. There is an inherent risk of exposure and illness in participating in any in-person activity.