Girl Scouts using technology to sell cookies in pandemic
Girl Scout cookie season underway and Troop 3255 is turning to technology to help generate more cookie sales.
"Right now my troop is the only troop in the area selling cookies," said Teresa Cantrell, leader of Troop 3255.
Troop 3255, one of many troops in the Diamonds of Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas Girl Scouts, have begun meeting to develop email listings for potential online purchasers.
"This season, Girl Scouts are again selling cookies in creative, socially distant and contact-free ways to keep themselves and their customers safe during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic," said Heather Wojtarowicz, coordinator with the Diamonds.
Cantrell said that while Troop 3255 will be doing mostly online sales, members of the group still plan to participate in outdoor cookie booths that follow local, state and CDC guidelines.
"If you know a Girl Scout, ask how she's selling cookies through the digital cookie online platform for direct shipment or local delivery," suggested
Cantrell. "Starting in February, people will be able to enter their zip code to purchase cookies online for a local troop for direct shipment or donate to local causes."
Cantrell adds that each purchase helps the local troop fund adventures throughout the year.
"It is just really a great allaround program for girls that provides all-around programs with fun activities," said Cantrell. "They explore what interests them, discovering their passions and taking action on issues they care about. They use STEM skills to solve a problem, change laws in their communities, go adventuring outdoors, start nonprofits and more."
"And through the Girl Scout cookie program, including by earning new cookie business badges, girls get a taste of being entrepreneurs and learn important online and offline business skills that set them up for success in life," Wojtarowicz agreed.
Cantrell's daughter, Mary P., has been selling cookies with the Girl Scouts for 10 years.
"Selling cookies has taught me how to manage money and get better at customer service," she said. "I love seeing how excited people get about Girl Scout cookies."
"Cookie sales have helped me learn about money and be a people person," added fellow troop member Avery Hedge. "I think both of these things are important to run a successful business."
"My favorite thing about cookie season is that people love the cookies we sell and it's fun to sell them," agreed Girl Scout Arianna Ellis.
This year there is a new type of cookie, according to Cantrell, called Adventurefuls.
"They are a brownie cookie filled with caramel," she said. "This year the Adventurefuls can only be purchased as a shipped order, not a local delivery on the cookie website due to a shortage."
Returning cookies this year include favorites such as Thin Mints, Tagalongs, Girl Scout S’mores, Samoas, Do-si-dos, Trefoils, Lemon-ups and Toffee-Tastic.
Cookies are $5 per box and the Toffee-Tastic is gluten-free, according to Cantrell.
"We use the money to take trips, do high adventure activism and service and outreach," Cantrell said. "We also use it for our weekly meetings, which serve an average of 60 girls."
Cantrell said the goal this year is to sell 3,000 boxes for the troop.
"Our troop cookie website sales page is https://digitalcookie.girlscouts.org/scout/troop3255-506," said Cantrell. "Or you can email me at wynnegstroop3225@gmail.com."
Cantrell encourages those interested in joining Girl Scouts to also email her or visit www.girlscoutsdiamonds.org for more information about the program.