Cookie Resource Hub: For Volunteers
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Cookie Resource Hub: For Volunteers
Welcome, Troop Leaders and Volunteers!
Embark on a successful cookie season with confidence. This hub provides all the tools, training, and resources you need to support your troop's entrepreneurial journey.
Key Dates: 2027 Cookie Season
Full Program Dates 
Stay updated with our Event Calendar for upcoming trainings and important deadlines.
- Caregiver Permission & Responsibility Form
- GSHNC Cookie Training Pathway: Access via gsLearn
- New Cookie Volunteer Trainings: Ideal for first-time volunteers
- Just-in-Time Trainings: Refreshers before key milestones
- eBudde Training Videos: Master the cookie management system
- What to Expect at Cookie Pickup - Training Video (Coming Soon!)
- Trainings Overview Flyer
Ensure you're prepared by completing the necessary trainings before the season kicks off.
Financial Forms
Booth Resources
Digital Cookie Tip Sheets
Direct Sale FAQs
Direct Cookie Sales (Hybrid Direct Sale Model) | Frequently Asked Questions
During the 2026-2027 Girl Scout Cookie Program, Girl Scouts Hornets' Nest Council will transition to a Hybrid Direct Sale Cookie Program. This model combines a troop Initial Order with direct sales, giving girls cookie inventory earlier and allowing customers to receive cookies more quickly.
What is a Hybrid Direct Sale Cookie Program?
A Hybrid Direct Sale Cookie Program allows troops to place an Initial Order before the sale begins so girls have cookies available when selling starts.
For Hornets' Nest Council:
Troop Initial Orders are due December 14, 2026.
Cookie sales begin December 15, 2026, when Digital Cookie opens.
Troop Cookie Pickup is January 9, 2027
Council booth sales start January 15, 2027
Why is the council making this change?
The Hybrid Direct Sale model is designed to:
Simplify the cookie program for girls, families, and volunteers.
Shorten the overall sale season.
Provide customers with cookies sooner.
Create a more efficient selling and delivery experience.
How do Girl Scouts benefit?
Girls will:
Have cookies available to sell earlier in the season.
Experience faster customer transactions.
Gain more opportunities for booth and direct sales.
Continue developing the five key entrepreneurial skills of the Cookie Program.
Participate in a shorter, more manageable sale season.
How do customers benefit?
Customers enjoy:
Faster access to cookies.
Immediate fulfillment when inventory is available.
A more convenient purchasing experience.
How does this model help volunteers and families?
The Hybrid Direct Sale model:
Reduces the need for multiple customer visits.
Simplifies order fulfillment and delivery.
Creates a shorter, easier-to-manage sale season.
Allows troops to replenish inventory through cookie cupboards as needed. See the Troop Cookie Book or eBudde for cupboard locations.
Sale Structure and Inventory
How long will the sale last?
A Hybrid Direct Sale Cookie Program typically lasts 7 to 8 weeks, compared to the longer traditional order-taking model.
What role does Digital Cookie play?
Digital Cookie remains an important sales tool. Girls can continue reaching customers online, collecting orders, and tracking sales while also selling cookies they have on hand.
What is an Initial Order?
An Initial Order is the troop's starting inventory order placed before the sale begins. It provides cookies for direct sales, booth sales, and immediate customer fulfillment.
Why is a strong Initial Order important?
A well-planned Initial Order helps troops:
Start selling immediately.
Support early booth sales.
Meet customer demand.
Maximize sales opportunities.
How do troops manage inventory?
Successful troop inventory management includes:
Regular check-ins with families.
Monitoring upcoming booth needs.
Replenishing stock through cookie cupboards.
Reviewing sales trends throughout the season.
What is the biggest inventory risk?
The greatest risk is leftover inventory (cookie residuals) at the end of the sale. Troops should carefully monitor inventory and reorder only as needed.
Initial Order Cookie Calculator
Initial Order Instructions
Cookies for a Cause
Empower your troop to make a difference! Nominate a cause by March 1, 2027, engage local businesses for support, and earn patches and rewards for participation!
LEARN MORE
Resources from Girl Scouts of the USA
Find handouts, posters, videos, and other materials to help you have fun and stay safe as you build your cookie business.
FIND RESOURCES
Tools from Little Brownie Bakers
These resources will help you support Girl Scouts as they run their very own cookie businesses and gain skills essential for success.
FIND RESOURCES
Volunteer Resource Hub
Need more information for all things volunteer? Check out our Volunteer Resource Hub for all you needs!
LEARN MOREEmail: cookies@hngirlscouts.org
Phone: 704.731.6500
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm
