Dear Girl Scout Families and Volunteers,
We know some families may have questions about safety during the Girl Scout Cookie Season. We want to reassure you that participation in cookie booths is always optional, and families should choose what feels right for them.
If a booth or activity ever feels uncomfortable or unsafe, troops should calmly end participation and leave. There is no expectation to stay or engage further. If there is an immediate safety concern, please contact local law enforcement or call 911.
Girl Scouts can participate in the Cookie Program in many ways, including online sales through Digital Cookie, outreach to friends and family, shorter or limited booth shifts, participating later in the season, or opting out of in-person booths entirely.
Your safety and well-being are our top priority. Please reach out if you have questions or would like to talk through participation options.
Yours in Girl Scouting, Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama
What Families Should Know
- Participation in cookie booths is always optional.
- If a situation feels uncomfortable or unsafe, troops should end participation and leave without engaging further.
- Leaders should contact law enforcement or 911 if they sense they are in danger. · Girl Scouts offers many ways to participate in the Girl Scout Cookie Program · Planning ahead, including reviewing Emergency Action Plans found in the SAC, can help families feel prepared and supported.
Participation Options to Share with Families
If in-person booths don’t feel like the right fit, girls can still fully participate, including:
- Online sales using your troop’s Digital Cookie link, with shipped-only delivery
- Digital Cookie outreach to friends and family
- Cookie stands on private property (where permitted)
- Shorter or limited booth shifts
- Participating at a later date when timing feels safe
- Opting out of in-person booths entirely
FAQs
Do Girl Scouts have to participate in in-person cookie booths? No. In-person booths are one of many participation options. Families and volunteers may choose what works best for them at any point in the season.
What should we do if a booth environment feels uncomfortable or unsafe? Leaders and caregivers should calmly end the booth and leave the area. There is no expectation to stay or engage further.
What other ways can girls participate if they don’t feel comfortable with in-person booths? The Girl Scout Cookie Program is the largest girl-led entrepreneurship program in the world, and in-person booths are one of the many ways girls can participate, depending on the method(s) that best fit their lives and comfort levels. We also encourage girls to reach out to their friends and family members and practice their digital marketing skills by selling cookies online via Digital Cookie.
How can families plan ahead for safety? Safety Activity Checkpoints encourage Emergency Action Plans for Girl Scout activities. Reviewing exits, regrouping plans, and comfort levels before and during shifts can help families and volunteers feel prepared.
