Crossroads Service Unit - Girl Scouts in Dublin, Pleasanton & Sunol (SU #309)
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2022 GSNorCal Cookie Program

February 1, 2022 to March 27, 2022

CRSU Resources

Email Cookie Questions
Crossroads Booth Spreadsheet
Crossroads Cookie Exchange
Initial Order Distribution Day Instructions
Initial Order Pick Up Time Spreadsheet
Distribution Day Volunteer Sign Up
Crossroads Cookie Cupboard Instructions
Crossroads Cookie Cupboard Hours
Crossroads Cookie Costume Checkout

Important Resources

2022 Troop Cookie Volunteer Packet
2022 Cookie Program Family Guide
GSNorCal Cookie Program Resources
2021-2022 Product Program Parent Form
Cookies 2022 Care To Share Receipt

Useful Council Links

  • eBudde sign in portal
  • Little Brownie Bakers 
  • ​Cookie Entrepreneur Family Pin
  • ​ACH Debit Form
  • ​GSNorCal Online Training Videos
  • GSNorCal Forms Page with Product Program Links
Video of 2022 Cookie Program Overview

Important Cookie Booth Info

Link here to slides for Cookie Booth Q&A
  • Release any booths you cannot work, ASAP.
  • Be prompt, polite, check in/out with Store Manager
  • Max 4 girls and 2 adults (divided into shorter shifts okay)
  • No extra people (siblings, friends, pets)
  • No eating, drinking, smoking
  • No electronics (except for Digital Cookie/ Credit Card app)
  • Bring your own table, tablecloth, chairs (for adults), grocery bags for multiple packages, first aid kit, sanitizer/wipes
  • Keep change in money pouch
  • Have permission and health forms
  • Display QR code for easy cashless transactions
  • Take your empty boxes with you - don't leave in trash
  • Allocate booth cookies to girls promptly
  • Within 24 hours, submit total items sold (with Troop number & booth date, time, location) to crsubooths@gmail.com

Guidance for Troop Cookie Volunteers 

1. Register for Q&As with the GSNorCal Product Team (link here) every Wednesday, 5:30pm-6:30pm (01/05/22 - 03/30/22).
2. Troops who are doing booths, within 24 hours, submit total items sold (with Troop number & booth date, time, location) to crsubooths@gmail.com.

Mar 23rd Message from GSNorCal Product Team

Hello Troop Cookie Teams,  

Only 4 days to go in the 2022 program, with only 2 days until our final stock your freezer with free shipping on $50+ online orders promotion helps girls reach their goals! Remind girls to: 
  • Email customers in their Digital Cookie customer list reminding them to stock up until next season and thanking them for their support 
  • Download their Digital Cookie customer list for the 2022 Fall Take Action Program  
  • Mark all in-person delivery orders as complete once delivered. If cupboards don’t have the inventory to fulfill all varieties in an order, troops should offer a substitution for an available variety. If customer declines, troops should do a partial customer refund for the varieties they can’t fill. Troops receive full order payment credit in eBudde and refund customers by check or electronic payment—ensuring a paper trail for auditing purposes. 
Important Dates
  • 3/23: Q and A - Topic: Wrapping Up Cookie Program 
  • 3/27: Cookie businesses close and selling ends 

Cupboards 
  • Final cupboard restocking by Friday 3/25; no additional varieties are arriving in NorCal. 
  • Packages checked out from cupboards during the risk-free period 3/2-3/27, may be returned with the pickup receipt dated 3/2-3/27 to any cupboard by the date the cupboard closes—the Cupboards List report in eBudde lists cupboard hours and dates.  
  • Cupboard managers check receipts to verify original pickup date between 3/2-3/27.  
  • Opened cases are returnable; packages must be in donatable condition.  
  • Troops enter transaction in eBudde by toggling Product Movement to Remove Product. 

Rewards 
After careful consideration and analysis of percentages of girls at each tier, reward levels will not be adjusted for the 2022 program due to lack of in-person inventory. Reward images and descriptions available on pages 19-22 in the 2022 Cookie Family Guide. Please use below information to finalize choices in eBudde and stay tuned for what to expect next. 
  • Slipper Socks, size choice required 
  • Build-a-Bear Mobile Store Experience 11am-5pm 
    • 7/30 Red Bluff GS Office 
    • 7/31 Santa Rosa GS Office 
    • 8/6 Alameda GS Office 
    • 8/7 San Jose GS Office 
  • Digital Cookie Rewards 
    • Cookie Techie patch for girls: eBudde earner totals will not be accurate, earner totals = sites who have 1+ pkgs sold; GSNorCal Product Team manually calculating for all girl shops with $0 sales launched by 2/18 
    • Bracelets for troops: earner totals will not show in eBudde due to reallocation of packages to girls; GSNorCal Product Team will share list of earners in April 
  • Crossover Patch: earner totals will not show in eBudde; GSNorCal Product Team will share list of earners in April 
  • Donate $25 Reward Card to receive Camp Cushion and patch: At this time, Reward Card donations to the Camp Investment Campaign are limited to $25 earned during the 2022 Cookie Program. We’re currently designing a girl philanthropy program to launch by Fall ’22. Stay tuned! 

eBudde Closeout
GSUSA notified us that Digital Cookie orders placed 3/18-3/27 will not all be reflected in eBudde by 3/31. ALL orders will reconcile, they are just taking longer than usual to process. 
  • In-hand orders should be reflected in eBudde by 3/31.  
  • Direct ship orders will not be reflected in eBudde by 3/31. Once orders reconcile, GSNorCal Product Team will contact impacted troops directly if girls reach the next reward level. 
  • Final ACH Debit to troop accounts may be delayed due to the delay in order processing. 
  • Sales Report data may not be accurate by 3/31. GSNorCal Product Team will notify troops when all orders are reflected and proceeds and Sales Reports are accurate. 
  • Review pages 12-13 of the 2022 Cookie Volunteer Adventure Packet.  
  • Review Finalizing the Sale in eBudde how-to video. 
  • Questions? Connect directly with local SU Cookie Teams listed on eBudde dashboards. 

Thank you,  
Aria, Christine, Gwen, Maria, Minda and Romie ​​​​​​​

Mar 23rd Message from Crossroads Cookie Program Manager

Leaders & Cookie Chairs,
The Crossroads Cookie Cupboard's last day for Troops to pick up cookies is Monday, March 28th. We will be receiving Tagalongs, Do-Si-Dos, and Thin Mints at the cupboard this Friday in time for the final weekend of the sale. After Monday, the Cupboard is closed and no more transactions will occur.
Please confirm with all your families that they have delivered all of their Girl Delivery orders and have marked them as delivered in Digital Cookie.
Thursday, March 31st, Troops are locked out of eBudde at 11:59pm. Make sure all boxes have been allocated, all payments have been noted, and all rewards have been submitted. 
Visit Council's Youtbue channel at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSxv1arnLys84a1LHfJjuKuAqjbB3VCZz to view the 2022 Finalizing the Program with eBudde video.
Email questions to cookiescrsu@gmail.com.

Mar 2nd Message from GSNorCal Product Team

Hello Cookie Teams and Caregivers,
First, a huge thank you to everyone who is participating in and supporting this year’s cookie program. We have many bright spots to celebrate with our cookie entrepreneurs.  We also know, that as with so much these past two years, our girls, volunteers, families and council have had to adapt to uncertainty, surprises and disappointments.  Our cookie businesses are not immune from the supply chain issues that are challenging businesses around the world, and our girls are learning first-hand about business decision-making, risks, and ethics.
A second thank you to so many volunteers and caregivers taking the time to respond to our Next Steps survey. We have summarized votes below and attached the additional feedback responses. We have not finalized a decision on adjusting reward tiers with 3.5 weeks still left in the program. We need to better understand the costs of the additional shipping promotions that GSNorCal now plans to support. We will share the rewards decision towards the last week of the program. Should you have additional thoughts, please reach out to gscookies@gsnorcal.org to share.
  1. 1023 votes: End March 27 and let girls sell through remaining inventory
  2. 747 votes: End March 27 and bring in inventory for final week risk-free checkout
  3. 634 votes: Extend to April 10 since inventory is arriving so late
  4. 426 votes: Extend to April 3 since inventory is arriving so late

The 2022 Cookie Program will end on March 27 as originally planned.

Physical Inventory and Cupboards—Cupboard managers are doing their best to help everyone get the cookies they need and support the 1800+ votes requesting access to physical inventory.
  • Now—March 27: Troops may contact gscookies@gsnorcal.org by March 6 to return current unsold packages to cupboards
  • Now—March 27: Troops have risk-free package check out now-3/27 and may return unsold packages checked out during this period at the end of the program; check with your local cupboard for ordering and receipting specifics
  • March 16—March 23: Based on current baker delivery projections, NorCal will plan for inventory arriving to cupboards to support in-person selling during our final week up to the total Care to Share packages recorded as sold
Expanded Digital Cookie Shipping Promotions—Central Standard Time (CST) applies to dates; 4 package minimum order to qualify; 72 pkg max; no order max per customer.
  • March 12: Celebrating Girl Scout’s 110th birthday with $1.10 shipping (3/11 10:01pm—3/12 9:59pm PST)
  • March 26 & 27: Final Weekend! Stock your freezers with FREE shipping on online orders $50 and up (3/25 10:01pm—3/27 9:59pm PST)
  • PR/paid digital to highlight new promotions to media
  • Customers in Digital Cookie will receive email regarding promotions; Cookie Weekend $5 promo had error with duplicate 636 council codes, not all customers received message
We wish we had more cookies. We wish this season didn’t have unprecedented impact as a result of ingredient shortfalls, labor shortages, trucking delays, and challenging communications, that directly affected every staff member, volunteer, caregiver, and entrepreneur’s optimism for the return of in-person booths. What we are grateful for is that our Northern CA Girl Scout Family came together to model the resilience, learning, and business ethics that are the cornerstones of the cookie program.

With appreciation,
Aria, Christine, Gwen, Maria, Minda, Romie, Leinani (CFO) and Marina (CEO)

P.S. Some of you asked for additional information about what we knew when, during this unusual cookie season.  See email for our inventory communication timeline, and are committed to transparency in this unprecedented inventory situation.

Feb 24th Message from GSNorCal Product Team

Hello Cookie Teams,
This is a lengthy, urgent message, please read in its entirety. SUs and Cupboards received the message yesterday, Troops receive today before noon, Families receive this afternoon.  

We ARE receiving 99,840 Adventurefuls packages next week to stock cupboards. We received an update from our bakery that our cupboards will not be replenished with any additional varieties after that shipment until the third week of March at the earliest. With our cupboards being nearly empty for the next 3 weeks and only a week remaining when we’re able to restock troops, we are seeking input from volunteers and families on next steps for our 2022 Cookie Program. 

Last season, we offered an optional extension to sell beyond the originally planned program dates and we received feedback that as much as our volunteers wanted to continue supporting girls, the additional time commitment was very challenging. We are asking you to review the options and considerations below and share your vote via this link by midnight this Sunday 2/27. We will share next steps on Wednesday March 2.  

We know this is an extremely difficult decision for all of us who are supporting the program.  
  1. Do we keep the current program end date of March 27 and communicate we are not receiving additional physical inventory beyond the 99,840 Adventurefuls prior to program end? Girls can sell through what physical they have and then finish the season with direct ship Digital Cookie shops. This would allow cupboards to close early as they run out of stock.
  2. Do we keep the current program end date of March 27 and communicate that we may receive cupboard replenishment for the final week of the program to support risk-free checkout? Girls can sell through what they have and cancel booths in the interim until we have more inventory in hand. We run the risk of high hopes and potentially hearing of another delay. 
  3. Do we extend the program to April 3 (1 week) for both in-person and online businesses so girls have the opportunity to keep selling in-person? This would likely mean girls will lose between 1-2 weeks of in-person booth sales depending on their current inventory levels. 
  4. Do we extend the program to April 10 (2 weeks) for both in-person and online businesses so girls have the opportunity to keep selling in-person? This would likely mean girls will lose between 0-1 weeks of in-person booth sales depending on their current inventory levels. 

​​​​​​​Considerations: 
  • Girls: Currently challenged with managing customer expectations on Girl Delivery orders due to out of stock varieties, and potentially challenged with reaching goals if we do not extend. Our current council PGA is already higher than last season at 245 packages per girl—we don’t anticipate adjusting reward tiers at this time as a result. 
  • Cupboards: Current challenges with managing expectations from troops and families, and potential challenges with access to locations if extended. 
  • Volunteer time: Challenge for volunteers to adjust schedules and commitments to continue supporting the program beyond the original end date. 
  • Digital Cookie: Currently, all varieties but Adventurefuls and S’mores are available for direct ship. We can consider offering 2 more promotional shipping days between now-March 27. We can consider offering 1 more promotional shipping day if we extend to April 3 or 10. 
  • Booths: Challenge of asking troops to release booths if they are not attending due to lack of inventory and challenge of coordinating more booths in April. 
  • PR: Continue focus on ilovecookies.org, with strong reinforcement to troops to release booths if not attending since ilovecookies.org returns in-person booth results. We could also consider shifting PR focus to Care to Share donations. 
  • ABC Bakers: We are aware ABC Bakers is also having supply chain challenges, though we continue to explore our options partnering with them. 
Thank you, 
Aria, Christine, Gwen, Maria, Minda, and Romie  

Dear Council Customers,   
We appreciate your council’s, volunteers’ and Girl Scouts’ flexibility and agility in managing this challenging season. While we have been successful in resolving some of the unprecedented supply chain issues we are experiencing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, extreme labor shortages and disruption of ingredient supply continues.  As a result, our recovery is slower than we had projected in early February. Adventurefuls, Samoas, Tagalongs, Do-si-dos, and Trefoils re-orders will be available the week of March 14 instead of February 28, as previously communicated.    
As we’ve shared previously, we continue to prioritize initial orders. Over the coming weeks, we will focus on fulfilling those orders for councils who are just beginning their sales. After that is complete, we will shift our focus to fulfilling on-hold amounts and re-orders as stated above. Please note that LBB team members will be in communication with you to confirm all on-hold and re-order amounts before shipping to ensure the timing meets council needs.   
As always, our team remains dedicated to supporting you this season and we thank you again for your partnership and perseverance.   
In partnership,  
The Little Brownie Bakers Team 

Feb 24th Message from Crossroad Cookie Program Manager

Dear Troop Leaders and Cookie Chairs,
We will hopefully receive our first delivery of Adventurefuls next week. This delivery will be prioritizing the fulfillment of girl/troop approved Girl Delivery orders, followed by paper orders and then additional in-person/booth needs. ALL TROOPS INTERESTED IN ADVENTUREFULS FROM THIS FIRST DELIVERY MUST RESPOND TO THE LINKED GOOGLE FORM SURVEY.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeKdGvvnTaw054fnu4XUmzstbsp8Cze02malVaypjSB1gMiTA/viewform?usp=sf_link
Email questions to cookiescrsu@gmail.com once you have read the Google Form in its entirety.

Feb 24th Message from Crossroad Cookie Program Manager

Dear Troop Leaders & Cookie Chairs,
Regarding Booths, if there is a location you would like to have a booth and the site is NOT listed in eBudde for you to sign up, please email our Booth Coordinator to work with her on contacting the business and requesting booth opportunities. We have a list of businesses that have been contacted and even though they might not be listed in eBudde that doesn't mean they haven't been contacted. We would love for our troops to have more booth opportunities BUT we do not want confusion for our community businesses with multiple people making requests, so please email crsubooths@gmail.com with the location you are interested in and the date(s) you would like to hold a booth there. You can also refer to our Cookie Booth Spreadsheet (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/10drHskI0Iz9y82gL-qKVUBcFNvwRD4Ezn21XB3vaIsk/edit?usp=sharing) to see the locations we have reached out to and the current status.

Booth Sales Reporting - Please remember to email crsubooths@gmail.com with your Troop Number, Booth Site Location, Date of Booth Sale, and # of Cookies sold so that we can update our spreadsheet. Sales data is very important for determining the business locations we want to continue to have booth opportunities with and for troops to determine amount of inventory they need for particular booth locations.

Crossroads Cookie Cupboard Inventory - Due to shipping delays, we have turned off all varieties except LemonUps and Thin Mints. We do not know when we will receive the other varieites at the Cupboard. Council has ordered them and is just awaiting delivery. You can place orders with other Cookie Cupboards in our Council, but the shipping delays are Council-wide so they are also limited in varieties.
Adventurefuls are still expected end of February/beginning of March.

Feb 23rd Message from GSNorCal Product Team

Hello Troop Cookie Teams, 
Recap from last week’s 2.16.22 TR communication, with updates below.  

Important Dates 
  • 2/23: Physical pkgs report pulled from eBudde  
  • 2/23: Q&A topic: ACH debit to troop accounts  
  • 3/2: First ACH debit to troop accounts as needed 

Inventory 
Our baker continues to experience production and transit challenges, and has shared that NorCal re-orders will likely not be received before early March.  
  • Our original initial order for 99,840 Adventurefuls packages is arriving next week  
  • 285,120 more packages are currently on re-order for all six core varieties and we are continuing to place re-orders weekly 
  • An update will be shared as soon as we are notified of the reorder arrival timeline in early March 

Troops and girls should: 
  • Discuss current inventory levels; including current totals by variety for approved Girl Delivery orders 
  • Keep in contact with customers over approved Girl Delivery orders delivery timeline; customers have been gracious and are completely understanding of delays when kept informed 
  • Talk with their local cupboard regarding current pending order fulfillment 
  • Check the Cookie Exchange tab in eBudde 
  • Temporarily turn off varieties in Digital Cookie for Girl Delivery as appropriate 
  • Review upcoming booths and release if temporarily out of inventory 

Current as of today 2/23: 
Adventurefuls—99,840 pkgs arriving next week; add’l 34,560 on order for delayed delivery from bakery 
S’mores & Toffee-tastics—no additional inventory coming…TURN OFF VARIETIES WHEN OUT OF STOCK 
  • Pending cupboard orders may be adjusted to prioritize troops with approved Girl Delivery orders; be prepared to communicate totals for approved orders 
  • Troop to troop transfers should be considered to support sister troops fulfilling previously approved Girl Delivery orders 
  • Families confirm availability before approving future orders. If out of variety, offer customers a replacement variety or Care to Share. If customer requests a refund for an unavailable variety, troop can refund from troop funds with a “paper trail” either by check or electronic transfer and deduct the money paid on the Girl Orders tab in eBudde 
Thin Mints—113,784 packages in cupboards; 38,400 arriving next week 
Lemon-Ups—26,000+ pkgs in cupboards; 14,400 arriving next week 
Trefoils—3,200+ pkgs in cupboards; unavailable for restocking cupboards until delayed delivery of 23,040 from bakery; soon to be temporarily turned off for re-orders by local cupboards 
Do-Si-Dos—4,300+ pkgs in cupboards; unavailable for restocking cupboards until delayed delivery of 33,600 from bakery; soon to be temporarily turned off for re-orders by local cupboards 
Samoas—28,740+ pkgs in cupboards; unavailable for restocking cupboards until delayed delivery of 51,840 from bakery; soon to be temporarily turned off for re-orders by local cupboards 
Tagalongs—17,556+ packages in cupboards; unavailable for restocking cupboards until delayed delivery of 30,720 from bakery; soon to be temporarily turned off for re-orders by local cupboards 

National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend $5 Shipping via Digital Cookie results 
  • 35,800+ orders placed 2/18-2/20 
  • 216,900+ total packages sold 
  • Average order 6.1 packages at $38.12 
  • $639,130 in direct ship sales 
  • $397,640 in girl delivery sales 
  • $44,100 in donation sales 

Thank you, 
Aria, Christine, Gwen, Maria, Minda, and Romie  

Feb 16th Message from GSNorCal Product Team

Hello Troop Cookie Teams, 
This message is longer than usual and contains details on cookie inventory. Please read in its entirety. 
Important Dates  
  • 2/16: Q&A topic: National GS Cookie Weekend 
  • 2/18-2/20: National GS Cookie Weekend $5 flat rate shipping 
  • 2/21: President's Day (offices closed) 
  • 2/23: Physical pkgs report pulled from eBudde for 1st ACH debit 3/2 
  • 2/23: Q&A topic: ACH debit to troop accounts  

$5 National GS Cookie Weekend Promotion—it’s finally here! 
  • Online customers receive $5 discounted shipping on all orders placed from NorCal shops 
  • Actual promo based on Central Standard Time (CST) 2/17 10:01pm—2/20 10:01pm PST 
  • Purple banner across all NorCal shops for customers to see 
  • All customer emails in Digital Cookie will receive $5 shipping celebration email 
  • When customer clicks Ship the Cookies, shipping discount populates in checkout 
  • Maximum of 72 packages per order for $5 shipping 
  • No maximum on # of orders for a customer 
  • Additional shipping fees to Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, APO/FPO/DPO apply 
  • Document with customer view attached below 

Inventory 
Our baker continues to experience production and transit challenges, and has shared that NorCal re-orders will likely not be received before the end of February, early March. What does this mean for NorCal?  
  • Many troops have a good supply because they took a big risk in January to place a significant initial order. This was a challenging decision for some troops, especially without a crystal ball knowing if COVID may impact the program again. The NorCal Product Team did our best to guide these decisions while getting the word out that troops planning on participating should place an initial order. Not all troops were able to place initial orders. 
  • 1523 troops placed an initial order and we are now over 1900+ troops participating; this is something to celebrate! 
  • We’re grateful we took a risk by investing in 1.1 million extra packages above the troop orders in January and are proud of the way volunteers have collaborated with us to deal with this very frustrating situation to find ways forward.  
  • Cupboards are being replenished this week with our remaining 400,000 packages on hand. 
  • Our original initial order for Adventurefuls cupboard stock is still on track for end of February 
  • Over 270,000 packages are currently on re-order for all six core varieties and we anticipate continuing to place re-orders during the delay. 
  • An update will be shared as soon as we are notified of the reorder arrival timeline in late February/early March. 
Troops and girls should: 
  • Discuss current inventory levels; including current totals by variety for approved Girl Delivery orders 
  • Keep in contact with customers over approved Girl Delivery orders delivery timeline; customers have been gracious and are completely understanding of delays when kept informed 
  • Talk with their local cupboard regarding current pending order fulfillment 
  • Check the Cookie Exchange tab in eBudde 
  • Temporarily turn off varieties in Digital Cookie for Girl Delivery as appropriate 
  • Review upcoming booths and release if temporarily out of inventory 
Current as of today 2/16: 
Adventurefuls—On track to receive 99,840 packages by end of February; addl 34,560 on order for delayed delivery from bakery 
S’mores & Toffee-tastics—8000+ pkgs S’mores and 6000+ pkgs Toffees in cupboards, not including pending orders; no additional inventory coming 
  • Pending cupboard orders may be adjusted to prioritize troops with approved Girl Delivery orders; be prepared to communicate totals for approved orders 
  • Troop to troop transfers should be considered to support sister troops fulfilling previously approved Girl Delivery orders 
  • Families confirm availability before approving future orders. If out of variety, offer customers a replacement variety or Care to Share. If customer requests a refund for an unavailable variety, troop can refund from troop funds with a “paper trail” either by check or electronic transfer and deduct the package on the Girl Orders tab in eBudde 
Thin Mints—116,600+ pkgs in cupboards; 67,200+ added to cupboards next week 
Lemon-Ups—30,500+ pkgs in cupboards; 30,200+ added to cupboards next week 
Trefoils—25,000+ pkgs in cupboards; unavailable for restocking cupboards until delayed delivery of 23,040 from bakery; soon to be temporarily turned off for re-orders by local cupboards 
Do-Si-Dos—28,000+ pkgs in cupboards; unavailable for restocking cupboards until delayed delivery of 33,600 from bakery; soon to be temporarily turned off for re-orders by local cupboards 
Samoas—73,500+ pkgs in cupboards; unavailable for restocking cupboards until delayed delivery of 51,840 from bakery; soon to be temporarily turned off for re-orders by local cupboards 
Tagalongs—53,000+ packages in cupboards; unavailable for restocking cupboards until delayed delivery of 30,720 from bakery; soon to be temporarily turned off for re-orders by local cupboards 

Thanks to our volunteers and caregivers, our entrepreneurs are learning how to navigate this situation and are developing an understanding and perspective on how to make business decisions based on supply shortages. We are sorry that this is our reality and encourage all to be mindful of how we can best respond to our peers, customers, and each other during this time. Our girls are watching us, and we have an opportunity to use the Girl Scout promise and law to guide our actions and words. After all, this truly is the largest entrepreneurial skill development program in the world. 
Our sincere and heartfelt thanks to all of you. 
Aria, Christine, Gwen, Maria, Minda, and Romie 

Feb 13th Message from Crossroads Cookie Program Manager

Dear Leaders & Cookie Chairs,
Council did not send us any Care to Share receipts to distribute. Linked here is a pdf of a receipt that you could use if people are asking for one. As a reminder, Care to Share boxes are donated by Council to local Hometown Heroes, emergency responders, food banks, military troops, etc..
Cookie booths start tomorrow. Don't forget to report your booth sales to crsubooths@gmail.com so that we can track how locations do for future reference.
Questions? Email cookiescrsu@gmail.com.
The Corssroads Cookie Team

Feb 11th Message from Crossroads Cookie Program Manager

The Crossroads Cupboard Team has just learned that Toffeetastics will NOT be resupplied at our Crossroads Cupboard for the rest of the sale. Please notify all parents that they need to turn off Toffeetastics in Digital Cookie when they run out of what they currently have in hand. (This also applies to S'mores, which we will also not receive any more of.)
All Crossroads Cupboard orders placed yesterday (2/10) and today (2/11) will likely not receive any Toffeetastics. All Cupboard orders placed on or before 2/9 will likely see a reduction in the number of Toffeetastics that they requested. The Cookie Cupboard Team is doing its best to manage inventory with these supply issues. Note that you can place orders at other Cupboards, though none of them will be resupplied and are only left with their Initial Cupboard Order.
Please remember to utilize the Cookie Exchange in eBudde and the Crossroads Cookie Exchange (https://www.crossroadsgirlscouts.com/cookie-sales.html) to find cookies you need and transfer cookies that you do not need.

Feb 9th Message from GSNorCal Product Team

Hello Troop Cookie Teams,
Week one is in the books. Customer energy is high with 13,500+ searches on ilovecookies.org in only 8 days, cookie deliveries continuing across council, and Girl Scouts getting excited to launch public booths next week!  
Cupboard restocking begins next week once our pandemic-impacted delivery agents complete all initial deliveries across council. We still have a full 6 weeks to go and plenty of inventory, it may just take a bit longer than usual to distribute, as we anticipated and shared at kickoffs. Huge thank you to everyone for their patience and understanding managing logistics this season.

Important Dates
  • 2/4-2/14: SU & Cupboard Deliveries
  • 2/13: Super Bowl Sunday
  • 2/14: Booths Begin
  • 2/16: Q&A: National GS Cookie Weekend
  • 2/18-2/20: Natl GS Cookie Weekend $5 flat rate shipping; APO/FPO/Hawaii fees added to $5

Digital Cookie Dashboards—My Cookies tab and Progress to Goal
The My Cookies tab has new Inventory and Financials sections that are an offline worksheet built to support family management of their packages on hand and money owed to the troop. We are experiencing issues with the data flow to these sections and as a result, recommend NOT USING these sections for the 2022 program. Please review our tip sheet attached below and share with your families to DISREGARD THESE SECTIONS.
  • Data is flowing 100% between Digital Cookie to eBudde; 24-72 hour delay possible
  • Previous entries do not impact sales or financial data for a girl or troop
  • Entries may not be deleted
The offline worksheet data flow issues have impacted the desktop dashboard version of Progress to Goal meters. Please review tip sheet attached below and share with your families to DISREGARD THE DESKTOP PROGRESS TO GOAL. Note: sales data may take up to 60 minutes to refresh in Digital Cookie.
  • Customer Progress to Goal = accurate, reflects total Digital Cookie transactions; girls may no longer update their offline sales to be shared to customers
  • Mobile Progress to Goal = accurate, reflects total Digital Cookie transactions
  • Girl/Troop Desktop Dashboard Progress to Goal = inaccurate, DO NOT USE

Digital Cookie Troop Links
  • Troop shops with Girl Scout Delivery option enabled but not showing for customers is a known issue escalated on 2/1; we will share an update when it has been fixed
  • ilovecookies.org Finder includes Direct Ship Troop Links
  • Direct Ship Troop Links are uploaded to Finder with zip code listed for the troop in MyGS, if different from zip code entered at Troop Shop set up

Order Approvals for Girl Scout Delivery Orders
  • Caregivers have 5 days to approve Girl Scout Delivery orders
  • Orders not approved within 5 days default to cancel or donate depending on customer’s second choice; the majority of customers choose cancel
  • Last season, 15,000 packages were lost to due lack of approval from caregivers
  • Troop volunteers may view both girl and their troop shop orders that need approval from their My Troop tab on their dashboard
  • Customers receive confirmation emails after placing order and when caregiver approves or denies the Girl Scout Delivery; when approved, confirmation email includes ‘estimated delivery of 2/4’; encourage caregivers/girls to communicate with customers a later delivery as appropriate when varieties are in hand
Thank you so much for your continued support,
Aria, Christine, Gwen, Maria, Minda and Romie

Feb 9th Message from Crossroads Cookie Program Manager

Dear Leaders/Cookie Chairs,
The Crossroads Cookie Cupboard is able to fill all CURRENT orders through Monday 2/14. Any NEW orders placed prior to the evening of Wednesday 2/16 will possibly not have their entire order fulfilled as we are getting low on Samoas, Lemonups, and Toffeetastics. We have a delivery from Council scheduled for the morning/afternoon of 2/16, so please consider placing any new orders for pickup the evening of 2/16 or later.
Note that any CURRENT orders will still be subject to the 2 case maximum for S'mores. No new orders for S'mores can be placed.
Email crsucookiecupboard@gmail.com with questions.

Feb 8th Message from Crossroads Cookie Program Manager

Dear Troop Leaders & Cookie Chairs,
Here are a few reminders/updates:
Registration deadline for the Cookie Kickoff Party this Saturday is TODAY (Feb 8th). Please visit my.cheddarup.com/c/crsu-cookie-kick-off for more info and to register. If you have an older girl troop that would like to help run the stations, please email cookiescrsu@gmail.com.
Due to the shortage of S'mores, troops can no longer request them from the Cupboard. All troops should utilize the Cookie Exchange in eBudde, along with the Crossroads Cookie Exchange Google sheet to find or transfer cookies. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1XmUZxOAH-bKmjj8blRT6YNtZEBvRiCntgJiUWPl7sCY/edit#gid=0
Please ensure your troop parents are aware of the shortage and update their Digital Cookie sites as appropriate. We should have an update from Little Brownie Baker regarding Adventurefuls on Feb. 14th.
Cookie Costumes can be checked out for booths. Visit https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1DogcJrYnqaSZIGAyy8veFNHOMjRwuIhdRN-sFlZlo9I/edit?usp=sharing to sign up.
Thanks to all the volunteers that helped make our Initial Order Distribution Day a success!! We distributed 5,853 cases of cookies to troops (that is 70,236 boxes!!!!).
​Email crsucookiecupboard@gmail.com with questions.

Feb 3rd Message from GCNorCal Product Team

Hello Troop Cookie Teams and Caregivers,
We are very grateful for volunteer support in placing initial orders as a result of our anticipation of supply chain issues this season. In addition to the 2.1 million packages ordered by troops, we also invested in an additional 1.1 million physical packages to have on hand in the event of supply chain issues, so we currently have 3.2 million physical packages across all varieties here in northern California.
  • LBB and GSUSA shared today that labor shortages have impacted Girl Scout S’mores. They will be removed from Digital Cookie direct ship at 7am PST on 2/4. NorCal will have the variety enabled for IN-PERSON DELIVERY ONLY, exactly as Adventurefuls is currently displayed to customers. Please help us notify entrepreneurs ASAP.
  • Our S’mores initial order will be 100% fulfilled; S’mores will be in cupboards as ordered and troops will receive every package they pre-ordered.
  • We will not be able to order additional S’mores and they will not be turned back on for direct ship in Digital Cookie before the end of the program.
  • Different councils have different ordering cycles and timelines, and some councils are experiencing supply issues with different cookie varieties.
  • We will share updates if NorCal has supply chain impacts to other varieties, and are grateful for your support navigating the challenges and uncertainty with us as a team.
  • NorCal is on track for our Adventurefuls to arrive in cupboards by the end of February.
Your NorCal Product Team,
Aria, Christine, Gwen, Maria, Minda & Romie

Feb 3rd Message from GCNorCal Product Team

Hello Troop Cookie Teams, 
For opening day, we’re excited to share that nearly 6700 entrepreneurs launched their Digital Cookie shops PLUS over 1000 customers searched for cookies on ilovecookies.org = 150,000+ packages sold in one day! Please continue to remind caregivers to Approve and Publish girl shops so our customers can be connected to girls closest to them. 

Help us, help you! With hundreds of emails received in each of our inboxes every day added to thousands of inquiries sent to info@gsnorcal.org, we ask that you please provide us with as much information as possible to help expedite your inquiry and ask that you remind your families the same. Make sure to include all relevant information related to the inquiry:  
  • Girl name, troop number, parent email, GSUSA ID if known, etc. as appropriate 
  • Digital Cookie issues: screenshots, mobile/desktop device, Android/Apple, URL(s), time of day, etc.—all help us recreate issues and escalate as needed 

Important Dates 
2/9: Q and A - Topic: Booths and Marketing 
2/4-2/14: SU & Cupboard Deliveries 

Digital Cookie 
  • There is currently up to a 48 hour delay between when a girl queues her customer emails to go out and when they are sent by Digital Cookie. 
  • Troop dashboards have information that helps support family questions. Click here for a tip sheet. 
  • My Cookies tab—Girl Scout Delivery Settings: used to adjust Girl Delivery option and inventory availability. See this video for how-to: Girl Scout Delivery Settings. 
  • My Cookies tab—Inventory and Financials: We do NOT RECOMMEND families view or utilize these two sections, as the information WILL BE INACCURATE. Girl sales and payment reconciliation is NOT IMPACTED by information reflected in these sections. EBUDDE REMAINS THE SINGLE SOURCE OF TRUTH FOR INVENTORY AND PAYMENTS. Please share with your families to disregard these sections. 

Caregiver Responsibility Agreements 
  • Submission form requires an entry for ‘Troop Leader Email’. 
  • If parents enter their own email in this field, please ask them to forward the confirmation. 
  • Beginning Friday 2/5, SU teams have access to the list of caregivers who have submitted forms to support confirmation requests from troop volunteers. 

Ordering Cookies 
  • Troops place cookie orders from cupboards to ensure girls have the cookies they need to fulfill approved Girl Delivery orders, upcoming booth sales and door-to-door activities. 
  • To inform your order, connect with families on what they need for the upcoming week. 
  • Check the Cookie Exchange tab in eBudde for needed varieties prior to placing a cupboard order to support sister troops moving their inventory. 
  • Cupboards begin opening for business 2/4-2/14. 
  • All cupboards are open to all troops to place orders. 
  • Please check eBudde for specific cupboard pickup hours through the process of placing a cupboard order, outlined in this video and on page 19 of the Volunteer Adventure Packet. 
  • Each cupboard has unique guidelines around ordering deadlines and pickup protocol. Always review guidelines in the notes that appear when a cupboard is selected prior to finalizing an order. 
  
Thank you so much for your continued support, 
Aria, Christine, Gwen, Maria, Minda and Romie 

Jan 30th Message from Crossroads Cookie Program Manager

Dear Leaders and Cookie Chairs,
We still need volunteers for our Initial Order Distribution on Sunday, February 6th. All troops that placed an Initial Order should provide AT LEAST one volunteer on this day. The less volunteers, the longer the lines will be for troops picking up their Initial Orders, so please ask troop adults and older youth (6th grade +) to come assist for a 2 hour shift.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0c4daea922a0fa7-2022
All volunteers MUST also complete this Google form
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdA1R4scjGghHxyDPIF588hA1A5VqNowJ1fy0z3Q56yBrN3Nw/viewform?usp=sf_link]

To ALL DRIVERS that will be picking up cookies on Sunday, February 6th at Initial Order Distribution Day. Google Form should be completed prior to arriving at Oracle's parking garage, otherwise your driver will need to pull out of line to complete this form before picking up the Initial Order.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyaNT60C79qV9sRHgyaBQDcycPZjb9iZK3HJ40JcpW5cP7OA/viewform?usp=sf_link

Email questions to cookiescrsu@gmail.com.

Jan 30th Message from Crossroads Cookie Program Manager

Dear Leaders and Cookie Chairs,
We still need volunteers for our Initial Order Distribution on Sunday, February 6th. All troops that placed an Initial Order should provide AT LEAST one volunteer on this day. The less volunteers, the longer the lines will be for troops picking up their Initial Orders, so please ask troop adults and older youth (6th grade +) to come assist for a 2 hour shift.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0c4daea922a0fa7-2022
All volunteers MUST also complete this Google form
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdA1R4scjGghHxyDPIF588hA1A5VqNowJ1fy0z3Q56yBrN3Nw/viewform?usp=sf_link]
Email questions to cookiescrsu@gmail.com.

Jan 29th Message from Crossroads Cookie Program Manager

Troop Leaders and Cookie Chairs,
Cookie Cupboard information is now available on the Crossroads website at https://www.crossroadsgirlscouts.com/cookie-sales.html. Please read the Cupboard instructions before placing an order.
Items to note: 
  • Cupboard is in a pod located behind Grocery Outlet, 3550 Bernal Ave., Pleasanton
    (enter back driveway from Tawny Dr)
  • Please wear a mask
  • Consider helping other Troops by using the Cookie Exchange before placing a Cupboard Order
  • Mixed cases can be ordered but must end in increments of 12 boxes
  • ORDERS MUST BE PLACED AT LEAST 12 HOURS BEFORE PICK UP
  • You must have a confirmed appointment in order to receive cookies. Walk-ins will not be accommodated
  • If you're going to be late, please plan to possibly wait if another Troop is scheduled at the time of your arrival
Email cookie cupboard questions to CRSUCookieCupboard@gmail.com.

Jan 27th Message from Crossroads Cookie Program Manager

Troop Leaders & Cookie Managers,
During Council's Cookie Q&A on 1/26, it was mentioned that Leaders/Cookie Managers can add an email address to eBudde that they want to use for the Troop Digital Cookie Site login so that all adults at a booth can access the Troop site and not have access to a Girl's site that is not their own child. Go into eBudde and under Settings, choose Edit. You can add the email address and a name (I used "Troop Email" as the name) as a Cookie Chair. Then click Save/Update at the bottom. THEN, go to the Digital Cookie login page and choose Forgot Password. Enter the email address you just added to eBudde. Digital Cookie will send a link to that email address so that you can create a password and log into Digital Cookie (must be done via web browser and NOT the app). You can mark that email address as Lead in Digital Cookie, but that probably isn't neccessary for just using it at booth sites. I think Lead means it will get email reminders about any orders needing approval, etc..

Regarding taking credit cards and using the app's credit card reader, please watch this video below. A key point is that you should choose the "In Hand" delivery option for customers at booths. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EweKtkukRZY
Note that this video is from a different Council and was made for 2021. The main details still apply though.

​Digital Cookie access for girls/families to log in and set up their shops begins this Friday 1/28; email arrives in inbox from email.email@girlscouts.org . Access for troop volunteers to set up troop shops also begins this Friday 1/28. Approved and Published shops auto-feed into NorCal’s exclusive ilovecookies.org Cookie Finder to connect cookie-buying customers to entrepreneurs. 
The Digital Cookie app will be usable come February 1st when the sales starts.
Email questions to cookiescrsu@gmail.com.

Jan 26th Message from GSNorCal Product Team

Hello Troop Cookie Teams,  
Only 5 days until we launch the 2022 Cookie Program!  

Please continue to reach out to your service unit volunteers for any questions you may have. When contacting the NorCal Product Team for questions, please remember to ALWAYS include as much information as possible (SU #, Troop #, and girl name) to help with your inquiries. 
  
Important Dates   
1/26: Q and A - Topic: Digital Cookie 
1/28: Parent/girl Digital Cookie access opens (digital cookie login sent out) 
1/29: EntreprenHERS in Action Day (formerly known as Digital Day) 
2/1: Digital Cookie shops open for business 
2/2: Q and A- Topic: Deliveries - Girl Scout Delivery orders 
  
Digital Cookie platform is Central Standard Time (CST) for all dates/deadlines 
  • Access for girls/families to log in and set up their shops begins this Friday 1/28; email arrives in inbox from email.email@girlscouts.org 
  • Access for troop volunteers to set up troop shops begins this Friday 1/28 
  • Approved and Published shops auto-feed into NorCal’s exclusive ilovecookies.org Cookie Finder to connect cookie-buying customers to entrepreneurs 
  • Mobile app = mobile access to LIVE shops; opens on 2/1 for Approved and Published shops 
  • Mobile app branding will NOT match images shared in 2022 Family Guide, GSUSA just announced it will have the same look and feel as 2021 and the new look will hit in 2023 
  • Girls and troops may launch shops at any time during the season 
  • Share this tip sheet with families that shows how to manage their Girl Scout Delivery preferences, and continue checking the Digital Cookie FAQ page for support 
    
Initial Deliveries 
  • Connect with your service unit team to confirm your troop’s pickup schedule 
  • Follow all COVID safety guidance for your distribution site 
  • Girls may deliver Digital Cookie Girl Scout Delivery orders as soon as cookies are in hand 
  • Girls may go door-to-door in residential areas as soon as cookies are in hand 

Cookie Cupboards   
  • Initial Cupboard deliveries will be between February 4-14. Please check eBudde for specific cupboard hours through the pending order process, outlined in this video and on page 10 of the 2022 Volunteer Adventure Packet. Hours are posted by individual cupboards   
  • Each cupboard has unique guidelines around ordering deadlines and pickup protocol. Always review guidelines in the notes that appear when a cupboard is selected prior to finalizing an order 
  • Variety availability will vary throughout the program 
  • Adventurefuls will not be stocked in cupboards until late February  
  • Toffee-tastic and Girl Scout S’mores will be limited supply 
  • Troops should stay current on assigning SOLD cookies on the Girl Orders tab to help local cupboards get replenished; cookies in troop inventory are considered UNSOLD if not assigned to girls on the Girl Orders tab 
  • Our cupboard managers are amazing volunteers who have been very generous in offering their time and spaces for this second unusual season in a row. Continue to extend this gratitude and spread joy across our Girl Scout community this season 

Thank you so much for your continued support,  
Aria, Christine, Gwen, Maria, Minda and Romie 

Jan 22nd Message from Crossroads Cookie Program Manager (regarding Volunteer Sign Up for Distribution Day)

Dear Troop Leaders and Troop Cookie Managers,
Each Troop placing an Initial Order for pick up on February 6, 2022 should provide AT LEAST 1 volunteer for 1 TWO-HOUR shift.  We require a large number of volunteers for this huge event, so please consider providing more than one volunteer. If you can volunteer more than two hours, please only sign up for the shift(s) that you can be there for the full two hours, to make sure we have the coverage we need for that shift. Volunteers can arrive and depart as their schedule allows BUT they must cover the shift that they sign up for.

Volunteers will lift, count, and load the cases of cookies into vehicles. Volunteers must be 6th grade or older. All volunteers under the age of 18 are required to have a parent/guardian in attendance. Please maintain an 8:1 under-18 to adult ratio. Hours served can count towards school/Scout volunteer hour requirements. Girl Scout Activity/Event Parent Permission Forms and Health History Forms (linked below) must be turned in upon arrival and can be picked up upon departure.

Youth Parent Permission Form; Adult Health History Form; Youth Health History Form

EVERY PERSON VOLUNTEERING (adults & scouts/students) MUST CHOOSE A SLOT AND PROVIDE THE REQUESTED INFORMATION. WE NEED AN ACCURATE LIST OF WHO IS VOLUNTEERING. For privacy purposes, only Name and Troop # are seen by other volunteers using this sign-up. You MUST also complete Phone Number and Off-Site Emergency Contact Name & Phone Number boxes to sign up. We need this information for EACH volunteer.

Face masks are required. If you are unvaccinated, please provide proof of a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours of the event when you arrive to volunteer.

Any volunteers NOT affiliated with (or volunteering for) a specific Girl Scout Troop, should email Mindy Destro (cookiescrsu@gmail.com) to sign up to volunteer. Please do not forward this sign-up to people not representing or volunteering with your Troop at this event. If there are no open slots during the ONLY time period that you can volunteer, please email Mindy.

Link to the Signup Genius https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C4DAEA922A0FA7-2022

Jan 22nd Message from Crossroads Cookie Program Manager (regarding Initial Order Pick Up)

Dear Troop Leaders and Cookie Managers,
The sign-up sheet for picking up your Troop’s Initial Cookie Order on February 6th (Delivery/Distribution Day) at Oracle’s parking garage (5805 Owens Drive, Pleasanton) is now available. There are a few items to note before you sign up for a time slot.

Initial Orders are going to be separated into two pick-up lanes. Lane 1 is for orders of 1 to 70 cases. Lane 2 is for orders of 71-199 cases. Please put your Troop Number into the time slot and Lane that is appropriate. Troops with 200+ cases should pick the 200+ tab and enter your Troop Number in the preferred time slot.
If your order requires more than one vehicle, ALL vehicles must be present before you enter the pick-up line.

The guideline for number of cases that will fit into a vehicle are as follows:
Compact Auto 20-25 cases
Hatchback Auto 25-30 cases
Standard Auto 35-40 cases
Sport Utility Vehicle 50-60 cases
Station Wagon 65-75 cases
Mini Van 70-85 cases (depending if the seats are in)
Pick-up truck (8’ bed) 90-100 cases
Cargo Van (no seats) 190-200 cases
This guide assumes the car is empty except for the driver.  Avoid carrying children and cookie cases in the passenger area at the same time.  If you have an open truck bed, use a tarp to cover the product. 

PLEASE NOTE
: All vehicles must be below the maximum height of 7 Feet. If your vehicle is taller than 7 Feet, you will be required to park outside of the parking garage and carry your cases to your vehicle. NO ROOFTOP CARGO CARRIERS! Vehicles with these will not fit into the parking garage.
Drivers must NOT get out of their vehicles. Please get a visual as the cases are stacked next to the vehicle, before being loaded in the car. A passenger can also be brought along to get out of the vehicle and oversee the counting of cases. NO BACKING UP vehicles! Volunteer safety is our first priority. If you notice a discrepancy in counting at a Cookie Station, please ask that the cases be counted again. If you exit the garage to count your cases and find a discrepancy, please report it to the Exit Volunteer.

The link to the pickup time sign-up file is:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1qlDZD4chVwQUMoTIIJbkY7WhayJ6pHiqYxpNYtv8_pU/
These instructions and the sign-up spreadsheet will also be posted on the Crossroads website at 
http://www.crossroadsgirlscouts.com/cookie-sales.html

Please contact Mindy Destro (cookiescrsu@gmail.com) with any questions.

Jan 19th Message from GSNorCal Product Team

Hello Troop Cookie Teams,
Digital Cookie access for volunteers has been delayed to Friday 1/21 due to issues GSUSA is experiencing with Digital Cookie.

Important Dates
  • 1/21: Volunteer Digital Cookie access opens
  • 1/26: Q and A - Topic: Digital Cookie
  • 1/28: Parent/girl Digital Cookie access opens (digital cookie login sent out)
  • 1/29: EntreprenHERs in Action Day (formerly known as Digital Day)

Digital Cookie
  • Digital Cookie access for volunteers has been delayed to Friday 1/21 due to issues GSUSA is experiencing with Digital Cookie.
  • Check email inbox (spam too) for email from: email.email@girlscouts.org
  • Upon login, volunteers should confirm roster of girls matches eBudde
  • Confirm with girls whether or not the troop should launch the Troop Cookie Link
    • Many troops plan on using the Troop Cookie Link at booths to accept customer payments.
    • Troop Cookie Links default to shipped and donated orders only. 
    • Links may be enabled for Girl Delivery orders with troop volunteer acting as ‘parent’ for order approval and delivery coordination 
  • Rostered girl named Troop##### in eBudde exists to manage Troop Cookie Link orders and does not affect any troop or girl data, such as PGA calculations or reward orders 

Initial Orders
  • All troops who placed an initial order with Adventurefuls at 9.5% or less of their total packages will receive Adventurefuls in initial deliveries
  • Troops who ordered over 9.5% were reduced to 9.5% of their total; As promised, if your troop’s original initial order quantities resulted in earning business tools for girls, girls will still receive all rewards for that level(s), regardless of the removal of Adventurefuls
  • We will be stocking cupboards with Adventurefuls during the program and we will have more information on the timeline after 2/14
  • Little Brownie Bakers and ABC Bakers are partnering to ramp up production to meet the need for Adventurefuls, so we may be offering both bakers packages (they taste nearly identical so we don’t anticipate customer concern)
  • We do not yet know if Adventurefuls will be available for direct ship when we launch online shops on 2/1

Jan 12th Message from Crossroads Cookie Program Manager

A couple of reminders:
The Booth Scheduler opens back up at 8pm on 1/13. You can book as many booths as you want, including those in other Service Units.
Initial Orders are due by 11:59pm night on 1/13!! Remember to allocate 1 Thin Mint to each girl selling if your troop is going for the Bonus Reward(s). Also, make sure to go to the Rewards tab and enter in the t-shirt size for the t-shirt Bonus Reward.
We don't have a date as to when the Crossroads Cookie Cupboard will open yet. Please plan to place an Initial Order to cover any booths occurring within the first week of the sale.​
Email questions to cookiescrsu@gmail.com

Jan 11th Message from GSNorCal Product Team

Hello Troop Cookie Teams,
We’re sending this week’s email a day early with the importance of initial order and the booth scheduler. Thank you so much to troops who followed our guidance and selected 6 booth picks in Round One. There are currently over 15,000 slots still available for troops to pick with new booths being added daily to the scheduler. 
​Booths 
  • All troops are eligible for a maximum of 6 booth picks (2 per business) through 11:59pm on 1/11 
  • Booths will continue to be uploaded daily to the Booth Scheduler for troops to pick 
  • Troops that wish to change their booth selections may release already picked booths from the eBudde Dashboard Calendar prior to selecting new booths to remain within the maximum 6 booths (2 per business) in Round One 
  • Booth Scheduler is closed 1/12 and opens at 8pm on 1/13 for unrestricted, unlimited picks for all troops 
  • Breaking News!!  BART permits have been approved  
  • Since we are still in the middle of Round One, BART booth locations that have been submitted by service units are being uploaded to eBudde now to be selected
  • Still waiting on CalTrain permit approval 

Initial Orders 
  • Initial orders should be placed by ALL troops who are planning to participate this season 
  • Troops use the Initial Order Planning Worksheet to determine mix 
  • ADVENTUREFULS UPDATE:  Little Brownie Baker, ABC Bakers and GSUSA are working together and believe that all councils will have adequate supply to meet the demand for Adventurefuls. We will have more details to share next week. We continue to recommend that troops proceed placing their initial orders exactly as originally planned using our planning tools and service unit recommendations as guidance. 
  • If troop initial order quantities need to be adjusted due to a lack of Adventurefuls supply at the time of initial deliveries, we will ensure troops who qualified for the Initial Order Business Tools based on the quantities that were originally entered receive their rewards 

Digital Cookie  
  • Digital Cookie is not yet open for GSNorCal and members cannot log in 
  • Troops do not have to opt-in to Digital Cookie; all troops/girls loaded into eBudde flow into the Digital Cookie system 
  • Check email inbox (spam too) for email from: email.email@girlscouts.org 
  • Volunteers receive email and have access on 1/19 
  • Families and girls receive email and have access on 1/28 
  • Volunteers and families should use HELP button on Digital Cookie for support after 1/19 and 1/28, respectively 
​
Your Product Team, 
Aria, Christine, Gwen, Maria, Minda and Romie 

Jan 9th Message from Crossroads Cookie Program Manager

BOOTH INFORMATION

eBudde Booth Scheduler
Starting on January 10th at 8pm, eBudde’s Booth Scheduler will be open to allow troops within the Service Unit to reserve booth sites. Crossroads troops will be able to reserve up to 6 booth sites (2 max per business) from 8pm on January 10th till 11:59pm on January 11th.

Starting on January 13th at 8pm, eBudde’s Booth Scheduler will be open for unrestricted reservations, allowing troops to be able to reserve booth sites in other Service Units.

NOTE #1: Businesses within Crossroads have requested that troops NOT book consecutive booth slots on the same day at the same location, nor consecutive days at the same location. Troops are also requested to not book the same location and the same day of the week in a row (example: no 2 Saturdays in a row at the same location). Troops that do not follow these business requests will have one of their booth slots denied.

NOTE #2: As more booths are added to eBudde, including BART booths once the permits are received, updates will be emailed to Troop Leaders & Troop Product Program Managers via eBudde, and posted on Crossroads Facebook page.

Crossroads Booth Spreadsheet
This spreadsheet notes all the booth locations now and shows past booths with sales numbers so troops can get an idea of how sales went at certain locations and plan for their Initial Order.
See https://www.crossroadsgirlscouts.com/cookie-sales.html for booth spreadsheet.

Booth Q&A on January 24th
On January 24th from 7pm to 7:30pm (immediately prior to the monthly Volunteer Meeting starting at 7:30pm), there will be a Booth Q&A for all parents and Troop volunteers. We will be reviewing booth rules, etiquette, tips, and tricks. (Please see the Crossroads email communication with the Zoom meeting link.) Feel free to email questions that you would like answered at the meeting to cookiescrsu@gmail.com prior to the meeting.

DoorDash Booth Interest Request
If you are a troop with Juniors and above, and would like more information on working the Crossroads DoorDash booth, please email cookiescrsu@gmail.com. Booth location will likely be in front of Erik’s DeliCafe in Dublin and shift hours would likely run Fridays 4pm-8pm and Saturdays/Sundays 11am-2pm and 4pm-8pm. Required number of girls will be at least 3 per shift with 2 adults. An information meeting will be scheduled for those troops that are interested.

Crossroads Cookie Sales page
Don’t forget to visit https://www.crossroadsgirlscouts.com/cookie-sales.html for cookie information.

Initial Order
Initial Orders are due by 11:59pm on January 13th. Troop Cookie Managers can find information on submitting the Initial Order in the 2022 Cookie Program Adventure Packet https://www.gsnorcal.org/content/dam/girlscouts-gsnorcal/documents/product-program/cookie/C22%20Volunteer%20Adventure%20Packet%20Final.pdf and a How-To video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2aXpjsLYbtg

If your troop is ordering enough cookies to qualify for an Initial Order bonus, please remember to allocate 1 Thin Mint to each of the girls selling cookies this year. (If you have girls not selling, they will not count against the bonus as long as you DO NOT allocate 1 Thin Mint to them.) This is covered in the video linked above, along with instructions on how to submit the rewards selection for the Initial Order Reward Bonus (t-shirt size).

Adventurefuls
(message from Council)
Many of you may have already heard news regarding labor shortages potentially impacting our Adventurefuls supply chain. We share your concern over the need to manage the disappointment a shortfall of our new cookie variety would bring, and are actively exploring alternative solutions in the event they are needed.

What we know at this time:
  • We recommend that troops proceed placing their initial orders exactly as originally planned using our planning tools and service unit recommendations as guidance
  • If troop initial order quantities need to be adjusted due to a lack of Adventurefuls supply at the time of initial deliveries, we will ensure troops who qualified for the Initial Order Business Tools based on the quantities that were originally entered receive their rewards
  • No other cookie varieties are impacted by the labor shortage; we will have plenty of cookies in NorCal
  • Digital Cookie shops will have the variety available for direct ship to customers
As we continue to gather more information and assess the troop initial order quantities late next week, we will share next steps based on what we know at that time.

Jan 5th Message from GSNorCal Product Team

Hello Troop Cookie Teams,
Happy New Year! We hope this past season of celebration was joyous and refreshing. As we gear up for the cookie program, it's time to remind all families to submit the Caregiver Responsibility Agreement, and for troops to select booth sites and order cookies by January 13th. Service unit teams and the 2022 Volunteer Adventure Packet are your first line of resource.

Logging in/Adding Troop Users in eBudde
Troop volunteers who are registered in MyGS as Troop Leaders or Troop Product Managers are loaded into eBudde twice weekly with the same email listed in MyGS. Troop volunteers may add additional troop users to eBudde.
  • Click Settings tab
  • Click Edit Settings 
  • Click Add to all seasons
  • Click Update

Initial Order
  • For returning troops, Troop Order History for the prior 3 cookie seasons will be emailed by end of day 01/06/22
  • For new troops, connect with your service unit teams for quantity recommendations and reference Initial Order Planning Worksheet (found under volunteer resources) for variety breakdown
  • Confirm booth participation yes/no with families to help determine quantities for order
  • Click here for a refresher on how to place your Initial Cookie and Reward Order
    • Assign one Thin Mint package to each girl selling to indicate she’s earned the business tools if placing a 175+ pkg or 225+ pkg Troop Per Girl Average order
    • Choose tee sizes on the Rewards tab after submitting your cookie order
    • Be sure to click Submit at the bottom

​Selecting Booths
Despite Covid-19 challenges and some delays securing booth locations, we are feeling optimistic that it will be business as usual for in-person booths when they open 5 weeks from now. After the Booth Scheduler opens on Monday, booth sites will continue to be uploaded throughout the program—be sure to keep checking for locations to reserve for your troop. We are continuing to monitor the CDC and CA state guidance and will quickly communicate updates as needed throughout the program. Current GSNorCal Covid-19 guidance for booths may be found here.
  • Selecting sites in eBudde is found in the Volunteer Adventure Packet on page 15
  • All booth participants must be fully masked
  • Girls should consider creating signs asking customers to wear masks while at their booth
  • Troops may have a minimum of 6 booth sites reserved to plan their initial order
  • Service unit teams provide recommendations on cookie quantities to have at booths

Your GSNorCal Product Team,
Aria, Christine, Gwen, Maria, Minda and Romie

Dec 20th Crossroads Cookie Information Meeting Summary

Link here for Presentation slides

Volunteer Resources (on GSNorCal website)
Volunteer Information Packet (Troop Cookie Manager Manual)
Training Videos (on GSNorCal YouTube channel)
eBudde (portal for Troop Cookie Manager)
Digital Cookie (platform for girls - active only after Jan 28, 2022)
ilovecookies.org (GSNorCal cookie finder)
Family Guide (will arrive by mail in Jan 2022)


Important Cookie Program Dates
Cookie Booth Lottery will be through eBudde
January 10th, 8pm to January 11th, 11:59pm
: eBudde Lottery Round 1 (Troops reserve 6 sites inside Service Unit boundaries; 2 max per business)
January 13th, 8pm: eBudde Scheduler opens for unrestricted reservations

January 13th: Initial Orders due
January 19th: Volunteer access to Digital Cookie opens; check inbox from email.email@girlscouts.org
January 28th: Digital Cookie login emails to families from email.email@girlscouts.org
February 1st: Digital Cookie Shops open for business
February 6th: Crossroads Initial Order Delivery Day at Oracle in Pleasanton (All troops placing an Initial Order must provide at least 1 volunteer for a 2-hour shift. Students 6th grade and up are welcome to volunteer with adult supervision.)
Girls may deliver and market in-person in residential areas once cookies are in hand.
February 14th
: Public booth sales start
February 18th - 20th: National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend ($5 flat rate shipping for online customers)
March 2nd: 1st ACH debit ($2 per box received in-hand via Initial Order and Cookie Cupboard)
March 27th: Sale ends (Troops locked out of eBudde March 31st 11:59pm)
April 2nd: Final ACH debit

Booth Information
Please do NOT approach large businesses to ask about setting up booths - that is being done by our Crossroads Booth Coordinator. If you have any leads or contacts at businesses who would love to host booths, please email cookiescrsu@gmail.com.
See pg 8 of the Volunteer Adventure Packet (Troop Cookie Manager Manual) for booth info.


DoorDash
Details to come. Looking for location for DoorDash booth right now. Only Juniors and up can run the DoorDash booth. (Booth sign up will NOT be through eBudde.)

2022 Cookie Rewards
For Initial Order in eBudde: Only girls who intend to sell 175+ or 225+ packages should be assigned 1 package of Thin Mint to receive Initial Order rewards/tools. Girls who do not intend to sell, and other girls who anticipate selling less than 175 or 225 packages should not have any packages assigned to them for the Initial Order.

​
If you have any questions, please email me at cookiescrsu@gmail.com.
Mindy Destro, Crossroads Cookie Program Manager

Dec 15th Message from Crossroads Cookie Program Manager

Dear Troop Leaders and Troop Cookie Managers,
eBudde is now available for you to access the 2021-22 Sales Season information. Please log in and confirm that your Contact details are up-to-date and that all of the girls in your troop are listed. If there are missing Troop Leaders,Troop Cookie Managers, or Girls in eBudde, please refer to your MyGS account to make sure that their Girl Scout registration AND, for adults, their background screenings are up-to-date and not expired. Please also confirm the adult roles. Those designated as Troop Leaders or Troop Cookie Managers in MyGS should show up in eBudde (as long as their registrations and background screenings are current).
  • Sale details and resources from Council
  • Council's Volunteer How-To videos can be found on YouTube
  • Specific information pertaining to Crossroads Service Unit

The Crossroads Volunteer Meeting discussed cookie sale highlights and details specific to Crossroads. If you did not attend one of Council's Cookie Kickoffs, please review the Volunteer Resources section of Council's Cookie Resources page. Both the Kickoff Presentation and Volunteer Packet are available.
​
If you have any questions, please email me at cookiescrsu@gmail.com.
Mindy Destro, Crossroads Cookie Program Manager

Dec 15th Message from GSNorCal Product Team

Hello Troop Cookie Volunteers,
Thank you to those who were able to attend our 2022 Cookie Program Troop RETURNING Volunteer kickoff last week. As a reminder, resources and access to eBudde are both live. Keep sending us questions!

Please use this link to download the Troop RETURNING Volunteer Kickoff deck with notes. We are unable to share the recording due to technical difficulties.

Kickoff highlights:
  • Troops are strongly encouraged to place an Initial Order
  • Girls use Digital Cookie app to accept customer payments
  • Record packages sold ASAP in eBudde
  • Booths are back
  • EntreprenHERs in Action Day sessions for girls and families
  • $0.85 proceed level reduced to 230+ Troop PGA 
For volunteers: 
  • Program Overview Video
  • 2022 Volunteer Adventure Packet
  • 2022 Family Guide will arrive in family and volunteer mail boxes week of 1/3
  • One-stop resources for girls, families, and volunteers: Cookies+ Program Resources
  • Weekly Q&A registration links
For families: 
  • EntreprenHERs in Action Day Saturday, 1/29
  • Caregiver Responsibility Agreement 
Your Product Team,
Aria, Christine, Gwen, Maria, Minda and Romie 

Cookie Kickoff Topics

We will cover the following key elements and more:
  • New Adventurefuls Cookie in our lineup - a crunchy brownie-inspired cookie with caramel crème and sea salt
  • ALL packages are now $6; Core variety price increase to $6/specialty variety decrease to $6
  • To ensure girls have inventory/tools to run their business, troops are strongly encouraged to place an initial order 
  • To get more troops to $0.85 proceeds, we reduced the tier from 325+ pkg troop per girl average to 230+ pkg troop per girl average
  • ilovecookies.org Customer Cookie Finder now has digital links PLUS in-person booths and will be promoted as THE way to find cookies and support local GS
  • National Cookie Weekend $5 flat rate shipping for customers (2/18 - 2/20)
  • Commercial/business booths are back 2/14-3/27: please refer to our GSNorCal COVID-19 Guidelines
​Your GSNorCal Product Team
Aria, Chistine, Gwen, Maria, Minda & Romie
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