Girl Scouts, much like everyone else, have had to make some adjustments due to the pandemic, specifically in the way they go about selling Girl Scout Cookies. Last year’s cookie selling season had wrapped up not long before COVID-19 reached the U.S., but as the pandemic rages on, the Girl Scouts had many changes to make in order to sell cookies this year.

The biggest change comes from cookie booths, which used to be found selling cookies outside stores such as a local Walmart. “We’re not actually doing cookie booths [this year],” explained Rylee McIntryre, a Girl Scout and Pennridge High School student. However, there are virtual booths which can be accessed by asking a Girl Scout for a link. Other digital methods include downloading the Girl Scout Cookie Finder app, using the Cookie Finder on the Girl Scout website, or texting “COOKIES” to 59618. Girl Scouts have also partnered with Grubhub for contact-free cookie delivery. 

Despite the many online options, McIntryre admitted to not using the new system, as did Cecelia Bates, another Girl Scout. However, just because they don’t use it doesn’t mean they don’t like it. “I think it’s smart for people who are really nervous about covid,” Bates stated. Both Bates and McIntyre expect the online system will continue even after the pandemic, as it allows for more cookie sales and easier access throughout the country.

Another common cookie selling method, simply selling to friends and family, has remained a possibility this year. McIntyre experienced more friends and family reaching out this year than past years. “Our family and friends have bought a lot,” she said. Other buying and selling methods, much like the cookie booths, haven’t been as successful this year. For one, they haven’t been able to do fundraising events. Bates also explained that the parents of troop members would bring cookies into work with them, but that isn’t possible with some being laid off or working from home. “Plus if a parent is working they might not have as many people there because of people being laid off and businesses failing,” Bates stated.

Overall, Girl Scout Cookie sales have gone down this year. The lack of cookie booths was most responsible for the decrease, but the Girl Scouts are doing what they can during these times. However, Bates and McIntyre don’t seem too worried about the money they earn. Both explained that the Girl Scouts had planned trips last year, which ended up having to be cancelled. While that may be unfortunate for the Girl Scouts, they were able to get all of the money back that would’ve been spent on the trips. That isn’t to say the Girl Scouts don’t need any support in terms of cookie sales, but the extra money was helpful in managing this year. With any luck, next year will bring a more normal cookie selling season, and with the new online system, possibly more successful than before.