The outbreak of the novel coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic is the very definition of an unplanned crisis, and while there remains a great deal of uncertainty about the virus itself, what is abundantly clear is that it has never been more important for Girl Scout leadership to take bold and decisive action. Our chief priority is the health and safety of our girls, families, volunteers, and staff. Based on WHO and CDC guidance, and bearing in mind official guidance around social distancing, GSUSA is recommending that councils immediately suspend all large in-person Girl Scout events, consistent with similar bans on large gatherings in many cities and states. In addition, due to the likelihood of interaction with large numbers of the public, we recommend suspending Girl Scout Cookie Booths. Digital Cookie and Smart Cookie on-line orders can continue shipping without interruption for the time being.
While the safety, health, and wellbeing of our girls and volunteers is and must be our first priority, we recognize that the suspension of Girl Scout Cookie Program Booths will create other challenges. Of particular concern for troops, parents and volunteers is the fact that they will face excess inventory of cookies they were planning to sell during upcoming booth sales. Please know that GSUSA will actively work in partnership with all councils, our bakers, and our national booth partners to determine how to best manage inventory impacted by this suspension so that it does not become a financial burden to our girls, parents or volunteers. We are also working in partnership with councils to build on the existing recommendations for creative approaches to recouping Cookie Program revenue. GSUSA will continue to review public health guidance to determine how and when to adjust these recommendations.
We know this is a challenging moment for Girl Scouts everywhere! We will get through this as we always do – as one Movement, united in our mission of serving girls and we're here to help. If you need help talking to your girls during this challenging time, check out Raising Awesome Girls .
Thank you for your leadership, partnership, and shared cooperation, as we lead through this moment together, on behalf of Girl Scouts everywhere.
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