Youth Activity Archive

Activity Description: Youth work together as detectives to solve a cookie mystery using names and flavors.

Items Needed:

• Prepared clue cards (see suggestions after activity instructions)
• Girl Scout Cookie pictures or packages
• (Optional) Fun detective props or music

Instructions (Estimated Total Time: 20-35 min):

1. Set the mystery scene. (5 min)
   • Explain that one cookie has “gone missing” from the warehouse and the group must solve the case.
2. Reveal the first clue. (2-5 min)
   • Read a clue aloud that points to a cookie flavor. Youth must pick up the cookie picture or package they believe matches the clue and hand it to the leader.
   • The leader confirms the choice before giving the next clue.
     • Each correct cookie fact unlocks the next clue card.
     • Incorrect choices are denied by the leader, and the group continues investigating until the right cookie is found.
3. Follow the trail of clues. (10-20 min)
   • Follow each clue until the end of the mystery.
4. Solve the final mystery. (2-5 min)
   • The last clue reveals the “cookie culprit.” Youth announce the answer together and celebrate solving the case.

Cookie Flavor Links

• ABC 2026 Cookie Line Up
• LBB 2026 Cookie Flyer

Cookie Detective Mystery Clues

(based on either LBB or ABC cookie set)

1. Clue 1: This cookie is round and covered in chocolate.
   (Answer: Thin Mints)
2. Clue 2: This cookie has stripes of caramel and coconut.
   (Answer: Samoas/Caramel deLites)
3. Clue 3: The cookie has brownie and caramel flavor.
   (Answer: Adventurefuls)
4. Clue 4: This cookie has peanut butter hiding inside a chocolate coating.
   (Answer: Tagalongs/Peanut Butter Patties)
5. Clue 5: The cookie is gluten‑free and comes in a special package.
   (Answer: Toffee‑tastic or Caramel Chocolate Chip, depending on baker)
6. Clue 6: The cookie culprit is sold only in certain councils.
   (Answer: Lemonades or Lemon Ups)
7. Clue 7: This cookie has a crunchy shortbread flavor and is shaped like the Girl Scout trefoil.
   (Answer: Trefoils/Shortbread)
8. Clue 8: The cookie culprit is new this year and has a rocky road‑like taste.
   (Answer: Exploremores)
9. Clue 9: The cookie is two oatmeal cookies with peanut butter between.
   (Answer: Do-si-dos/Peanut Butter Sandwhiches)
10. Clue 10 (Final Reveal): Now that you’ve looked at all the suspects, the cookie culprit is a the top seller nationwide but does not have any coconut in it.
    (Answer: Thin Mints)

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This activity does not meet any Scouting America Requirements

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For More Fun Ideas and Plans

Join the Girl Scout Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Leader Help Facebook Group
_{(Not an official GSUSA Group)}

Join the Girl Scout Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Leader Help Facebook Group
_{(Not an official GSUSA Group)}

See other Recommended Facebook Groups for some Scouting Organizations
_{(No official Groups)}

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