G.S. Cookies – Giving Back Goal

Activity Description: Youth decide how to give back with their cookie money by voting on a community idea and setting a goal.


Items Needed:

Instructions (Estimated Total Time: 10–20 min):

  1. Share giving ideas. (5–6 min)
    • Present options such as donating food to a pantry or making treats for an animal shelter. Add other ideas suggested by youth.
  2. Vote on favorite Giving Goals. (5–6 min)
    • Youth vote by raising hands, placing stickers, or using tokens. Or read each idea aloud and ask youth to clap for the ones they like best. Count claps to see which ideas are most popular.
    • Count votes and announce the top choice. Record the giving goal so the group can follow it later.
    • See GSUSA – D/B/J Voting or GSUSA – Teen Scout Voting for more details on how to vote.
  3. (Optional) Plan a connection. (5–6 min)
    • Talk about how giving back helps the community.
    • If possible, schedule a visit to the chosen organization or invite a representative to meet the troop. Encourage youth to meet the people there and learn about their work.
    • Discuss if the organization allows volunteering when youth are older.


Click Here -> See what GSUSA Requirements could be met in Goals Category

Leaders – please be aware of double dipping and make your own informed choice.

Info Needed for Set Goals: Brainstorm ideas, pick one to make a troop sales goal, and set your personal goal.

Info Needed for Budget Goals: Set a troop goal and budget and get feedback

Info Needed for SMART Goals: Learn what SMART is and apply it to the troop sales goal.

  • Fulfills Step 2 of GSUSA Senior Cookie Boss badge requirements.

Info Needed for Tracking: Make a way to track sales with a goal tracker or using the online sales tracking feature.

This activity does not meet any Scouting America Requirements

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