Girl Scouts rally as cookie season kicks off
More than 500 people gather at seven locations across New Hampshire and Vermont
January 14, 2026
Girl Scouts are charged up and ready to bring delicious treats to cookie fans across New Hampshire and Vermont after a weekend of rallies that gave them a chance to hone their business and customer skills while having lots of fun.
Rallies took place in Manchester, Moultonborough, Greenfield, and Rochester in New Hampshire, as well as in Burlington, Rutland, and St. Johnsbury in Vermont Jan. 10 and 11. There were 575 Girl Scouts, their caregivers, and troop leaders participating in games, workshops, and learning about ferrets, as this year’s mascot for cookie season is the black-footed ferret. At some locations Girl Scouts got to pet actual ferrets while all learned about the species.
“Supporting the Girl Scout Cookie sale goes beyond just buying cookies—it has a meaningful impact,” said Kristel Rigoli, vice president of revenue and operations for Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains. “From teaching girls how to communicate and lead, to allowing troops to give back to their communities through service projects, all the proceeds from the cookie program stay local.”
Kelli Brown, director of fund development for the council, said the rallies were full of energetic and enthusiastic cookie sellers.
“With a mix of older, more experienced Girl Scouts and younger, brand new Girl Scouts, the group learned about the importance of safety during cookie season, how to speak to customers about why they are participating in the cookie program, and all the fun and rewards that come during cookie season,” she said. “The Girl Scouts enjoyed a presentation from Curious Creatures who brought four ferrets for the girls to hold. Overall, a great way to kick off the Girl Scout cookie season!"
At each rally, Girl Scouts practiced their sales pitches, ran an obstacle course, made cookie-scented play dough, and learned about ferrets. The program is not just a fund raiser; it teaches both the Girl Scouts and their families skills like customer service, financial management, setting goals, business ethics, and decision making – all of which are designed to enhance valuable life skills and build confidence.
J.A. Morrissey, Inc., General Contractors generously sponsored the Burlington rally. Eversource in Manchester graciously donated its location for use by Girl Scouts as well as a few hundred sanitizer packages. The council thanks the Humane Society of Chittenden County for sharing information on ferrets.
Girl Scouts Cookies are available for order right now. Cookie booths will open early in February. If you know a Girl Scout, you can support her entrepreneurial spirit by ordering from her. You can find cookie booths or a Girl Scout troop or order from by visiting www.girlscoutcookies.org or by texting COOKIES to 59168. ALL proceeds stay local, supporting your local Girl Scout and the council that serves her.
Even if you don’t eat cookies, you can donate them to the military, veterans and hometown heroes through the Gift of Caring program hosted by Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains. It’s a sweet way to show you care while giving Girl Scouts a way to earn a week at summer camp, trips, and more.
We Are Girl Scouts
Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world. Through programs from coast to coast, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges—whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best friends. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. To join us, volunteer, reconnect, or donate, visit girlscouts.org.
Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains serves girls throughout New Hampshire and Vermont through volunteer-run troops, events, and virtual programs. Visit www.girlscoutsgwm.org to learn more.
