Cookie Credits and Fall FUNds Policy

When participating in the Girl Scout Cookie and Fall Product Programs (“Snacks and Magazine Sale”), Girl Scouts earn program credits that can be used to register for camp or council program events, purchase items from the Girl Scout shop, complete service projects, and attend a variety of troop or individual experiences. These credits are called “Cookie Credits” and “Fall FUNds.” Girl Scouts River Valleys wants to ensure that Girl Scouts and their families understand what they can use their credits for and how to apply them toward Girl Scout purchases.

Policy Statement

• Cookie Credits and Fall FUNds (“Credits”) are issued and redeemed at the discretion of River Valleys.

Standards

• Cookie Credits and Fall FUNds can be redeemed only within the provided expiration date and for approved uses.
  • Credits expire on September 15 following the calendar year they are issued.
  • An extension period of two years after the original expiration date is granted for council-approved Girl Scout Junior, Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador extended travel trips, as well as GSUSA lifetime memberships.
    • Reach out to Girl Scouts River Valleys if you have questions about travel approval or whether your planned trip qualifies for credit expiration extension.
• You must be an active youth member of Girl Scouts in order to earn or redeem Credits.
• Credits can be used for the following:
  • Council-approved day camp and service unit-sponsored encampments
  • Council-led or council-sponsored program events and camps
  • Items at Girl Scouts River Valleys shops and Camp Stores
    • Unexpired Cookie Credits and Fall FUNds (paper) may be converted to digital credits for use in the online Girl Scout shop.
      • Once converted, these credits can only be used in the online Girl Scout shop and cannot be reverted to their original form
      • The minimum amount to be converted is $5
      • The original expiration date of converted credits applies
  • Girl Scout membership dues, annual or lifetime
  • Girl Scouts of the USA Destinations (travel program)
  • Girl Scouts River Valleys-approved extended trips for Junior, Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador level Girl Scouts
  • Completed Girl Scout Bronze, Silver, and Gold Award projects (subject to approval process).
• For paper Credits, if a purchase is less than the total Credits provided, no change will be issued.
• Paper Credits and/or Program Credit numbers must be submitted at the time of payment for council-sponsored camp or program event registration, membership dues, or in council shops and Camp Stores.
• For travel, Gold, Silver, or Bronze award projects, and other approved uses, a fully completed reimbursement form is required.
  • Include with the form for reimbursement:
    • Paper Credits and/or Program Credit Numbers
    • Copies of receipts/supporting documentation for all expenses.