PRESS RELEASE: Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia Kicks Off National Cookie Season Welcoming Exploremores to the Cookie Lineup and Adobe as National Sponsor

Girl Scouts across Georgia embark on the highly anticipated 2026 Girl Scout Cookie season, channeling their entrepreneurial skills through creativity and exploration

MACON, GA (January 7, 2026) — This week, Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia (GSHG) kicks off the 2026 Girl Scout Cookie season as Girl Scouts explore more possibilities through the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world.

“The Girl Scout Cookie Program invites girls to explore new possibilities while building real-world skills,” said Krystal Crawford, CEO of GSHG. “We’re thrilled to launch ExploremoresTM, a new cookie this year, as girls take the lead in running their very own cookie businesses. Through goal setting, problem-solving, and teamwork, they gain confidence and valuable experience that will serve them long after cookie season ends.”

Exploremores, a rocky road ice cream–inspired sandwich cookie, will join the legendary lineup for the 2026 Girl Scout Cookie season. Filled with delicious flavors of chocolate, marshmallow and toasted almond–flavored crème, Exploremores reflect the spirit of exploration at the heart of every Girl Scout. In addition to the exciting new cookie, the 2026 cookie lineup will include fan favorites such as Thin Mints®, Samoas®, Tagalongs®, and more.

The Girl Scout Cookie Program® provides invaluable entrepreneurial skills for Girl Scouts across the country and funds experiences such as service projects, troop travel, and summer camp. From a curious kindergartener, amazed by jellyfish at the local aquarium, to a middle schooler finding the courage to go on her first overnight trip with her troop, Girl Scouts know the road to discovery starts with exploration. Each cookie season, Girl Scouts develop important life skills like goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills and business ethics through the Girl Scout Cookie Program. All proceeds from cookie sales stay with local councils and troops to power Girl Scouts’ amazing experiences year-round.

On January 10, local Girl Scouts will gather for the annual cookie rally, which gives girls a behind-the-scenes look at how to make the most of the Girl Scout Cookie Program. Girl Scouts will get practical advice for connecting with customers, learning how to safely share their cookie business online, and practice skills that help them start the season strong.

“During the Girl Scout Cookie Program, girls get a fun, hands-on taste of what it’s like to run their own businesses—and the cookie rally really brings those lessons to life,” said Becki Sandifer, local product program manager for GSHG. “They leave feeling confident in their abilities and excited to put their skills to use as they greet their customers and make new friends.”

Right now, Girl Scouts all over the world are exploring who they are, what they can do and all they can become. Your purchase helps them make the world a better place — one box of cookies at a time

How to Purchase Girl Scout Cookies This Year

• If you know a Girl Scout, reach out to her.

• If you don’t know a Girl Scout, check with your local council or use the Girl Scout Cookie Finder by entering your zip code. There you can find a troop selling at a nearby booth, or you can purchase cookies to be shipped directly to you from troops nationwide. This link can also be used to find a local booth, purchase cookies, and/or to donate cookies for local community causes.

• You can also text COOKIES to 59618 to stay informed about Girl Scout Cookie news. Learn more about the Terms and Conditions and the Privacy Policy.

As this year’s national sponsor of the cookie program, Adobe will encourage girls to express their individuality and think creatively as they pursue their goals this cookie season. Through a national educational video featured on the Digital Cookie® platform, Adobe will equip Girl Scouts with essential skills in online communication and responsible digital design. By sharing these creative tools, Adobe is supporting Girl Scouts to become confident digital creators and entrepreneurs.

"Most people think cookie season is just about yummy treats, but it’s really about investing in girls and our communities," said Jennie Lacey, chair of the Macon Regional Advisory Board for GSHG. “Every time someone buys a box of Girl Scout cookies, it helps Girl Scouts grow in their confidence, build leadership skills, and give back in ways that truly matter.”

Girl Scout Cookie season is recognized nationally from January through April, and locally from January 2-March 8; visit www.girlscoutcookies.org to sign up to be notified as soon as your local troop begins selling in your area. Girls in grades K–12 can start their journey to fun, friendship, and new experiences by joining the world's largest entrepreneurial organization for girls at any point in the year. Life’s more fun when you explore more! Unbox the future with Girl Scouts by joining the world’s largest girl-led organization or learn how to become a volunteer at www.gshg.org/join.

###

ABOUT GIRL SCOUTS OF HISTORIC GEORGIA: Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia is rich in heritage and purpose. The council extends from the North Georgia mountains to the Okefenokee and from the Atlantic coast to the Chattahoochee Valley. Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia serves more than 7,000 girls and 3,000 adults in 122 counties in Georgia, two counties in South Carolina and one county in Alabama. The council is also the home of our organization’s founder, Juliette Gordon Low, who founded Girl Scouts on March 12, 1912 in Savannah, Georgia, where her birthplace and the historic First Headquarters still welcome thousands of Girl Scouts every year. Girl Scouting gives girls a wide range of experiences to define leadership their way. To join, donate, or learn more, visit www.gshg.org.