The Girl Scouts of Suffolk County hosted its annual “Cookiepalooza,” at the South Shore Mall in Bay Shore here tonight, kicking off the 2026 Girl Scout Cookie Season.
More than 900 Girl Scouts took over the mall from 9pm to 1am for the annual fun-filled celebration, which also helps Girl Scouts get ready for their personal sales journey, developing the five skills they need to have a successful cookie sale, including marketing and money management.
“They are going to learn about service, inventory, and how to speak to a customer,” said Tammy Severino, President & CEO of Girl Scouts of Suffolk County. “It’s an opportunity for them to learn entrepreneurial skills that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.”
Activities included a “Girl Scouts Got Talent” show, with finalists performing their own original Girl Scout Cookie song, as well as cookie previews and creative snacks, and Girl Scouts creating their own original social media content as part of the “media girls” program.
“Selling cookies is very challenging in the beginning, but once you learn these skills you can get your confidence up,” said Brinleigh Ingwersen, of Northport. “You can even make up cheers or chants to ask people to buy cookies. It’s really fun.”
Girl Scouts also celebrated the unveiling of the new Exploremores cookie, a rocky road-inspired sandwich cookie with chocolate, marshmallow, and toasted almond-flavored crème, designed to evoke adventure and available nationwide in early 2026.
For more information or to buy cookies online, visit http://www.gssc.us/.
About Girl Scouts of Suffolk County
Since 1968, Girl Scouts of Suffolk County has been committed to building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. Girl Scouts helps girls develop their full individual potential; relate to others with increasing understanding, skill, and respect; develop values to guide their actions and provide the foundation for sound decision-making; and contribute to the improvement of society through their abilities, leadership skills, and cooperation with others. Follow Girl Scouts of Suffolk County on Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.