Cookie Brigade

Krissta

Please tell me more about this! I love to bake, and I'm really thinking seriously about doing this. I would love to make some kind of CB shirt so people would know why I have a bunch of cookies and I'm asking for their money.

VThornheart

Hi Krissta! We would absolutely, positively love to have you on our team for the Brigade!

As you may know, we're essentially a community run "bake sale" that gives cookies in exchange for donations to Child's Play... we're in our off season right now, but we'll likely be picking up around the 1st of the year (hopefully with a revamped website in hand!)

Check out the post from last PAX for some information on how we organize and what we're about.

From there, you can also go to our website, and sign up on our Google Group!

We're in the midst of making organizational preparations for the upcoming PAX East, so keep an eye out: one of us will be starting an "official" thread for organizing here around the start of the year, and from there we'll be using the website (and possibly the Google Group, though hopefully new improvements to the website will make for a more organized and centralized location for discussions) to plan, talk about baking and distributing, and organize great ideas (like your shirt idea!)

Definitely head over and start discussing: we've wanted to make some kind of uniform-like accessory so that people know we're from the Cookie Brigade, and we've gone back and forth on various ideas over the years. Last year, we had a large sized button that identified us as Brigadiers... this year we've heard from people with various great ideas. I think a T-Shirt is still definitely a great idea and would work well, though in the quantity that we'd need (one per day that someone's distributing [unless they wanted to wear the same shirt twice, eek], and one for everyone who baked as well) we'd have to set up some internal donating to make it happen... which is definitely feasible and also something we've been discussing on the Google Group!

So please, head over there and talk over your ideas with us! And welcome to the Brigade!

Krissta

VThornheart wrote: »

Hi Krissta! We would absolutely, positively love to have you on our team for the Brigade!

As you may know, we're essentially a community run "bake sale" that gives cookies in exchange for donations to Child's Play... we're in our off season right now, but we'll likely be picking up around the 1st of the year (hopefully with a revamped website in hand!)

Check out the post from last PAX for some information on how we organize and what we're about.

From there, you can also go to our website, and sign up on our Google Group!

We're in the midst of making organizational preparations for the upcoming PAX East, so keep an eye out: one of us will be starting an "official" thread for organizing here around the start of the year, and from there we'll be using the website (and possibly the Google Group, though hopefully new improvements to the website will make for a more organized and centralized location for discussions) to plan, talk about baking and distributing, and organize great ideas (like your shirt idea!)

Definitely head over and start discussing: we've wanted to make some kind of uniform-like accessory so that people know we're from the Cookie Brigade, and we've gone back and forth on various ideas over the years. Last year, we had a large sized button that identified us as Brigadiers... this year we've heard from people with various great ideas. I think a T-Shirt is still definitely a great idea and would work well, though in the quantity that we'd need (one per day that someone's distributing [unless they wanted to wear the same shirt twice, eek], and one for everyone who baked as well) we'd have to set up some internal donating to make it happen... which is definitely feasible and also something we've been discussing on the Google Group!

So please, head over there and talk over your ideas with us! And welcome to the Brigade!

So awesome! Thanks so much!

VThornheart

No problem, and glad to have you in our ranks!

Heleor

I'm not part of the group, but I'm having the same headaches as far as making us identifiable with the PAX Pokemon League. We settled on having brightly colored custom scarves - if you have people willing to sew they're actually relatively cheap to make.

Krissta

Heleor wrote: »

I'm not part of the group, but I'm having the same headaches as far as making us identifiable with the PAX Pokemon League. We settled on having brightly colored custom scarves - if you have people willing to sew they're actually relatively cheap to make.

Yeah... I tried sewing in junior high... That was the end of my sewing days.

hml151

I will not be attending PAX East, but I always attend PAX Prime and plan on Cookie Brigading again. I might make a flag or some identifying object. If I have the time, I might be able to help out others or create more for the Cookie Brigade. Especially since the guys are creating my costume and I'm not doing any. Another thought, when the PAX East gets closer I was thinking about sending some cookies for distribution. That way I can help even if I can come. I will be in touch as it comes closer.

Wingedillidan

Loved the cookie brigade last year's Prime (erm, this year's prime?)... got some cookies while standing in the front of the Saturday night concert line, even donated $5 so she could break a $20 while we were waiting for MC Frontalot.

VThornheart

That's awesome Wingedillidan! Thank you for your support!

hml151, chat with us on the board as well! The flag idea I think is a good one: it really worked well with that one flag we had for meeting purposes last year (in truth, wearing it as a cape was much more effective than waving it around, and it definitely resulted in more people immediately realizing what I [or whoever happened to be wearing it at the moment] was giving cookies for).

Another idea that we might want to consider is the possibility of doing girl scout-like sashes. Ooh, that could be really neat, maybe with iron or sew-on patches for the various Cookie Brigade related tasks (baking, distributing, helping with logistics etc...)! I'll have to bring that up tonight!

Krissta

VThornheart wrote: »

That's awesome Wingedillidan! Thank you for your support!

hml151, chat with us on the board as well! The flag idea I think is a good one: it really worked well with that one flag we had for meeting purposes last year (in truth, wearing it as a cape was much more effective than waving it around, and it definitely resulted in more people immediately realizing what I [or whoever happened to be wearing it at the moment] was giving cookies for).

Another idea that we might want to consider is the possibility of doing girl scout-like sashes. Ooh, that could be really neat, maybe with iron or sew-on patches for the various Cookie Brigade related tasks (baking, distributing, helping with logistics etc...)! I'll have to bring that up tonight!

Omg that is a fantastic idea!! I love it! It would tale me back to my days of being a Brownie.

Oh, and it should be really easy for people to get sashes, too. There's Girl Scout stores all over the country.

feitocomfruta

I was thinking of incorporating cookie brigading into my Professor Layton cosplay. Not sure how I'd work it. However, I do want to Brigade this year, if I can make it.

hml151

feitocomfruta wrote: »

I was thinking of incorporating cookie brigading into my Professor Layton cosplay. Not sure how I'd work it. However, I do want to Brigade this year, if I can make it.

Make a ribbon (fat or thin with logo on the hat.

VThornheart

You could totally do that! Cosplaying is definitely encouraged for all Brigadiers who want to do it!

One year I was the Blue Engineer from TF2. I think this last year Jazz went as... was it Princess Peach? There were so many cosplaying distributors, I can't even remember all of the costumes!

crimsong19

Hrm ... I loved the Cookie Brigade thing from PAX East back in March ... and part of me REALLY wants to help out ... perhaps by baking or perhaps by handing out? I'm going to cosplay as The 10th Doctor (maybe all days, IDK) ... and I could try and figure out/make a big TARDIS backpack to hold cookies and such ...

VThornheart

Oh, that'd be great!!!

We need all the help we can get, cookies and distributing! What we found last year at East is that (unlike Prime), we seemed to be short of bakers... so we really, really need to rally around baking for East this year! Be sure to join up with the google group for now until we have the new site up and running (probably for a while the Google Group will still be our main contact point, as we slowly make the transition... you know how those kinds of things go ), and if you can do both baking and distributing that would be fantastic!

hml151

I'm more than willing to send some cookies over. When it gets closer, I will just need mailing information, since I go to Prime not East.

Facelesscog

You know, on the topic of some sort of method of identifying Cookie Brigadiers, I agree that a shirt would be tough, as you'd need multiple copies to combat Con Funk. A hat could be worn more than one day in a row...but not everyone likes wearing hats. So, it got me to thinking, what about an arm-band? Something like a one inch wide with the Cookie Brigade logo on it. It could be worn over regular clothing or with Cosplay costumes. It could also be easily removed/hidden if you are in danger of being hassled by "The Man."

I also hope to have constructed a Cookie Brigade distribution/donation box for the BYOC room. We had talked about it on an earlier thread. Basically, a bunch of cookies could be dropped off here, cookies taken and donations left. Last year, we kind of did this, but just by giving a bunch of cookies to Calli. This would free up some of her time.

Lastly, I need four volunteers from the Brigade to help with a project for Desert Bus. We're auctioning off a "Cookie Brigade Christmas Cookie Platter." If each of us (the four volunteers and my wife and I) make two dozen cookies, we could send ten dozen cookies to the lucky winner...and that's not bad. I need to get the details to the LRR guys soon, so please email me by Friday (11/5) if you're interested. (Details in the Spoiler.)

If you are interested in helping, please email me.
1) Include at least five kinds of cookies that you are willing to bake and ship
2) Make sure that at least one of the recipes is nut free, in case the winner has allergies.
3) Only respond if you're really going to help, please. I want to be able to give them an accurate count.
4) Please email me by Friday.

Thanks!

WifeOfAGamer

I'm in the process of joining the groups and such, but wanted to post here that I'm hoping to join the Cookie Brigade at East this year. The even was such a blast last year and I can't wait for March!

Also, I knit and sew as a hobby, so I am open to helping create whatever sash/scarf/etc. people decide they want.

VThornheart

Anyone who can, please join Facelesscog in his Desert Bus effort! We definitely need the help from any awesome bakers out there!

Also, welcome to the Cookie Brigade WifeOfAGamer! That's fantastic!

An armband would definitely do in a pinch, and indeed it would be easier to conceal than a sash... you have a good point on that Facelesscog. Hmm... if only we had a more official status... I would gladly wear a girl scout sash for the Brigade. You can quote me on that.

The distribution box idea is fantastic and sorely needed in several spots I think: you rock for making that! Bless your skills of a crafter

feitocomfruta

I love the box idea. It would free up the time for the Enforcers in the area to do the other, more-enforcery things, but with their presence, it will be difficult to steal (Wheaton's Law aside, it's still a possibility).

Also, is there a donation collection method for those on the floor? Would it be okay to have some form of ID connected to that, IE nail apron with CB logo?

tvethiopia

Facelesscog wrote: »

You know, on the topic of some sort of method of identifying Cookie Brigadiers, I agree that a shirt would be tough, as you'd need multiple copies to combat Con Funk. A hat could be worn more than one day in a row...but not everyone likes wearing hats. So, it got me to thinking, what about an arm-band? Something like a one inch wide with the Cookie Brigade logo on it. It could be worn over regular clothing or with Cosplay costumes. It could also be easily removed/hidden if you are in danger of being hassled by "The Man."

yeah, the idea of incorporating something identifying with cosplay could be an issue. an armband could work, but what about just using a patch? something that could be affixed to an armband, or a bag, or a tshirt, or a jacket, etc etc etc. rather than spending a lot of money buying/distributing an actual product, a pdf of an official logo could be produced and people could use iron-on paper (or whatever medium they like) to create their own patch.

VThornheart

Ooh, that's a good idea as well: an iron-on or sew-on patch. So many good ideas! We should really make this a thread on the Google Group so we can get everyone in on it I think. This weekend I'll start up a thread on this subject.

macrogeek

Cog, talk to the guy who runs the PAX Assassins game. He sells armbands that hold a 2.5x3" or so plastic badge. You could easily throw last year's Cookie Brigade Trading Cards in them and be ready to go.

VThornheart

Hmm... that's a good idea as well definitely! I think I still have an Assassins' badge around here somewhere.

Facelesscog

Oooh, diggin' the Assassin armband idea. If that guy has them ready to sell, that might be an awesome solution.

feitocomfruta

My only concern is that it may interfere with the actual players of PAX Assassins. Perhaps if he can get us a different color armband, it will help things.

punzie

I really like the armband idea. But I'm not picturing it like the Assassins ones. It's be awesome to have them in Child's Play green with the white controller on them. I think it would be more visible/noticeable than the black armbands.

hml151

Arm band would be cool, I think I'm making a flag for my brother because he is going to be in a Samuri suit. I probably could make some for PAX Prime, maybe East if I have time.

feitocomfruta

I don't know if that would be allowed by Penny Arcade or Child's Play, having the logo on the armband. However, I do like the idea of getting them in the CP green. It's bright and visible enough to be seen from a distance.

VThornheart

We did get permission to have the flag last year, I can ask but I'm guessing that if they didn't mind us using the logo for the flag they wouldn't mind for the armbands. I'll find out though.

punzie

On using the Child's Play logo: my understanding is that no one can use it on anything they are charging for (that's why the challenge coins couldn't have any of the official Penny Arcade logos or images). As long as we distribute the armbands for free, we should be in the clear. Also, since we are a vehicle for collecting donations for Child's Play, it'd be a little silly if we couldn't advertise that fact. But, of course, double checking this info is never discouraged!

ransim

Someone mentioned scarves, I'd just like to interject, spreadshirt has scarves you can custom design. I've done them before, they come in blue, pink and black. Problem is they're a bit pricey at like 14 bucks a pop.

But I doubt that spreadshirt is the only place that does the scarves, I just know they're quality is awesome.

VThornheart

Hmm... 14 bucks isn't too bad for something that we could reuse frequently I think! Heck, it'd cost less than a T-Shirt at Cafe Press! I really like that idea, especially for east where it's going to be cold and wintery. So many good ideas! We've got to vote on them!

I'm going to be putting out a newsletter over Google Groups soon to make one more call for more ideas on this subject, and then I'll make a poll so we can all vote and choose on the identifying thingy we want. I'm just waiting to see if Facelesscog still needs more baker help so I can package that request into the newsletter as well (Facelesscog, you there? You still need help?)

Facelesscog

Sorry VT, I was away from the computer for a bit. (Doctor appointments then visiting guests) I replied to your message, and thanks for including it in the newsletter!

feitocomfruta

VT, I don't know what Google Group you are talking about. Should I send you my email so that you can add me?

VThornheart

No worries Facelesscog!

Oh, feito, you haven't joined the google group yet? Ah!

Check out our website, and sign up on our Google Group!

If anyone else interested in the Brigade hasn't signed up there yet, be sure to do so! I just posted the newsletter, so take a peek!

hml151

I joined the google group now, just pending for approval.

MidnyghtChilde

I joined the google group as well and am pending approval.

I would like to help with the baking part of things for PAX East

VThornheart

Good deal, glad to see you guys joining up!

hml151, I'm surprised that you weren't in the group yet! How did you know where to meet up with us?

hml151

VThornheart wrote: »

Good deal, glad to see you guys joining up!

hml151, I'm surprised that you weren't in the group yet! How did you know where to meet up with us?

I just hadn't got a gmail account, I've already got two other email accounts. I did make one especially for this and I'm happy too. I hope to be able to send cookies for PAX East and we will be back at PAX Prime. I should be able to get lots of attention towards cookie brigade in a Silicon Metroid Zero suit. It will be great!

VThornheart

Excellent! That's fantastic!