Popcorn Basics
We sell popcorn to help fund the program. Pack 502 tries to keep our dues low to mainly cover the costs of the awards and patches that are fairly consistent throughout the year. More variable costs like camping and special events are covered by popcorn fundraising.
There is of course a sales component to the activity, but scouts doing popcorn fundraising gain confidence and learn public speaking skills. The main thing about fundraising is that the effort is always primarily about supporting Scouting. People may look forward to the yearly popcorn sales and really enjoy the products, but scouts should communicate that the fundraising allows them to participate in the program with all its benefits.
There are three main ways scouts sell popcorn: door-to-door, show & sells, and online. The pack checks out a selection of different products at the start of popcorn season from Council’s supply. Most of the options are available at this time, except those with chocolate. Scouts will have the opportunity to take some of that popcorn with them for door-to-door selling and show & sell events.
Popcorn Checkout
Council provides set times throughout the popcorn fundraising season when a pack can check out a requested amount of products for show & sells and door-to-door efforts. Pack 502’s Popcorn Kernels schedule the dates and manage the inventories. It is generally not difficult to place, move, and/or trade any extra popcorn that doesn’t sell, but the key to making it work is to communicate with the Kernels. Take advantage of their experience, and the efforts will be easier for everyone.
If you would like to checkout popcorn, email the Popcorn Kernels (popcorn@pack502.info). They are usually able to provide the popcorn you need within a couple of days, often the same day. Once you are done selling, update the Kernels with your status. If you have popcorn left that you do not wish to sell, reach out to get it picked up and allocated to another scout.
Popcorn Door-to-Door
A Scout goes door-to-door with an order form and any popcorn they’ve checked out. The customer writes their order on the form, and the Scout returns to deliver the product in a few weeks. This kind of sale is called a Take Order. If the order includes a product the scout has brought with them, it can be provided immediately, so a return visit wouldn’t be needed. Selling products that are brought along by the scout are called Show & Deliver sales. Parents can also take the order form to work or other social gatherings; door-to-door doesn’t just have to be in your local neighborhood. Scouts should dress in their class-A field uniforms for all fundraising efforts.
Popcorn Show & Sells
Scouts set up a table by the entrance or exit of a business, storefront, or other location (after getting permission). Popcorn checked out by the pack is provided for immediate sales. Show & sell events provide access to different customers you may not reach by door-to-door. Shifts are arranged to allow for multiple scouts to participate in a show & sell.
To help reach our pack fundraising goal, the pack’s Popcorn Kernels have organized a few show & sells. If there is enough interest we will schedule more show & sell events. The Kernels will be onsite to help you get set up at each one-hour shift and at the conclusion of your shift for transition to a new group. The Kernels will bring the popcorn, change, Square readers for credit cards, tables, table cloths, posters, donation jar, product listing, and other miscellaneous supplies. Please bring your own chairs, water, and any snacks. Shifts are 1 hour, so you may not need to bring much. Scouts should dress in their class-A field uniforms.
Click the link below to sign up for a show & sell slot. All scouts are welcome to participate and may sign up for multiple show and sells. We need your help to make this popcorn selling season a success!
Online Popcorn Sales
Customers can place orders through the Pecatonica River Popcorn website, and orders are shipped directly to customers. Pecatonica offers a selection of packages online which differ from the options offered for in person sales. Pecatonica works with each Council to build an individualized program to capitalize on their strengths and assets. The online selections are offered nationally as a supplement to each Council, and some of the flavors and pricing will vary.
If you wish to sell online, email to get set up. Please be aware past products sold through the online system were mailed to customers in plain bags without the tins or buckets seen in the marketing photos.
Goals, Dates, and Prizes
Our Pack fundraising goal this year is to sell $10,000 of popcorn. We believe we will reach this goal as long as we work together. Over 70% of all sales money goes to support Scouting. Alamo Area Council gets 33%. We can get up to 40% to fund the pack as long as we have no popcorns returns to Council and sell at least $10,000. Below are key dates and details to keep in mind:
- October 20 Final Take orders Due
- Popcorn sale ends November 1 at 10:59pm
- Final payments due at the November Pack Meeting on 11/16
Prizes
- $50 sales = Popcorn patch scouts can wear on their uniform.
- $600 = One entry into the Council’s weekly drawings for a $50 scout shop card. Every $600 grants an additional entry in the drawing and carries over from week to week.
- $800 = Popcorn T-shirt (provide size by Oct 31).
- $3,000 = One Winner’s Circle prize, selected by scout. Every $3,000 grants an additional prize pick. (Selections needed by Nov 29)
- Top 200 in Council sales rank = This has not been announced yet, but in past years prizes were a special council-wide party or tickets to local attractions. Scouts can usually achieve the top 200 with $1,200 or more in sales.
- If the pack can exceed our fundraising goals and does well, we may also provide additional prizes for the scouts.
Last Updated 9/30/2023
