Introduction to the Popcorn Program

Fundraising for the Pack is important to Scouting, not only for the exceptional programs it allows, but also the life skills it teaches your son like goal setting, public speaking, and self-motivation, Popcorn sales are the sole annual fundraiser for Pack 301. The Pack requires a modest annual dues to cover registration of the Scouts. The activity and camping budget comes solely from Popcorn Sales. This keeps costs for parents down while enabling a fantastic program for the Scouts throughout the year.

The Popcorn Program is an important part of Scouting. Some of the great benefits of selling popcorn include:
  • There are NO up-front costs to the Pack or to parents
  • A built-in prize program to support the Unit and individual Scout goals
  • Participating in the Popcorn Program can complete requirements for rank advancement 
  • Popcorn is supported by the local community
  • Scouts can earn a free week at a National Capital Area Council camp of their choice!
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MOST IMPORTANTLY, participating in the Popcorn Program teaches Scouts the value of earning their own way, setting goals, and supporting their unit program budget. This is an essential part of the character development learned through Scouting!

1. Registering Your Scout to Sell!

REGISTER YOUR SCOUT's online ACCOUNT
​here for web and app access!
Note: When registering, make sure you select the correct dropdowns for Pack 301!
The image below shows how you should register.
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2. Kickoff Orientation Webinar (Wed, Jul 28th, 6:30p-7:00p)

All parents and leaders should attend the kickoff orientation meeting on Wednesday, July 28th at 6:30pm. The meeting will be held virtually through Zoom. 

3. Scout and Pack Sales Goals

or the 2021 Popcorn Program,  the Pack 301 sales goals are listed below. These goals are set to ensure that no Scout has to pay anything more than their annual dues, and allows the Pack to remain financially solvent with a reserve fund cushion. 
  • 2021 Pack Total Sales Goal: $25,000
    • ​Achieving this goal will net the Pack a 35% sales commission of $8,750.
  • 2021 Per Scout Sales Goal: $500
    • ​This goal is to ensure our budget is balanced and will make sure our income and expenses are equal for the year. It should be treated as a minimum goal per Scout to ensure a quality, funded program year.
    • Achieving this goal also earns the Scout a $20 Amazon Card!(with all sales paid via credit card).
 
  • 2020 Pack Total Sales Goal: $16,000
  • 2020 Actual Total Sales: $27,431
    • ​3rd Place in National Capital Area Council!
    • Net Pack 301 Procees: $9,600.85!

4. Every Bit Helps!

The Popcorn Program has evolved to include new tools and technology that makes the program easier than ever to participate in. With Online Sales, Wagon Sales, and Storefront Sales, there are more opportunities than ever to sell. 

​Every Scout should easily be able to participate!
​
click here for scout selling tips!

5. Key Dates!

  • Kickoff Orientation Meeting: 
  • Begin Selling:
  • Pack Bulk Order #1:
  • Pack Bulk Order Distribution #1:
  • Pack Bulk Order #2:
  • Pack Bulk Order Distribution #2:
  • Final Bulk Order:
  • Final Bulk Distribution:
  • July 28th​
  • July 29th
  • July 24th
  • August 14th
  • September 11th
  • September 25th
  • October 23rd
  • November 13

6. Four Ways to Sell!

A. Online Direct Sales
Online Direct sales are easier than ever for Scouts to sell to friends and family and face-to-face with the new functionality for a Scout to record an Online Direct order in the app. The product ships to the customer, and it’s the SAFEST fundraising option for Scouts. Scouts setup their Trail’s End account by downloading the Trail’s End App, and they can sell face-to-face or share their fundraising page via email, social media and text message. Customers pay via credit/debit securely, and the products ship directly to them from Trail’s End.
  • Best & Preferred Way to Sell!
  • Safest way for Scouts to sell (contactless!)
  • Scouts earn 1.5 POINTS for Rewards
  • All traditional products available, starting at $10 price point
  • No handling of products / cash for Scouts or Unit
  • UPDATED Trail's End App!
    • Take orders directly in the Trail's End App
    • Text orders to customers to complete purchase on their phone
  • Products are popped fresh to order and shipped direct to customer
  • Two Ways to Sell Online
    • Share your Scout's personalized sales page via email, text, or social media. Customers click your Scout's link to place online orders. Products ship directly to customer.
    • Take Online Direct Orders in the app. Products are selected, credit card payment is accepted, and products ship directly to customer.

B. Storefront Sales
Involves coordinating booths in high foot traffic locations throughout your community. ONE Scout and ONE parent will conduct sales during each shift.
  • Scouts will have the opportunity to sign up for storefront sales outside of local businesses.
  • Excellent way for Scouts to practice public speaking skills!
  • Each family is encouraged (and expected) to "do their best" to "do their part" to sign up for storefront sales.

C. Wagon Sales (a.k.a "Take Order")
​Scouts collect orders in the app and deliver on hand product or mark product as “undelivered” to be delivered at a later date. This can also be taken through neighborhoods, but is great for parent’s co-workers, friends and family. It is at the units discretion whether money is collected up front or upon delivery.

D. Wagon Sales (a.k.a. "Show and Sell")
Involves the Scout bringing product door-to-door to customer residences to ask for support. This method is preferred for neighborhoods close to home. A large percentage of home-owners say that no Scout has ever come to their door, missing this great opportunity. Product is carried with the Scout in a wagon or vehicle, making it a quick and easy process for the customer.
  • Scouts can opt to receive upfront inventory to sell on-hand to family and friends or throughout their neighborhood.
  • Inventory will be assigned and tracked by Unit Leaders
  • 3 inventory orders will be placed, see Key Dates the top of this page.

7. Five Steps to Success!
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8. How To Sell $1,000 While Maintaining Social Distance!

Sell for 8 hours, fund your entire year of Scouting!  Click the button below for instructions on how to sell $1,000 worth of popcorn, all while social distancing. You would earn an $60 Amazon Card!
how to sell $1,000
​while social distancing!

9. 2021 Rewards Program

  • Updated for 2021 is the points based rewards system encouraging Scouts to sell more with Online Direct and with credit card payments!
  • With changes to the way they sell, Scouts can earn more Rewards faster!
  • Points are redeemable for Amazon.com gift cards.
  • Scouts buy prizes THEY want when they earn these cards!​
  • Occasional promotions during the sale where Scouts have opportunity to earn DOUBLE points!

SUMMER CAMP INCENTIVE!
Scouts who sell $3,000 or more in sales will receive a voucher for one week at a NCAC summer camp. Vouchers will be valid towards a District Day Camp, Goshen Scout Reservation, Camp William B Snyder, Camp Airy, or NYLT. Vouchers are non-transferable and must be used during the 2022 camping season.

10. 2021 Product Lineup!

Due to production challenges associated with COVID-19, and to ensure production meets demand, certain products will be available only through Online Direct Sales and will not be available for Wagon Sales. Additionally, products may be added or removed at any time. Traditional items will be available for Storefront and Wagon Sales.
ONLINE DIRECT LINEUP - AS OF JULY 2021
​As of July 2021, the product lineup for ONLINE DIRECT SALES includes the following:​
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STOREFRONT SALES & WAGON SALES LINEUP (PACK BULK ORDERS) - AS OF JULY 2021
​As of July 2021, the product lineup for STOREFRONTS AND WAGON SALES includes the following:​
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11. Trail's End App

Download the Trail's End App onto your smartphone or tablet so your Scout can take sales and track their progress!
  • Free Credit Card Processing - Paid by Trail’s End and council
  • Real-time tracking and reporting of sales, inventory and storefront registrations
  • Parents turn in cash sales with credit/debit payment to their unit (i.e. you keep the cash, and submit payment through the app)
  • System-calculated Scout sales for easy Trail’s End Rewards ordering
  • Take Online Direct orders in the app as a way to fundraise while social distancing
  • We have Square Readers available for Scouts to use for credit card payments!
  • YOU MUST HAVE THE APP TO PARTICIPATE IN SALES!

12. Scout Web Portal

Track your Scout's progress through the Scout Portal online!

13. Commission Structure for Pack Fundraising

Pack 301 receives a commission percentage of Popcorn Program sales. The commission is 35%!

The Storefront and Wagon Sales Commission is made up of the following components:
  • Base Commission: 31%
  • Trained Popcorn Kernel: +2%
  • $400 Average Sales per Scout: +2%
          TOTAL COMMISSION: 35%

The Online Direct Sales Commission is made up of the following components:
  • 60% split on sales
  • 30% to Pack 301 
  • 30% to National Capital Area Council
          TOTAL COMMISSION: 30%

14. American Heroes Donation Program

When a customer purchases an American Heroes Donation, a portion goes back to local Scouting and the remaining popcorn equivalent is donated to the first responders and the U.S. Military. Trail’s End has teamed up with Soldiers’ Angels to distribute the popcorn to VA Hospitals, National Guard units, and military bases across the country.
  • Donations of $30 or $50 encouraged, but any amount is welcomed!
  • Over $66 million worth of popcorn has been donated to U.S. troops over the years
  • Last year consumers purchased over 472,500 Military Donations
  • In 2019, over 2,900 pallets of popcorn was shipped to 45 locations in 22 states
  • NOTE: All "donations" or "keep the change" at storefronts will be entered as American Heroes donations.
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15. Cub Scout Advancement Opportunities

Cub Scouts can complete certain rank requirements while participating in the Popcorn Program. See the table at right for rank requirements that can be satisfied using the ideas provided. 

16. Storefront Sales Locations, Dates, and Times

Local business locations are planned for storefront sales for the 2021 Popcorn Program. Scouts can sign up for shifts through the Trail's End App or Scout Portal web dashboard. Please do not attempt to book time at stores directly! Trail's End has negotiated times at these locations and slots will be reserved through the App and Portal. Shifts are reserved in increments of 2 hours. 

DETAILS ON STOREFRONT SALES WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE AFTER THE KICKOFF PHASE ENDS.

17. Popcorn Program Resources

The resources below are designed to help Scouts, Leaders, and Parents with a successful popcorn sale season!