popcornEvery Scout should learn the value of hard work and earning their own way. The popcorn sale is the perfect opportunity to teach this valuable life lesson and fund the most exciting year of Scouting ever. The council does all the pre-work to set up the sale, eliminating the need for units to research opportunities, calculating returns, creating sales and promotional materials, managing a relationship with a vendor, etc. The popcorn sale is not just about selling popcorn...It’s also about promoting Scouting!

Hundreds of thousands of dollars go back to the Scouting program in the Sam Houston Area Council due to the annual popcorn sale. Dollars collected during the sale support local Scouting. The popcorn sale is a way for a Scout to support his or her way through the various activities during the year. There are three options to sell popcorn: traditional take-order sales, sell online to friends and family out of town, and show-n-sell. For more information, contact your district popcorn kernel or district executive.  

Why Sell?  

Demontrond• Increase your unit and council income – stays in the local area.
• Meet annual fundraising goals faster than ever before
• Scouts pay for their way for various programs (e.g., summer camp, dues uniforms).
• Scouts learn life lessons by earning their own way.  
 Loads of incentives motivate Scouts to sell.                            
• Videos and resources help Scouts learn how to be successful.   

Incentives for new units and units that haven't sold popcorn in three years.
Training Handout
   

Sign Up Unit to Sell Popcorn     Popcorn Training Handout       Incentives

computerWays to Sell Popcorn

There are three options to sell popcorn: traditional take-order sales, sell online to friends and family out of town, and show-and-sell (and wagon sales). All sales count towards prizes.

1. Take-Order Sales 

Scouts go door-to-door with the take-order form. Sales begin after the unit kick-off (TBD). Customers can write their orders on the form. Scouts should collect the money when the popcorn is ordered (checks are to be made out to the unit).  Popcorn will be picked up by the unit representative date to be determined.

Take Order Form

2. Online Sales - Spring and Fall Popcorn Sales

Selling online is the best way to sell to friends and family who live far away. Participants can send emails to friends and family asking them to purchase products online. The email includes a link allowing them to begin shopping right away. Customers can pay with a credit card, and the products are shipped directly to the customer, contact-free!  The advantage of online sales is that Scouts don't have to collect money or deliver products. 

Scouts who had a previous online account with Trail's End can use their existing login. Scouts who are new to selling may register for an online account.

Register for a Scout Account 

3. Show-n-Sell and Wagon Sales

Show-n-sell is similar to take-order sales, except Scouts have the popcorn in hand to sell to customers. All units are eligible to participate if they agree to the terms stated in the commitment order form. Packs, troops, and crews can request permission to sell in front of a retail store or chartered organization. Show-n-sell should not replace traditional take-order sales. Unlike in previous years, there is no minimum order amount to place your Show-n-Sell order. Show-n-sell and add-ons must be ordered as whole cases. Orders are non-refundable.

Wagon sales is another great way of selling for Scouts. It's a combination of the show-n-sell and take-order methods. The Scout takes actual products door to door in their neighborhoods to sell and is like a show-n-sell table on wheels.  There is little risk as any unsold popcorn is rolled into traditional, take-order sales.  

Show-n-sell popcorn is picked up by the unit representative on August 12, 2023. For pick-up times, contact the district popcorn kernelWeekly replenishment orders are available with no minimum requirements.  

Order Show-n-Sell (opens in July)                                         

Products & Order Form

products

The most popular popcorn products your customers love to buy every day and provide the highest return for your fundraiser.

  • Show-n-sell and add-ons must be ordered as whole cases. Take orders sales can be ordered in any quantity.
  • Orders are non-refundable.

Order Form

Scout Prizes 

Scouts are motivated by prizes and the ability to work towards a goal.

Scout prizesThe prize levels are based on the actual amount sold per Scout. Parents/guardians should help the Scouts select prizes they want to earn.  

Every Scout should be recognized for selling popcorn. Families or units should not combine sales. 

Prize Form

 

prizes

 

Important Dates

January 1 - December 31, 2024 Online popcorn sales period
Monday, July 8, 2024 Show and Sell orders open
Saturday, July 13, 2024  |  10:00 am Unit Kernel Training (In-Person at Cockrell Scout Center) 
Tuesday, July 16, 2024  |  7:00 pm  Unit Kernel Training (Virtual) 
Wednesday, July 24, 2024 First Show and Sell order due by 10:00pm
Friday, August 9, 2024 First Show and Sell order pick up [popcorn pick-up every Friday]
Sunday, August 11, 2024 First Show and Sell Replenishment - orders due by 10:00pm for Friday pick-up
Sunday, October 27, 2024  Unit final popcorn orders due by 10:00 pm
November 15, 2024 Final Popcorn pick-up

Popcorn Distribution (take-order pick up)

Every unit should send one or more representatives to pick up the popcorn order for the entire unit. Units need to bring full payment (unit check or money order) and a list of the top three sellers and the amounts sold. Remember to bring a large enough vehicle to hold all the popcorn (loading tips).

Contacts

Council Popcorn Committee

District

District Popcorn Contact 
(right-click for email address)

Apollo   Kendra Quincy
Arrowhead Amanda Dailing
Arrowmoon Jennifer Le Grévellec
Big Cypress  Amy Mollenhauer
Coastal Plains   
David Crockett  Vanessa Bartley
Flaming Arrow Holiday Williams
George Strake   Therese Wind
Iron Horse  Tomeka Scheuerman
Lone Star Gloria Gonzalez
Mustang  
Orion James Golden
Phoenix Kornel Rost
Raven   
Red Wolf Rachel Sharp
San Jacinto Karrie Hurd
Texas Skies Carol Schmidt
Thunder Wolf Scott Kirby
Twin Bayou Clayton Finney

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Council Contacts

FacebookFor more information, contact your district popcorn kernel or district executive.

 

Michael Collins
Popcorn Staff Advisor
(713) 756-3357
576popcorn@scouting.org

Jeanne Gebo
Administrative Assistant 
 (713) 756-3311
 jeanne.gebo@scouting.org

Helpful Loading Tips

* 25 cases or less will fit into most standard 4-door sedans                 * Most truck boxes will hold between 25 - 50 cases
* Up to 40 cases will fit into most SUV's  (e.g., Explorer, Blazer) * A topper or a tarp is strongly suggested for truck boxes
* Up to 60 cases will fit into most minivans with no seats * For orders larger than 75 cases, enclosed trailers are best
* Up to 75 cases will fit into a Suburban with no seats * Product Weight and Dimensions