Please note: If you unsubscribe/optout from any Black Swamp Area Council email coming from our website provider, like this one, you will be un-scribed from all future communications being sent using the group communications feature. We apologize for any inconvenience. In the coming weeks, we will be moving to a more select distribution list and process, so all are not receiving this email. Thank you for your patience.
Full list of dates in Kernel Guidebook and Popcorn calendar webpage [here]
In 2 weeks with the Sept. 11 Kernel Journal, the distribution of this email will be reduced to just the unit kernel, top unit leaders, unit committee chair, along with key district and council level volunteers. Currently everyone registered in council receives the Kernel Journal. However, if you would like to continue to receive the KJ and not in one of those positions, please CLICK HERE and share your email address and you’ll be added to the distribution list beginning Sept. 11. The reason for the change is there are about 15% of recipients “opting out” of the KJ email. As noted at the top of this email, this means individuals are opting out of all our emails coming from our Doubleknot website service. Your patience is appreciated as we navigate this change.
We will have prize drawings for Scouts in each district beginning after this week. The popcorn Week begins on Saturday, ends on Friday, See Page 21 of the Kernel Guidebook for details.
Some common questions have been 1.) how to handle storefront sales. We are counting on the unit kernels and parents who are submitting copies of the order form to be trustworthy. If a Scout working at a storefront sells 30 items, then that is the same as filling up a form. Just write on the form, date it and sign it vouching that the Scout fulfilled the “fill-it-up” commitment. 2.) Also, if a Scout makes a sale’s pitch to a potential customer at a storefront, but the customer only donates (even $1), give the Scout credit for completing a line on the order form. Help encourage the Scouts to make every effort to engage potential supporters as they “sell Scouting with popcorn being the thank you gift.”
Using an online form on our website, units can order additional products weekly during the sale. Product orders are based on the case, with each item having 8 containers per case, with Cheese Lovers being 1 container per case. [CLICK HERE] to order product, or via blue box link on the popcorn webpage. Requests are due by noon each Monday, for pickup by 4:30 p.m. Friday. Details on Kernel Guidebook Page 18.
Returns are being accepted this year at a greater rate than previous years. Returns and the process is outlined on Page 19 of the Kernel Guidebook. There are 3 return dates on the calendar to help with product control. Returns must be by the case, with a case filled with the same product items, with no product mixing. It’s acceptable for the case to be open, but the individual containers cannot be open or damaged.
There is supply of extra order forms in a front/back format, with products displayed on one side, and ordering lines on the other. Contact Jim Mason for forms. This 2-page version is also available as a PDF download from the council popcorn webpage [HERE].
Your unit can still register and sell if you have not committed. Contact your district kernel or Jim Mason to discuss and ask questions. It can be Show & Sell, Take Order, and/or Online Sale. Instructions on how-to register your unit on the Pecatonica website are included in the gray box on the popcorn webpage [HERE].
Consider participating in the Take Order and/or online sale as an individual Scout who maybe in a unit not currently participating in the Popcorn Sale. If you are interested, contact Jim Mason for more information at jim.mason@scouting.org
Q: Where’s the best source for how-to operate the Pecatonica website and webbased apps, as well as Square credit card reader?
A: You are urged to go to the source websites for the best information possible. For Pecatonica, go to the resources page [here] or to the Pecatonica Training Videos [here]. For all things, Square, go to their website [here].
A: the “Black Swamp Area Council Popcorn” Facebook Group page is a great source to ask questions from other unit kernels directly.
Q: How are credit card fees being handled?
A: The Scout unit can ask if customer will cover the 3% to keep more money in Scouting. If they say “yes,” add the fee. If they say “no” leave it off. Units are reporting the fee can be pre-set in the system, and it’s recommended to it listed as just "fee" to avoid any issue with the service provider like Square.
Q: How can I fix the issues with the Pecatonica website and getting Scouts setup/registered/signed up to sell.
A: One example reported: Pecatonica system would send the email to the Scout, but the link was to login to the account not to create an account. Kernel then shared: I ended up adding all my Scouts again. Under Scout Boss, click Scout Seller IDs and at the top of the list is a place to add Scouts. Once you add the Scout, you will see that an email was sent. This new email has the correct link to set up the account. Please note, check all email folders, mine went to my promotions folder.
Q: How are the products packaged?
A: Products come in tins and plastic containers, depending on the product type. The microwave butter and kettle come in individual packages in a cardboard box.
Please contact your district kernel or staff advisor Jim Mason directly if you have questions. Do not call the office with popcorn sale inquiries.
ARROWWOOD DISTRICT
Jim Mason
567.208.5267
Jim.Mason@Scouting.org
CHINQUAPIN DISTRICT
Ashley Kirtley
419.708.5597
AshleyKirtley2017@gmail.com
GREAT OAKS DISTRICT
Tim Vondrell
419.224.9305
tvondrell@gmail.com
OLD SYCAMORE DISTRICT
Joanie Fella-Diegel
567.279.4257
stephfella@gmail.com
COUNCIL KERNEL
Ted Blum
419.306.4153
twb@blumcounty.com
COUNCIL ADVISOR