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Distribution list update: moving forward the Kernel Journal is only being emailed to unit kernels, unit Key 3 leaders, district level volunteers and executive board members.

KERNEL JOURNAL – Sept. 11, 2025

Find all your Popcorn Sale needs [here]

New In this issue:

• Early Bird Sale ends today
• Participating Units having great success
• Fill-It-Up Week 2 winners announced
• Popcorn & Membership go together
• Additional Show & Sell opportunities released
• Add-on ordering continues to be successful
• Questions & Answers

UPCOMING DATES TO KNOW – (Guidebook Pages listed for more info)

• Invoices for payment #1 will be sent out in the coming week. For units participating in Show & Sell, received a copy of this invoice when they picked up their product.
• Sept. 11 – Early Bird Sale ends; submit unit orders directly to jim.mason@scouting.org
• Sept. 12 - Product Order #2 distribution; exact details coming
• Sept. 12 – Product Return to Council Date (No. 1 of 3) (Page 19); contact Jim Mason to schedule a time for your return
• Oct. 1 – First Payment due (50% of unit balance) (Page 19)
• Oct. 1 - Product Return to Council Date (No. 2 of 3) (Page 19)
• Oct. 1 - a.) Payment due (50% of unit balance); b.) Product return date No. 2 of 3

Full list of dates in Kernel Guidebook and Popcorn calendar webpage [here]

EARLY BIRD SALE ENDS TODAY

If your unit participated in the Early Bird Sale, please submit unit orders directly to jim.mason@scouting.org by end of business day, Friday, Sept. 12. Once orders are processed, the unit kernel will be contacted.

UNITS ARE HAVING GREAT SUCCESS

Currently there are more than 30 units participating in the Show & Sell Sale and having great success. Combined the Top 15 has tallied more than $150,000 in products. Here’s a look at the Top 15 participating Units with product are:

If your unit wants to sell, 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 online in the gray box on the council popcorn webpage [HERE].

SHOW & SELL #2 ARRIVES FRIDAY

Units who placed Order #2 have been reached out via email about pickup tomorrow, Friday, Sept. 12, at the warehouse in Findlay.

FILL-IT-UP WEEK 2 WINNERS ANNOUNCED

The weekly Fill-it-Up drawings are underway. Here’s a list of winners, including the most recent Week 2 recipients:

*-Week 2 features a double-prize with each selected Scout’s unit receiving a free cabin rental at Camp Berry.

If you’d like to see prizes click [here]. The popcorn Week begins on Saturday, ends on Friday, See Page 21 of the Kernel Guidebook for details.

POPCORN SALES ARE GREAT TIME TO INVITE OTHERS TO SIGN-UP FOR SCOUTING

SHOW & SELL SETUP

• Show & Sell Table Setup
  • Have a laminated QR Code Display Linked To your Unit BeAScout.org pin
  • Consider displaying a short, inviting video, or landing page to BeAScout.org
  • Mini Display Board - Highlight your Unit’s fun events

• Handouts
  • Include info on Unit and Council events like Family Fun Day at Camp Berry or Family Fun Day at Camp Lakota

DOOR HANGER STRATEGY

• Add a QR label
  • Link to a recruitment message or video
  • Include your Unit leader’s contact info

LEAD INCENTIVES

• Reward Scouts/families who collect leads
• Scouts earn the Recruiter Strip when the new youth sign up

ADDITIONAL SHOW & SELL OPPORTUNTIES

Council was made aware of the following Storefront opportunities this week. If you are interested, please contact the store directly to schedule. The stores are aware of these reservation slots. Once you have secured the date/time/location, please inform your district kernel and Jim Mason so they can attempt to track availability.

ADD-ON ORDERING CONTINUES TO BE SUCCESSFUL

Units can order 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.

HERE ARE SOME RECENT QUESTIONS:

Q: My unit needs some Yellow Popping Corn, when will there be some in stock?

               A: Additional product is expected to arrive Sept. 12 when Order 2 arrives. We will continue to keep additional products to help fill unit needs during the sale.  

Q: How do I find another unit in my area to possibly make a product trade?

               A: Two ways come to mind, considering calling the units you know, or post a message on the Black Swamp Area Council Popcorn group page.

Q: Can someone deliver my unit’s popcorn order to me?

               A: Council staff is limited on its ability to make personal deliveries. If possible, when another meeting or appointment aligns with the delivery, arrangements may be made with Jim Mason.

We're looking forward to seeing you have a successful sale this year!

Council Popcorn Leadership Team

Please contact your district kernel or staff advisor Jim Mason directly if you have questions. Do not call the office with popcorn sale inquiries.