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

KERNEL JOURNAL – Sept. 18, 2025

Find all your Popcorn Sale needs [here]

New In this issue:

• First Payment Due Oct. 1
• Next Product Return Date is Oct. 1
• Take Order Participating Units can Receive Product Early
• Unit-to-Unit Transfers are Helpful
• Fill-It-Up Week 3 Winners Announced
• Questions & Answers

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

• 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                         Payment due (50% of unit balance)
• Oct. 1                         Product return date No. 2 of 3

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

FIRST PAYMENT DUE OCT. 1

The first unit payment is due to the Council by Oct. 1, 2025. Invoices were recently emailed to unit kernels. Units are asked to pay a minimum of 50% of balance due. The second payment date is Nov. 1, and units are asked to pay 50% of the outstanding balance due at that time. If needed, Unit balances are also reported on the unit dashboard on Pecatonica’s website. Full details on Page 19 of the Unit Kernel Guidebook.

• Make check payable to Black Swamp Area Council

• Make your Unit payment using one of the following methods:

  • Bring or mail your Unit check to the Findlay or Lima Scout offices.

  • Payment by credit card is accepted but incurs a 3% processing fee.

NEXT RETURN DATE IS OCT. 1

If your unit has a quantity of product you’d like to return, the next return date is Oct. 1. See Page 19 in the Unit Kernel Guidebook for details on how to make a return.

TAKE ORDER PARTICIPATION

For Units participating in Take Order Sale only with order forms, if you are interested in acquiring product sooner, please contact Jim Mason at jim.mason@scouting.org.

UNIT-TO-UNIT TRANSFERS

Units may transfer products between each other during the Popcorn Sale. Connect with other Unit Kernels in the Popcorn Facebook Groups (Pg. 6). There are two options: Via Scout Boss and Council Website. Full details on unit to unit transfers are available on Page 18 of the Unit Leader Guidebook

SUBMIT VIA SCOUT BOSS – NEW!

• Units can now submit Unit to Unit Transfers in real-time from their Pecatonica Dashboard (Scout Boss).
• Unit GIVING: Log in to your dashboard at www.prpopcorn.com.
• Click “Unit to Unit Transfer” from the dashboard.
  • Your unit district, type, and number will all populate in the drop downs.
  • Choose a location from the “Pick Up Location” drop down. This value isn’t important but do make sure that the Pickup Location matches the receiving unit.
  • Choose the respective Unit information from the “TO” Unit drop downs.
  • Click “Submit”.
• Enter number of cases or containers (please note the appropriate columns).
• Enter any order notes to help in reconciling if you wish.
• Click “Submit Order”
• As the GIVING UNIT, you will see a list of transfers under the “Unit to Unit” report.
  • The report will show the status of the transfer, “Pending, Approved, or Declined”.
• As the RECEIVING UNIT, you will see a list of pending transactions under the “unit to unit” report.
  • Click the details button next to the respective order.
  • Scroll to the bottom of the page and click “Accept”.
    • Once accepted the product will show on your sales totals.

FILL-IT-UP WEEK 3 WINNERS ANNOUNCED

The weekly Fill-it-Up drawings are underway. Here’s a list of winners, including the most recent Week 3 recipients:

*-Weeks 2&5 feature 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.

HERE ARE SOME RECENT QUESTIONS:

Q: Where can I find information about the popcorn sale?

               A: The council popcorn webpage is the location for everything you need about participating in the sale.  Go to https://blackswampbsa.doubleknot.com/popcorn-2025.

Q: Our unit’s Scouting year has just started; can we still participate in the sale?

               A: Yes, your unit can still participate in selling this year. Begin by registering your unit on the Pecatonica website.

Q: How can I receive some additional order forms for the sale?

               A: There are extra order forms, tasting kits, banners, and more at the Findlay Service Center, or contact 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.