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Distribution list update: this Kernel Journal is being emailed to unit kernels, unit Key 3, district & council level volunteers.

The Sale is POPPING!

KERNEL JOURNAL – Sept. 25, 2025

Find all your Popcorn Sale needs [here]

In this issue:

• Payment No. 1 Due Oct. 1
• Communications with council
• Product Return
• Fill-It-Up Week 4 winners
• Online Store Purchase emails
• 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
• Nov. 1                         SALE ENDS for Take Order and Show & Sell (Prize incentive earning ends)
• Nov. 1                         Payment due (50% of the remaining unit balance)                                                    
• Nov. 3-4                    Final returns accepted at Findlay office (No. 3 of 3)
• Nov. 6                         Final Take Order #3 due
• Nov. 14                      Online Sale ends & Final Unit Prize Orders due, Feedback, Incentive Forms due

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

FIRST PAYMENT DUE OCT. 1

Don’t forget the first unit payment is due to the Council by Oct. 1, 2025. Invoices were recently emailed to unit kernels. Units can also access balance via their dashboard on Pecatonica’s website.  Units are asked to pay a minimum of 50% of balance due.

The second unit payment date is Nov. 1. 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.

ONLINE ORDER PURCHASE EMAIL NOTIFICATOINS       ---> See photo to right --->

The online orders from PRPopcornStore.com will be sent via email to the purchaser and will come in the name of the package purchased. As an example, the Trustworthy Duo, which is Cheddar Cheese and Classic Caramel, will show up in the purchaser’s in-box as being sent by TRUSTWORTHY. There’s also Loyal, Friendly, Kind, Courteous, Helpful, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean and Reverent. Please note, the online store does offer an additional items not currently available in our in-person sale.

PRODUCT RETURN DATE #2 IS NOV. 1

Units can return products at any time but the next Return Date is Nov. 1. If your unit has a quantity of product you’d like to return sooner, please contact Jim Mason to make arrangements. See Page 19 in the Unit Kernel Guidebook for details. Please remember we are only accepting full cases with the same product in the case.

CHEESE LOVERS NEEDED

If your unit has extra case(s) of Cheese Lovers and are willing to transfer to another unit or return to council for use elsewhere, please contact Jim Mason. Council will be looking to make a special order in the coming week. If you know of a need, please contact Jim so he can assess the current council inventory and add additional product to this special order as it will help with shipping.

SALE RESOURCES AVAILABLE

There are banners, order forms, Scout money envelopes, Unit money envelopes and tasting kits available at the Findlay Scout Office, with some items available in Lima Scout Shop. Stop by or contact Jim Mason to have some pulled aside for you.

FILL-IT-UP WEEKLY REPORT – WEEK 4 WINNERS

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.

A BIG SHOUTOUT to Chris S. of Troop 75 who has filled up 5 order forms so far. Way to GO Chris!!!

COMMUNICATIONS CLARIFICATION WITH JIM MASON

If you have sent an email or left a voicemail with Jim Mason and he has not responded, please don’t hesitate to reach out to him as a reminder of your question. Jim responds to each email or voicemail with 1-2 days. Please allow a couple of days for weekend communications.

HERE ARE SOME RECENT QUESTIONS:

Q: I’m having some struggles getting families to storefronts?

               A: Please gauge your Scouts and their families. Keeping up the energy for the popcorn sale can be difficult, especially mid-sale. If needed, consider a new end date for your unit as to not burn your Scouts & families on this year’s sale, impacting next year’s effort. Maybe make a final big push for a couple weeks and/or go to a Take Order only effort. Also, consider some type of late sale incentive (pizza party, pool party, etc.) to motivate the Scouts.

Q: I have some products to return, can I do so now?

               A: Yes, units can return products prior to the return dates. Please contact Jim Mason to make arrangements prior to coming to the office.

We're looking forward to helping 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.