Please note: If you unsubscribe/optout from any council email coming from our website provider, like this one, our understanding is you unsubscribe from all future communications from our website. We apologize for any inconvenience.

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

KERNEL JOURNAL – Oct. 2, 2025

Find all your Popcorn Sale needs [here]

In this issue:

• Return policy change under review
• Timely payments necessary
• 'Thank You' card from online sale
• It's a special week for Fill-It-Up winners

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

• 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. This is the overall final order being accepted
• 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]

PAYMENT NUMBER 2 IS DUE NOV. 1

As a reminder, making payments to council are essential in business operations. As a non-profit agency, payments of these funds are needed for operations and expenses related directly to the popcorn sale.

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 PURCHASE ‘THANK YOU’ CARD

Have you received an online order yet from one of your Scouts? If not, you should be please to learn that the package arrives with a very nice 4-inch “thank you” card (pictured) acknowledging the purchase from Scouting.

FILL-IT-UP WEEKLY REPORT – WEEK 4 WINNERS

The weekly Fill-it-Up drawings are underway. This week’s drawing is a special week for a couple of reasons:

1. The Scout’s unit receives a free-cabin rental at Camp Berry, and
2. The Scout has a choice between 2 prizes: Hexbug or Tactical Flashlight

Here’s a list of winners, including the most recent Week 5 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.

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.

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: Do all Scouts in the unit who sell at least $900 qualify for prizes at that level?

               A: Each Scout selling $900+ qualifies for a prize.

Q: What are the prizes in the Pecatonica Winners Circle $3,000 level?

               A: The prizes in this level are those pictured on the Order Form. The Kernel Guidebook has an outdated prize photo.

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.