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

KERNEL JOURNAL – Oct. 9, 2025

Find all your Popcorn Sale needs [here]

New in this issue:

• The good, the bad, the ugly
• Return policy change being considered
• Week 6 Fill-It-Up winners announced
• Questions & Answers

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]

HOW IS YOUR SALE GOING?

With just a month left in the sale, how are things progressing for your unit? We’d love to hear from you.

Please share any of the following:

• Success stories
  • Every unit has a story of a Scout selling popcorn. Photos are a bonus – so let’s hear from you!
• Issues
  • The changes in our sale this year has meet with some difficulties as we’re all adjusting to a new vendor, with different means of operations.
• Current unit inventory
  • This can allow for planning with a potential product return change (see more below).
• What are the top selling items for units only doing Take Order sales?
  • This can help with knowing what products council needs to plan to have for final orders

You can email responses to Jim Mason, popcorn sale staff advisor.

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.

FILL-IT-UP WEEKLY REPORT – WEEK 6 WINNERS

The weekly Fill-it-Up drawings are underway. Here’s a list of winners, including the most recent Week 6 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.

ADDITIONAL PRODUCT EXPECTED

A special order of Cheese Lovers and Classic Caramel is expected in the coming days to help fulfill requested orders from several units in the last two weeks. These units will be contacted by Jim Mason as product becomes available..

HERE ARE SOME RECENT QUESTIONS:

Q: How do I submit my Scouts for the prize program?

     A: Details are outlined on Pages 22-23 of the Unit Kernel Guidebook.

Q: Our group won a free cabin rental, how long do we have to use the voucher?

     A: All cabin rentals need to be completed before the start of summer camp 2026. Once summer camp begins, cabins will no longer be available.

Q: My Scout has sold $2,300 – do they need to select a prize from that level or can they choose from lower levels?

     A: Scouts can choose multiples as long as the combined total doesn’t exceed the level they sold. As example, the Scout can choose 3 items from the $700 prize level.

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.