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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. 16, 2025

Find all your Popcorn Sale needs [here]

New in this issue:

• Take Order Sale is perfect this time of year
• Cheese Lovers & Classic Caramel back in stock
• Double winners coming for Week 8 & 9 of Fill-It-Up
• We want your photos of Scouts
• 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
• Nov. 16 - Unit Feedback Survey due [HERE]
• Nov. 19-21 - Final Order (Order #3) distribution (TBD)

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

Autumn is perfect for popcorn

Now is the time to make your sale explode like the Fall colors of the autumn leaves on the trees. As with many in our world, not everyone makes it out to a storefront to buy popcorn, so please consider door-to-door sales, especially if you are just participating in Take Order Sales.

It can be a great day for someone to have a Scout knock on their door and speak about their Scouting time and why they are asking for support for their participation.

Our Popcorn Inventory is Re-stocked

The Findlay Scout Office is filled again for Cheese Lovers and Classic Caramel along with the remaining lineup. If you need additional, [CLICK HERE] to complete a online order or email Jim Mason.

FILL-IT-UP WEEKLY REPORT – WEEK 7 WINNERS

The weekly Fill-it-Up drawings are underway. Here’s a list of winners, including the most recent Week 7 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.

PLEASE KNOW THAT FOR WEEK 8 & 9 THERE WILL BE TWO PRIZES OFFERED IN EACH DISTRICT. THE SECOND PRIZE WILL COME FROM THE MYSTERY GRAB BAG, IN WHICH UNIT KERNELS WILL BE MADE AWARE OF SO THE SCOUT CAN PICK A GIFT!

Photos of Scouts Selling are needed

If you have a photo or two of your Scouts selling popcorn, please email them to Jim Mason. There is a goal to use these photos to help promote the sale and share the hard work of the kids in our community.

PREVIOUS NEWS

Product Return Guidelines Under Review

To better support our units, the Product Return guidelines are being reviewed. Please see the proposed updated process [HERE]. Look for an update next week on a decision.

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.

HERE ARE SOME RECENT QUESTIONS:

Q: My Scout sold $2,000, do they qualify for the Campers Club?

       A: Yes, Scouts selling $2,000-plus for the first time will receive a $100 camp voucher off a Black Swamp Area Council summer 2026 program, like resident’s camp (Camp Lakota/Camp Berry), daycamp, twilight camp, Adventure Camp, NYLT. Scouts, who have previously qualified will be offered the same free event voucher as previously. See Page 21 of the Kernel Guidebook for more information.

Q: How do I place my unit’s final order?

       A: Units are urged to complete their final order submission online. Please see Page 16 of the Unit Kernel Guidebook for “Ordering Popcorn.”

Q: Can our unit return product before the final Nov. 3 deadline?

       A: Units can make arrangements to return FULL CASES at this time. Please contact Jim Mason to begin this process. Partial case returns are still being considered.

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.