Cubscouts, Boy Scouts, and Venturers get the latest info on programs, events, and outdoors at Old Colony Council
Trail's End Popcorn
Check out the Trails End Website at www.trails-end.com
Get online in October!
Sell $500 online between Oct. 1 and Oct. 31 and get a bonus $20 Amazon.com Gift Card from Trails End.
START SELLING ONLINE TODAY IN 3 EASY STEPS!
STEP 1: Go to scouts.trails-end.com to sign in or create an account.
STEP 2: Choose your email template - and create your scout image - to send emails to friends and family. Don't forget to follow up!
STEP 3: Go to Track My Online Sales to see who has made a purchase.
You can also go to facebook.com/trailsendpopcorn to learn more about some bonus giveaways!
Popcorn Information
Planning for the Popcorn Fundraising drive is well under way. Listed below are some key things about the popcorn campaign that everyone should think about.
Why should my Den, Pack or Troop sell popcorn?
Popcorn is a great fundraiser; here are a few facts to think about with selling popcorn.
- 70% goes back into Scouting.
- A unit can keep between 30% to 40% of profits depending on how much you sell.
- The average person will spend $15.00 on popcorn to support Scouting.
- Consumers are buying Scouting, not just buying Popcorn.
- "Scouts earning there own way" is important to consumers.
- If approached by a Scout 70% will buy to support Scouting. 82% have never been asked to buy popcorn.
How is the Popcorn Money spent?
On average, ...
30% - 35% goes directly to each unit. However your unit can earn as much as 40%. The money is used however you see fit to enhance your unit program.
29.5% goes back to the Trails End popcorn company in payment for the product.
24% supports the Camp and Scouting Programs of the Old Colony Council. This helps support Day Camp and Boy Scout Camp programs, supplies, and ongoing improvements at Camp Squanto.
5% goes toward for individual Scout incentives.
4.5% is used for supplies and promotional materials to support Packs and Troops. This amount is picked up by Old Colony Council and is not built into the amount that you pay for the popcorn you sell.
How much popcorn should my Pack or Troop sell?
That amount is clearly up to each Pack or Troop, however, just for fun, take this quick test which will help you rank how strong the Scouting program is in you unit. Answer the following questions and give yourself a score of between 1 (rarely) to 5 (always) and see what score you come up with.
1. If you're a Troop does your unit go camping every month?
2. Does your pack/den participate in a monthly activity?
3. Does your unit spend more that $25 per boy in crafts each year?
4. Does your unit attend summer camp or day camp?
5. Does your pack provide Blue and Gold entertainment?
6. Does your pack provide awards for all Scouts?
7. Do your annual dues cover all annual expenses?
8. Do your boys learn responsibility by "paying their own way?"
9. Do you have plenty of parents to help with each activity?
10. Do you factor in transportation costs when planning an event?
11. Does your unit have a replacement plan for tents, cooking equipment, etc.?
12. How many annual fundraisers does your unit conduct? (One Annual Fundraiser= Always)
Your Score?
Between 12 - 30 Tenderfoot. Your unit is in a building stage. It is important to spend time in the planning process. By focusing on your program plan you will be able to set individual Scout goals.
Between 31 - 48 First Class. Your unit plans well but also has room for improvement. Take a look at your annual plan and review the way you communicate that plan to your parents. Be sure to include per boy goals in your fundraising efforts.
Between 49 - 60 Eagles. Your unit plans well and executes a strong program. You should be proud of your Scouts and your volunteer leaders. Be sure to include per boy goals in your fundraising efforts.
Alright, I'm convinced my Pack or Troop should sell popcorn. What should I do to sign up my unit?
The process is easy and painless. Have someone or a couple of people from your unit sign up to be the Unit Kernel. To sign up just call the council office at 781-828- 8360 or email Len Thatcher at Len.Thatcher@scouting.org or Bob Dorn at Robert.Dorn@scouting.org. By doing this your unit will begin to receive all the pertinent popcorn information that your unit will need.
How do I obtain more information?
If you wish to find out more about the popcorn sale or receive some training materials please contact the Old Colony Council Office at 781-828-8360 or email Len Thatcher at Len.Thatcher@scouting.org or Bob Dorn at Robert.Dorn@scouting.org.
Also check out the Tails End Website at www.trails-end.com. You will find a lot of great information there as well.
Helpful Information
Kernel's Journal 10-11-2010 NEW!
2010 Popcorn System Updates for Leaders NEW!
