Follow the Hoosier Trails Popcorn Facebook Group!
Every bag of popcorn you sell makes a difference! The scout popcorn sale supports Hoosier Trails Council and your unit by providing funds for Scouting programs, camps, and activities while also teaching Scouts valuable sales and communication skills. The council handles the logistical aspects, such as vendor relationships and online sales, and a portion of the proceeds goes back to the council to support its operations and larger Scouting initiatives. The rest of the funds directly benefit your unit, allowing you to fund camping trips, awards, and other activities. Selling popcorn is the best way to support Scouting at every level–while earning rewards for yourself too!
How Your Council and Unit Interact:
- Council-Level Logistics:The council manages the overall fundraiser, including selecting a popcorn vendor (like Trail’s End), setting up online sales, and providing support and resources to units.
- Unit-Level Fundraising:Units organize their Scouts to sell popcorn through various methods:
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- Take Order Sales: Scouts take orders from neighbors and friends.
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- Show-and-Sell: Units sell popcorn directly to the public at storefronts.
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- Online Sales: Scouts can sell to friends and family anywhere in the country through online platforms.
- Financial Distribution:A significant portion of the sales revenue goes back to your local unit to fund their specific activities and programs. A percentage also supports the council’s operations and larger initiatives, ensuring the health of Scouting across your area.
- Scout Benefits:Beyond the financial aspect, the sale helps Scouts learn important life skills like communication, responsibility, and the value of hard work by “earning their way”. Trails End helps Scouts build their confidence and level up thier leadership skills.
What the Funds Are Used For:
- Unit Activities:Camping trips, program activities, rank advancement awards, and other unit-specific costs.
- Council Programs:Support for council-run camp, training for leaders, and other regional Scouting events.
- Scout Incentives:Every Scout who sells receives a popcorn sale patch and Scouts who reach certain sales goals can receive special incentives.
Council Contacts:
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- Jon Ocheltree — Jon.Ocheltree@Scouting.org
Let’s Fund Some Adventures!
Scouting Popcorn Sales is the Hoosier Trails Council’s plan to help your unit to have ONE fundraiser this year. Trained popcorn staff and volunteers will help your unit to plan and execute the best and most efficient fundraiser that your unit has ever had. Popcorn experts are primed to meet with your unit to determine your needs and to get things rolling.
- Select your Popcorn Kernel (the designated point of contact)
- Build your Unit’s Adventure Plan inside Portal
- Share Your Unit calendar and budget with parents
- Scouts download the App and set their goals
- Reserve your storefronts and ensure all hours are filled
- Order your popcorn based on how much you are reasonably sure that you can sell
- Order and track inventory in the portal
- Motivate your Scouts with rewards
Council Popcorn Sale Calendar
September 4th — Popcorn Sales Kickoff!
Dates to Remember
- August 19th – Unit Orders Due into the Popcorn System
- September 4th – Unit Product Pickup
- September 21st – Unit Product Return
- September 23rd – Unit Product Replenishment Orders Due
- October 9th – Unit Replenishment Product Pickup
- October 25th – Popcorn Sale Ends
- October 27th – Final Unit Popcorn Orders Due
- October 27th – Final Date to Return Unsold Popcorn to Council (Up to 15% of Retail Value can be returned.) NO RETURNS after this date.
- November 13th – Final Popcorn Distribution to Units
- December 4th – Unit Final Payments are Due to Council
- December 20th – Unit Prize Ordering Deadline
2026 Sale Details
- Traditional Sales Unit Commission is 30%
- +2% for Unit attendance at Kick-off
- +3% if Unit returns no popcorn at the end of the sale
- Distribution Warehouses:
- Bloomington– Cardinal Spirits, 225 North Daniel’s Way
- North Vernon– Dave O’Mara Contractor, Inc., 1100 East O and M Avenue
- Council Service Center– 5625 East State Road 46, Bloomington
Council Incentives
2026 Popcorn Sale Patch
Each Scout who sells at least one item will receive a popcorn sale patch to let everyone know they were a part of the action.
Heroes and Helpers
Any Scout who sells $100 in Heroes and Helpers will get a unique Heroes and Helpers patch.
$1,000 Club
Scouts who sell $1,000 or more in popcorn will receive an Amazon gift card valued at $50 to recognize their success!
$3,000 Club
Scouts who sell $3,000 or more in popcorn will receive an Amazon gift card valued at $150!
Training Videos From Trail’s End
2026 Leader Training:
- 2026 Popcorn Kickoff Training
- What’s New in 2026
- Ideal Year of Scouting
- Unit Kickoff & Family Participation
- Leader Portal Training
- Storefront Best Practices
- Storefront Reservations & Management
- Managing Inventory
- End of Sale Procedure
- Additional Resources & Guidance
2026 Scout Training:
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