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”.
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.
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.
Council Popcorn Sale Calendar
September 6th — Popcorn Sales Kickoff!
Order Due Dates
- August 20th – Unit Orders Due into the Popcorn System
- October 29th – Final Date to Return Unsold Popcorn to Council (Only 15% of Retail Value can be returned.)
- November 15th – Final Popcorn Distribution to Units
- November 30th – Unit Prize Ordering Deadline
- December 6th – Unit Final Payments are Due to Council
2025 Sale Details
- Traditional Sales Unit Commission is 30%
- Online Sales Unit Commission is 35%
- Plus 5% Incentive Bonus Points
- 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
Incentives
2025 Sale Details Patches Are Back!
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.
$1,000 Club
Scouts who sell $1,000 or more in popcorn will receive a gift card/prize valued at $50 to recognize their success!
Top Seller Award
The top 10 selling Scouts (total sales) will be put into a drawing for a major prize/gift card valued at $500 to celebrate their efforts!
Above & Beyond
Does your unit plan to blow sales out of the water this season? Schedule a time to share your ideas with Randy and help us come up with a great way to reward success.
Training Videos From Trail’s End
2025 Leader Training:
- What’s New in 2025
- 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
- 2025 New App Announcement
- 2025 Online Sales
- 2025 Rewards
- 2025 Tap to Pay
2025 Scout Training:
