Overview
The annual popcorn sale runs from September through November. Specific deadlines are set by Twin Rivers Council each year — check with the council or at trcscouting.org for current dates.
Typical Annual Timeline
| Phase | Typical Timing | Task |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-kickoff | August | Register as unit Kernel with Twin Rivers Council; access Trail’s End / Pecatonica ordering system |
| Kickoff | September | Attend council kickoff; pick up sales materials; understand prize program and unit split |
| Pack kickoff | September pack meeting | Distribute materials to Scouts; explain prizes, goals, and how to sell |
| Take-order sales | September–October | Scouts sell to neighbors, family, friends via take-order forms |
| Show and Sells | September–October | Scouts sell in front of local stores (shifts scheduled by Kernel) |
| Order submission | October (council deadline) | Collect Scout order forms; enter into ordering system; submit by deadline |
| Payment deadline | October | Collect money from Scouts; turn over to Treasurer |
| Popcorn pickup | November | Kernel (or designee) picks up pack’s popcorn from district; sorts by Scout |
| Distribution | November | Distribute to Scouts at a pack meeting or designated pickup |
| Council payment | November | Treasurer writes check to council; Kernel submits by deadline |
| Scout accounts | November–December | Treasurer credits Scout accounts based on sales; Kernel provides per-Scout sales data |
| Year-end wrap | November–December | Kernel attends council year-end wrap meeting |
All specific dates are set by Twin Rivers Council each year. Check trcscouting.org or contact Holly Rogers for current deadlines.
Key Numbers to Track
- Total unit sales goal (set with Committee Chair and Treasurer at the start of the year)
- Per-Scout sales goal (the target each Scout should hit to earn their Scout account credit)
- “Donations in lieu” threshold — Scouts who don’t meet their goal may owe additional dues (Treasurer invoices for this in December)
Communication to Families
At the September pack kickoff presentation:
- Explain the sale: take-order, online sales, and Show and Sells
- Share the unit’s goal and why it matters (it funds the pack’s program)
- Show the prize chart
- Set the Scout goal level and explain the Scout account credit system
- Provide order forms and deadline
Send a follow-up email to all families reinforcing the above.