Pack 680’s single annual fundraiser runs from August to November each year.
Scout Goal: $750
This is the “break-even” sales goal for all scouts. If each scout sells this much, we’ll earn enough to pay for our program in the 2023-2024 pack year.
Pack Goal: $25,000
This is the pack’s overall sales goal for 2023. With everybody working towards our per-scout target, this is a high but achievable goal.
Why Pack 680 Scouts Sell Popcorn
It funds 100% of our program.
This includes advancement and recognition awards, derby kits and equipment, camping, den meeting supplies, STEM supplies, and pack events. We cannot function without the fundraiser, and it keeps costs low for everybody.
Scouts enjoy earning rewards.
Scouts earn Amazon gift cards and other prizes based on sales totals. High sellers also can earn free summer camp (council prize) and free registration dues (pack prize).
There are developmental benefits.
Fundraising teaches scouts goal setting, public speaking, confidence around adults, and motivation. Some scouts really enjoy “paying their way” to make the pack go!
2023 Incentives and Rewards
All sellers (500+ points) receive an Amazon gift card based on your point total.
Nebula Sellers (above break-even target of $750) get a second rocket launch at our annual rocket derby!
Nebula Sellers also have the satisfaction of knowing you paid 100% of your own way this year.
Star sellers (above $1,000) get to Pie-a-Leader at a future pack event.
Constellation sellers (above $1,250) get the council fee refunded.
Galaxy sellers (above $1,500) get the national fee refunded.
Universe Sellers (above $3,000) receive free summer camp in 2024! This can be in-council or out-of-council. AOL scouts can use it for Scouts BSA summer camp too.
Infinity Sellers (above $4,000) receive free NCAC summer camp in 2024! So, that’s two free camps. Camp is pretty great though.
How to Sell Popcorn
Register online and get ready to sell – click to expand
Register your scout with Trails End, either at the website or through the Trails End app. No matter how you sell, this is always the first step.
Be sure to connect your scout to Pack 680. We are in the Colonial District, National Capital Area Council.
Pack 680’s 2023 sales goal is $25,000. The per-scout sales goal is $750. There are significant incentives for scouts who reach the sales goal (or as we like to call them, STAR SELLERS) as well as higher tiers of achievement beyond it (TOP SELLERS).
Sell door-to-door
Believe it or not, this is the best way to accumulate sales quickly. Credit card orders in the Trails End app are always the preferred method of payment – scouts receive 50% more reward points when taking credit card orders.
Bring a Square Reader with you to make credit card sales. The pack can provide you with one.
Sign up for a booth sale
Booth sales happen near a local business. Pack 680 sets up a booth, and your scout works it. Sign up via the Trails End app or at the Trails End website.
Tips to run a successful booth:
- IMPORTANT: If your scout is too young to go to the bathroom by himself, you will need another adult to stay with the money and inventory while you take your scout to the bathroom.
- DRESS NICELY in full uniform with shirt tucked in.
- Be outgoing, loud, and friendly.
- People need to be asked – a few may stop to support you, but most will walk by if not approached.
- People like to be sold to by the scout. Your scout should 1) know his sales pitch and 2) know the prices and selection by memory.
- Arrange the table display in order of product price to make it easier to remember.
- All popcorn is gluten free. Check for allergens in case you’re asked.
- ALWAYS keep an eye on the cash box.
- ALWAYS say thank you either way.
The community does NOT want overpriced popcorn. Do NOT ask “Do you want to buy popcorn?”
The community DOES want to support Scouting. DO ask “Do you want to support Scouting?”
DO NOT solicit donations, but we can accept them if offered.
When people groan at the high prices, you are allowed to say (or paraphrase) that 27% of the price is for the popcorn (a quality product, at cost) and 73% of the sale is essentially a donation to the Cub Scouts. It’s printed on the package.
Sell online
Selling via Online Direct is extremely easy. Your family and friends can support you safely and conveniently, get free shipping, and enjoy a larger selection of products than we have for in-person sales.
- Log into Trails End.
- Select “Manage Page” from the sidebar.
- Upload your scout’s picture.
- Describe how fundraising supports your scout’s Cub Scouting activities.
- Pick a favorite product.
- Share the link to your scout’s webpage with family and friends.
