Popcorn Campaign
2026 Popcorn Sale
The Council-wide Popcorn Sale is a great fundraising opportunity that benefits Scouts, units, and the Council alike. Many units are able to fund part — or even all — of their annual program through one or both popcorn sales each year.
Some units also use the sale to help Scouts earn their way to camp, empowering them to reach personal goals and fully fund their summer camping experience.
To officially sign up for the sale, please complete the form at the bottom of this page.
Key Popcorn Dates
Storefront Dates
- Storefront Onboarding Deadline: June 25, 2026
- Storefront Auto-Assignments Released: June 29, 2026
- Storefront Scheduling Opens for All Units: July 1, 2026
Product Order Dates
Most popcorn pickups will take place at:
Joseph A. Citta Scout Reservation
Summer Order
- Unit Order Due: June 26, 2026
- Pickup Week: Week of July 6, 2026
Fall Order
- Order Due: August 21, 2026
- Pickup Week: Week of September 7, 2026
Final Order
- Order Due: November 3, 2026
- Pickup Week: Week of November 16, 2026
Returns*
- Final Return Day: October 9, 2026
- This provides units with six additional weekends to sell product.
* Units must have Heroes & Helpers donations to qualify for returns. Please review the official return policy for full details.
Payments & Prizes
- Final Payment Due: November 21, 2026
- Prize orders will be released once final payment has been received.
JSC Popcorn Commission Breakdown
Unit Base Commission
Unit Base Commission Breakdown
All units earn 35% of all sales!
Unit Bonus Commissions – up to an additional 7%
+2% Bonus Commission when your unit sells over $14,500 or any units that sells an average of $550 per scout
•+2% Bonus Commission- when your unit sells over $8,500 or any units that sells an average of $350 per scout
•+2% Bonus Commission when your unit sells over $3,500
•+1% Bonus Commission- Attend the Jersey Shore Council popcorn kickoff on June 1st, Produce All sales through the Trails End App and submit final payment by November 20, 2025
Do all the above and you receive the MAX commission 42%!
All online sales earn 35%
Notes:
Average sales per scout will be calculated based on the unit’s registered number of scouts as of August 31, 2024.
All Unit prize orders are actually an additional 4-5% which really brings your total commission close to 50%.
STEPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL SALE
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Set a sales goal for your unit and for each den or patrol. Most important step a unit can do. Base the goal on your actual budget needs.
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Communicate the units plan to assist leaders and committee members and together, determine a sales goal or each Scout, based on the unit’s goal.
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Conduct a “fun-filled’ kick-off event for Scouts and their parents.
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Emphasize what the Scouts will receive for hitting their goal.
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Provide a letter to the parents that clearly spells out:
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the purpose of the sale.
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How the money raised will be used.
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And what the “per-Scout goal” is
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Consider using some of the unit’s commission to offer additional incentives that your Scouts really want.
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Encourage ALL your Scouts to go out and sell! 67% of people will buy when asked and less than 30% of the public is asked.
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Sell to friends, family members, neighbors, etc.
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Take the “Take order form” to work.
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Set up an organized “Blitz Day” at the beginning of the sale to help give your Scouts a good start to their sale.
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Have a victory celebration!
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Have a fun activity planned at the end of your “Blitz Day”
In order to ensure a successful popcorn sale for both your unit and the council, the 2024 Popcorn Committee has once again established a Show and Sell Return Policy.
- A Unit must record all their H&H donations into the Trails End App to participate in the return process. Scout Families should record these sales into the app during storefront and wagon sales.
- H & H Donations must equal at least 5% of the unit’s entire sale. For example if your unit has $1,000 in sales you would need $50 in donations to qualify for returns.
- Product that is returned is used to deliver H & H donations to local police, fire, EMS and military groups. Reach out if you are interested in having your scouts involved with the donation drop offs.
- Units must sell at least $100 in product to eligible for returns.
Inventory Management Tips
All popcorn is a liability for the council so we encourage you to follow a few key practices:
- Check on your outstanding inventory and make frequent honest assessments on your unit’s ability to sell.
- Subscribe to a time based sales plan (i.e. we are halfway through the sale…Have we sold least half of our inventory?).
- Check with your District Kernel or District Executive if you have an inventory challenge…too much or too little popcorn can usually find a home with enough notice.
- Work toward zero return policy so that every dollar of popcorn revenue provides programs for your boys.
- Try to use unsold Show and Sell product to fill your take order forms and only order what you need to complete your take order.
POPCORN TRAINING VIDEOS
How to set an annual unit budget and fundraising goal!
| File Name | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Popcorn Kickoff Powerpoint | Download | |
| 2025 Prize Program | Download | |
| 2025 Take Order Form | Download | |
| Budget Goal Worksheet | Excel file to help you understand your potential sales goals | Download |
| Leaders Guide | Download | |
| Military Donation Receipts | Military Receipts to give out those who you collected military donations from | Download |
| Parent Guide | Great to use as a handout for parents! | Download |
| Trail's End Mobile Application | How to download and use Trails End mobile app! | Download |
| Trails End App | Video about the Trails End App | Download |
| Unit Potential Sheet | Excel file to help you understand your potential sales goals | Download |