Official Popcorn Fundraiser Newsletter of the
Cradle of Liberty Council, BSA
VOLUME 11 | October 24, 2018
You're receiving this newsletter because your unit has signed-up to participate in the Popcorn Fundraiser this year or in previous years. If you are no longer involved and don't want to receive the Kernel Connection, please scroll to the bottom of this email to update your profile or unsubscribe. Please note that if you unsubscribe, you will no longer receive any communications through the council's Constant Contact account.

Thank you for all you do to help fund Scouting Adventures!
Unit Invoices
Please note that your unit invoice available through the Popcorn System won't be accurate until we assign the proper commissions, which can't happen until after Rebalance Day and final orders are submitted. You'll be notified when your invoice is reconciled. Unit payments are due no later than Friday, November 30.
Final Product Ordering Steps
If you haven't done so already, unit popcorn coordinators should:
  1. Confirm any product transfers to/from another unit have been recorded in the Popcorn System.
  2. Collect all Take Orders from your Scouts.
  3. Collect and inventory any remaining popcorn from families/dens who were doing Show & Sells and other sales.
  4. Fill as many Take Orders from your current inventory as possible.
  5. List any remaining items needed to fill your Scouts' Take Orders (that will be your Order #3).
  6. Compile any remaining product you have to return, if needed.
  7. Start collecting prize selections from your Scouts. Prize orders aren't due until November 10 -- more on prizes in the next Kernel Connection.

Don't forget that your unit will get an extra 2% commission if you don't return any product! It may be worth keeping that extra few cases of product you've got left over.

  • For units that don't have items to return (congratulations on that extra 2% commission!): If you have a Take Order (Order #3) to place, please log in to the Popcorn System by Saturday, October 27 to place your order. These items will be available to pick up on Saturday, November 10 at the locations where you picked up Order #2 (we may offer additional locations based on the volume of orders). Don't forget to order Military Donations!
  • For units that have items to return -- please see Rebalance Day info below. Don't place Order #3 through the Popcorn System!
Rebalance Day is This Saturday!
October 27, 2018
Reads Moving Systems
2600 Turnpike Drive, Hatboro, PA 19040

This is the final opportunity for all units to return unsold product; popcorn cannot be accepted after this time.

If your unit has returns and no one is available to arrive during your unit's scheduled time between 8:00 AM and 12:00 Noon on Saturday, October 27, 2018, you MUST make alternate arrangements with your district popcorn chair or executive to make returns prior to Saturday. There are no exceptions, sorry.

  • Please use the Unit Returns feature through the Trail's End Popcorn System to indicate how much product (in containers, not cases) you will be bringing to Rebalance Day. This is new for 2018 and will make the process much simpler! See the tutorial below.
  • Units are provided with specific times between 8:00 AM and 12:00 Noon to make the process smoother. You can view the schedule here. If your unit isn't on the list, someone from your unit has either indicated that the unit is not coming to Rebalance Day or has placed Order #3 in the Popcorn System.
  • Bring the list of items needed for your Take Orders. Make sure to compile Military Donations ($30 and $50 levels) as well!
  • Bring a blank check to pay your balance due (optional).
  • Do not enter your Take Orders (Order #3) into the Popcorn System. We will fill as much as your Take Order needs as we can that day, based on inventory. We will place your unit's Order #3 on site on Saturday for pickup on November 10.
  • Please note that the following items can be returned:
  • Sealed containers (individual containers (bags/boxes) of any product type offered by the Cradle of Liberty Council.
  • Individual containers that were damaged when your unit received them. Please point out these items when you are returning and we will make sure your invoice is adjusted.
  • We are unable to accept:
  • Any opened containers (individual bags, microwave boxes).
  • Any chocolate products that appear/feel to be melted and solidified.
  • Any Chocolate Lover's Tins.
  • Individually packaged items that were not intended for retail sale (i.e. individual microwave pouches, foil bags from collections).

Also, to expedite Rebalance Day, please try to return only full cases.
Have product that you know you'll be returning? Please use the Popcorn System unit returns feature in advance of rebalance day. It will make the process smoother on October 27!
What To Expect at Rebalance Day
  1. When you arrive, turn right in the parking lot, where an individual there will be there to direct you and check-in your unit.
  2. When directed, you can move to one of three warehouse bay doors. Once you pull up, our staff members will assist you in unloading your vehicle and inventorying the product being returned. After the product is returned, our staff will ask you for the items that you need to fill your Take Order (Order #3). If some or all of the product you need is available on site, we'll get it to you on the spot. Any remaining items will be noted on an inventory sheet that will be placed for your Order #3.
  3.  Once done at the warehouse, we'll ask you to park by the office (left side of the building) where our team members will record the inventory changes in the popcorn system and place any items needed for your Take Order (Order #3). At that point, your total sales will be calculated along with your commission and total amount due. If you wish to bring a blank check, you will be able to pay your balance on the spot (otherwise, payment is due by Friday, November 30).

By the time you depart, your unit's invoice should be completely updated in the popcorn system for you to download and view.
New Scout Champions Program
Scouts who sell $1,000 or more (including online sales!) will get an invite to a special Dave & Buster's Experience! Scouts selling $1,500 or more will also receive Amazon gift cards.

The event is scheduled for January 19, 2019 at the Penn's Landing Philadelphia location from 11 AM to 4 PM.

In order to qualify, Scouts (or parent of) are required to register a Trails-End.com account so the unit coordinator can enter face-to-face sale amounts in the Trail’s End Scout tracking system. Watch the instructional video here.
Resources and Training
Scout Take Order & Prize Forms are also available from your district professional, district kernel or at the Firestone Scouting Resource Center.

Visit colbsa.org/popcorn and click the links below for the latest resources and training videos.

Webinars:
Cradle of Liberty Council | popcorn@colbsa.org | 610-688-6900 | colbsa.org/popcorn