Online Fundraising Guide for Individual Scouts

Rob Winter
Rob Winter
Last updated 

Did You Know? You Can Sell Popcorn Online to Support Your Scouting Adventures!

Scouts, did you know you can sell popcorn individually—even if your unit isn’t formally participating? Through online sales, you can raise funds that directly support your unit’s goals, whether for high adventure trips, summer camp, or your Eagle Scout project—all without the hassle of carrying inventory.

How Does It Work? When you sell popcorn online, the process is simple and risk-free. Customers place their orders the scout's online sale page thru the Trails End platform, and the popcorn is shipped directly to them. This means you don’t need to handle or store any products, making it an easy and convenient way to fund your Scouting activities.

How Are the Funds Used? The money you raise goes directly to your unit, and the unit leaders decide how it will be used. They may choose to allocate the funds to support the entire unit or to specific Scouting activities that benefit individual Scouts. Before you begin selling, it’s important to discuss your plans with your unit leader. They’ll help you understand how the funds will be applied, ensuring your efforts align with the unit’s overall fundraising strategy, whether it’s for personal goals or collective unit needs. 

Get the Details: Make sure to review the Online Fundraising Guide for Individual Scouts blow for more information on how online sales work. 

Need Help? For any questions, contact Ben Shewbridge, District Popcorn Kernel, at mrshew2012@gmail.com. He’s available to assist you with the process.

Online Fundraising Guide for Individual Scouts
  1. What is the purpose of selling popcorn?
    Selling popcorn is a way for Scouts to raise funds that support their Scouting adventures, such as high adventure trips, summer camps, or Eagle Scout projects. Funds raised can also benefit the entire unit.
  2. Can I sell popcorn even if my unit isn’t participating in a formal sale?
    Yes, Scouts can sell popcorn individually through online sales, even if the unit isn’t participating in a formal popcorn sale. The funds you raise will go directly to your unit.
  3. How are the funds used?
    The money you raise goes directly to your unit. Unit leaders decide how to use these funds, whether to support the entire unit or specific Scouting activities. Before you start selling, discuss your financial Scouting plans with your unit leader. They’ll guide you on how the funds will be applied, ensuring your efforts align with the unit’s overall fundraising strategy.
  4. Do I need permission from my unit leader to sell popcorn?
    Yes, it’s important to coordinate with your unit leader before you start selling. They will guide you on how the funds will be used and help you align your efforts with the unit’s goals.
  5. How do online sales work?
    With online sales, you don’t need to carry any inventory. Customers place their orders online, and the products are shipped directly to them. This makes it easy to manage and focus on sales.
  6. How do I get started with selling popcorn online?
    Follow these steps:
      1. Visit https://portal.trails-end.com.
      2. Sign in to your existing Trails End account or sign up for a new one.
      3. Include your unit’s information:
        • Council: National Capital Area Council
        • District: Loudoun
        • Unit: Select your unit accordingly
    • Including accurate unit information ensures that the funds you raise are correctly allocated to your unit.
  7. What are the benefits of selling popcorn individually online?
    Selling popcorn online allows you to contribute to your unit’s financial health and potentially cover your own Scouting costs without the hassle of handling inventory. It’s a convenient and effective way to support your Scouting experience.
  8. Is there any training or resources available to help me sell popcorn?
    Yes, many councils provide resources such as online training, sales templates, and promotional materials through Trails End. Check with your unit leader for more details.
  9. Where can I find additional information or get help with questions?
    For more information or assistance, contact your unit leader or reach out to Ben Shewbridge, District Popcorn Kernel, at mrshew2012@gmail.com.
  10. What should I do if a customer has a problem with their order?
    If a customer encounters any issues, such as missing or damaged products, they should contact Trails End customer service directly. You can provide them with the appropriate contact information from the Trails End website.