WHY SELL POPCORN?
Popcorn is more than a fundraiser, it’s one of the few Scouting activities that develops confidence, communication, goal setting, resilience, and financial responsibility through real-world experience. Along the way, Scouts help reduce the cost of their own adventures while strengthening their Unit’s program.
Sign up for the 2026 Sale HERE!
Download our 2026 Leader Guide NOW!
THREE WAYS TO SELL
Storefront: Set up a table in front of a store. Organized through the Trail’s End app by your Unit Kernel and coordinated with the store. DO NOT SET UP WITHOUT PERMISSION.
Wagon Sales: Sell popcorn in your neighborhood. This is the most successful way and the most overlooked. Either take an order form around and deliver the popcorn later, or put the popcorn in a wagon and give it out immediately.
Online: Sell to friends and family who don’t live in the area by using social media and email to market your sale.
For more information on each of these selling strategies, See Trail’s End Resource Library here. (You will need to log in to Trails End)
2026 POPCORN TIMELINE
| July 22 | Popcorn/ Cub Recruitment Kickoff 1, 5PM-8PM (Wednesday) Register HERE |
| July 25 | Popcorn/Cub Recruitment Kickoff 2, 10AM-2PM (Saturday) Register HERE |
| August 10 | Deadline for Units to place first order (Show and Sell) |
| August 21 | Popcorn Distribution at District Sites |
| September 15 | Second Replenishment Order Deadline |
| September 25 | Distribution for Second Order |
| October 12 | Popcorn returns open |
| November 2 | Deadline for Units to place final order (Door to Door) |
| November 13 | Council Popcorn Distribution |
| December 4 | All money needs to be into the Greater Colorado Council (Paid in Full) |
2026 COMMISSION STRUCTURE & INCENTIVES
Units can earn up to 37% commission for the traditional popcorn sale. Bonus commission is given in December only if units have settled their popcorn account by December 5th.
30% Base Commission
5% Bonus Commission: 20/20 Club (Complete any 1 of the 3 below)
- Unit Sells over $20,000 of Popcorn in 2025
- 20% increase in total popcorn sales from 2025 amount
- Unit new to the popcorn sale (did not participate in the 2025 popcorn sale)
2% Bonus Commission for Zero Returns (Each Unit can only return a maximum 5% their product in general; any returns at all loses this 2%)
35% Flat Commission given for all “Direct to Consumer” online popcorn sales
If a unit sells over $40,000 in Popcorn, they will automatically qualify for 37% commission.
*Any unit whose account is not settled in full by 1-1-2027 will receive a maximum 30% commission.
HOW CAN I SELL A BUNCH OF POPCORN?
Sell the Scouting experience, not just the popcorn. What do we mean by this? You learn to tie knots, catch fish, build character, be a contributing member of society and anything else you can think of. Pitch this idea to the people around you who will support the mission of Scouting more than just a popcorn sale.
Here’s an example: “My name is Pikachu, and I’m part of Pack 1. I am selling popcorn to earn my way to Philmont Adventure Camp. I’m excited to go with my friend Bulbasaur. Can you help me go to camp?”
HELPFUL LINKS
2026 Popcorn Resources
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- 2026 Popcorn Guidebook
- 2026 Popcorn Kickoff Powerpoint
- 2026 Trail’s End Rewards
- 2026 Trails End Leader Guide
- 2026 Trails End Order Form
- 2026 Storefront List
- 2026 Trails End Parent Guide
- 2025 Scout Script
- 2026 Council Storefront Request Letter Template
- Trails End Unit Leader Portal and Web App
- Trails End YouTube Page
- GCC Popcorn Forum
- Trails End Popcorn Facebook Page– See what’s happening and talk to other units
Questions or Suggestions for this year’s sale? Please email us.
