SUFFOLK

Dot Young - Council Commissioner
Suffolk County Council, BSA
Our “Journey to Excellence” has
begun. In fact, we are a third of the
way through BSA’s new quality unit,
district, and council initiatives. All
commissioners should be working
with their units to ensure understanding
of the Journey as well as helping
units to achieve their goals.
It is finally starting to feel like
spring, which for Scouting means
spring recruitment and planning
summer time activities and camping.
It is also an important time to complete
Friends of Scouting presentations.
Commissioners, please help
your units with planning for all of
these important items.
Congratulations to our newest
unit commissioners: Anthony Weaver from Sagtikos District, John Kristian
Burnell from Trailblazer District, Bob Koertge and Rick Klages from Benjamin
Tallmadge District. At the April 2 nd Basic Commissioner training, six commissioners
were trained.
Scouts and Scouters’, young and old, bring your Pinewood Derby cars
to Newsday’s Field of Wheels event on May 14 th for a fun day of racing and
viewing classic cars. I hope to see a large Scout presence for a fun-filled day to
complete the school year activities.
Finally, remember Scouting is a “Year Round” program, so let’s be sure
everyone has summer time activities and camping plans in place. As commissioners
we should be visiting events and units during this time, even just to say
“Hi” and have a conversation.
See you on the summer trail and thanks for all you do for the youth we
serve.
Dot
THE TRAILS END POPCORN SALE
WHY UNITS DON’T SELL POPCORN?
For years, leaders have told us why they won’t sell popcorn.
Here we answer some common objections and concerns regarding the popcorn sale.
1. We make 50% selling chocolate bars and may only receive 36% from Popcorn!
*Did you know that on average, 70% of the purchase price goes back to the Scouts? You
make 36%, and with the 34% the Council makes they provide prizes, handle all expenses,
and take their profits and put it into services for the Scouts such as camp, training,
camperships, etc.
*You will have to sell almost 7 candy bars to equal the commission for each sale of popcorn,
and the revenue from the candy bar sale does not support the council.
2. We can’t sell an expensive item like Trail’s End!
*Last fall, the average price per container was $17.33, which over $12.00 is a donation
back to Scouting.
*Did you know that the mid-high dollar items ($18-$50) makes up 85% of our sale!
*With 70% going back to the Scouts, two thirds of all consumers asked will buy popcorn
to support the Boy Scouts of America.
www.sccbsa.org
3. We have a traditional fund-raiser. We do a pasta dinner in the fall, candy bars in the spring
and a car wash in the summer.
*You can make enough money selling Popcorn so that you only have to do one
fund-raiser a year, and concentrate on delivering the Ideal Year for the Scouts.
4. The Pack sells in our town.
*82% of all households have NOT even been contacted by a Scout.
*Scouts can sell online to friends and family outside their community
5. Our parents would rather write a check for their son’s Scouting programs
*Selling popcorn teaches the Scouts the value of earning his own way, builds selfconfidence,
and allows him to earn advancements and merit badges.
6. It’s too complicated.
*It’s an exclusive program for the Scouts and it is hassle free program. No up front money,
popcorn is ordered on line, and prizes get shipped to your home
THE OFFICIAL WEB SITE OF
SUFFOLK COUNTY COUNCIL, BSA
If your unit is ready to learn more about funding your Scouting program with Trails End Gourmet
Popcorn please contact Lauren Vlachos at lvlachos@bsamail.org of 924-7000 ext. 37.
Page 15 Navigator, May - July 2011