September 10 – October 31: Popcorn Fundraiser
It is the time for our annual popcorn fundraiser again! The funds we raise through popcorn sale helps cover registration fees, trips, and activities for the scouts. It is also a great learning opportunity for them to gain experiences in public speaking, math, salesmanship, perseverance, and teamwork. In addition to the valuable learnings, it also comes with tangible rewards. We highly encourage every scout, regardless of age or experience, to participate in the fundraiser!
Popcorn Kernels: Ravi Kotnana, Chris Chen
Ways to sell popcorn
- Show and Sell (store front sales) — set up a table merchandised with products in front of stores. Parents and scouts approach incoming customers for support. Highest potential and generate more than 90% of our overall sales.
- Show and Deliver (wagon sales) — parents and scouts take products in wagons and sell door-to-door in the neighborhood.
- Take Order — parents and scouts go door-to-door and collect orders, return them to popcorn team and deliver at a later date.
- Online Sales — share fundraising page (or scout code) via email or social media. Supporters visit and transact on-line at www.trails-end.com. Makes it easy to get support from friends and family who do not live close-by. A good way to generate extra sales without additional time from parents and scouts.
Store front sales
Getting ready
- Download Trail’s End App. (Text “APP” to 62771 to download, or download from Appstore/GooglePlay). One account per scout, so Mom or Dad will have to set up the account and share the login information with the other parent. Select "Meridian" for the district and "Pack 1776" for the unit.
- Siblings can share one account and combine their proceeds and donations toward the pack rankings.
- After activation and sign-in, go to “Storefront Sales” and find shifts available for sign-up on the calendar (calendar icon).
- Signing up for 2 or more shifts is recommended. That almost guarantees your scout will get multiple rewards which gives them positive feedback for a good job done.
Selling popcorn
- !! IMPORTANT !! If you have the first shift of the day, please pick up inventory and supplies the night before your shift from Popcorn Kernel Chris Chen.
- Set up — set up table and tablecloth with banner secured in front of the table. Set up display products with price label affixed. Set up Pack donation bin and Square Credit Card reader.
- Start of shift — please arrive 10 minutes before your shift begins. Verify inventory and proceeds with previous shift scout/parent. Make sure there’s $60 in small bills in cashbox for change. Take envelopes with all proceeds thus far for the day to a secure location such as your car trunk that’s not visible. We would like to minimize the amount of cash we keep at the table for safety reason.
- Sales — Be friendly, smile and greet everyone. Show gratitude even if someone does not show interest. Record each sale in Trail’s End App with the appropriate payment type and also write it down on the tracking form. Always say thank you.
- End of shift — count inventory and proceeds with the next shift scout/parent. Put all proceeds and donation from the shift, along with the tracking form, in a new envelope, then label, seal, and hand it to the next shift scout/parent.
- End of day — return remaining inventory, all supplies, and all proceeds in envelopes to Chris Chen.
What is our goal? What are the rewards?
Our goal is for every scout to sell $250
Every scout who sells $250 or more (popcorn proceeds + donations) win an Aluminum Sports Water Bottle!
The top three highest fundraisers through popcorn proceeds + donations will win the following prizes:
- 1st: $300 gift card for Disneyland!
- 2nd: REI two-person tent with footprint
- 3rd: Solar charger power bank
Additionally:
- Every scout who sells popcorn gets a Popcorn Patch
- $250 or more — receive an Aluminum Sports Water Bottle! (Only takes about 1-2 storefront shifts)
- $500 or more — qualify to win Amazon Gift Cards from Trail’s End
- More than half of participating scouts won last year
- $1000 or more, not including Top 3 winners — receive a Digital Alarm Clock OR an day-hike first-aid kit!
Pack volunteer credit
Every shift gives you 1 hour toward the pack volunteer credit. For shifts that require pick-up/drop-off of the inventory at Chris’ place, you get 1 more hour for the extra time needed. If we change location mid-day, the scout/parent of the starting shift of the new location need to tear-down and set up the table, and will get 1 more hour of credit.
Tips and things to remember
- All cub scouts to wear Class A Uniform.
- Be courteous and respectful.
- Cubs may ask “Would you like to support local cub scouts?” to approach customers.
- Customers are delighted when cubs talk to them. Cubs can tell them which popcorn is their favorite.
- If customers are not sure if they are willing to buy popcorn, encourage them to donate any amount to the donation bin and thank them.
- Make sure customers know we take credit cards. Some customers may not have enough cash with them.
- Please mark it down on your calendar when you sign up for a shift and make sure you do not miss it.
- If you need additional popcorn or have any question, please call or text Chris/Ravi. We will have someone on standby during popcorn sales hours.
- Always smile and say thank you.
- Congratulate your cubs for their results!
For additional information about online selling and additional selling tips, please visit www.trails-end.com
When selling door to door, please follow these safety rules:
- Never enter someone’s home.
- Don’t carry large amounts of cash with you.
- Always walk on the sidewalk and driveway.
- Always sell with another scout or adult.
- Remember to wear your Class A uniform, be respectful and have fun!
Happy selling!
2016 Art & Wind Festival – Cotton Candy
Date/Time: May 29-30, 2016, 9:30am - 6:30pm (2 hour timeslots)
Location: Booth #832, by the tennis courts.
Attire: Class A uniform
RSVP: SignUp Genius
It’s that time of the year again! We are asking the entire Pack 1776 Cub Scout family to participate in our annual Cotton Candy Fundraiser at the San Ramon Art & Wind Festival.
Pack 1776 gets a major funding boost from this event and we definitely need volunteer support from all of our dens.
To ensure everyone has an equal opportunity to participate, please note the following guidelines:
1) At least one parent is required to be with their scout but the entire family is most welcome to join the fun.
2) Each shift must have at least 1 Scout Leader and no more than 4 scouts inside the booth.
3) Remember to maintain a Scout attitude. Don't forget that you are all perfect 1776 Gentlemen. Always thank those we have asked and always wish them a good day, have the proper attitude, demonstrating good manners and conduct.
2015 Art & Wind Festival – Cotton Candy
Date/Time: May 24-25, 2015, 8:30am - 6pm (2 hour timeslots)
Location: Booth #382 by the tennis courts
Attire: Class A uniform
RSVP: SignUp Genius
It’s that time of the year again! We are asking the entire Pack 1776 Cub Scout family to participate in the sales of our Cotton Candy Fundraiser at the 2015 San Ramon Art & Wind Festival. We will be at booth #382 by the tennis courts
Pack 1776 gets a major funding boost from this event and we definitely need volunteer support from all of our dens.
There are still afternoon openings available and we encourage you to click here to sign up now !
In an effort to ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to participate, please note the following guidelines:
1.) At least one parent is required to be with their participating scout in this fundraiser but the entire family is most welcome to join and have fun.
2.) Each shift must have at least 1 Scout Leader present. There will be no more than 4 scouts present inside the booth during any shift.
3.) Try to remember to maintain a Scout attitude while participating in this fundraiser. Don't forget that you are all perfect 1776 Gentlemen. We should always thank those who we have asked and always wish them a good day, to encourage proper attitude demonstrating good manners and conduct.
Please contact Marcos Perez if you have any questions.
Friends of Scouting Video
For those of you who couldn't attend the Blue & Gold and missed the Friends of Scouting video, here it is for your viewing pleasure 🙂
It is easy to donate online ! (remember to indicate Pack 1776 in the last box under Donor Information.)
2014 Art & Wind Festival – Cotton Candy
Date/Time: May 25-26, 2014, 8:30am - 6pm (2 hour timeslots)
Location: Booth #188 - Central Park (Bollinger Canyon Road Side)
Attire: Class A uniform
RSVP: SignUp Genius
It’s that time of the year again! We are asking the entire Pack 1776 Cub Scout family to participate in the sales of our Cotton Candy Fundraiser at the 2014 San Ramon Art & Wind Festival. We will be at booth #188 on the Bollinger Canyon side (see booth location map and bottom of the festival map).
Pack 1776 gets a major funding boost from this event and we definitely need volunteer support from all of our dens.
There are still afternoon openings available and we encourage you to click here to sign up now !
In an effort to ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to participate, please note the following guidelines:
1.) At least one parent is required to be with their participating scout in this fundraiser but the entire family is most welcome to join and have fun.
2.) Each shift must have at least 1 Scout Leader present. There will be no more than 4 scouts present inside the booth during any shift.
3.) Try to remember to maintain a Scout attitude while participating in this fundraiser. Don't forget that you are all perfect 1776 Gentlemen. We should always thank those who we have asked and always wish them a good day, to encourage proper attitude demonstrating good manners and conduct.
Please contact Marcos Perez if you have any questions.
Friends of Scouting Video
For more information, please contact your District Friends of Scouting Chair, or the Finance Director.
Many corporations match gifts made by their employees to the Boy Scouts. Some companies even give financial contributions on behalf of the time you give as a volunteer. Check the Matching Gifts section to see if your corporation is on the list.
2013 Art & Wind Festival – Cotton Candy
It’s that time of the year again! We are asking the entire Pack 1776 Cub Scout family to participate in the sales of our Cotton Candy Fundraiser at the 2013 San Ramon Art & Wind Festival.
In an effort to ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to participate, please note the following guidelines:
1.) At least one parent is required to be with their participating scout in this fundraiser but the entire family is most welcome to join and have fun.
2.) Each shift must have at least 1 Scout Leader present. There will be no more than 4 scouts present inside the booth during any shift.
3.) Try to remember to maintain a Scout attitude while participating in this fundraiser. Don't forget that you are all perfect 1776 Gentlemen. We should always thank those who we have asked and always wish them a good day, to encourage proper attitude demonstrating good manners and conduct.
Class A uniform.
LOCATION: Central Park Booth #384 - Alcosta Blvd
Sign up here now!
Art & Wind Festival Fund Raiser – Hold The Date
It's that time of the year again! We are asking the entire Pack 1776 Cub Scout family to participate in the sales of our Memorial Day weekend Cotton Candy Fundraiser at the 2013 San Ramon Art & Wind Festival, Sunday, May 26 and Monday, May 27.
Last year, in addition to having a great time, we were able to raise enough money to keep our annual dues at the same low rate in previous years, while earning extra cash to present fun events, like the Raingutter Regatta and the Pinewood Derby.
If we continue with what we've been doing, we may be able to add more events to our list before long. And more events mean more chances at fundraising, which will be a massive bonus. Of course, we're always looking for new ideas, so please let us know if you have any. Alongside this, we will be sure to check out these ideas from places like GoFundMe, (read more here) to see if we can do something that hasn't been done yet, as well as having an event that can be fun for the whole family. But for now, all our attention is focused on the Cotton Candy Fundraiser.
In an effort to ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to participate, please note the following guidelines:
1.) At least one parent is required to be with their participating scout in this fundraiser but the entire family is most welcome to join and have fun.
2.) Each shift must have at least 1 Scout Leader present. There will be no more than 4 scouts present inside the booth during any shift.
3.) Try to remember to maintain a Scout attitude while participating in this fundraiser. Don't forget that you are all perfect 1776 Gentlemen. We should always thank those who we have asked and always wish them a good day, to encourage proper attitude demonstrating good manners and conduct. Class A uniform.
LOCATION: Central Park-Booth#TBD Alcosta Blvd
I will send out a signup invite in early May, once I get the details confirmed with the city.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Yours in Scouting,
Den Leader Marcos
Blue & Gold FOS Reminder- Feb 15th
Dear Cub Scout Parent,
This is a brief reminder that in support of the Friends of Scouting (FOS) program, we will be passing out a FOS brochure/pledge card explaining how your FOS dollars benefits the program. There are several ways to invest in Scouting:
- You may give with a check
- You may charge your Visa or MasterCard by including your card number and expiration date on the pledge card
- You may make a pledge in which case the council will send a pledge reminder in the month you indicate on the pledge card
If you intend to pay by check, please bring your checkbook to the Blue & Gold as we will be collecting the pledge cards the same evening. If you do not intend to participate, please put down zero as the pledge amount, as we need to collect all the cards that are handed out.
Here is an example of the pledge card you will be receiving.
On behalf of the Mt. Diablo Silverado Council and Pack 1776, we thank you for your support.
Yuji Yamada
Committee Chair
Friends of Scouting (FOS) Campaign – Feb 15th
Dear Cub Scout Parent,
We hope that you and your family will be able to join us at our Blue & Gold Banquet scheduled for February 15th at 5:30pm at the Coyote Creek MPR. We are very proud of all the boy’s achievements and extremely appreciative of all the parental involvement.
During the banquet, we will be making a brief presentation of the annual Friends of Scouting (FOS) campaign and then asking for your pledges to support our Pack’s FOS effort. The FOS program helps underwrite the cost of Scouting for our district, the Mt. Diablo Silverado Council. We thought it might be beneficial to send out this letter in advance for your information.
Each year, our Scout parents are asked to support some of the hidden costs of Scouting. The Mt. Diablo Silverado Council, which serves almost 17,000 youths, provides numerous benefits to all of our boys and adult volunteers. A few of these benefits include subsidized Cub Day Camp and Cub Family Camps, maintaining facilities such as Camp Herms and Wolfeboro, as well as youth and leadership training.
FOS provides these benefits to our Scouts throughout the bay area. The district’s goal is to raise $120,000 for this year. In the past, parents have contributed gifts ranging from $10 to $1,000. The Scouting organization annually spends about $200 per boy while the registration fee is only $15. The Council hopes that each family will give enough to offset the spending cost for each boy, but if your family cannot contribute to this extent, please know that any amount is welcome. Participation by every family, at any level, is the goal.
If you believe that the Scouting program has had a positive impact on your family, I urge you to join me in this effort to keep the Scout program the dynamic experience for the youth in our area.
Yuji Yamada
Committee Chair
