Popcorn sales - getting parents buy-in

[rjscout]

It seems like we get a lot of parents who would rather that their boys don't sell popcorn. I always thought that having the boys sell helped the Pack (and council), as well as being a growing experience for the boy. Does anyone have any good ideas to help get the parent's buy-in on selling popcorn?

 

[ManyHats]

Last year we started a little incentive with the parents. If you filled up 1 sheet 1/2 your dues were paid. If you filled up 2 sheets dues were paid in full.

[infoscouter]

One thing to consider is to have the Popcorn chair (Kernel) not be a registered leader. Sometimes parents will be more receptive to the message about the value of a fundraiser when it doesn't come from someone in a uniform.

 

In addition to the fact that earning money for the Scout's account relieves parents of paying for everything, and teaches the Scout to be self-reliant, these are some other positive results of participating in fundraising:

 

Fundraising isn't *just* about making enough money to do great stuff. There are hidden educational purposes which we are trying to achieve. By taking part in fundraisers Scouts learn:

 

Social skills - they have to speak persuasively to adults whom they do not know.

Character - they have to overcome their shyness and be brave enough to walk up to someone's door, or approach someone in a community setting and make their sales pitch.

Goal setting - they learn to choose what they want from the experience (camp funds, prizes, etc.) and then gain the satisfaction of meeting that goal.

Fellowship and community building - all of the Scouts are working together to fulfill the needs of the pack. They learn that a few people, working towards a common goal can achieve a great deal.