Popcorn Hub
Welcome to the Gateway Area Council 2026 Popcorn Hub! This page is your one-stop resource for unit leaders, Popcorn Kernels, Scouts, and families. Find important dates, ordering instructions, Show & Sell opportunities, kickoff information, and Scout incentives all in one place.
The popcorn sale helps support your unit’s activities while giving Scouts an opportunity to build confidence, practice communication skills, set goals, and learn the value of earning their own way.
Key Dates
- Online popcorn sale: August 1 – November 20
- Show & Sell storefront signups open: September 1, 2026
- Fall 2026 sale: September 18 – October 25, 2026
The Council Popcorn Key needed to create a unit profile with Pectonica River Popcorn is 624GAC.
What's new this year
- A greater variety of popcorn products, including products in tins and buckets rather than bags
- No-risk return policy — units and families can order product to have on hand to sell, knowing that undamaged product checked out can be returned
- Sales-level prizes are on display at the council office, and a council staff member can be scheduled to display them for your unit
- Pecatonica River Popcorn a WI based company growing their product in WI supporting local farmers.
Popcorn Dates
Get your unit set up
Council Popcorn Kickoff – Virtual
The Gateway Area Council Popcorn Kickoff will be held virtually on August 6, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The presentation is approximately 60 minutes and covers important information and next steps for a successful sale.
Watch the Kickoff Presentation
The presentation is available to watch later for leaders and Popcorn Kernels who cannot attend live.
Commission Bonus Requirements
To qualify for the commission bonus, each unit must have at least two registered adults complete the kickoff requirements by September 14, 2026.
- Live participants must complete the post-meeting survey and enter the event code provided during the presentation.
- Those watching the recording must follow the email and survey instructions to verify participation.
- The event code is embedded in the presentation. Be sure to complete the survey as directed.
Unit Leader & Popcorn Kernel Checklist
Cubmasters, Scoutmasters, and Popcorn Kernels help coordinate the sale and keep Scouts and families informed.
- Decide whether your Pack or Troop will participate in the popcorn sale.
- Identify a parent or registered adult to serve as the unit’s Popcorn Kernel and point of contact. View the Popcorn Kernel role description.
- Ensure at least two registered adults complete the kickoff requirements by September 14 to qualify for the commission bonus.
- Register your unit’s Popcorn Kernel in the Pecatonica River Popcorn system.
- Plan a unit kickoff using the tasting kit to introduce products, build excitement, and help Scouts set goals.
- Decide whether to order Show & Sell product and submit your order by the deadline.
- Sign up for storefront opportunities and make a plan for selling and distributing product.
Popcorn Forms & Tasting Kits
Popcorn forms and tasting kits will be available for pickup at the Scout office beginning July 27, 2026. Arrangements can be made for delivery to units when necessary.
Register with Pecatonica River Popcorn
Log in or register with Pecatonica River Popcorn. Council Popcorn Key: 624GAC (You will need this key to create your unit profile.) It is with this portal your Unit Kernel can order product, make unit-to-unit transfers, create scout seller ID’s
Show & Sell: Storefronts & Product Orders
Show & Sell gives Scouts the opportunity to sell popcorn directly to customers at approved storefront locations. Register for storefront sales HERE!
