Scouts Canada Children and Youth Cultivate Business Skills, Earn Scholarships

Scout Popcorn fundraiser helps children and youth learn important life skills; fund local Scouting programs

OTTAWA, Oct. 2, 2013 /CNW/ - Kids heading back to school, leaves changing colours and cooler evenings all mark the change in season. But for Scouts Canada, the arrival of fall means it is time for children and youth to learn important life skills and strive to earn scholarship money. Over the next few months, tens of thousands of Scouts across the country will participate in Scout Popcorn, Scouts Canada's national fundraiser, along the way they will learn important life skills, gain scholarship money and raise funds for local Scouting programs.

"The funds raised through Scout Popcorn gives me the opportunity to develop skills, form life-long friendships and learn important life lessons including the value of service, community and teamwork," said Samantha Harvey of St. Paul, Alberta and the Scout Popcorn top seller for 2012. "I attribute the fact that I have chosen to go into nursing to the values and ethics that Scouting has instilled in me. The money I have earned in my Scout Popcorn scholarship is helping me reach my goal."

Through the Scouts Popcorn program, youth cultivate valuable business skills such as financial responsibility, marketing strategy development, time management skills, and in the process, develop confidence and positive self-esteem.

Scouts who raise $2,500 or more will also become eligible for a scholarship fund. These Scouts will see six per cent of their total sales that year, and each year going forward, invested in an account for their post-secondary education expenses. Since the program began in 1995, 827 Scouts have been enrolled in the scholarship program.

Additionally, proceeds from the fundraiser go back to local Scouting to help pay for items and activities which enhance the Scouting experience, such as camping equipment and national and international trips.

"We are grateful for the Canadians from coast to coast to coast that have supported Scouts Canada through Scout Popcorn," said Andrew Price, Chief Commissioner and Chairman of the Board of Governors for Scouts Canada. "Their support of the program goes a long way in helping us enhance local Scouting programs and provide children and youth opportunities to benefit their future."

About Scout Popcorn
Since its inception in 1989, Scout Popcorn has generated more than $100 million in sales with sixty percent of the funds going back to support local Scouting activities. In 2012, the national campaign achieved $9.65 million in sales. Working with long-time partner, Trail's End, Scout Popcorn includes a variety of popcorn flavours and packaging including four new items for 2013: Bacon Ranch, Dark & White Chocolatey Drizzle, Sour Cream & Onion, and Cheddar Cheese and Jalapeño Pepper. Products are available with 0g of trans fat and all products are certified Kosher. For the complete list of products visit: scoutpopcorn.ca.

About Scouts Canada
Kids in Scouts have fun adventures discovering new things and experiences they wouldn't discover elsewhere. Along the way, they develop into capable, confident and well-rounded individuals, better prepared for success in the world. For tens of thousands of children and youth across Canada, Scouts is the start of something great. Scouts Canada is the country's leading co-ed youth organization with more than 100,000 members nationwide. Scouts Canada offers programming for children and youth aged 5-26 in more than 19 languages, reflecting Canada's multicultural landscape and communities. For more information visit Scouts.ca.

Scouts Canada is a not-for-profit organization (Charitable Registration No. 10776 1694 RR0028) and a member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement.

SOURCE: Scouts Canada