The Minsi Trails Council launched its annual Boy Scout Popcorn Fundraiser with a little assistance from Bumblebee and his arch enemy Megatron at the Aug. 1 kickoff event at Moravian College. More than 250 adults and 150 Scouts, representing 180 Scouting units, turned out for the event.

“Megatron,” the actual Deceptacon Mack truck from the movie “Transformers: Dark of the Moon,” courtesy of Mack Trucks, was kept in line by the series’ hero “Bumblebee,” a yellow Chevy Camaro sponsored by Scott Chevrolet.

“It is the largest fundraiser that the Boy Scouts do,” said Minsi Trails Council marketing manager Alista Blose. Profits from the popcorn sale are split between the district, the troop or pack the boy belongs to, and the Scout himself. Funds can be applied toward activities like adventure camp, summer camp and the National Jamboree. Some use the money for equipment or a new uniform. On the council level, camperships for Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts belonging to low-income families benefit from the sales.

The partnership with Trail’s End has lasted more than 30 years. 73 percent of the price of a pack of popcorn goes to local scouting and Trail’s End also sponsors a scholarship program. Having raised nearly $900,000 last year, the goal for 2017 is set at $1M. The door-to-door sales and “show and sells” in front of area stores ends in early November. Friends and relatives who live out-of-state can support a Scout by ordering online.

Among various prize levels for individual sales goals, a jump party at Sky Zone Trampoline Park will be awarded to the 50 top-performing junior salesmen.

Lori Wehr, senior Exploring executive, led the “Aim High with Popcorn” group orientation to rally the troops and provide them, their parents and leaders information on how to be safe while fundraising. Afterward, everyone had a chance to sample the product and enjoy activities centered around the popcorn and Transformers theme. These included remote control car races, games, and crafting “popcorn cup” neckerchief slides.

“They’re not selling popcorn, they’re selling Scouting,” Blose said, “They are asking for the community’s help and support in achieving what goals they set for themselves.”