Hello Thunderbird Family,
First off, my apologies for the late notice on this week’s email! It has been an incredibly busy week on my end.
Moving forward for the foreseeable future, the “Tuned In” emails will now come out on Mondays instead of Tuesdays. My hope is that we can use these emails to help kick the week off with a little positivity, sunshine, and excitement for everything happening across Thunderbird District. 
Now let’s jump into all the exciting things coming up!
Mark Your Calendars — Upcoming Events
May 23 — Cub Fun Day
June 6 — District Storage Clean Out Day
June 20 — District Storage Clean Out Day
July 15 — Camping Committee Meeting
And for those planners out there, go ahead and block these off now too:
September 25–27 — District Camporee
October 3 — Scouting 101
October 15 — Scout Shop Road Show
November 14 — ScouterDay SpeedFest
February 4, 2027 — Distinguished Citizen Award Luncheon
Cub Fun Day — May 23
Dittmar Recreation Center — Big Soccer Field
Event Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Dress Code: Class Bs (let’s show some unit pride!)
Set Up Begins: 12:00 PM
Sign-Up Sheet:
https://forms.gle/WUEZcFuXymmFHX7v6
Packs — if you are doing summer programming, this is a GREAT opportunity to recruit summer Scouts and connect with new families before school starts back up.
If you have your own Pinewood Derby cars, make sure to bring them! Keep in mind these are just friendly races for fun and recruiting excitement.
Let’s coordinate and make sure your Pack has a table setup displaying the unique adventures and opportunities your unit offers!
This is shaping up to be another outstanding recruiting event for Thunderbird District.
Thunderbird Storage Unit Clean Out Days
Over the past few months, many of you have heard me mention the district storage unit that desperately needs to be cleaned out.
Huge shout-out again to Troop 555 for helping us last year!
The district is organizing two official Thunderbird Work Days where volunteers can:
- Earn service hours
- Help organize district equipment
- Possibly score additional gear/equipment for their units
Location:
9910 Slaughter Creek Drive
Austin, TX 78748
Work Days:
- June 6 | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM (I will be running point)
- June 20 | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM (District Chair Karin will be running point)
Sign Up Here:
https://forms.gle/LNKT8vt61vXi2mKPA
IMPORTANT — Safeguarding Youth Training (SYT)
Scouting America has officially transitioned from YPT to the new Safeguarding Youth Training (SYT).
Key Reminder:
Deadline: May 31, 2026
ALL adult leaders must complete the new SYT regardless of their current YPT expiration date.
Failure to complete the updated training may result in suspension of membership.
We officially have 10 days left before the deadline.
Please make this a PRIORITY, especially with summer camps and activities approaching quickly.
District Notification Text Messages
Thunderbird District officially has access to send District Notification Text Messages for:
- Weather alerts
- Event changes
- Important reminders
- Time-sensitive district information
Subscribe Here:
https://app2.simpletexting.com/join/joinWebForm?webFormId=689fa570b229977b3440159b&c=USA
We are currently one of the only districts utilizing this system, so let’s show how valuable fast communication can be for our Scouting families!
Eagle Scouts & NESA Gatherings
As many of you know, I now serve as the National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) Representative for the council.
One of the exciting new opportunities we’re building is a monthly Eagle Gathering for Eagle Scouts 21+.
Warren Wildlife Gallery
1401 Bouldin Ave
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
FIRST Tuesday of every month (except July & August)
Food and beverages will be available, including beer for those 21+.
This is meant to be an ongoing networking and fellowship opportunity for Eagles across the area for years to come.
Interested or have questions?
https://forms.office.com/r/06XwGKWPys?origin=lprLink
Want reminder texts for Eagle Gatherings & NESA events?
https://app2.simpletexting.com/join/joinWebForm?webFormId=69ef9c369d66a7542b53fe37&c=USA
I cannot auto-subscribe anyone for legal reasons, so please use the link directly.
If you know other Eagles in the area, please share this information with them as well!
District Help Needed — Commissioners, Committee Members & Merit Badge Team
We are actively looking for some “new blood” on the district level, and one of the most rewarding but least time-consuming roles is serving as a Unit Commissioner or joining one of our district committees.
We would especially love:
- New Unit Commissioners
- A dedicated Roundtable Commissioner
- 3–5 new committee members per committee (especially more Pack representation!)
In addition, we are looking to EXPAND our Merit Badge Class Team and really take better advantage of the excellent classroom space we now have available at Bethany Lutheran.
If there is a Merit Badge you would be willing and able to teach during June’s Roundtable:
June 4
7:00 PM
PLEASE let us know ASAP!
This is a fantastic opportunity to help Scouts advance while also strengthening district programming.
If interested, please email:
commissioner.tbird@gmail.com
districtchair.tbird@gmail.com
Sherrick.west@scouting.org
Friends of Scouting Momentum
Huge shout-out to Pack 12 for their contributions to this year’s Friends of Scouting Campaign last week!
Thunderbird continues proving that we are absolutely small but mighty, and we are getting closer than ever to reaching our goal while competing with districts much larger than ours.
Donate Here:
https://givebutter.com/friendsofscouting
Many companies also offer donation matching programs!
Matching Gift Info:
https://www.capitolareascouting.org/about/ways-to-give/volunteer-match/
ScouterDay SpeedFest — November 14
We’re bringing back the 2nd Annual ScouterDay SpeedFest at Circuit of the Americas!
Last year:
- Over 1,200 attendees
- Visitors from San Antonio to Temple
This year will be even bigger with activities for younger AND older Scouts.
Thunderbird needs to show up BIG again this year!
Thank you all for continuing to make Thunderbird one of the strongest, most active, and most community-driven districts around. Summer is shaping up to be a great one!
Yours in Scouting,
Sherrick West | Thunderbird District Executive
