Hello Thunderbird Family,
I hope everyone is having a fantastic summer! The momentum around Thunderbird District has been incredible, and I couldn’t be more excited about where we’re headed.
Over the past few months we’ve shown the entire council what Thunderbird is capable of. We reached our Friends of Scouting goal, we’re continuing to grow, and now it’s time to turn our attention to our next challenge…
MEMBERSHIP GROWTH!
This fall is our opportunity to introduce hundreds of new families to Scouting, and I truly believe Thunderbird has what it takes to lead the way. Let’s show everyone that we aren’t just great at raising funds… we’re also the district that grows Scouting!
Upcoming Events
July 12 — Join Scout Night (JSN) Training July 15 — Camping Committee Meeting (Virtual) July 30 — Join Scout Night (JSN) Training
Looking Ahead
September 25–27 — District Camporee
October 3 — Scouting 101
October 15 — Scout Shop Road Show
November 14 — Scouter Day SpeedFest
February 4, 2027 — Distinguished Citizen Award Luncheon
Membership Growth — Our Next Big Goal
Now that Friends of Scouting is wrapping up, it’s time to focus on the next challenge…
Growing Scouting!
We’re currently sitting at 76.3% of our annual membership goal, and I know that number is only going to keep climbing.
Over the next several weeks we’ll be ramping up:
Join Scout Nights School recruiting Community outreach events Fall recruitment planning
Our Membership Team is going to be a huge factor in helping us achieve those goals, and we’d love to have more volunteers join us.
If you’ve ever wanted to help grow Scouting but weren’t sure where to start, this is your opportunity.
Whether you can help at one event or throughout the recruiting season, we’d love to have you on the Membership Team.
Unit Meeting Information Needed
As we get closer to recruiting season, it is vital that we know when and where your unit meets.
We’ll be scheduling:
• Commissioner visits
• Friends of Scouting presentations
• Membership support visits
• Recruiting assistance
Please take just a couple of minutes to complete the Unit Information Form so we can better support your unit throughout the year.
The more information we have, the better we can serve you!
Important SYT Reminder
Current Safeguarding Youth Training (SYT) status is required for all registered adults participating in Scouting activities and helps ensure we continue providing the safest possible environment for our youth.
Training Updates
The training system has now been corrected and will automatically assign the appropriate course based on your training history.
Never completed the new 90-minute course? You’ll receive the full course.
Previously completed the 90-minute course but it expired more than six days ago? You’ll retake the full course.
Still current or expired within the last six days? You’ll receive the refresher course.
To access your training:
Log into My.Scouting.org Open My Training Select Take Course or Retake Course
If you completed the refresher without first taking the full 90-minute course, you will still need to complete the full course.
Please complete this training as soon as possible.
One additional reminder: I pull my weekly email distribution directly from the current list of adults who are compliant with SYT. If someone mentions they haven’t been receiving these weekly updates lately, this is likely the reason.
Help Wanted — Merit Badge Team & District Volunteers
Thunderbird continues to grow, and with that growth comes more opportunities to serve!
We’re currently looking for volunteers interested in:
• Teaching Merit Badge Classes at Roundtable
• Unit Commissioners
• Roundtable Commissioner
• District Committee Members
• Additional Pack representation on district committees
Teaching even one Merit Badge class each year can have a tremendous impact on our Scouts.
If you’re interested in serving, we’d love to hear from you!
commissioner.tbird@gmail.com districtchair.tbird@gmail.com Sherrick.West@scouting.org
Together, we’re building an even stronger district.
District Notification Text Messages
Thunderbird District now has the ability to send District Notification Text Messages for important information including:
• Weather alerts
• Event changes
• Important reminders
• Time-sensitive district announcements
Subscribe here:
We’re one of the first districts in the council utilizing this system, and it’s already proving to be a valuable communication tool.
Don’t miss important updates!
I couldn’t be more excited about where Thunderbird District is headed. We have incredible momentum, outstanding volunteers, and some amazing events just around the corner.
Let’s continue the winning streak. We reached our Friends of Scouting goal… now let’s go exceed our membership goal and show everyone why Thunderbird District continues to lead from the front!
Thank you for everything you do for the Scouts and families we serve.
Yours in Scouting,
Sherrick West | Thunderbird District Executive