Skip to content

Updates, Deadlines, & Opportunities

Venturing logo

Updates, Deadlines, & Opportunities

Hey Thunderbird!
We’ve got an action-packed week of updates, deadlines, and opportunities for your Scouts. Please take a moment to read through carefully and mark your calendars.

🍿 Popcorn Updates
Popcorn Zoom Meeting
πŸ“… Tuesday, September 3
We’ll host a Zoom to review the Initial Order process and answer any questions. Please make every effort to attend.
πŸ”— Zoom Link: CAC Popcorn Resources
Initial Orders Due
πŸ—“ Tuesday, September 10
Be sure to submit on time so your Scouts are ready to sell!
Popcorn Kick-Offs
If your unit is holding a Popcorn Kick-Off, share your photos and excitement on the Council Popcorn Facebook page.
➑️ This is how Council tracks that your unit held a kickoff.
βœ… 4% Bonus Commission
To qualify, units must sell a minimum of $13,500 OR each registered Scout must sell $900 minimum AND complete these steps:
  • Conduct a Unit Popcorn Kickoff (see guide, page 6)
  • Post pictures of the kickoff on the CAC Popcorn Facebook page

πŸ•οΈ Camporee 2026 – Dates & Theme Voting
Thanks to your input, the committee has officially voted, and I am excited to announce:
πŸ“ The Wessendorff Ranch
πŸ—“ April 17–19, 2026
We are now moving into the Theme Voting Phase!
πŸ”— Survey Link: [see email for link]
πŸ“ŒOne vote per Troop (preferably by the SPL or youth activities leader)
πŸ•› Deadline: Noon, September 4 (Roundtable)
Votes after that will not be counted.
➑️ The winning theme will be announced at Roundtable on September 4.

πŸš€ Crew 10 – Interest Meeting
πŸ“… Tuesday, August 26
πŸ•– 7:00 PM
πŸ“ Oak Hill United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall
This is the final meeting before paperwork goes to Council.
Anyone signing up at this time will be recognized as a Founding Member and eligible for the Founders Patch.
Scott Green will be speaking about Venturing Crews, sharing upcoming plans and dates. I’ll also be there to answer questions.
πŸ‘‰ If you or your Scouts are interested in the co-ed Venturing Crew I’m helping to launch, reach out to me directly for details on its upcoming interest meeting.

πŸ“… Save the Date – Distinguished Citizen Award Luncheon (DCAL)
πŸ“ Hilton Austin
πŸ—“ Wednesday, February 12, 2026
πŸ•¦ 11:30 AM
The Distinguished Citizen Award Luncheon (DCAL) honors leaders who share Scouting’s values of leadership, determination, and service, while raising critical support for programs across 15 counties in Central Texas.
Please mark your calendars now!

πŸ“£ Share Your Unit’s Meeting Info
Please notify me and your commissioner of the dates, times, and locations of your Pack, Troop, and (soon-to-be) Crew meetings.
➑️ Once school and recruitment season are underway, we’d love to visit units, meet new families, and see familiar faces.

🧒 New Scout Uniform Fittings – Scout Shop is Coming to Us!
Great news for new Scouts of all ages (and leaders too!):
The Scout Shop is coming directly to Thunderbird in the first half of OctoberπŸŽ‰
(Waiting on final confirmation, but it will be October 8 or 15 at 7:00 PM)
  • Cub, Scouts BSA, and Venturing uniforms in all sizes
  • Get fitted on the spot
  • Place orders immediately
  • Have uniforms delivered straight to your homes
This is a fantastic opportunity to get every Scout and leader into uniform without the drive up north!

πŸŽ‰ Good Luck with Back-to-School!
The start of the school year is one of the best opportunities to grow Scouting. Let’s keep the energy high and make sure every family has the opportunity to experience the adventure of Scouting this fall.
Thank you all for your continued leadership and support for Thunderbird District!
Yours in Scouting,
 
 
Sherrick West | Thunderbird District Executive