Hello Thunderbird Family,
I want to start this week by addressing something directly and confidently. I know many of you have questions regarding last week’s announcements — both from the Department of War and from the Scouting America National Office. That’s completely understandable.
Rather than relying on speculation or secondhand information, we are going straight to the source.
At our upcoming Roundtable, Director of Marketing Charles Mead will be present to provide accurate information, clarify messaging, and answer questions. This will be a fact-based discussion designed to ensure our district is aligned, informed, and confident moving forward.
If you or anyone in your unit has questions or concerns, this is the Roundtable you need to attend. Please make it a priority and encourage your fellow leaders to do the same.
We lead best when we lead informed.
Certificate of Insurance Requests
I know several of you have reached out regarding Certificates of Insurance (COI) for upcoming events.
I am currently working on getting the updated certificates uploaded into Facilitron for school-related events. In the meantime, please use the council request link below to submit your COI request directly:
https://www.capitolareascouting.org/resources/certificate-of-insurance
Turnaround time is typically 1–2 business days, but I strongly recommend submitting your request sooner rather than later to avoid any last-minute issues with your venue or school district.
If you run into any problems, please let me know.
Girls in Scouting — Roundtable Highlights
In honor of International Women’s Day, our incredible Troop 19 will be leading the opening ceremony at Roundtable.
We will also provide updates on our new Girls Troop 745, including details about their recruiting night:
South Austin Church of the Nazarene
6711 Menchaca Rd
Monday, March 9th
7:00 PM
A huge thank-you to Diana Castro for her leadership in launching this new troop and to Troop 19 for their mentorship and support. You truly represent what Scouting is all about — collaboration, inclusion, and growth. 
Merit Badge Classes — This Week
We will be hosting Merit Badge Classes this week, occurring at the same time as Roundtable.
All class details and access links can be found in the Thunderbird District Calendar.
Please encourage Scouts to check the calendar and come prepared.
Camporee Registration — NOW OPEN!
District Camporee: April 17–19
Olympic Theme: Competition + Camaraderie
Registration is officially open! The flyer is attached, and the QR code on the flyer takes you directly to registration.
Please ensure your troop registers soon to guarantee patches.
This year’s Camporee will bring the spirit of the Olympics to life through both competitive and cooperative events. We’ll also be discussing event details and setup at Roundtable, so please make sure your unit has representation next week.
Membership & Growth Focus — Next Few Weeks
This week we’re shifting gears and putting strong focus on membership and unit growth.
I’ll be spending the next several days and next week exploring the northern & eastern side of our district, connecting with schools and community partners. There are several upcoming community events we can absolutely capitalize on to grow our units.
If you, your unit, or any volunteers would like to be involved in the planning and outreach process, please let me know!
I’ve been working with multiple schools to schedule Spring Join Scout Nights.
If your unit has a strong summer program or upcoming activities that would be great for prospective families to visit, please send those details my way so I can help connect new Scouts to your unit.
The Membership Team and I will be pushing out more information soon and will discuss this further at the next Roundtable.
We are still absolutely killing it in the Friends of Scouting campaign!
The momentum continues, and I couldn’t be more proud of how Thunderbird is stepping up.
As always, if you would like to contribute to the cause — which is even more important now than ever — here is the link:
https://givebutter.com/friendsofscouting
Every dollar stays local and directly impacts the Scouts in our communities. Thank you for continuing to lead from the front.
Eagle Scout Reception — Next Week!
We have a very special event coming up next week that I am incredibly excited about.
Saturday, March 14, 2026 Frank Fickett Scout Training and Service Center
12500 North IH 35, Austin, TX 78753
Free (RSVP required so we can order the correct number of challenge coins)
This is our annual Eagle Scout Reception recognizing the Class of 2025.
Earning the rank of Eagle Scout is a milestone that lasts a lifetime. You will ALWAYS be an Eagle — but you will NEVER have this opportunity again to stand with your class, be recognized publicly, and see your name unveiled on the Eagle Wall.
Every Scout who earned the rank of Eagle in the past year is invited to:
- Be recognized in a special ceremony
- Hear an inspirational speech from a fellow Eagle
- Receive a limited-edition commemorative challenge coin
- See their name unveiled on the Puett Eagle Wall at the Fickett Center
And this year will be especially meaningful…
An alumni from Thunderbird District will be receiving an extraordinary honor as the first in our entire council to earn Eagle, Summit, and Quartermaster — what I like to call a “Hat Trick.” 
We want Thunderbird well represented for this historic moment.
Event Schedule
Morning Session
(Armadillo, Bee Cave, Colorado River, North Shore, San Gabriel)
9:30–10:00 AM – Gathering & Photos
10:00–11:15 AM – Program & Eagle Wall unveiling
11:15 AM – Refreshments
Afternoon Session
(Chisholm Trail, Hill Country, Live Oak, Sacred Springs, Thunderbird, Waterloo)
1:00–1:30 PM – Gathering & Photos
1:30–2:45 PM – Program & Eagle Wall unveiling
2:45 PM – Refreshments
Thunderbird Eagles will attend the Afternoon Session.
Eagles: Please RSVP as soon as possible to ensure we have your challenge coin ready.
Eagle Alumni — We Need You!
If you are an Eagle Scout from previous years, we would love your help at the event — morning, afternoon, or both.
Please sign up to volunteer and help us honor the next generation of Eagle Scouts.
Thank you all for your leadership, professionalism, and commitment to growing Scouting in Thunderbird District. We are building something strong and sustainable
Yours in Scouting,
Sherrick West | Thunderbird District Executive
