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Big Events Ahead

Hello Thunderbird Family,

First off — a huge THANK YOU to everyone who has donated over the past two weeks. The support has been incredible.

👏 Big shout-out to Troops 395, 505, 25, and 61 for their contributions to this year’s Friends of Scouting Campaign!

We are closer than ever to hitting our goal and even pushing ahead of larger districts like Armadillo and Bee Cave. That’s no small feat — that’s Thunderbird showing up strong.

If you haven’t had a chance to donate yet, here’s your opportunity to be part of something special:

👉 https://givebutter.com/friendsofscouting

Trust me — you want to be a part of this movement.

💡 Also, keep in mind that many companies offer matching donations, which can double your impact.

👉 Learn more about matching gifts here:
https://www.capitolareascouting.org/about/ways-to-give/volunteer-match/

📅 Mark Your Calendars — Upcoming Events

☀️ May 2 – CAC Summer Kickoff @ Fickett Center
🗓️ May 7 – Roundtable & Merit Badge Class (Bethany Lutheran)
🎓 May 9 – University of Scouting & BALOO Mega Training
🏕️ May 13 | 7:00 PM – Camping Committee Meeting (Virtual)
🎉 May 23 – Cub Fun Day
🏕️ September 25–27 – District Camporee
🛍️ October 15 – Scout Shop Road Show
🏁 November 14 – Scouter Day SpeedFest @ COTA

☀️ Summer Kickoff — May 2

The summer is right around the corner — let’s kick it off with a BANG!

📅 Saturday, May 2
📍 Frank Fickett Scout Training and Service Center

Start your day at Trash the Trash (Walnut Creek Park), then head over for:

  • Fun & games 🎯
  • Pinewood Derby races 🏁
  • 2026 Popcorn info 🍿
  • Fall recruitment planning
  • Council program previews

💲 FREE event + FREE food for those who are REGISTERED

👉 Register here:
https://scoutingevent.com/564-113829-260861

🚨 Thunderbird will be running the Pinewood Derby booth!
I would love to have some help — older Scouts and adults are welcome.

If you’re available:

  • Please let me know
  • AND register online so we can ensure food is available for volunteers as well

🗓️ Roundtable & Merit Badge Class — May 7

📍 Bethany Lutheran Church

Roundtable and Merit Badge Classes will continue as usual.

🎯 This month’s Merit Badge: Personal Management

The classroom location will be announced next week — we are working on securing the larger, more engaging space right next to Roundtable moving forward.

🎓 University of Scouting & BALOO — May 9

A great opportunity for leaders at every level!

🏕️ MEGA Training Includes:

  • Scoutmaster Leader-Specific Training
  • IOLS
  • BALOO (Required for Pack Camping)
  • Chaplain Training
  • Water Rescue
  • Paddle Craft Safety

🟡 BALOO Requirements:

  • Current Youth Protection Training
  • Must be registered with BSA

📄 Bring:

  • Medical Forms (Parts A & B)
  • Proof of registration
  • YPT certificate

👉 More info:
https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/gss/gss01/

👉 Register here:
https://scoutingevent.com/564-113271-259736

🏕️ Camping Committee Meeting — May 13

📅 May 13 | 7:00 PM (Virtual)

We will be discussing important updates and details regarding our new camporee location.

👉 It is vital that we have representation from as many troops and crews as possible.

To receive meeting info, please email (separately from this thread):

📧 tbirdcampingevents@gmail.com
📧 districtchair.tbird@gmail.com
📧 (and CC me)

🎉 Cub Fun Day — May 23

More details coming soon, but go ahead and mark your calendars now. This will be a great recruiting opportunity for families and units alike.

🏁 Scouter Day SpeedFest — November 14

We are bringing back our 2nd Annual Scouter Day 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 events for both younger and older Scouts.

👉 Mark your calendars NOW — Thunderbird needs to show up BIG.

As we get closer, I will be reaching out for volunteers.

⚠️ IMPORTANT — Safeguarding Youth Training (SYT) Update

Scouting America has officially introduced Safeguarding Youth Training (SYT), replacing the previous Youth Protection Training (YPT).

Key Points:

  • Deadline: May 31, 2026
  • Applies to ALL adult leaders, regardless of current YPT expiration
  • Previous YPT will no longer be valid after this date

What You Need to Do:

  • Log into My.Scouting.org
  • Complete the new SYT module (~90 minutes)
  • Pass with 80% or higher

If you’ve already completed it once, a 15-minute refresher is available.

⚠️ Failure to complete SYT by May 31 may result in suspension of membership.

Please begin planning ahead — especially with summer camps and activities approaching.

That list is also how I pull emails to send out my Tuned In email so If you like hearing from me get that done! 🙂

We’ve got a lot happening, and the momentum is real. Thank you all for continuing to lead, support, and grow Scouting in Thunderbird District.

Yours in Scouting,

Sherrick West | Thunderbird District Executive