It was great seeing everyone who attended the Summer Kickoff this past weekend! 
Thunderbird showed up strong, and without question the Pinewood Derby races were the most attended booth of the entire event. Huge thanks to everyone who helped volunteer, race cars, answer questions, and represent our district so well.
Before we jump into all the upcoming events, I also wanted to give a special shout-out to our District Advancement Chair, Clarence. I know many of us have already told him personally, but Happy Birthday, Clarence! 
The fact that he spent a good portion of his birthday helping conduct Eagle Boards of Review says everything you need to know about his dedication to our Scouts. Thank you for everything you do for Thunderbird District!
Mark Your Calendars — Upcoming Events
May 7 — Merit Badge Classes & Roundtable
May 9 — University of Scouting & BALOO Mega Training
May 13 — Virtual Camping Committee Meeting & Tower Climbing Instructor Training / Prerequisite COPE
May 15 — MEGA Training: IOLS
May 16 — Cub Under the Sea Extravaganza
May 17 — Scout Night at the Round Rock Express May 23 — Cub Fun Day
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
District Notification Text Messages
Thunderbird District now officially has access to send District Notification Text Messages for important updates such as:
- Weather alerts
- Event changes
- Important reminders
- Time-sensitive district information
Please use this link to subscribe:
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
I wanted to specifically address all the Eagle Scouts in the district.
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? Use this survey:
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 Eagle Scouts in the area, please share this information with them as well!
District Help Needed — Unit Commissioners
Now speaking to the district as a whole…
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.
We would especially love:
- New Unit Commissioners
- A dedicated Roundtable Commissioner
If interested, please email:
commissioner.tbird@gmail.com
(CC myself and districtchair.tbird@gmail.com)
Friends of Scouting Momentum
Huge shout-out to Troop 555 for their contributions to this year’s Friends of Scouting Campaign!
Also… you all had one of the smoothest and best organized Court of Honors I’ve attended in a long time.
We are getting closer than ever to our goal while continuing to compete with districts much larger than ours. Thunderbird continues proving that we are absolutely small but mighty.
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/
Roundtable & Merit Badge Class — May 7
Bethany Lutheran Church
Roundtable and Merit Badge Classes continue this Wednesday!
Merit Badge Topic: Personal Management
Good news — we officially secured the large classroom space directly next to Roundtable for the class moving forward.
University of Scouting & BALOO — May 9
This is one of the best training opportunities of the year for leaders at every level.
MEGA Training Includes:
- Scoutmaster Specific Training
- IOLS
- BALOO
- Chaplain Training
- Water Rescue
- Paddle Craft Safety
BALOO Reminder
Required for Packs conducting overnight camping.
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’ll be discussing:
- New camporee location updates
- Logistics
- Planning details
Representation from troops and crews is extremely important.
To receive the meeting info, email separately to:
tbirdcampingevents@gmail.com districtchair.tbird@gmail.com and CC me
Tower Climbing Instructor Training / COPE Prerequisite
Learn how to safely facilitate climbing experiences at DOKS Tower at Lost Pines!
May 13 (Evening Session @ Fickett) May 15–17 (Weekend Practical @ Lost Pines)
Cost: $120
Register Here:
https://scoutingevent.com/564-109579-251375
No previous climbing experience required.
IOLS Training — May 15–16
This hands-on course teaches outdoor leadership skills needed to lead Scouts in the outdoors confidently and effectively.
Some benefits include:
- Learning the Patrol Method
- Building campout confidence
- Safety & risk management
- Advancement-focused skill instruction
- Networking with other leaders
Register Here:
https://scoutingevent.com/564-94460-222116
Cub Under the Sea Extravaganza — May 16
Camp Tom Wooten — Bastrop
Check-In Begins: 8:30 AM
Activities include:
- BBs
- Archery
- Slingshots
- Paddle Boats
- Fishing
- Crafts
- Hiking
- Pool activities
Cost:
- $20 per youth
- $5 per adult
Bring a lunch and water bottle!
Scout Night at Round Rock Express — May 17
Round Rock Express vs Sacramento!
- Free inflatables
- Train rides
- Kids run the bases after the game
More Info & Tickets:
https://www.capitolareascouting.org/scout-offers/
Cub Fun Day — May 23
More information coming soon, but mark it down now! This will be another outstanding recruiting opportunity for families and units.
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!
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 current YPT expiration dates.
Failure to complete it may result in suspension of membership.
Please plan ahead now, especially with summer activities approaching.
We’ve got a busy month ahead, but it’s exciting to see the momentum our district continues building. Thank you all for everything you do to support Scouting and our youth.
Yours in Scouting,
Sherrick West | Thunderbird District Executive
