Hello Thunderbird Family,
We had one of the best turnouts for the Eagle Scout Reception this year, and I couldn’t be more proud of how Thunderbird showed up! 
With me running the show next year, I’m already aiming for an even bigger turnout. I’m not quite sure how I’m going to top having the Mayor as our keynote speaker… but knowing me, I’ll find a way! 
We have a lot of exciting things happening across the district, so I wanted to start this week’s update with a quick look at what’s coming up:
Upcoming Events Snapshot (In Order)
March 28 – Dove Springs & Dittmar Spring Fling (Recruiting Events)
April 2 | 7:00 PM – Roundtable @ Bethany Lutheran Church
April 11 – Zilker Kite Festival (Color Guard Opportunity)
April 17–19 – Thunderbird District Camporee
Friends of Scouting — 68% and Climbing!
We are absolutely crushing it in the Friends of Scouting world. While we were briefly dethroned from the #1 district spot for the first time this year… that’s okay — because we are right on their heels at 68% of goal!
Let’s keep pushing to the finish — we are a small but mighty district!
Big shout-outs to all the units who have:
- Scheduled a Friends of Scouting presentation
- Already donated or pledged
I only have a few units left to schedule. If yours hasn’t yet, please reach out so we can get you set up with one of our presenters.
Reminder: You can pledge now and pay later in the year if that works better for your unit or families.
Donate Online Here:
https://givebutter.com/friendsofscouting
If you have questions about donation options or methods, just let me know — I’m happy to help.
April Roundtable — Important & Interactive!
April 2
7:00 PM
Bethany Lutheran Church
This will be a very important Roundtable as we finalize key details leading into Camporee.
We will be covering:
- Final Camporee details
Proper ways to file and present medical forms
Guest Speaker Presentation
We are excited to have Xochitl Acheson from Foundation Communities joining us!
She will be sharing how Scouts and units can partner with her organization for:
- RECRUITING OPPORTUNITIES
- SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
- EAGLE SCOUT PROJECTS
Please come ready to engage and interact — this is a great opportunity to build meaningful partnerships in our community.
Community Recruiting Opportunities — Spring Fling
Dove Springs Rec Center & Dittmar Rec Center March 28
10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
If you’d like to host a Scouting table alongside the Membership Team and myself, please reach out!
This is a great chance to connect with families and bring Scouting to youth who could truly benefit from it.
Spanish-speaking volunteers = HUGE bonus
A more detailed email has already been sent to Membership Chairs and Key 3.
Special Opportunity — Zilker Kite Festival Color Guard
Scouts have an exciting opportunity to present the colors at the Zilker Kite Festival!
Saturday, April 11 Zilker Park
Troop 256 will lead the color guard, but all units are welcome to participate.
Meet at the Tony Burger Center shuttle stop by 11:30 AM
Run-through at 12:30 PM
Flags presented at 1:00 PM
This is a free public event with thousands in attendance — an incredible opportunity to showcase Scouting in our community.
Shuttle info:
- Runs from Tony Burger Center (Hwy 290 W)
- Parking available (fee), but shuttle drop-off is closer
- Scouts in uniform ride FREE
Units should bring their unit flags Troop 256 will provide the U.S. & Texas flags
Full uniform requested
Camporee Registration — NOW OPEN!
District Camporee: April 17–19 Theme: Olympics — Competition + Camaraderie
Registration is officially open!
Please ensure your troop registers soon to guarantee patches.
This year’s Camporee is shaping up to be one of our best yet, combining fun competition, teamwork, and Olympic spirit across all events.
Thunderbird continues to lead through energy, teamwork, and opportunity—and it shows in everything we’re doing across the district.
Thank you all for being so awesome and making me feel proud to be your District Executive!!!
Yours in Scouting,
Sherrick West | Thunderbird District Executive
