We’re officially rolling into recruiting season, and I want to start by saying THANK YOU to everyone who attended our two District-Wide JSN Trainings! Your commitment to welcoming new families into Scouting is exactly what makes our district thrive.
Hello Thunderbird!
I’m beyond excited for what’s ahead, and I want to help make your Join Scouting Nights (JSNs) as successful as possible. If your unit wants to receive the Council Recruiting Incentive this year, please reach out to me directly. I’d be happy to schedule an in-person unit visit, or if there’s enough interest, I can present at August Roundtable as well.
Roundtable Reminder!
Wednesday, August 7
7:00 PM
Bethany Lutheran Church
Planning a JSN? I Need Your Info!
If your unit is hosting a JSN this fall, please take a moment to complete this form:
JSN Planning & Resource Request Form
Originally, the deadline was July 31, but I’m extending it until 5:00 PM on August 11 to give you more time.
This form helps me track who needs flyers, yard signs, posters, and any other materials to ensure your recruiting season hits the ground running. Let’s cast a wide net and welcome even more families into Scouting!
Dove Springs – Let’s Make an Impact!
Friday, August 8 – Backpack Stuffing (Service Hours!)
Starts at 10:00 AM Dove Springs Rec Center, 5801 Ainez Dr, Austin, TX 78744
A great chance to earn service hours and support the community.
Saturday, August 9 – Back to School Bash!
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Dove Springs Rec Center
We’ll have a Scouting info table inside the gym, but we only need 1–2 people at the table. What we really need is a big, visible Scouting presence throughout the event!
This area serves multiple elementary schools and is one of the most underserved Scouting zones in our district. This is a key opportunity to introduce families to Scouting right before school starts.
I’ll be away at a Scouting leadership conference in Dallas that weekend, but I know Thunderbird will show up in full force!
Reminder: Membership Means Follow-Through!
Recruiting new Scouts is only the beginning — now comes the important part: welcoming them in!
If your unit has pending applications in the Invitation Manager, please take a moment to review and accept new Scouts and parents into your unit. Keeping those apps in limbo causes confusion and delays the onboarding experience.
If you’re experiencing any issues or complications, please reach out to me ASAP so I can help you resolve them.
Let’s make sure every new family gets a smooth, warm welcome into our Scouting family.
Popcorn Fair – Let’s Kick Off the Season!
Frank Fickett Scout Center Saturday, August 9
10:30 AM – 2:00 PM
This event is open to EVERYONE — Scouts, families, units (even if your unit isn’t selling popcorn)!
Volunteer Opportunities:
- Booth Hosts (Samples, DIY Popcorn Bar, Poster-Making)
- Setup & Cleanup
- Check-in & Event Support
Service hours available for youth ages 12+ (15 & under must have a guardian).
Whether you’re available for one hour or all day, your help matters!
Volunteer Sign-Up: https://forms.gle/8iQ6DvPKW8sRdDzQ7
We’re already at 3x the number of new Scouts compared to this time last year. That’s HUGE — let’s keep that momentum going and make this our strongest season yet!
Yours in Scouting,
Sherrick West | Thunderbird District Executive
