Hello, parents! A key part of our year in Scouting is Annual Troop Program Planning. First, the Scouts meet to talk about activities that they want to have happen in the summer and coming school year. That meeting is scheduled for Saturday morning, May 9, 10AM to noon. Next, the parents will get together to start talking about how to make those activities happen (some activities may not work; that's part of the discussion). You can come into this process better informed if you take 14 minutes to complete the Scouting.org course "Annual Troop Program Planning." To do that, go to my.scouting.org > My Training > Scouts BSA > Troop Committee. You will see two groups of courses for parrents ("committee members"). "Annual Troop Program Planning" is in the second group ("Scouts BSA - Troop Committee - Position Trained").  When you are done, please consider taking other courses in the "Scouts BSA - Troop Committee" groups. The total time is about an hour and a half, and you can do this in 10–15-minute chunks. When you are done, you will understand a lot more about the Scouting program! 

 If you have not yet attended a New Parents Session, please try to join us at the meeting on Tuesday, May 5. The location will be the meeting room in Huffman Hall (turn left in the foyer, first door on the left). If you attended the March session and would like to ask questions or contribute to the conversation, please join us as well! If you have been here for longer, please come and chime in!

  It's that time! We are looking for a parent to help manage our fall Popcorn Sale. You'd be a partner to Katherine Gross, who managed last year's sale. Even if you are just thinking about it, could you consider gathering information for us at the Summer/Popcorn Kickoff this Saturday, May 2 (11AM - 2PM) at Fickett Center? The Kickoff Fair this Saturday is the official launch of the 2026 sale, and the ONLY place to see the reveal of our mystery 2026 Popcorn Theme. It's also a big party this year, with a bunch of activities that Scouts and siblings could enjoy -- Reptile booths! Texas Space Grant! Dino poop/rock breaking! Pinewood derby! Face paint! Booth signs! Frozen soda! Games!  Also, you can meet Peach, a 50-year old African spurred tortoise! Popcorn is a smaller thing than in Cubs, but it is still important. Scouts, especially younger Scouts, use the popcorn sale to help cover costs of things like summer camp and Philmont (Troop 511 "Scout Bux"). This is also one of the 2 ways that we financially support the Council, which includes Lost Pines Scout Ranch (where we are going for Summer Camp) and Fickett Center (including the Scout Shop and classroom space).  REGISTER HERE for the Saturday Kickoff Fair!  If you cannot go to the Fair but want to work on popcorn this year, let Ms Juday know (jjuday@gmail.com)!

  Scouts Read Sacred Texts Worldwide is an annual event to encourage youth to read their sacred texts in conjunction with the U.S. National Day of Prayer.If any Scouts are interested, this could be something people participate in individually or as a group. Also, we got a call from St Matt's asking if any Scouts are interested in participating in some way. If you are interested in this event and willing to coordinate with St Matt's, talk to Ms. Juday and she can help put you in touch. Scouts Read Sacred Texts Worldwide  aligns with the values, principles, and spiritual aims of Scouting.  Participation satisfies the Scout Spirit requirement to "Tell how you have done your duty to God.” This event supports the Scout Oath commitment to duty to God; encourages personal reflection consistent with BSA principles; respects each Scout’s family and faith tradition; and may be completed individually, with family, or with other Scouts. Learn more and register at https://www.scoutsreadsacredtextsworldwide.org/ .

   We would love to have more adults trained to lead aquatic activities for Troop 511! A great opportunity to help us build this skill set in our committee is a weekend coming up at the end of August. This comes along rarely, so we are talking about it now! The Longhorn Council Aquatics Committee invites you to join them for a fun weekend of aquatic training. The dates are Friday Aug 28 through Sunday August 30. Training starts at 8pm Friday night and will conclude Sunday no later then 5pm. The location is Worth Ranch, west of Fort Worth, about 3 1/4 hours away. This weekend event offers two trainings in one! Training is for Scouts/Scouters ages 15+. The cost is $50 per person, which includes printed learning resources, patch, and meals. 

Fewer than 30 Spots Remain for Aquatic School! Scouts ages 13–17 are invited to take their skills to the next level at Aquatic School, a premier week-long experience each summer at Worth Ranch (near Dallas). This year's dates are July 12–18, 2026. This special program combines advanced instruction with hands-on leadership training. Participants work toward merit badges like Swimming, Lifesaving, Canoeing, Kayaking, and more, while also building confidence through instructor training, teamwork, and real-world leadership challenges. Space is limited and registration closes June 28 or as soon as the remaining spaces are filled. Camperships are available if you need one. Details: