Members of Atglen Boy Scout Troop 20 have had a busy summer thus far, holding a flag retirement ceremony and a Court of Honor and taking part in camping activities.

The Scouts collected old flags in need of disposal and retired them in a formal ceremony in June. The event was held at Jim Landis Woodland Preserve in Atglen.

The event is held several times a year as a way to properly dispose of flags that are no longer serviceable. Individuals who wish to retire a flag are welcome to arrange drop-off by emailing Christine Zink, a member of the troop's parent committee, at zink.scouts@gmail.com. Flags can also be dropped off during a Scout meeting.

The troop also held a Court of Honor in June to recognize all the merit badges and ranks that the Scouts had earned over the preceding several months. A highlight of the event was having first-year Scouts - those who had crossed over from a local Cub Scout Pack - earn their Scout Rank, which is the first rank in Boy Scouts. Subsequent ranks are Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star Life and Eagle.

Recent summer activities have included attending Camp Rodney in North East, Md.; camping in Staten Island, N.Y.; beach camping at Cape Henlopen, Del.; and hiking on the Appalachian Trail. Troop members, accompanied by adult leaders, also took part in a day trip to New York City, where they visited the National September 11 Memorial, among other sites.

During summer camp experiences, troop members completed 68 merit badges and were awarded an Honor Troop streamer, which will be displayed on the troop's flag.

During their outing at Camp Rodney, troop members endured a severe summer storm. "The troop had an extremely eventful summer camp at Camp Rodney," Zink reported. "A fast moving storm ripped through the camp and a lot of damage was done. The kids had to spend the night in the dining hall, and many trees fell throughout the camp. The Scouts in Troop 20 were all unharmed, and camp-wide there were only minor injuries."

Upcoming events include attending high adventure Camp Algonquin in Canada, where the Scouts will take part in a canoe trip.

"The troop regularly participates in other service activities in the community like Adopt-a-Highway, cemetery cleanups and more," Zink noted. "The troop also engages in high adventure trips each summer and monthly trips that the Scouts decide on."

Boys interested in joining Atglen Scout Troop 20 are welcome to visit during any regular meeting. Meetings are held at Penningtonville Presbyterian Church, 406 Main St., Atglen, on Mondays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. For special activities, the troop will meet at Jim Landis Woodland Preserve, 610 Zion Hill Road, Atglen.