Members of Scouts BSA Pack and Troop 20 of Atglen collected food donations on Nov. 20 as part of Scouting for Food. The local Scouts joined other troops from throughout the country that participated in the event, which is an annual program of the Boy Scouts of America that began in 1985.

As part of the program, local Cub and Boy Scouts leave plastic bags for their neighbors soliciting canned food items. One week later, the Scouts return to pick up the bags of food and then deliver them to a local food bank. The troop collected 1,867 pounds of food items from homes in Atglen, Cochranville and Christiana, which were donated to the Octorara Area Food Cupboard.

The troop also held a Court of Honor to recognize all the merit badges and ranks that the Scouts earned over the past several months. Troop 20 had a busy spring and summer season starting with whitewater rafting down the Lehigh River in May.

The Scouts took part in several camping trips, including their annual weeklong summer camp at Rodney Scout Reservation in Maryland. At camp, the boys earned merit badges, worked on rank requirements and took part in recreational activities. In addition, a smaller crew of Scouts and adults traveled to Florida for a high adventure trip to Sea Base, where they sailed, scuba-dived, camped and fished.

Scouts collectively earned a total of 78 merit badges over the summer, and those were awarded during the Court of Honor. Scouts achieving rank advancements are Gavin Preising, Scout; Thomas Donovan, Tenderfoot; Javon Jackson and Will Lazos, Second Class; Sawyer Johnson, First Class; and Jared Hodorovich, Life. The Sea Base crew received its Snorkeling BSA patches.

Crews are also forming for next summer's two-week, high adventure canoe trips to Algonquin Provincial Park in Canada.

The troop continues to take part in community service activities. Twice a year, volunteers participate in the Adopt A Highway program by keeping local roadways clean.

The Scouts have begun their annual fruit basket sale. Anyone interested in purchasing fruit baskets should contact a member of the troop or email fruit@atglenscouts.org. The order deadline is Monday, Dec. 6, and delivery options are available for the week of Monday, Dec. 13, through Monday, Dec. 20.

Boys interested in joining the Atglen Scouts BSA Troop 20 are welcome to visit at any regular meeting. Meetings are held at Penningtonville Presbyterian Church, 406 Main St., Atglen, on Mondays from 7 to 8:30 p.m.