A Park interpreter gives an impromptu lecture on snake identification using a snakeskin. [Click to enlarge]

Nine area Boy Scouts of Troop 272, along with 3 adult leaders, recently spent some time cleaning up Crowley's Ridge State Park at Walcott, Arkansas as a way to give back to the community and surrounding areas.

According to troop leaders, the boys spent around 4 hours on the service project picking up trash and other debris around the park.

While the youth explored the park area, they learned how to identify poison ivy, an important skill especially when hiking. The scouts not only had assistance from their troop leaders, but they also had the cooperation of park interpreters and other trained staff.

Area scouts walk along the side of the road while picking up trash at Crowley's Ridge State Park. Photos provided [Click to enlarge]

The boys also attended a park presentation on Pioneer Games, as well as a presentation on Snakes.

After the service project, the Scouts spent some time having fun around the lake, paddle boating, and fishing, while continuing to explore the nature around them.

The youth that attended are boys who have earned the Arrow of Light Award and are at least 10 years old. These qualities are desired to be a Scout.

Joe Mobley in his Scout B uniform (work uniform) complete with trash bag and gloves is ready for trash pick up. [Click to enlarge]

Also required, is character, citizenship, and personal fitness, which all of the youth possess.

Each of the youth attending the trip to Walcott are contributing to a community service project designed to better the world around them.

According to Boy Scouts of America, The National Park Service has expressed a willingness to work with the Boy Scouts to identify potential service projects that need to be accomplished on national parklands. The National Park Service is providing Scouts the opportunity to earn a National Park participation patch in addition to the BSA Service to America patch, through youth participation.

At each site a troop chooses to service, there is a volunteer coordinator, like the one at Walcott, who is willing to work with Scout leaders and troops in preserving America's resources for future generations.

For more information on Boy Scouts and how they impact our communities for the better log on to www.bsa.scouting.org.