Boy Scout/Cub Scout Troop 87 will benefit from a community meal which will be held Saturday, Sept. 20, at 4 p.m. at Middle Octorara Presbyterian Church, 1199 Valley Road, Quarryville.

The meal is free; donations will be accepted with the proceeds going to the Scouts.

The menu will consist of lasagna, salad, bread, dessert, and beverages.

For more information, call 717-786-3402.

Middle Octorara Presbyterian Church holds a community meal every other month with the proceeds benefiting a local organization.

"The whole idea is to provide a meal free or whatever people can pay for the community," said Boni Henry, who helps organize the meals. "Because I work at the food bank, I know there's a lot of people out there that just can't afford much, so they come to this meal and there's no fee, but if they want to give a donation, they can, and we always donate the money to some cause. This time it's the Boy Scouts."

Members of Middle Octorara's congregation chip in to make the meals a success. "We just get volunteers from church to help prepare and serve and clean up," said Henry. "The Boy Scouts are going to help clean up. That's going to be their job."

Scout Troop 87 meets Mondays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Middle Octorara Presbyterian Church. The troop has been meeting there since the mid '90s. "In recent years Scouting has become more of a family affair, and now girls can be in the Boy Scout troops," Scoutmaster Chris Sharp said. Anyone in kindergarten through grade 12 is welcome to join. "It's a safe, welcoming place for all students," Sharp said.

All Scouts work toward the goal of earning Merit Badges. To obtain an Eagle Scout award, the student must complete 22 merit badges. One of the merit badges a Scout can earn is cooking. In addition, there are numerous other badges that can be completed. "Scouting provides many outdoor activities which promotes the members many valuable experiences away from video games," said Sharp, who is assisted by Terry Billings. "Scouting provides students with quality activities that provide a well-rounded curriculum. STEM teaching is a large part of a Scout's learning, along with many other hands-on skills. The Cub Scouts are led by adult leadership. The Boy Scout meetings are led primarily by their peers."                          

Scouts go on camping trips, go to historical sites and amusement parks, and attend Hershey Bears hockey games.

Community service projects include collecting items for the food bank at Solanco Neighborhood Ministries, helping at the Scottish Covenanter Festival, participating in Wreaths Across America, operating a s'mores station at Christmas in Quarryville, and performing flag retirement ceremonies.

For fundraisers, the Scouts sell popcorn and make fastnachts the last Tuesday before Lent to offset the cost of summer camp.

The troop will hold a signup promotion Monday, Sept. 22, at 6:30 p.m.

"Because of the concern about mental health issues, we feel that Scouting fills that void by providing a fun adventure, building skills, and at the same time, developing well-rounded individuals," Sharp said. "In general, Scouting provides a fun context where character development can take place."

For additional information, call Sharp at 717-201-4740.