Young boys all across Van Alstyne are busy putting the final touches to their racing machines as they gear up for the annual Pinewood Derby to be held Saturday, Jan. 28 in the Van Alstyne Elementary School cafeteria.

The dozens of boys in first through fifth grade who are members of Pack 6 will compete in several heats – first against the boys their own age, and then a race-off at the end will determine overall winners for the Pack. The boys will also be awarded prizes for the creativity and design of their cars. Racing begins promptly at 9 a.m., and the public is invited to attend.

At the Pack meeting held Thursday evening, Jan. 19, several of the boys received recognition for their achievements, as the younger boys are learning what scouting is all about while the older boys in Webelos 1 and 2 prepare to make the transition to Boy Scouts. They will be camping out with the Boy Scouts in Troop 44 next month, working toward their “outdoorsman” requirement.

Meanwhile, the older scouts in Troop 44 will be on a camp-out this weekend enjoying some time in the great outdoors while several of the boys complete work on their emergency preparedness merit badge. Nine of the boys participated in the Merit Badge College held at Grayson County College on Jan. 14 for boys across the Texoma Valley District. Each of the boys had the opportunity to earn two merit badges. Recently, six of the boys advanced to their next rank in scouting and troop member Colt Eklund is just about to finish his requirements for Eagle Scout. Both the Boy Scouts in Troop 44 and the Cub Scouts in Pack 6 will be making their presence felt in the community next month as they participate in the annual Scouting for Food drive. The Cub Scouts will be delivering food drive bags to houses throughout Van Alstyne on Saturday, Feb. 11, for residents to fill with food pantry items that will stay right here for those in need in our community. The Boy Scouts will return on Saturday, Feb. 18, to collect the filled bags.

February also marks the President’s Day holiday when the Boy Scouts will be out placing flags in the community. Anyone interested in signing up for this program may contact Kirk Johnson at kirk.johnson@hp.com or 903-482-0088.

Progress continues on the Scout Hut project, with the concrete pads being poured recently for the air conditioning and work on the floors getting under way in the new building. Anyone interested in making a donation to the Scout Hut fund can do so – on a tax deductible basis through Texas Star Bank, the United Methodist Church in Van Alstyne or by contacting Guy Scott at 972-672-0471, or Brian Hendricks at 214-878-2837. Anyone wishing to donate materials and skilled labor may also contact the Troop to find out what is needed next.