MERIDIAN —     Nolan Reynerson was understandably out of breath after helping to set up the Pinewood Derby ramp at Bonita Lakes Mall Friday afternoon.

    But once he was able to rest a moment, the district director of the Sowashee/Scott Mountain District of the Boys Scouts of America was more than willing to talk about the growth of the Boy Scouts locally and nationally and the impact it has had on boys in teaching them such qualities as leadership, morals and achieving goals.

    "The general public really doesn't see us as much as we'd probably like because we meet in church banquet rooms the night church isn't held and we do a great deal of things in the woods," said Reynerson. "But on occasion such as this month, the public will be able to really get to know their local Boy Scouts as we celebrate our birthday."

    To help celebrate the centennial of the Boy Scouts of America, several events are planned throughout the month. These upcoming events will be fun, as with the Pinewood Derby beginning Saturday at 9:30 a.m. at the mall where food will also be collected, to the honoring of 28 Eagle Scouts on March 2 at Highland Baptist Church. In a way, and with each award of an Eagle Scout badge, the Boy Scouts solidify even further just how important this organization is to young boys.

    Reynerson, who has been in Meridian for a year and associated with the Boys Scouts for 18 years in one capacity or another, said the emphasis for the young men is based on citizenship, physical training and character development. He said you need only look to successful adults in and around Meridian today to easily find those who at one point in their life have the Boy Scouts to thank for contributing to their success.

    "Doctors, attorneys, policemen, firemen, political leaders all have benefited from their years spent as a scout," Reynerson said. "In many respects the groundwork toward their success was laid when they first put that uniform on so many years ago."

    The Choctaw Area Council experiences the ups and downs of any organization in terms of membership. But Reynerson pointed out that during their last Fall Roundup held in 2009 where they have their big membership drive, 770 boys joined the Choctaw Area Council that encompasses five counties in eastern Mississippi and one in western Alabama. Reynerson said the lives the Boy Scouts touch have been a strong growing point for the organization throughout the years and he doesn't really see it slowing down any time soon.

    "Many of these young boys who are relatively new to the Boy Scouts don't realize right now just what kind of influence this will have on them," Reynerson said. "It is only when they are older and become naturally community minded that they sit back and reflect on how they achieved this goal in their lives."

    Camp Binachi, said Reynerson, where the scouts go to conduct their outdoor activities, is also enjoying a celebration of sorts marking its 90th year in existence.

    "Who would have thought all those years ago the camp would still be serving the Boy Scouts and helping to mold young boys into men," Reynerson said.

Upcoming events



    • Pinewood Derby Saturday at Bonita Lakes Mall from 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. A food drive will also be happening at the derby.

    • Saturday, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Boy Scout Troop 40 will be collecting food at the N. Hills Piggly Wiggly. All collections and donation will be given to the Lauderdale Baptist Crisis Center.

     • Scout Sunday is this Sunday; all Scouts (past and present) should wear their uniforms to Sunday service at their church.

     • Eagle Club Breakfast is Thursday Feb. 11. The event will be held from 7:30 a.m.-8:45 a.m. at the Kahlmus Center on the MSU campus in Meridian. Terry Bowden, football coach and broadcaster will be the guest speaker. For more information contact the Choctaw Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America in Meridian at (601) 693-6757.

     • Council Banquet, honoring 2009’s Eagle Scouts, is Tuesday March 2, at Highland Baptist Church. Contact the Scout Office for tickets (601) 693-6757.