Several troops of Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts were busy Saturday morning with a Harlan County cleanup effort that was intended to help improve the county's appearance as well as teach the boys the meaning of responsibility.

David Howard, den leader of the Cub Scout Pack 149 Den 7, said his troop participates in the cleanup effort at least twice a year in different areas of the county.

"It gives the boys something useful to do for the county, and it helps keep the area clean at the same time," Howard said.

Howard's troop, which started at Dressen Park and cleaned the area along the U.S. 421 bypass down to Hardee's, was treated to a pizza lunch at Camp Blanton after the cleanup.

Aletha Farley, Scout master of the Boy Scout Troop 323, said the cleanup was a wonderful thing for the boys to do for their county, and it taught them the true meaning of responsibility.

Farley said that sometimes the cleanup effort can become difficult for the parents of those who have two sons who are in different troops, but the effort was well worth it.

"I, for instance, have two sons, and one of them will be moving up next month. It can be hard to be in two places at one time, but it can be done with a little effort" Farley said.

Farley's troop, which is chartered by the Mary Helen United Methodist Church, started its cleanup at the Lenarue entrance and worked their way up to the church.

Both leaders said they appreciated the efforts and determination of their Scout parents in helping with the project.

The cleanup, which was sponsored by the Harlan County Conservation District, will also take place next Saturday in several other areas of the county.