The Scouts of the North Valley District of the Minsi Trails Council held a recognition dinner recently, with a theme of "Recognizing Our Superheroes," at the Lehigh Township Volunteer Fire Company banquet hall in Cherryville.

The group included not only Boy Scouts of America but also Cub Scouts and Adventure Scouts, which includes both boys and girls who enjoy high adventure.

In addition, the spouses of older scouters and their children, some of whom are Girl Scouts, were also in attendance.

"Scouting is a family, and we encourage our families to all come together to be a part of it," explained North Valley District Director Diane Lariar.

One of the night's most prestigious awards, called the North Valley Owl Award, is presented only within the district to scouters who have gone "above and beyond" in service to the district.

This year's recipients included Susan Arner, of Palmerton, Irwin Lebo, of Allentown, Kenneth Morrow, of Bath, and Stephen Piller, of Catasauqua.

The North Valley District, one of six districts within Minsi Trails Council, covers a large territory that includes the nine school districts of Catasauqua, Jim Thorpe, Lehighton, Northampton, Northern Lehigh, Northwestern, Palmerton, Parkland and Whitehall.

A dinner of chicken, ham, potatoes, mixed vegetables, pasta, green salad and fruit salad, plus cake and refreshments was presented in a somewhat formal fashion.

Afterward, the awards ceremony included a "Court of Honor," which is a more formalized ceremony within the scouting program.