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NEW BERLIN – New Berlin Boy Scout Troop 61 held a series of events throughout late September and November including a fundraiser, drug awareness seminar, and an awards ceremony. Now the troop is planning events like a 75th anniversary ceremony for next year.
According to New Berlin Boy Scout Troop 61 Scoutmaster Kevin "Doc" Phillips, New Berlin's boy scouts have lead a variety of events in their community in the last few months, and still have many more events to come.
"The troop was recognized for the two service projects completed this fall – collecting 8 bags of trash around the lake at Millbrook Recreation Area in September and the collection of 512 food items for the New Berlin Food Pantry in November," said Phillips.
He thanked NBT Bank for their support in the food drive, and said around that time two scout leaders were appointed and inducted, one as troop quartermaster and the other as troop scribe.
"Congratulations to Connor who was appointed and inducted as Troop Quartermaster and Christopher who was appointed and inducted as Troop Scribe," he said. "Connor was also recognized as the top fundraiser during the troop’s Hike-a-Thon in October that raised $800."
Phillips said following the fundraising event, on November 13, scouts had the opportunity to learn about drug identification and abstinence with New Berlin Police Officer John Lowe.
According to Lowe, the seminar focused on teaching children to identify drugs, how to say no to friends who might offer them drugs, and what to do if they come across drugs or drug paraphernalia on the street.
"It's important to make sure our kids are as safe as they can be, especially when dealing with drugs," said Lowe. "Meeting with them and teaching them how avoid being peer pressured into trying drugs can help them stay drug free."
Phillips thanked Lowe for his work with the troop, and said the scouts had another event on November 20 where guests, scouts, and volunteer scout leaders gathered at St. Andrews Church for the Fall Court of Honor Awards Ceremony of New Berlin Boy Scout Troop 61.
Phillips added that even more events are planned for the future.
“An exciting year of events is being planned to celebrate all that Scouting has accomplished in New Berlin over our first 75 years," he said. "We are so excited about the kickoff event - an Encampment, May 3-5."
