New Berlin Boy Scouts Troop 61 Scoutmaster Kevin Phillips presents Troop Member Liam Hoag with the 2022 "Scout of the Year" award during Scout Sunday on Sunday, February 19. (Submitted photo)

NEW BERLIN — On Sunday, February 19 the First United Methodist Church of New Berlin hosted Scout Troop 61 for Scout Sunday in celebration of Scouting's 113th anniversary. Monti and Liam were the readers for the worship service.

The weekend of events began with an overnight camp out. 18-degree temperatures greeted the troop Saturday morning as they emerged from their tents in Pittsfield. Saturday evening, the scouts and their families "had a blast" at the Colgate Hockey game.

At the first meeting of 2023, New Berlin Boy Scout Troop 61 celebrated their achievements of 2022. Liam was recognized with a plaque as the 2022 Troop 61 "Scout of the Year."

Each youth and adult member received the Gold "Journey to Excellence" Award. The troop completed goals in 10 of the 11 categories measured nationally while supporting other troops in the area by hosting the Millbrook Encampment in May, the Soap Box Derby in June, and the Bowl-a-Thon in November.

"It takes a village," says Scoutmaster Kevin Phillips. He went on to thank the many people involved and especially the American Legion, St. Andrews Episcopal Church, the Town and Village of New Berlin, the Masons, U.V.C.S., NBT Bank, Golden Artist Colors, Norwich Dodge, Bill Rapp Subaru, Oneonta Ford, the New Berlin Youth Center, the New Berlin Library, Lake Street Lanes, NY Pizzeria, Morris Troop 3, and Sherburne Troop 66.

"I enjoyed an idyllic childhood while growing up in New Berlin during the 1970s. 50 years later, New Berlin is still a great place to raise a family. When we combine our resources as a community, I truly believe we can provide excellence in opportunities for families who want the best for their children," said Phillips.

The troop is especially proud of the service projects completed at Hyde Park, Millbrook Recreation Area, the New Berlin Food Pantry, and the New Berlin Cemetery in 2021 and 2022.

Meetings in March will focus on first aid training with the New Berlin Ambulance Corps.

New Berlin Boy Scout Troop 61 meets weekly, tent camps monthly, and is chartered by the Frank H. Arnold American Legion Post #348. All boys, age 11 to 17, are welcome to check out the "fun with a purpose" at our 6:30 to 8 p.m. meetings every Wednesday, and the wide variety of opportunities on our 2023 calendar of activities at troop61newberlin.com.

-Information provided by Boy Scout Troop 61