On December 9, the New Berlin Boy Scout Troop 61 welcomed new members and thanked supporters for helping their group during an event at Lake Street Lanes in New Berlin. (Submitted photo)

NEW BERLIN – Zappone Subaru and Norwich Dodge Chrysler Jeep sponsored the 2023 Chenango District Scout Bowl-a-Thon with a matching donation towards supporting 2024 membership.

Scoutmaster of New Berlin Troop 61 Kevin Phillips thanked the sponsors and said, "Retain, Recruit, and Reward were the goals.”

He said 20 scouts and scout leaders came to the Lake Street Lanes in New Berlin on December 9.  Scouts from New Berlin, Norwich, Sherburne, and Whitney Point were rewarded with free bowling and subsidized membership fees for 2024. Scouts also earned patches at the event. 

"Matt Zappone and Dick Pope really stepped-up to support Chenango County scouting at a time when Covid has decimated our membership by 25%", said Phillips, adding, "Thank you. Thank you. Thank you."

Following the event, Troop 61 went on their first backpacking campout and survived "the loudest thunder storm ever,” said Phillips.

The scouts is for boys ages 11-17. If interested in becoming a member contact the New Berlin Scout Troop 61.  Troop 61 has had 75 Eagle Scouts in 75 years. Check out the fun calendar of events for 2023-2024 at www.troop61newberlin.com.

– Information from New Berlin Scout Troop 61