Parryville Mayor Tom Kobal said “it took eight years to get a Boy Scout troop here, but we finally did it.”

Kobal introduced the new Troop 8 to the borough council members this week.

Assistant Scoutmaster Joe Handlovic and Boy Scouts Joseph Handlovic, 11, entering the seventh grade at Lehighton Middle School and Rhyden Chapman, 14, entering ninth grade at Commonwealth Connections Academy, were joined by troop volunteers Theresa Chapman, committee chair; Heidi Carr, treasurer; and Ed Kroboth, unit coordinator. Scoutmaster Matt Bonser was unable to attend the meeting.

The boys introduced themselves, and Rhyden Chapman shared his passion for hiking, backpacking and said he is hoping to be an Eagle Scout. Joseph Handlovic is excited to earn merit badges.

Theresa Chapman encourages local boys to join the new troop because “Scouting is a great way to get kids off the streets and out from in front of computers.”

In their troop meeting, Rhyden demonstrated how to pack a backpack with necessary backcountry gear.

Those interested in joining Troop 8 can reach out to Kobal through the Borough Hall.