I loved the Klondike Derby, it was a orderly, fun, and teamwork encouraging camp. It was quite a while ago that we went, so some things I don’t remember too well. This is how it started. Troop leaders and parents drove us boys to Beaumont Scout Reservation, about 1 � hrs from Broadview Hts. Once we parked, we found other troop members, loaded our sled, said goodbye to parents, and hiked, pulling our sled to our assigned cabin. It was dark, but not too cold, despite being January! We picked our bunks, organized the sled for the next day’s events, and I played frisbee with Peter inside our cabin! I also helped Peter cook chicken for the next day. Then it was lights out. The bunk beds were comfortable! In the morning we had breakfast (the adults cooked eggs and bacon, I think), and we headed outside to begin our day. The task was a derivative of Balto - pulling our sled, we had to deliver medicine without shaking it up to six different Alaskan towns. We had multiple stages and obstacles to get around, and each town had a different challenge for us as a team to compete in. I remember we had ax throwing (fun, the hatchet wasn’t too heavy, and I hit my target, but it didn’t stick) and fire starting (I was able to start the fire with my first match, and we cooked a pancake, using an axe to flip it!). We had to rig our sled, and get it to cross a rope bridge, and our whole team had to cross it too. We used a map to get us to each town, and earned points when we completed each challenge. The craziest part was the auction at the end of the camp. Over 300 kids bidding on an item at once? Insanely fun! With the points my team earned we were able to get new stuff for our troop. My favorite part was the cabin (Aside from the fact we lost heat in the middle of the night), but the whole derby was fun, something I had never done before, and I would go again! Even the food was awesome, and Mr. Finn was a great cook! Braving the Klondiker were Andrew, Alex W, Tommy, Ben, Dylan, Lucas P, Scott, David H, Jimmy, Patryk, Matt, Stephen W, Adam, Ian, Peter, John W, Mr. Drown, Mr. Karpowicz, Mr. Finn, Mr. Waite, and Mr. Makowski.

Klondike Derby Photo Album

Trip Plan for Klondike Derby

Date and Time of Departure: Friday, January 17th, 6:00pm - Old Church. DRESS WARM! We will leave once vehicles are packed.

Purpose: It's Fun! Show off your scouting skills by competing in scout-craft events against other patrols and troops in the district. We will be staying in a warm cabin with bunk beds. If you need to cook for First Class, please let Mr. Drown know as soon as possible for his approval.

Location: Beaumont Scout Reservation, Rock Creek, OH

Cost: $25.00 per scout. Permission Slip and Fee due on or before Troop meeting on December 21st.

Camp Coordinator: Mr. Drown

Estimated Time of Return: Sunday, January 19th, 10:30am - Parking Lot Behind Old Church

Items to Bring:

• Scout Outdoor Essentials (see handbook)
• Extra Clothing
• One quart of water
• Lunch Cooked by Patrol

REGULATIONS

1. Scouts must be properly clothed for cold, stormy weather; they will be inspected. If, in the opinion of the judges, a Scout is not properly clothed with proper footwear (boots or overshoes required), he will not be permitted to participate.
   1. Waterproof footwear that reaches above the ankles and is "tight" at the top so snow cannot get inside.
   2. Head gear should be able to cover the ears.
   3. Weatherproof outer garments for extreme cold and/or wet weather.
   4. Gloves are a necessity.
2. Each patrol must present a roster of patrol members (actual participants) signed by the Scoutmaster at check in.
3. No adult is to be with a patrol on the trail or to coach, help or otherwise assist any Scout or Patrol while that Scout or Patrol is involved with Derby competition. (This rule may be waved by the Mayor for disabled Scouts only). All leaders and spectators will remain in the areas designated for them by the mayor of that city.
4. The ground rules for conduct and behavior at the Klondike Derby are the Scout Oath and Scout Law!

PATROL EQUIPMENT

• At least one compass for every two boys in your Patrol
• 8 - six foot lengths of 1/4" rope
• 2 - twelve foot lengths of rope not over 1" thick
• 1 - 25 foot length of rope not over 1/2" thick
• First Aid Kit
• Hand axe, properly sheathed
• At least one pocket knife
• At least one TOTIN CHIP card (must have this to use knife and axe)
• At least one Firem'n Chit card (must have this to start the fire)
• Two tarps at least 6 ft x 6 ft
• 3 poles approx. 1" - 1 1/2" diameter and approx. 6 ft long
• Rope and/or twine for lashing
• Firewood and tinder for Pioneering and Lunch cooking fires
• Food for lunch, including water
• Utensils for cooking and eating, including place setting for two judges
• Toilet paper in a plastic bag
• Trash bags
• Notebook and at least one pencil, in a plastic bag
• Roster of patrol members
• Patrol scorecard (given at registration)
• Patrol flag on sledge or other transport equipment. Patrol name must be on flag and sledge
• Troop number on sledge

Axes, hatchets, and saws must be properly sheathed and remain on the sledge or in a backpack except when they are used in an event.