The Klondike Derby is an annual competition event that Troop 99 usually participates in. Numerous troops from around the area camp at Camp Carpenter in Manchester, and spend a day engaging in a series of stations that measure scouting skills. Due to the recent Covid shutdowns and interruptions throughout the Daniel Webster Council, Troop 99 decided to have our own Klondike in Bedford. Instead of competing against other troops, we simply separated into three Patrols which rotated through a series of six different stations. Our patrols are the awesomely named Ancient Eagles, Trash Pandas, and the Avengers.
Point tallies for the day were accumulated in six different skills stations, plus inspection and lunch preparations, for a total of 8 possible categories with a maximum of 20 points at each. Winners were determined for each skill as well as an overall high score for the day.
Inspection
Ice Rescue
Knots & Lashings
First Aid
Orienteering
Shelter Building
Fire Building
Lunch
Inspection
A Scout is Prepared! The scouts were awarded points based on how well they packed their equipment for the day. Each scout was responsible for appropriate winter weather clothing, water bottles, and certain supplies. Points are also awarded for scout spirit, as the scouts are expected to bring a great attitude and enthusiasm. Each patrol had a wooden sled that they pushed (and pulled) around the course which contained all their equipment, tarps, and supplies.
Ice Rescue
Scouts needed to demonstrate how to safely rescue a victim from a fall into icy water, as well as treat the victim for hypothermia.
Knots & Lashings
The objective of this station was to suspend a log from two A-frames connected by a pole.
Fire Building
This station's goal was to build a fire, and bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
First Aid
In this scenario, the patrols needed to treat a peer who had fallen off a cliff and sustained a compound fracture as well as a bleed.
Shelter Building
In this station, the scouts were to build a shelter to protect from a weather situation where there were 30mph winds, 30 degree temperatures, and a cold rain.
Orienteering
This station measured the patrol's navigation skills by requiring them to use a compass to follow a map. They were to turn a certain number of degrees and then walk a certain number of steps. The goal was to arrive at the correct stake in the ground marked by a balloon. Accuracy was important for this skill demonstration.
Lunch
For lunch preparations, each patrol had to prepare their own lunch using food handling safety and precautions. Since they were working with raw ingredients, hygienic practices were important as well as cooking the food properly. Each patrol had a duty roster for assignments such as cooking and cleaning up.
After an eventful day of scouting skills, Troop 99G's Trash Pandas patrol was the winner!
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