Boy Scouts from Troop 97 recently attended the 2022 Klondike Derby at Seven Mountains Scout Reservation. Scout patrols were challenged to progress through a series of stations in the mock-Yukon Territory setting of 1898 Dawson City using only the equipment and supplies carried on their team's sled.
Each station presented a practical problem to overcome with teamwork and Scouting skills. At the first aid and transport station, the Scouts were confronted with a scenario involving an avalanche recovery with injuries to a team member. The Scouts were awarded points for their ability to treat the injuries in the correct order of importance and to transport the victim to the field hospital using any method. The knot-tying relay was a timed event that required Scouts to know the square knot, bowline, sheet bend, clove hitch, two-half hitches, and taut-line. At a Mystery Campsite, the Scouts had to identify 10 mistakes that had been made in setting up the camp. For example, the bear bag was hanging too low, and a saw was open and placed outside the designated axe yard.
"I liked the Tomahawk Throw station," said Tenderfoot Scout Jace Kryscio.
A traditional Klondike challenge is cooking on the trail, which requires that Scouts have a written menu that includes the cost of food per Scout. Participants had to prepare the food with the equipment carried on their sled. The Troop 97 boys made a hot meal of chicken and stuffing, which warmed them in the cold temperature of -3 degrees.
The Troop 97 participants unanimously agreed that their favorite station was the sled portage, where the objective was to carry their sled through a course without touching any obstacles. "We took the poles from the sled and put them through the runners on the bottom of the sled, which made it easier to carry and maneuver around the trees," explained Star Scout Jesse Reigle. Life Scout Leo Nissley stated, "The taller guys carried the sled and the smaller Scouts kept watch on the trees so we wouldn't hit anything. At one point, we were crawling under things on our knees." According to Nissley, "We had the best teamwork and communication we ever had. It was awesome!"
Troop 97 is sponsored by the Londonderry Fire Company. For more information about the troop, contact Ted Pauley at tszm@hotmail.com.
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