Klondike Derby Information

What’s a Klondike Derby?
This is a scouting event where the scouts get a chance to put into practice all the skills they should know. The event is loosely based on the Klondike gold rush, giving us a justification for being out in the woods on a cold and often wet winter day with scouts laboring at pulling loaded sleds all over creation.
 
Who can participate?
Any Boy Scout may compete as a member of a patrol, second year webelos scouts may compete only as members of a boy scout patrol sponsored by a boy scout troop, with a maximum of 50% webelos to boy scout participation per sled.

Boy Scout with Webelos Scout (Sponsored by a troop 50% Webelos to scout participation. No adult help.)
Boy Scouts,                              Ages 11 to 13
Boy Scouts,                              Ages 14 to 18

First, second, third, and forth place recognition will be awarded for each category, as well as an overall first, second, third, and forth place recognitions.

Patrols must have a minimum of three and a maximum of eight boys. In addition, boys 14 and older may volunteer to serve as judges rather than compete. A mixed age patrol (11 to 18) may be permitted if specifically requested by the unit leader. 

Webelos scouts must participate with a scout sled. 50% ratio.

P.S. Points deducted for adult leader verbal help to any webelos or scouts.

How should we prepare?
This event is based on the material in the Boy Scout Handbook. In keeping with the Klondike theme, the application of knowledge will be critical. For example, knowing how to do a square lashing won’t earn any points but knowing when to use one and making one properly will!  Being able to apply knowledge and working together as a patrol are the keys to survival!

Can the boys use the Scout Handbook or other references?
Since this is a learning event, using a reference is permitted but there will be a price to pay! As was the case in the Klondike, those who weren’t prepared could usually buy what they needed but at a high cost. This event is a game with a purpose, so come prepared to play or be prepared to pay.

What will we need to bring?
Each patrol must have a sled and provide at least one adult judge to be allowed to compete. List of equipment is below. Don’t forget additional food to supplement the provided lunch.
            Slats of Wood for Making Snow Shoes
·           First Aid Kit
·           Patrol Flag (points taken away for flag missing)
            Compass
            Flashlight or signal mirror
            One gallon (minimum) drinking water.
            Eight (8) five foot staves
            Writing paper and pencils
            Spool of twine for lashing (200 feet)
            One blanket
            One plastic ground cloth. 6' x 6'
            String (50')
            50' of ½” hemp or sisal rope (no plastic)
            Eight (8) pieces of ¼” rope 8' long
            Tinder, kindling, and fuel for one fire
            Matches
            Trash bags.
            Boy Scout Handbook
            Bow saw with blade cover.
            Hand axe with cover
            Pocket knife.

In addition to these, personal items such as toilet paper, tissues, snacks, etc., may prove to be handy. Proper foot ware is required - boots or hiking shoes only.
No radios. CD players or other electronic playthings are permitted!
 

DO NOT BRING LIQUID FIRE STARTER OR FUEL!

Patrols may bring any additional equipment they feel they may need as long as it does not violate the BSA or State Park Regulations.

Are Uniforms Required?
Uniforms are not required. Dress for the weather. Layering is best and keeping dry is important. Boots, or hiking shoes are required. No one will be permitted to compete in sneakers or other light footwear.

Can the sleds have wheels?
Based on historical fact, Klondike sleds did have the removable wheels! Your sleds may have two wheels mounted on a common axle. The wheels and axle must be easily removable. The axle must not have protruding sharp edges and must be securely attached to the sled - not lashed or duct taped.  Large diameter wheels near the balance point of the sled work best.

What will the events be?
Fun!!
 

BSA Troop 230 Revised 2-2005