Klondike Derby combines skill building and fun
Wayne County was decorated in a thick blanket of white Jan. 20 and 21. Though residents were likely dreading the morning commute and snow shoveling adventure, the Boy Scouts of the Killbuck District were banking on blizzard-like conditions—or at least hoping for them.
The Klondike Derby was held to mimic a natural survival setting. The purpose was to support skill development and application. But mostly, it was just a fun experience with essential learning elements.
And the elements were something the scouts got plenty of. They battled the snow, wind and icy chill to work through six different stations at Pee Wee Hollow in Wooster. The location offered an ideal terrain and the opportunity to camp out.
“It all stems historically from the ability to move medicine to people. And it was often done by dog sleds. They use the sled to get around with their equipment, especially in the snow,” explained Scott Becker, Killbuck District Boy Scout roundtable commissioner.
The groups were arranged by patrol, which included about eight members per team. The campout the night before increased the number of points possible to achieve. Throughout the day, the scouts trudged through the snow with their sleds and equipment.
Likewise, the event included skills such as first aid, cooking, fire building, lashing, which involved using rope to create a ladder, and navigating a trail with a compass. One challenge included a mock rescue of a teammate from the water. Points were awarded for team work, timeliness and accuracy for each station.
“We have 18 sleds here this year, which is a lot. The feedback is that we have outstanding participation each year. People are coming back every year because this is just a really great event, and I would say that’s our best feedback,” said Jim Silver, committee member of Troop 65. “The theme this year is ‘be prepared,’ so anything could be thrown at them. And they have to respond to it.”
Further, Silver and Becker served a new role this year. Their job was to ask general scouting questions to the patrols as they worked their way through the stations. Points were revoked for incorrect answers.
“The scouts’ skills are just a minor part of it. Really, it’s leadership, responsibility and teamwork,” said Larry Oxenrider, scout master of Boy Scout Troop 65 and chair of the Klondike Derby. “They’re learning how to take what’s available to them and build something useful that they might need.”
Silver added that each patrol may have done something differently to achieve their goal. Ultimately, they are learning how to problem solve and think creatively—all with gloved hands and layers of clothing.
“This is definitely a survival setting and, of course, keeping warm is key. Sometimes they find out they should have packed an extra pair of socks,” Becker said. “We’re always welcome to new members to come in and experience what we’re experiencing, to have the fun we’re having.”
The Klondike Derby featured awards in four places. In first place was the Pedro Patrol of Troop 75, second place were the Scorpions from Troop 68 and third place was the Duct Tape Patrol of Troop 355. Crew 365 won the sled race.
The Klondike Derby was held to mimic a natural survival setting. The purpose was to support skill development and application. But mostly, it was just a fun experience with essential learning elements.
And the elements were something the scouts got plenty of. They battled the snow, wind and icy chill to work through six different stations at Pee Wee Hollow in Wooster. The location offered an ideal terrain and the opportunity to camp out.
“It all stems historically from the ability to move medicine to people. And it was often done by dog sleds. They use the sled to get around with their equipment, especially in the snow,” explained Scott Becker, Killbuck District Boy Scout roundtable commissioner.
The groups were arranged by patrol, which included about eight members per team. The campout the night before increased the number of points possible to achieve. Throughout the day, the scouts trudged through the snow with their sleds and equipment.
Likewise, the event included skills such as first aid, cooking, fire building, lashing, which involved using rope to create a ladder, and navigating a trail with a compass. One challenge included a mock rescue of a teammate from the water. Points were awarded for team work, timeliness and accuracy for each station.
“We have 18 sleds here this year, which is a lot. The feedback is that we have outstanding participation each year. People are coming back every year because this is just a really great event, and I would say that’s our best feedback,” said Jim Silver, committee member of Troop 65. “The theme this year is ‘be prepared,’ so anything could be thrown at them. And they have to respond to it.”
Further, Silver and Becker served a new role this year. Their job was to ask general scouting questions to the patrols as they worked their way through the stations. Points were revoked for incorrect answers.
“The scouts’ skills are just a minor part of it. Really, it’s leadership, responsibility and teamwork,” said Larry Oxenrider, scout master of Boy Scout Troop 65 and chair of the Klondike Derby. “They’re learning how to take what’s available to them and build something useful that they might need.”
Silver added that each patrol may have done something differently to achieve their goal. Ultimately, they are learning how to problem solve and think creatively—all with gloved hands and layers of clothing.
“This is definitely a survival setting and, of course, keeping warm is key. Sometimes they find out they should have packed an extra pair of socks,” Becker said. “We’re always welcome to new members to come in and experience what we’re experiencing, to have the fun we’re having.”
The Klondike Derby featured awards in four places. In first place was the Pedro Patrol of Troop 75, second place were the Scorpions from Troop 68 and third place was the Duct Tape Patrol of Troop 355. Crew 365 won the sled race.
Published: January 25, 2012
