Klondike Derby: Conquering the Snowy Frontier!

Written by: Kian Gramzow Troop 12 Historian

Into the Ice: Year Three!

This January 2024, Troop 12 attended the Oregon Trail Council Klondike Derby for our third consecutive year!

Klondike is a jamboree-style campout that Troop 12's scouts love for its two nights of tent camping and scout skills competition.

The derby takes place in January and focuses on winter camping activities throughout its snowy campground:

Troop 12 Scouts were asked to lead the Opening Flags.

“There was snow on the ground, and it was cold but not cold enough to snow,” says Karsten Klenke.

The weather was generally sunny, but there was actually rain at one point as well.

Troop 12 Tests Their Scout Skills

The patrols competed in 9 events: slingshot dueling, ravine crossing, fire building/cooking, orienteering/distant height measurement, HAM radio communication, shelter set up, first aid, black powder rifle shooting, and knot tying!

The Difficult: Ravine Crossing!

Many scouts perceived ravine crossing to be the hardest challenge:

“It was very difficult for me and my patrol to conquer the ravine crossing; however, we persevered, and everyone made it across,” says Lukas Ruocco.

Similarly, ravine crossing was a favorite station among the patrols:

“My favorite station was the ravine crossing where Landon and I shimmied across without any pulley or gear system,” says Charlie Westover.

Others preferred other events: “The most memorable station was the knot tying. Radio was a nice challenge too,” remarks Jerome Stetcher.

Many scouts enjoyed the black powder rifle shooting especially: “The muskets were pretty cool,” Andrew May noted.

Troop 12 was rewarded for our immense efforts. The wolf patrol even earned the first-tier award for their completion and execution in the scout skills events. Patriot Warrior, combined with Panther, got second-tier, and Knight Patrol got third-tier. A great snowy showing for our Troop!

Wrapping Up Camp

Unfortunately, Troop 12 couldn’t stay the night due to approaching dangerous weather conditions, so we decided to limit the trip to one day. Nonetheless, this year’s Klondike Derby is one for the books, and we will cherish the memories made. Thank you to everyone who made this possible. We can’t wait for next year!