Sunday January 8th Pack 18 spent an exciting afternoon in the rear field of Parmelee Farm in Killingworth competing in their annual Klondike Derby.
Just before the turn of the last century (1896) gold was discovered in the Klondike region of Canada’s Yukon Territory. News spread slowly until miners started returning with their fortunes – which touched off the Great Klondike Gold Rush. Gold prospectors traveled the sub-zero reaches of Alaska by means of dogs and sleds as there was no easy passage to their destinations. They camped out in all kinds of winter weather and needed adequate survival skills which they learned from the native’s. Scouting has incorporated this theme in the Klondike Derby.
Goals of the derby are to: make Scouts use their heads, put Scouting skills to work in the field, demonstrate teamwork and Scout spirit, have fun outdoors on winter days. Each Den pulls a sled with a rider to five (5) different towns setup in the field. Each town has a particular challenge or skill that needs to be accomplished. Based on results, the Cubs earn gold nuggets. Towns this year included: Ice fishing, ice rescue, snow shoe racing, stretcher carry and log stacking.
While we had too much snow last year, this year we had none. Still, it didn't stop the Cubs from having a great time. New this year was a sibling team that competed as well and the top three (3) earners of Gold nuggets got first dibs on the Klondike Bars at Buddy's Outpost.
Special Thanks to the Parmelee Farm Comittee and Town of Killingworth for letting us use this great location!
