Greenwich Scouts Compete in Klondike Derby Without Snow

Greenwich Boy Scouts competed in the annual Klondike Derby at Seton Scout Reservation without any snow to help with the pulling of their man-powered dogsleds.

Scouts worked with fellow patrol members to carry necessary supplies on their sleds which aided in the completion of eight winter skills stations.

Although the lack of snow did not affect stations such as firebuilding and tomahawk throwing, the Scouts had to work particularly hard to pull their sleds through mud and rocks for the timed Iditarod race.

The Klondike Derby is one of the most popular events of the year for local Scouts, combining the fun of camping outdoors the night before with lessons in teamwork and leadership. This year 6 Troops with 8 sleds competed for points throughout the day. In order to earn up to 100 points between the different stations, the Boy Scouts used skills like map reading, aiming and shooting, building a shelter, first aid and creating a fire without matches or lighters. Troop 35 of Glenville earned the most points throughout the day and officially won the 2017 Greenwich Council Klondike Derby!

Adventure, leadership, service and learning, especially in the outdoors, have remained essential to the Greenwich Scouting experience since its inception in 1912. Nearly 800 local youth participate in fun programs, such as the Klondike Derby, run by 300 dedicated volunteers, all of which help prepare local boys and girls for life.

With over 19 partnering organizations and Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Venturing and Exploring opportunities in Greenwich, there’s never been a more important time to join the Scouting community. For more information about local Scouting visit www.GreenwichScouting.org.