Greenwich Boy Scouts considered themselves lucky when a snow storm arrived just before their annual Klondike Derby.
While most other organizations and companies shutdown due to snow, rain and ice, the Scouts, with their man-powered dog sleds, thrived in the winter elements. Greenwich Scouts teamed up with Scouts from Southern Westchester County at Seton Scout Reservation, to race homemade dog sleds, compete in outdoor challenges and camp overnight.
About 200 young men participated by loading up their sleds with necessary equipment and transporting everything through the snow to stations like tomahawk throwing, fire building, gully crossing and shelter building.
The Klondike Derby event is a highlight of the Boy Scout year, especially when there’s snow.
This year fourteen Troops with nineteen sleds competed for points throughout the day. In addition to the typical stations like First Aid skills and racing sleds in the Iditarod around Lake Hillegas, there was a surprise visit from the Greenwich EMS Explorer Post 911 which had Scouts treating “victims” for traumatic physical injuries.
The Klondike station competitions emphasize important skills in both Scouting and life. Participants had to be prepared for severe weather, work as a team, lead fellow Scouts through activities, physically exert themselves and practice first aid skills. Participants also had to prepare their lunch outdoors and most Scouts even camped outside for one of the ice cold nights.
Adventure, leadership, service and learning, especially in the outdoors, have remained essential to the Greenwich Scouting experience since its inception in 1912. Nearly 1,750 local youth participate in fun programs, such as the Klondike Derby, run by 250 dedicated volunteers, all of which help prepare local boys and girls for life. With over 20 partnering organizations and Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Venturing and Exploring opportunities in Greenwich, Connecticut, there’s never been a more important time to join the Scouting community. For more information about local Scouting visit www.GreenwichScouting.org.
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