Klondike Derby

Information

Currently scheduled for January 27, 2024. Visit the National Pike site for up to date information. 

Cub Scouts

Cub Scout Trail For those who participated in the National Pike Klondike Derby Cub Scout trail in previous years, the general format this year remains the same, though the content of some of the individual stations will be different. Cub Scouts will learn about the 1898 Klondike Gold Rush while having fun and playing games! 

Description: The Cub Scout Klondike trail is an outdoor trail activity approximately 1.5 miles long and is intended for Lions, Tigers, Wolves, Bears, and first year Webelos (note that first year Webelos may also participate on the Scout trail at your discretion). The Klondike Derby Cub Scout trail will have approximately eight stations; each station will feature a group activity or game. Units should be able to complete the entire Cub Scout trail in about three hours (not allowing for a meal stop). Parent participation is recommended, especially for the youngest Scouts. 

Webelos

Scout Trail (often referred to as the Sled Trail) For those who participated last year in the National Pike Klondike Derby Scout trail, the general format this year is the same, though the content of some of the individual stations will be different. 

Description: The Scout trail is intended for Webelos and Scouts below the rank of First Class. The Klondike Derby Scout trail is a three mile hike with multiple stations designed to test scout skills required for First Class. The stations may include but are not limited to the following: First Aid Fire starting Orienteering Team spirit Knots Matchless fire starting Sled & travel safety Communication Lashing Knife, axe & saw use Nature/outdoor code Each patrol/den will be judged on their spirit and how they function as a team. Teamwork is a must! 

Equipment: Each patrol/den must have the following equipment while on the trail: 

PATROL/DEN EQUIPMENT: Sled, compass, patrol first aid kit, matches, means to start a matchless fire, a metal hubcap or metal trash can lid to start fires on (no ground fires), a 15 foot rope for throwing, six 6' staves, patrol flag, pot for boiling water 

PERSONAL EQUIPMENT: Paper & pencil, scout book, a 6' piece of rope for knots & lashings, weather suitable lunch (may be cooked on trail) and water (one to two quarts per Scout), pocket knife, large garbage bag, appropriate clothing for the weather (no sneakers) Sled Requirements: Each patrol/den must have an equipment sled that accompanies them along the trail. The sled should have the troop/pack number and patrol/den name displayed prominently. Any safe design is acceptable and many different types of sled plans are available on the web. Webelos may build their sled but manufactured sleds are acceptable; Scouts must build their sled. If a manufactured sled is used a milk crate or similar box should be attached to the sled to hold patrol equipment. Sleds may be built out of any materials but no metal is allowed except as fasteners (no steel runners). No skis may be used as runners due to the sharp metal edges. Easily removable wheels may be affixed to the sled. PVC pipe sleds are allowed. Sleds are to be scout powered and harnesses or pull ropes should be safely constructed. A pull rope on the rear is necessary for controlling descents. The course is very rugged – be forewarned. 

All Information

Staggered Start Times: Your unit may request a start time on its registration form; requests will be honored on a first-come, first-served basis.

Car-Pooling is required. Parking at McKeldin is very limited. Patapsco Park Staff and National Pike District Staff may turn units away when all available parking is filled. Each unit is required to identify its car-pooling coordinator. Units will be limited in the number of vehicles they can bring to the event! The unit car-pooling coordinator must plan on assigning at least four individuals (including driver) to each vehicle. 

Clothing: The Klondike Derby is an all-day outside activity; the only shelter available is off the trail at the food pavilion (Ulcer Gulch). All participants must be dressed appropriately for the weather – gloves, hats, and layers. Appropriate footwear is critical. The Scout trail is rugged, and the Cub Scout Trail may be muddy; sneakers should not be allowed in any weather. Unit leaders are responsible for the safety of their Scouts and must enforce these rules.

 Food: The Ulcer Gulch canteen will provide fine dining (coffee, cocoa, snacks, hot dogs, etc.). 

Lunch: Pack a trail lunch based on the weather. Consider appropriate trail snacks (high energy) and sufficient water. 

Fire Wood: Due to the continuing wood borer infestation, no firewood may be brought into the park. 

Important: A long portion of the trail will have no stations and patrols will be out of contact with the Klondike Staff. An adult leader may accompany patrols if they desire. Patrols may want to carry an FRS radio. The Klondike Staff will monitor a set frequency the day of the event. Emergency frequencies will be available the day of the event.