A good time was had by all during this year's Klondike Derby. The event was held at Beaumont and while we weren't doing the Klondike we stayed in a cabin with Troop 137 from Garfield Heights. It didn't take long to get unpacked and settled into the cabin. It was still pretty cold though because the Campmaster forgot to turn on the heat. We had our snack and played some Risk before the place warmed up and it was time to get to sleep. The next morning Troop 137 cooked a hearty breakfast to get us stoked for the cool weather. A little more snow came down and it looked like it was going to be a great day for a Klondike. The stations turned out to be both fun and challenging. There was a Compass Course, Firebuilding, Shooting (both Archery and Rifle), the Dreaded Rope Bridge, Life Line and First Aid, Knot Tying, and Cooking Lunch over an Open Fire. The patrol would have faired pretty well in the overall standings had not the precious cargo had not been damaged.

After the day's events our troop made supper for the cabin where we dined on Spaghetti w/Meat Sauce, Garlic Bread, and Salad. In the evening we attended an Auction/Awards ceremony. At the auction we used the points earned during competition that day to bid on gear for the troop and patrol members. It was pretty exciting bidding against the other patrols. We ended up getting an outdoor toaster, emergency blanket and some water bottles. Kevin and Matthew O. were recognized for volunteering to help in-school Troop 801 during the Klondike. For their Scout Spirit they, along with a scout from Troop 575, were given neckerchiefs during the awards presentation by Troop 801. After the evening activities the snow really began to come down, we headed back to the cabin for some cards and a good night's rest. On Sunday morning we awoke to see a great deal of snow on the ground and still more coming. Everyone packed up their gear and we had a quick breakfast of Oatmeal and Hot Chocolate. The amount of snow made it difficult to get all the gear packed and slowed down our drive back. However, everything worked out in the end and all cars arrived safely back at home. Those braving the weather were Alex, Allen, Eric, Greg, Jacob, John, Kevin, Matthew O., Matthew S., Nick, Mr. Makowski, Mr. See, and Mr. Svihlik. Sorry, no pictures this trip.

Date and Time of Departure: Friday, January 18th, 6:00pm - Old Church. DRESS WARM! We will leave once vehicles are packed.

Purpose: Pan for your experience like the Klondike GOLD rush of 1898! Visit Yukon towns! Show off your scouting skills by competing in scout-craft events!

Location: Beaumont Scout Reservation, Rock Creek, OH

Cost: $20.00 per scout. Permission Slip and Fee due at troop meeting on January 8th.

Estimated Time of Return: Sunday, January 20th, 10:30am - Parking Lot Behind Old Church

Items to Bring:

• Scout Outdoor Essentials (see handbook)
• Extra Clothing
• One quart of water
• Lunch Cooked by Patrol

REGULATIONS

1. Scouts must be properly clothed for cold, stormy weather; they will be inspected. If, in the opinion of the judges, a Scout is not properly clothed with proper footwear (boots or overshoes required), he will not be permitted to participate.
   1. Waterproof footwear that reaches above the ankles and is "tight" at the top so snow cannot get inside.
   2. Head gear should be able to cover the ears.
   3. Weatherproof outer garments for extreme cold and/or wet weather.
   4. Gloves are a necessity.
2. Each patrol must present a roster of patrol members (actual participants) signed by the Scoutmaster at check in.
3. No adult is to be with a patrol on the trail or to coach, help or otherwise assist any Scout or Patrol while that Scout or Patrol is involved with Derby competition. (This rule may be waved by the Mayor for disabled Scouts only). All leaders and spectators will remain in the areas designated for them by the mayor of that city.
4. The ground rules for conduct and behavior at the Klondike Derby are the Scout Oath and Scout Law!

PATROL EQUIPMENT

• At least one compass for every two boys in your Patrol
• 8 - six foot lengths of 1/4" rope
• 2 - twelve foot lengths of rope not over 1" thick
• 1 - 25 foot length of rope not over 1/2" thick
• First Aid Kit
• Hand axe, properly sheathed
• At least one pocket knife
• At least one TOTIN CHIP card (must have this to use knife and axe)
• At least one Firem'n Chit card (must have this to start the fire)
• One tarp at least 6 ft x 6 ft
• 3 poles approx. 1" - 1 1/2" diameter and approx. 6 ft long
• Rope and/or twine for lashing
• Firewood and tinder for Pioneering and Lunch cooking fires
• Food for lunch, including water
• Utensils for cooking and eating, including place setting for two judges
• Toilet paper in a plastic bag
• Trash bags
• Notebook and at least one pencil, in a plastic bag
• Roster of patrol members
• Patrol scorecard (given at registration)
• Patrol flag on sledge or other transport equipment. Patrol name must be on flag and sledge
• Troop number on sledge

Axes, hatchets, and saws must be properly sheathed and remain on the sledge or in a backpack except when they are used in an event.

Please Read... Derby Competition Procedures and Events