Our trek started early Saturday morning at the old church. We all met to travel in caravan to the Cuyahoga Valley Klondike Derby. The first challenge was to wake-up. Both the Screaming Eagles and Crows had difficulty in waking-up and rounding-up the gear. With the help from our adult scouters, we managed to make it to the Derby on time. The weather was terrific for January. We started out with temperatures near freezing and as the day progressed it warmed-up to around forty degrees. We were happy with no frozen toes, ears or fingers. The competition was fun and challenging. We missed the sled race because of the mud. However, our sleds were built for speed with the retro fitted wheels. Our two patrols finished the day with a lot of fun and fellowship. The Screaming Eagle Patrol finished in seventh place and the Crow Patrol finished fourteeth out of fifteen groups competing. We look forward to next year and hopefully snow. Panning for gold were Alex, Chris B., David H., Eric, Jacob D., Kevin, Kurtis, Matt K., Matt M., Peter, Philip, Steven, Mr. Dzurnak, Mr. Klaasse, Mr. Makowski, Mr. Svihlik, and Mr. Thomas. Also in attendance, but not competing were the Raging Rams - Chris C., John, Jordan, Nick, Sam, Will, and Mrs. Verhovnik.

Cuyahoga Valley District Klondike Derby Photo Album

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)
• 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