Leader's Guide

Preparation: The Klondike Derby can be a fun and memorable event for the Scouts, provided they stay warm and dry. Unit leaders are responsible to instruct all participants beforehand as to the proper clothing to wear and gear to bring when winter camping. Be prepared for the worst case scenario, which would be a cold, driving rain all weekend long. Dressing in layers and a good pair of winter boots is mandatory at this event. Scouts in sneakers, cotton jeans or cotton hooded sweatshirts should not be allowed to attend. Campers should bring several pairs of non-cotton socks and an extra set of dry clothing layers. Unit leaders must limit participation to only those youth that are properly instructed and outfitted for the weather. For the Klondike Derby competition, patrols should practice knots, map and compass skills, fire building, first aid/rescue, and woods tools skills. 

There are always several items turned into lost and found at this event. In order to help return lost items to their owner, all personal items, water bottles, hats, gloves, knifes, mess kits, etc., should be permanently marked with the scouts name and troop number. 

Participation Items: In order to participate, patrols must have a Klondike sled and use it to carry their items from station to station. Skis are permitted as sled runners. See attached list of recommended items for each patrol sled. Each participant should bring AT LEAST two cans of soup for the Klondike stew and for donation to the food pantry (no cream soups please). Patrols can earn 1 bonus point per extra can of soup (Up to 10 total bonus points). • Patrols should plan to travel with high energy snacks and plenty of water. 

Check-in: Scout Troops may send a limited number of scouts/leaders to set up their campsite on Friday afternoon. Troops may arrive for check-in no earlier than 2:00 pm on Friday. Check-in will be at the Administration Tent on the Main Field at “Nome”. Only the Scoutmaster and the Senior Patrol Leader, or the leaders acting in their capacity, can check in their unit. Leaders should have their final registration numbers at check-in. 

Camping & Parking: All troops will be camping in a designated assigned camping area. Campsites will be pre-defined. Each campsite should be identified with a Troop banner, sign or flag. 

PARKING OF TROOP TRAILERS AND VEHICLES MAY GET CHANGED AT ANYTIME!!! PLEASE BE PREPARED TO HAUL GEAR IN WITH YOUR SLEDS!! Troop trailers may be able to park close to their troop area. This will be subject to weather conditions. No additional vehicles will be allowed in the camping areas. All other vehicles should drop off gear in the parking lot and park as directed. General parking and overflow vehicles will be directed to nearby sites for parking. 

PARK ROADS MUST REMAIN CLEAR FOR EMERGENCY VEHICLES! 

Once inside the camp, a parking assistant will direct your troop to its campsite. No vehicles will be allowed to drive on the field unless approved by the event director (dependent upon the condition of the fields). We encourage troops to use their sleds to get your gear to the sites! 

Secure all tents and tarps against high winds. Anticipate frozen or snow covered ground - sturdy stakes and snow shovels are suggested. 

No ground fires will be permitted on the grass fields. Plan to cook on raised stoves or barrels. Propane and fire/charcoal cooking is allowed. Troops are encouraged to bring firewood for their campsite fires. 

NOTE : There are no flames allowed in tents, including heaters or stoves even in tents designed for wood stoves. 

Please be considerate of you neighboring scouts once quiet time has arrived. All participants at this event will be sleeping outdoors in a tent. 

Water: The source of water during this event will be available next to the park at the firemen’s banquet hall. We will have specific times when the water access will be available. Times will be posted in the admin tent. It is very important to stay hydrated when winter camping. Encourage all your scouts to bring their water bottles and drink from them all day long. As your body dehydrates your blood thickens and it becomes harder for the heart to push through constricted blood vessels. Less circulation means colder hands and feet. Hot soup and cocoa are not the best for hydration, but they will warm you up. 

Sanitation: Secure all food and/or trash around your campsite. “Pack it In – Pack it Out”. Troops are required to take their trash home from the weekend. No trash disposal will be provided at camp. 

Sick Bay: During the day on Saturday, the “Sick Bay” will be located in the Admin Tent. Scouts suffering from cold or wet extremities or other non-life-threatening ailments will be treated there. If a scout cannot recover at Sick Bay, a troop leader will be asked to call his parents so he may be picked up and taken home. In the case of a life-threatening emergency, leaders should immediately use their cell phone to dial 911 and then send a runner to the Admin Tent to report the emergency to a staff member. In the case of minor injuries, scouts should be instructed to use their own first aid kits or go back to their campsite and use their troop’s first aid kit. Scouts should report all injuries to their Troop adult leader in charge. 

Prohibited Items: The following items are strictly prohibited: real or toy firearms; sling shots; B-B guns; bows and arrows; “paint ball” guns; crossbows; real or toy throwing or stabbing weapons (except for pocketknives) or items which could be used as such; explosives; sheath knifes; fireworks; model rockets; alcoholic beverages; narcotics; hazardous materials.