Posted: Saturday, February 2, 2013 5:53 pm | Updated: 1:29 am, Sun Feb 3, 2013.
Posted on February 2, 2013
Arctic temperatures could not deter the Boy Scouts from their annual winter survival skill exercises this weekend.
Festivities for the Lower Bucks County, Playwicki Division Boy Scouts of America, Klondike Derby began early Saturday morning at Tyler State Park in Newtown Township.
The Klondike Derby is an annual event held by some Boy Scout districts during the winter months. The Scouts have been running the derbies since 1949.
The patrols must transport survival gear on a sled pulled by the Scouts.
As Scouts and parents unloaded homemade wooden sleds out of the back of cars and trucks, volunteers made sure the stations were ready. Sleds were managed by patrols of about eight Boy Scouts.
Each sled held a flag that was made by the Scouts, representing the individual patrols.
The patrols checked in before the race, making sure all the supplies needed for the adventure were loaded on the sled. Supplies included: water, snacks, note pads, pens, pencils, a watch, score sheets, first aid kit and a few other objects.
According to Scoutmaster Dave Clark, about 300 Scouts participated in Saturday’s derby.
A fire burned under the pavilion by the dam and coffee and hot cocoa were served to keep parents and volunteers warm while they waited for the Scouts to return.
The event ran from about 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a lunch break consisting of hot dogs in between.
According to Jerry Schenkman, a volunteer father from Troop 29, the object of the derby was to go to all the stations, which included setting up tents, building fires, applying first aid, and all the different skills needed for outdoor winter survival.
Zachary Gutherman, 12, of Middletown and Troop 82, wanted to get as many stations and skills completed as his patrol could, he said.
“We have to race to the top of the hill and do our stations,” said Nick Helstrom, 15, of Middletown, also from Troop 82.
“The more knowledge you have and the more stations you complete, you get golden nuggets (actually little bb’s). The more you get, the higher your points are and you win,” said Helstrom. ”The prize is bragging rights for each event won. A badge is also earned.”
After survival skill stations are completed, the patrols move to the soccer field adjacent the parking area for sled races, according to Helstrom.
“The day is a fun way to practice skills and spend time with your patrols,” said Cole Miller, 11, of Middletown and Troop 82.
“The goal is to get the highest points that we can and to have fun,” said Griffin Goode, 13, of Lower Makefield and Troop 210.
“We do knot tying, archery, fire building and navigation at some of the stations,” said Goode.
Team building is the biggest part of the derby, according to Clark.
George Worth from Troop 29 arranged the event.
According to Worth, awards are given to the highest finishers in each of the three age groups: 13 and under, 14 and over and mixed age.
“The patrols can earn up to 10 points at each station,” said Worth.
Stations were identified by handmade signs which hung on the tree branches throughout the park.
About 20 stations were set up in the woods and along the dam.
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