What is a Klondike Derby ?
Opening 2007 Derby organized by 1st Glen Cairn
Here in Carleton Scouting, Ontario, Canada, the Klondike Derby is a day long event held every February. Our first Derby was held in 2005 . It usually requires a lot of snow (if the weather does not cooperate, we modify the events accordingly).
The event is named after the Klondike Goldrush. On August 16, 1896 local miners found gold in the Canadian Yukon-Klondike Region. Between 1896 and 1899 almost 100,000 prospectors traveled to the Yukon in search of Gold. The Klondike Gold Rush ended in 1899 after gold was discovered in Nome, Alaska.
The Scouts Klondike Derby is a challenge to use some of the critical skills that those prospectors would have needed for survival.
3rd Kanata building Sled for 2008 Derby
In the weeks leading up to the Derby, participating Patrols are given a required Kit list. They need to build or borrow a Klondike sled, similar to those dragged around the Arctic by dog teams. The sled will be pulled by the members of the Patrol during the Derby. (Click for 6 week plan building the Derby into your Section Planning) or the Google Search for Sled Design.
If this is the teams first Derby, a small hike with the sled can be held to practice running with the sled, loading and unloading and tying down gear to be ready for the derby.
The patrol has to fit all personal gear as well as a list of equipment required for the derby into the sled. Dressing for the weather is very important as well as ensuring all the needed equipment list is complete. At the derby the sled and equipment will be checked They need to ensure they have the needed equipment, and then secure all items in the sled in such a way that if the sled is turned upside down nothing will fall out. (See Event - Customs Check)
On the day of the event Participants will start Customs Clearance (First station at beginning of the Derby) - Organizing Committee
Prior to the entering the Yukon, the Sled will be inspected by Customs officers . All required equipment for the journey must be confirmed. Customs will also to a Safety check . The Scouts will have to secure their items in such a way that when the sled is turned over nothing falls out. Customs will also do a visual confirmation that the Scouts are dressed for the weather and once the sled is repacked will lift and turn the sled over to confirm packing.
all the teams gather at the Derby site. Each team is given a number and a schedule and the Patrols proceed from one activity station to another, following the schedule. The picture below is an activity station at one of the Derby's.
Activity stations can challenge the Patrols in many ways. For instance they may include winter backwoods first aid, cold weather survival, knots and lashing, fire-building and a wide range of problem-solving situations.
Depending on the organization, Patrols may have to individually cook their lunch or do a patrol meal out on the course. Directions will be provided by the organizers,
Traditionally, the last event of the Klondike Derby Weekend is the Sled Race. Some years we run groups of sleds at a time and gather the times, other years we have one large race along a course and the first sled across the finish line is the race winner.
Competition scoring and prizes are a part of the derby and the scoring information is available on the site.
In summary the derby is a day long activity with a theme. Patrols come prepared with sled's, loaded with their equipment and food to participate and demonstrate their skills in a series of winter activities. The end goal is to build skills and have fun together.
