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PHOTO: Members of Damariscotta Troop 213 pose during the Klondike Derby at Camp Bomazeen, from left, Finley Greenleaf, of Jefferson; Eddie Seider, South Bristol; Nevan Paulino, of Nobleboro; Peter DeLorenzo, of Jefferson, and Elijah Smith, of Boothbay. (Mike Labbe photo)
BELGRADE – The Klondike Derby drew Scouts from across central and coastal Maine to the snowy fields and trails of Camp Bomazeen Saturday, Jan. 21. T
More than 100 Scouts and Cubs took part in the outdoor activities program.
The Klondike Derby is patterned after the days of the Yukon Gold Rush. Patrols build sledges like the early prospectors used, and members of each patrol serve as a team of huskies to pull their sledge around the course, visiting stations. Scouts must use their skills to solve a challenge at each station. The receive “gold nuggets” based on how well they do at the station. The patrol with the most gold nuggets wins.
Damariscotta Troop 213’s Bear Patrol won the overall program. Gardiner Troop 672’s Shark Bait patrol was second, and Gorham Troop 73’s Burrito Patrol was third.
The sledges carried things needed by the patrol, such as cooking equipment, water, tarps, first aid kit, and more. Scouts competed in activities such as fire starting, blindfolded shelter building, compass work, hatchet throwing, rifle shooting, big foot walking, and other skilled activities.
“Scouts were given ahead of time a list of the right clothing to wear for the event,” McKenney said. “The goal is to have fun while outdoors. No one has fun if they are not dressed right for snow.”
Scott St. Amand, of Gardiner, ran the program for the Cub Scouts. “It’s awesome to see families coming out during a time of year when it’s easy to want to stay in, meet new people and make new friendships,” St. Amand said. “For the Cub Scouts, the s’mores making station was universally their favorite.”
