Klondike Derby - 2013

Wow, what a great weekend. I just spent Friday – Sunday at Camp T.L. James near Downsville, LA with my Boy Scout Troop 101.  Our Troop brought 7 boys and 2 adults for the Klondike Derby.

The weather for the weekend was not the greatest. It was cold and cloudy and it even drizzled. Even with the foul weather the scouts seemed to really have fun.

Klondike Derby is centered, around challenging activities for the Scouts. Activities included Tomahawk Throwing, Emergency Evacuation, Rifle Shooting, Archery, Knot Tying, Chasm Crossing, Water Rescue, Atlatls Throwing, and much more. 

Our Troop took third place in the Water Rescue. During this event the scouts had to tie three pieces of rope together using a sheet bend and square knot. The rope is then thrown as a rescue line to a “victim” who is seated on a mat. The scout on the mat then ties a bowline around his waist and the boys pull him across to “shore.”

Sled, musher, and "dogs." Photo by Vinson Mouser

At night there was a dogsled race with the scouts acting as “dogs” and musher. We had 4 dogs and one musher compete. The scouts had to “mush” (run pulling the sled) about a mile and make two stops. 

The first stop they had to run down a hill and tie three knots and then return to their sled. On the second stop the scouts built a fire, boiled water, put out the fire, and left no trace. They then finished mushing the remainder of the course. Our troop did well but did not place in the top spot.

Dutch Oven Pizza - Photo by Vinson Mouser

Other highlights of the campout included the evening meal cooked by our Assistant Senior Patrol Leader Steven. He cooked Dutch Oven pizza. The flavor was great and the meal was cooked just right. We had a hard time getting the pizza out of the Dutch Oven but we have a plan for the next time. 

All in all the campout was a success. It was a long drive but well worth it. I’m sure we will be back next year!

Be sure to check out the video of the Chasm Crossing below.