2022 Klondike Derby

The 2022 Klondike Derby on February 12 was a fun and competitive multi-troop event in which patrols practiced teamwork necessary to transport supplies on sleds with wheels over two separate several mile long off-road courses in Middleburg, Virginia. It was a breezy, sunny day in the 40s, which was colder than predicted. The patrols did their best racing against the clock and performing in Scouting challenges. Both courses were set in the time of the gold rush and used “gold nugget” props to represent points. The first course that the Gromit and Alien Alliance patrols competed on was the Iditarod. The second course, which Jimmy’s patrol competed on, was the Canadian themed Yukon Quest. In the event, Jimmy’s Patrol was formed from a temporary merger of the Bulldog Patrol and the Simpson Patrol. One sled needed last minute repairs because a wheel had fallen off but Scouts managed to reattach the wheel.

Patrols were given challenges in fire building, surveying, shelter building, a mock first aid emergency, leaf identification, bear bag hanging, and pioneering, among others. On the Iditarod course, the Alien Alliance Patrol scored 30 gold nuggets. Also on the Iditarod course, the Gromit Patrol achieved 38 gold nuggets. Jimmy’s Patrol also performed well and made the top three scorers with 55 gold nuggets. The troop deeply appreciated the avid staff running the event to allow Scouts this awesome opportunity. The event was a great experience for all and hopefully the troop will be competing next year.

- Troop Historian