Klondike 2025 had many fun and engaging activities such as first aid, an obstacle course, axe throwing, tree identification, orienteering, fire building, knot tying and lashings. At the end of the day, there was a sled race. It took place at Camp Hugh Taylor Birch, and went from 8:00am-4:00pm.
Obstacle Course
The obstacle course tested the scouts’ abilities to move effectively with a sled and an “injured” scout. The patrols had to use their strength and communication skills to get the sled over a barrier and under a tarp. This picture shows one of our patrols crossing a “ravine”.
Fire Building
Fire building tested the scouts’ abilities to make a lasting fire with matches and a fire starter. Each group had to make a fire that lasted at least two minutes and would have continued to burn. Both of our patrols used only two matches to start a fire.
First Aid
First aid was a test of scouts’ abilities to react to different emergency situations. One member of the patrol was assigned a medical condition, and the other scouts had to figure out how to handle it. Both of our patrols figured out what the medical conditions were and how to handle them.
Axe Throwing
Axe throwing tested the scouts’ abilities to throw a tomahawk axe at a target. Each scout got one attempt to hit the target, then the patrol leader chose someone to take three more attempts. One of our patrols successfully got a hit on the target, but the other one couldn’t.
Orienteering
Orienteering tested the scouts’ abilities to use a compass. There were staves set out in a field, and scouts had to find out which one they ended up at after several sets of instructions. Our patrols were not very good at orienteering, and were usually several poles off
Tree Identification
Tree identification tested the scouts’ abilities to identify tree leaves. There were several types of trees including sycamore, oak, pine and maple. There was also a quick quiz on facts about trees. Both of our patrols got the maximum amount of points on each section of the activity.
Knot Tying and Lashings
Knot tying and lashings tested the scouts’ abilities to tie knots and make a tripod using three staves and paracord. In knot tying, scouts had to make five knots and got points for each knot they successfully made. Our patrols struggled with knots, but easily pitched their tripod structures.
Sled Race
The sled race tested the scouts’ abilities to run faster than everyone else. They ran a loop that was a fifth of a mile long in a field. Our patrols finished in second and third in the sled race. All in all, it was a fun adventurous day, and everyone had a good time.
Troop 85 