This winter, our Troop attended the 2026 Klondike Derby. The event included many challenges that required scouting skills to complete. Each patrol completed seven challenges, travelling the camp and earning points in the process. Our Troop had two patrols competing this year.
Fire building
For the first challenge, patrols had to build a sustainable fire. This challenge was scored on the quality and sustainability of the fire. However, the melting snow provided a challenge to potential fire-builders. Despite this, both patrols from our Troop successfully built fires for this challenge.
Knot tying
Next was the knot-tying station. This station tested patrols’ knowledge of common knots such as the square knot, two half hitches, taut-line hitch, bowline, clove hitch, and timber hitch. Each member of the patrol had to help tie at least one knot.
Axe Throwing
Next, scouts were given the opportunity to try axe-throwing. Each scout got a practice round before the patrol had to decide who would compete for the patrol’s score. This person got an additional practice round before the set of throws that was scored. Scoring ranged from five points (for bouncing off of the target) to 15 points (for embedding the axe in the wood of the target) per throw, and patrols could get up 40 points.
First Aid
The next challenge was a First Aid test. For this scenario, the patrol leader had fallen and broken his knee, and the goal was to transport him to the first responders. Scouts had to account for realistic issues, like preventing frostbite, the necessity of splinting the knee, and the creation of a stretcher, but they ultimately accomplished the task.
Orienteering
The next challenge was an orienteering course, where patrols had to locate a point in camp given a series of bearings and corresponding distances. Points were awarded based on the precision of the orienteering. While the patrols from our Troop struggled with this challenge, they persevered and eventually completed the challenge.
Lashing
For the lashings challenge, patrols had to construct a structure to mount their patrol flag on. This was accomplished through a base composed of a tripod lashing and a round lashing that secured the flag. Overall, both patrols from our Troop preformed satisfactorily on this challenge.
Leadership
The final challenge this year was a leadership trial. Scouts elected an individual to lead them through an obstacle course. While the elected leader was allowed to see, everyone else was blindfolded, leaving them at the mercy of their leader. Points were awarded for competent traversal of the course and effective leadership.
The Derby
Every Klondike ends with the Klondike derby, a race with sleds that every patrol participates in. This year, the race was structured more like a tournament, with qualifying rounds that patrols had to complete to get into the final race.
Fortunately, one of our patrols qualified for the final round. They did an amazing job there, winning 2nd place. Our Troop enjoyed the whole experience, having fun despite the cold.
Troop 85 