(above) Fifth Grade Arrow of Light team, “Warren Tanks”
Warren Cub Scouts at Watchung Mountain District Klondike Derby
Submitted by Tricia Patricco
The Klondike Derby is an annual event held by Cub and Boy Scout districts during the winter months and is based on the heritage of the Klondike Gold Rush. Boy Scout units have been running Klondike derbies since 1949. The event varies by district, but a typical Klondike derby consists of several stations where patrols/units must test their skills and their leadership abilities, earning points towards a total score. Often, one or more races are included while the Scouts navigate between stations. Each unit must transport their gear on a homemade sled pulled by the Scouts. Districts may have specific guidelines for the construction of sleds.
On January 12 two patrols from Warren’s Cub Scout Pack 182 joined 23 other groups participating in the challenge of the Watchung Mountain District’s Klondike Derby. It was a rainy, freezing cold Sunday, but our scouts, Fifth Grade Arrow of Light team “Warren Tanks” and the Fourth Grade Webelo team “Flying Llamas” showed their best skills and teamwork to run the course. The race had 7 stations the scouts needed to navigate their way to: fire building, orienteering, First Aid, shelter building, outdoor cooking, knot tying, and distress communication.
Both patrols from Pack 182 tied for first place by receiving a near perfect score. Both patrols ran independently of one another and both scored 194 out of 195 points.
For ten weeks prior to the contest, the scouts dedicated themselves to training every Sunday outdoors to condition themselves to the elements the race would be run in. Warren’s Town Manager Mark Krane, and the Warren Township committee allowed the scouts to train on a section of town property just across the street from Wagner Farm.
“Warren Tanks” AOL (Arrow of Light) scouts were: Marcello Gioia, Gideon Minieri, Mateusz Teepee, Peter Rexford, Bernie Ryder, Kayden Thursfield-Ritchie, Joseph Guerra, and Michael Santoro.
“Flying Llamas” Webelo Scouts were: Tyler Shehady, Mark Armento, Ethan Hammond, Drew Connolly, Gavin Velazquez and Jayden Bathla.
The Pack is extremely proud of these scouts! It is clear that their hard work preparing for the contest is what enabled both patrols to perform at the highest level possible. Great work Scouts!
(above) The Fourth Grade Webelo team, “Flying Llamas”
