Note: I found a lot of good ideas and direction from this
plan when doing my own Polar Days planning. I hope you will also.
- s.r.t.-
The sheets that follow are those we used to run three district Klondike events over the last few years. We have given this information plus the graphics that accompany it to other districts in our area and have very good responses from them. If you would like to utilize these ideas, go ahead. That's what scouting is about, all working together to make great programs for our troops. I hope you will also share your ideas with others around the country. You can get most of the art work from Boy's Life and other scouting sources such as Wood's Wisdom. Ask your council for the BSA Clipart Disks for any insignia or logos you need. Let me know of your successes AND more importantly, any ideas you have to better our Klondike'96. Stan Hungness (hungness@mcs.net)
I would appreciate your help in making this year's Klondike Derby a great success. Some of you have worked on Klondike in prior years, and others are new to Scouting leadership, but all of us want to make the Klondike Winter Camping Experience something special for our boys. Please consider helping us again this year. If you are experienced, or if this is a new experience for you, I know that the time you donate will benefit you, your troop, and your boys.
Everyone who attends Klondike'95 works to make it "happen" by being assigned to various jobs during the day. However, it is the pre-planning that really makes the difference for the boy. This is your opportunity to direct what happens at Klondike'95, to determine what skills are imparted, and what activities are prepared and staged.
Please try to be present at our first meeting on DATE & TIME We'll start on time, but late enough for those who have conflicting troop meetings. It is extremely important for you to be present. However, if you cannot make the meeting, please call ahead and let me know (call Stan Hungness 357-4554).
Your first task between now and the meeting is to plan and come prepared with a list (preferably with drawings, typed explanation, and actual samples, if applicable) of activities you have found successful, rewarding, and FUN for boys to accomplish at events like Klondike Derby.
Your second task is to locate at least two adults who would like to work with you on your Klondike committee in some capacity. If possible, bring them to our meeting on the 5th.
Yours in Scouting,
CLOTHING: One of the most important requirements is knowing how to keep warm and dry. Each one must know what to wear. Winter weather is very changeable, requiring preparedness for almost any condition. A nice day can turn into a raging blizzard. Just before the turn of our century, men raced by means of dogs and sleds across the frozen wastes of Alaska in search of gold. They camped out in all kinds of winter weather. They had to be prepared with adequate survival knowledge. Utilizing the knowledge of the native Eskimos, the "goldrushers" survived. Scouting has capitalized on this theme and has developed the Klondike Derby as an activity for Boy Scouts. Traditionally the purpose of which has been a test of how well Scouts are prepared for cold weather and possible adverse conditions. Your best piece of cold weather clothing is your mind! Dress to be dry, don't do any activity fast enough to sweat, remove layers or add layers to accomplish this. Cold weather camping requires adequate clothing and waterproof boots to protect the camper and yet be versatile enough to prevent sweating during activity and keep the boy warm during idle periods. Layered clothing meets this requirement. A second and third change of inner clothing will be required for your boy's personal safety and comfort. Just prior to our "soup-dinner" you should see that any boys who have wet underclothing change to dry clothing as eating and the campfire are sedentary activities during which time the boy will be cold!! A wool stocking cap or similar head covering is necessary both during the day and at night in the sleeping bag to retain warmth. Note for Scout Leaders: Please realize that boys do not "feel the cold" as adults do, if they are uncomfortable, they will bundle up. It doesn't hurt to remind them, however.
YOUR JOB AS LEADERS: Troops must be alerted, patrols have to be prepared!! Klondike style sleds or sledges must be built or put back in shape (don't forget to wax the runners). If a patrol does not have a sled, use the attached plans to build one. Toboggans and store bought sleds will not be allowed to participate (the only exception to this is a Webelos patrol, who may use a toboggan if an extra sled is not available from a troop). Incidentally, don't let the idea of sleds scare you. It is not essential to have snow for this event -- many of our best derbies have been held without snow. However, my weather GURU had predicted SNOW FOR '94, and he was right. We'll have even more in '95.
GENERAL INFORMATION: Each "Dog Team" (so-called because Scouts act as Huskies), as a separate expedition, follows a course IN NUMERICAL ORDER as outlined on a map/scoresheet given to the unit leader at registration. The map guides the team over a field course to simulated "towns".
A practical problem involving basic Scouting skills will be encountered at each city. Depending on how well the team works out this contest problem, it will be awarded a number "gold" points and have its score sheet marked and be off to the next town. Each "town" also has several other events that patrols may participate in for additional points. Towns MUST be visited in the correct rotation in order for the patrol to participate. All patrols must visit all towns, but may not have time to participate in all activities at all towns.
After the final town, the team is on the final stretch. Report to the K Lodge (soup area) station to have your score sheets checked and recorded. Your patrol may them head off to the "KLONDIKE PETE'S STORE" to purchase trinkets and goodies with their "gold". Patches will then be awarded to each dog team member (previously given to the unit leaders), along with a ribbon based on their total score. The K Lodge (staff area kitchen) will host the Order of the Arrow "Soup Supper" starting at 4:30 p.m. behind the pavilion.
Every Webelos and Boy Scout and will want to be in on the Derby. Look over the enclosed plan, talk it up and get the patrols working now!! The KLONDIKE DERBY committee is working to make this Klondike Derby the BIGGEST winter activity that's ever happened in our district.
History- Snowsnakes was a Seneca Indian sport of strength and skill. The game was simple, the goal was to slide a long smooth stick along a trough in the snow the farthest. Expertise required not just strength but an accurate eye and great skill at placing the shaft properly in the trough to enable it to travel the maximum distance.
Snowsnakes were between 5 and 9 feet long and were made of hickory, maple, or walnut wood. They were superbly designed for speed and, if skillfully handled, traveled with the velocity of a loosed arrow. To give the stick sufficient weight, its conical head was enlarged and beveled up in the shape of a snake's head.
The trough was made by dragging a smooth-barked log lengthwise through the snow several times until the trench was about 1500 feet long and at least 10 inches deep. Any number could play the game individually or as team members. In addition to active participants, each side had snowsnake "doctors" who cared for the sticks, rubbing them with "medicine" (beeswax or animal oils) to reduce their friction. Contests were judged by umpires who made certain the rules of the game were strictly observed.
Materials needed: 3/4" by 1 1/2" wood stick between 5 and 6 feet long.
Construction: Cut off a piece of one end of the stick on an angle to become the "head" of the snake. Carve or shape the snake with a wood rasp and sand paper. Be careful not to make it top heavy! Paint and decorate the "snake." Gloss alkyd paint works the best. Use auto wax for a highly polished surface & use several coats. EVENT GUIDELINES
Each boy will be inspected BY YOU before he takes off on the trail. The unit leader will be required to file a form indicating that his unit is ready for the trail. If any boy is not adequately dressed, he will not be allowed on the trail. An adult leader will be required to remain with any Scout not allowed on the trail. This ruling will be rigidly enforced. Please save the hard feelings and see that your Troop is prepared.
a) Clothing - proper and warm for existing conditions.
Wear the Scout uniform, it is a rugged piece of equipment. Supplement it with additional layers of clothing.
b) Footwear - proper for existing conditions, no tennies.
Wear wool socks over a pair of cotton or even better wicking ones. Do not wear low cut shoes (no tennis shoes) unless covered by a pair of galoshes.
c) Headgear - to cover head and ears (scarves recommended)
Wear a head protector which has ear covering. An added scarf will protect the face from the cold and biting wind.
d) Handgear - to protect a vulnerable part of the body.
Hands should be protected with wool mittens covered with a water repellent shell. Gloves may be worn, but are not as warm as mittens.
e) Sled - to contain a COMPLETE extra set of warm dry clothes and socks (wrapped in a water proof covering) for EACH patrol member to change into at supper time if necessary.
This year's event will stress the natural patrol or den. Let the patrol or den succeed or fail on the strength of its members. Boy Scout leaders DO NOT accompany their boys. A maximum of two Webelos leaders are needed to accompany, BUT NOT HELP their dens.
Located indoors in the Klondike staff quarters (K Lodge). This area is manned throughout the derby. Also, there is a warming shed (Klondike Pete's Store) for your "EMERGENCY" use NOT to be used for other purposes. The whole idea of the Klondike is to train boys for OUTDOOR WINTER ACTIVITY. Hot Chocolate is available OUTSIDE at this location as well as "K" Lodge.
Traditionally the purpose of the Klondike Derbies over the years, has been a test of how well Scouts are prepared for cold weather and possible adverse conditions. Therefore, unless weather reaches dangerous conditions -- the DERBY WILL GO ON! (This will be determined at the site)
Send in the pre-registration form to Council Office with your unit's $10 fee so it will be delivered prior to the "Early Bird" date. An additional late fee of $10 will be assessed any unit registering on-site without having been pre-registered. Try to accurately estimate your participation, as we need to purchase adequate food, materials, and refreshments.
Bring the completed Klondike Registration Form with you to the Derby. Boy Scout Troops (and associated Webelos dens) register FRIDAY after 4 p.m. then proceed to their campsites to set up their REGULAR TENT camps. Troops start Klondike competition after LUNCH when they have completed the building of their "TARP SHELTERS". Webelos not camping may start registration at 9 a.m. and proceed immediately to the Klondike "towns" assigned at registration starting competition at 10 a.m. The registration fee is $4.00 per person. This fee will be used to cover the cost of the patches, ribbons, awards, eats, beverages and operating costs. All troops and packs are encouraged to save the $10 penalty and pre-register using the attached-form.
This year each skill event will be SCORED ON A POINT BASIS! "Gold" will be awarded for participation in these activities. Here's How To Earn "GOLD" at Klondike:
A. Registration Clothing and Footwear Inspection
B. Camp Inspection Pioneering Implements, Protection,
Camp Safety Practices, Ecology, Tarp Shelter
Town #1 "ATTU" Sinking Sled Rescue
Town #2 "KODIAK"
Town #3 "POLAR COVE"
Town #4 "SKAGWAY"
Town #5 "JUNEAU"
Town #6 "FAIRBANKS"
Klondike sleds, snow snakes, compasses, and other small items will be required of all participating patrols. Patrol/Den Flag, Staves - 4 per group, 6 ft. rope per scout / and one 15 ft. rope per sled, Tinder, kindling and 2 pieces of 2X4 (12" long)Matches, First Aid Kit and Splints, Blanket, Scout Fieldbook, Clip Board, Pencil and Paper, 2 1/2 gallon drinking water. Enough tarps for ground cover and dining flies for coverings for your group will be needed. We will camp "in the trees" so there will be much shelter and places to tie down. Every participant will need his cook kit (cup, bowl and spoon) for meals.
FOOD LIST This is NOT lunch, but event food! One apple for each boy. One can of Tomato base soup per boy (turn in at registration), Lunch for Saturday Noon meal.
PERSONAL TWO Sleeping Bags & Ground insulation (if overnight) Pocket Knife, Compass (one per sled), 2 Flashlights, Spoon, Bowl, & Drinking Cup (no paper products supplied), Scout Handbook, Adequate layers of clothing, Adequate footgear, headgear, and handgear.
TROOP CAMP Dry firewood (or chance picking it up)
EQUIPMENT Open fire cooking gear (Soaped), Tents, Rope, twine, waterproof ground cover (visqueen), adequate tarps for primitive shelters.
NUGGET OR COIN POUCH Each team will need a sturdy, homemade, leather, canvas or plastic pouch. MARK IT with unit number, patrol name or totem. Size should be 9" X 3" with a draw string.
Friday, all units sleeping out will sleep in TENTS. Saturday, after breakfast, troops will start to build their tarp encampments in assigned areas. NO modern equipment is allowed (exclusive of groundcover, ie. thermorests, visqueen, etc. Tarp camping in summer is DIFFERENT than winter. Winter tarps are 1. on the ground as ground cover (visqueen or canvas for this); 2. securely fastened to and LOW to the ground with branches for low loft support and fastening and 3. supply shelter for 4 or 5 boys. Many are loosely open at the head end and fastened down to the ground at the foot end, but supported for perhaps weeks of snowfall. Ground depressions work well in "frozen ground conditions" but are not well received in "wet/melted" conditions. Tarp locations will be judged after lunch on Saturday and these
**In addition, each volunteer makes a sheet with the activities they plan for their "Town" and compile it into a book that will be given to all volunteers when Klondike is over. These sheets must be short, but include exact instructions on how to run and score (if scoring is used) each event. Pictures are mandatory and clear text imperative for on Klondike day, EVERY ADULT judges and runs the events. Our town mayors administrate and make sure all is going smoothly, they DO NOT work their events. It is sometimes hard to get this across as running events is FUN, but mayors can't look after all the events if they are doing one. We DO NOT allow parents to accompany Scouts at all and limit adults for the Webelos. Most adults look forward to working Klondike. When each troop registers, they are given a sheet with adult responsibilities assigned. Each adult gets one sheet with his assignments for the day. He will be told to report to event so-and-so at 9 a.m.; to lunch with his troop and to report to a different event at 1:00 after lunch. Each mayor greets his volunteers and instructs them in the running of the event they are assigned to. Each volunteer knows what event is indicated and is free to exchange sheets with another to get a better assignment. Some volunteers are FREE for a period of time so they can follow their own boys, some are free all day, but get duty like Kibo cleanup at the end of the day. I have not yet had any complaints about assignments, as everyone knows that EVERYONE is needed to make Klondike happen. One little word of advice, I have tried many different time periods to recruit staff and it never fails that I have every position filled by the New Year. Volunteers don't usually want to commit until the first snow falls, so that is when I have my first meetings.**
I hope this is of help to you, and I hope everything I intended to include in this file is in the file.
1/1/96