Klondike derby

A Klondike derby is an annual event held by some Boy Scouts of America and Scouts Canada districts during the winter months and is based on the heritage of the Klondike Gold Rush. [ cite web|url=http://scoutdocs.ca/Klondike/ |title=Klondike, Ho! |accessdate=2007-10-09 |author=Morland, Liam |work=Scoutdocs ] BSA units have been running Klondike derbies since 1949. [ cite journal|title=The Grandaddy of Klondike Derbies|journal=Scouting|date=|first=|author=Peterson, Robert|issue=January-February 1999|url=http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/9901/a-klon.html|accessdate=2007-10-09 ]

The event varies by district, but the typical Klondike derby consists of a series of stations where units must test their Scoutcraft skills and their leadership abilities, earning points towards a total score. [ cite web|url=http://www.boyslife.org/workshop/klondike.pdf |title=Plan and Run a Klondike Derby |accessdate=2007-10-09 |work=Boys' Life ]

The unit must transport their gear on a dog sled, usually self-constructed and pulled by the Scouts. Districts may have specific guidelines for the construction of sleds. [ cite web|url=http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/about/download/klondike.pdf |title=Plans for Klondike Derby Sled (Sledge} |accessdate=2007-10-09 |work=Scouting ]

The stations are often named after classic Alaskan towns such as Anchorage, Barrow and Wasilla and the person in charge of the station is often known as the mayor. The unit will stay at a station for a predetermined time, then move to the next in a round robin fashion.

The final event is usually a sled race between units and then a campfire with an awards ceremony.

Many people who go in a Klondike derby are referred to as "Dikies" or "Klikies" (From Klondike).

References