Every year the Transatlantic Council organise the Klondike Derby event in Kandersteg. Last year was the third year Troop 130 has attended the event and the scouts who attended this all agreed at the end of the event that it was a very good experience. Photos from previous visits can be viewed at the Scouts photoalbum (password protected so contact me for the password)The 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, the unit will stay at a station for a predetermined time (usually around 30 minutes) and then move to the next in a round robin fashion. The unit must transport their gear on a dog sled, usually self-constructed and pulled by the Scouts. Last years events included, log chopping, fire building,an archery test, first aid and rescue test, snow shoeing relay race, snow fishing and building a shelter for the scouts and their sledge.
this years event is the Surf Invitational and the proposed schedule for the weekend is as follows
2012 Kandersteg Surf Invitational
Weekend Schedule
Friday, 13 January 2012
1530 until 1900 registration
1700 – 2100 Dinner
2130 PLC for SPL & Primary Unit leader
2300 Lights OutSaturday, 14 January 2012
0830-0845 Opening Ceremony
0845-0900 Patrol placement at station
0900-1115 AM Program begin
1130-1300 Lunch – Tower
1300-1500 PM Program
1500-1600 Scouters Rent Ski Equipment
1730-1900 Dinner at assigned building
1930-2030 Campfire & Awards Ceremony
2030-2130 KISC Winter Sports Day Safety Briefing – KanderLodge
2200 Lights outSunday, 15 January 2012
0915-0930 Scouts' Own Service
1000-1700 Clean out dorms – sledging, snow shoeing, skiing – winter activity (to be agreed with patrol leaders)
The actual Klondike events for 2011 haven't been published however 2010's event was as follows (what you need to bring will be mostly the same):
1. First Aid Area
Blindfolded Stretcher Carry
First Aid and Survival Kit Inspection
First Aid: Split and Transport
2. Orienteering
Orienteering course
Compass Operations and Bearing Readings
Height and Distance Estimation
Map Symbols
3. Winter Emergency Rescue
Ice Rescue
Obstacle Challenge (Gully Crossing)
4. Knots and Lashings
Sled Building
5. Survival Skills
Shelter Building
Fire Building and Water Boiling
6. Sled Race for Time and Accuracy
Slalom Race
Sled Inspection
7. Scout Peak of Knowledge
First Aid and Survival Quiz
Winter Safety
Scouting Knowledge
REQUIRED PATROL EQUIPMENT (must be on your sled throughout the day)
Klondike sled.
Compass – 2 per sled
Patrol/Team Flag mounted to sled (highly recommended)
10 ft. length of knot tying rope per scout
Poles 1”-2” in diameter and lashing twine (2 – 6 ft lengths, 5 – 5 ft lengths, 2 – 31/2 ft
lengths, 2 – 1 ½ ft lengths and approx. 100 ft of twine)
One 20 ft. rope per sled
Matches or other none liquid fire starter (e.g. flint and steel/friction starter)
First Aid Kit, triangular bandages and Splints
One Blanket
Scout Handbook
Clip Board, Pencil and Paper
At least 2 gallons of drinking water contained in a 2 or 2.5 gal. jug.
Tarp (for Patrol Emergency)
Every participant will need his cook kit (cup, bowl and spoon) for meals.
One 2 qt. pot to make 6 – 9 cups of hot chocolate in over an open fire and boiled an egg.
Small Sack to hold your gold marked with troop number and patrol name on it.
Spare coat, hat, gloves and boots for emergencies.
One sturdy Scout Stave per patrol member.
A black foot locker or box to carry patrol and personal gear in sled.
Scoring of Events
Gold Nuggets will be given out as points earned. Patrols will have their own bag with their troop number and patrol name on the bag, which the gold nuggets that the patrol earns will be, place into. These bags will be handed over to the adult running the last station of the day the boys are at (1500 hrs).
Based on our experience last year where we had beautiful but cold weather (-5 to -10) with dry powder snow, we recommend that anyone participating (including adults) must wear a good pair of waterproof snow boots, preferably with tall sides. The scouts will be out all day and snow/water tends to drift into the tops of boots if there not tall enough and then you end up with very cold wet feet (which are difficult to warm up).
We have last years sledge which could be used however some redecoration/redesign would be in order and if we have enough scouts who would like to go we will need to build a second sledge. Sledge designs can be found on the internet or you can come up with your own design. I'd recommend you go for a light weight design and something that can be assembled and dismantled easily for transporting to and from the event.
In terms of what happens here are the official program outline provided by TAC.
Program Notes
Scouts must be prepared to spend the entire day in the challenge area. They will not be allowed to leave the event area to retrieve forgotten items. They should be dressed and prepared for the weather, which can be cold and wet. It will be required that scouts change their socks at least once during the day and will be questioned concerning this. Lunch will be provided at the “Tower.” Warm beverages will also be available throughout the day at the Tower. Scouts should have a base knowledge in cold weather injuries and should be aware enough of themselves and their fellow scouts to make sure no one gets hypothermia or frostbite.
Several medic and warm up areas will be available in case they’re needed.
Patrols are expected to be on time to all events & stations throughout the race.
The Program Director will act as head judge and will decide any protests.
Campfire Program
Saturday evening at approximately 1900, we will host the Klondike Derby Awards Ceremony & Campfire at the KISC campfire ring. It will last approximately 30 minutes. Since it is outdoors, please ensure that everyone dresses accordingly.
Mandatory Meetings
There will be two mandatory meetings. On Friday night, the SPL & Primary Unit leader will be required to attend the Derby PLC. On Saturday evening after the campfire program, the KISC staff will give the Safety Briefing for Sunday’s events. This is mandatory for all participants. This is where units will get their tickets and passes for the following day.
Sunday
After a “Scout’s Own” religious service in the morning, Sunday will be a free day for Scout Fellowship, Skiing, tobogganing, and exploring the village of Kandersteg. Troop leaders are responsible for the program on Sunday and are always responsible for their Scout’s actions.
Fire Building Competition
There will be a fire building competition this year. Patrols may bring with them to the station lint, steel wool, and small amounts of tinder. At the event, fuel wood will be provided and scouts can collect tinder/kindling and anything else found in nature to get their fire going. Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES may patrols use any chemical-based; commercial fire starter aids. Patrols that bring banned items will be disqualified from the station.
Volunteer Meeting
There will be a volunteer meeting for anyone on Friday night in the main chalet. Times will be put out at registration. This is for everyone who would like to help or has already volunteered to help.
EQUIPMENT
Personal Equipment Recommended (see troops guidelines for more details)
Scout Handbook and Fieldbook
Scout Uniform (Required for evening meals and the award ceremony)
Duffel Bag or Suitcase (Backpacks with frames are not recommended)
Sleeping Bag (Bedding not provided)
Pajamas or Jogging Suit
Pair of House Shoes (No boots or outside shoes beyond Entrance Hall)
Winter Jacket and other appropriate cold weather layers
Winter Trousers, (ski salopettes, or thick trousers (not jeans) and waterproof trousers to go over)
Winter Footwear (make sure they are well waterproofed beforehand and preferably with high sides)
Toilet Kit = 1
Bath Towel = 1
Laundry Bag = 1
Flashlight = 1
Sun Screen
Changes of Underwear = 3
Socks = 6
Note: A complete change of clothing should always be brought, in the event of the Scout/Scouter getting completely wet or muddy. This is common cold weather protection information.
Suggested Personal Equipment, Optional
Watch Camera
Extra Shoelaces Sun Glasses
Ski Equipment Ski Clothing
Pocket Knife Extra Pants
Extra shirts
Work Gloves/Heavy duty
gators
Items To Be Left At Home
Sheath Knives
Walkmans, Radios, Boxes, PSP's, Nintendo's and the likes, etc…
Liquid Fuel
Fireworks, Poppers, Caps, etc…
Aerosol Cans
Military Clothes And Equipment
Un-scout-like Behavior
ANY & ALL chemical-based fire starter aids.
