Klondike - Huge Success Again

The Western Skies Klondike Derby was held on February 20-21, 2015 at Soldier Hollow, with over 650 boys and leaders attending the event.  Tubing at the Soldier Hollow tubing hill was the highlight Friday evening, with hundreds enjoying several runs down the hill.  Rumors are that the speeds picked up as the night went on!  The weather cooperated with light snow overnight, making it a winter wonderland on Saturday morning. 

Saturday morning started off with a campfire program by the Order of the Arrow with help from several troops.  Donuts were provided by one of the zones.  Klondike events on Saturday included fire starting, log saw, smoosh board, first aid/rescue, tomahawk/knife throw, and sled races (each manned by one or several zones).  A good time was had by all who participated.  Winners for each event were chosen based on time (or points for the tomahawk throw).  Times were adjusted based on how well prepared the troops were.  First, second, and third place prizes were awarded, as follows

Event	First Place	Second Place	Third Place
Fire Starting	Troop 000	Troop 114	Troop 1305
Log Saw (teams of 2)	Troop 1205 (Stump and Stump)	Troop 1631 (? and ?)	Troop 7676 (Caleb and Russell)
Smoosh Board	Troop 820	Troop 1232	Troop 1205
First Aid/Rescue	Troop 1520	Troop 000	Troop 120
Tomahawk Throw	Troop 1292	Troop 0274	Troop 1368
Sled Races	Troop 1631	Troop 1676	Troop 1653
Overall Winner	Troop 000
Father Judge Spirit of the Klondike	Troop 1520	Troop 820	Troop 1444

If you didn’t claim your award, it will be available at March Roundtable.

The Father Judge Spirit of the Klondike awards were tallied from a combination of points for preparedness, uniforms, troop yells, and sportsmanship.  The award is named after Father William Henry Judge, a Jesuit priest who was living and working among the native people in Alaska when gold was discovered on Rabbit Creek (renamed Bonanza Creek), a tributary to the Klondike River.

In May 1897, Father Judge went to Dawson, acquired 3 acres of land, and built a hospital, church, and residences. He spent hours cheering and comforting the sick and consoling the dying.  He sacrificed his life in the service of others.  He fell ill with pneumonia in January 1899 and died a few days later.  The entire town of Dawson turned out for his funeral and he became known as the Saint of Dawson.  In his life he embodied elements of what would later be found in the Scout oath, even duty to God and his fellow man.   Thus the Spirit of the Klondike is truly Scout Spirit!

Thanks to all who attended and participated in any way!