Every year, Boy Scout Troop 97 participates in a winter Klondike Derby, packing a sled with equipment necessary to complete a series of stations that test their knowledge and skills of Scouting.

Despite the warm weather, the Keystone Capital District hosted an adventure-packed derby at Hidden Valley Scout Reservation in Loysville. Leadership and communication were required for the obstacle course.

"One Scout was able to see and had to guide his blindfolded patrol through an obstacle course of ropes and trees," reported Star Scout Jordan Paul, noting that another station required the derby sleds to carry supplies necessary to build a fire and boil water in a two-quart metal pot. "These are timed events, so the faster your skills are, the more points your team earns," he said.

According to Scoutmaster Bill Lee, 12 Scouts and three leaders attended the Klondike Derby this year. "We entered two sleds and, despite the lack of snow, took fifth place in the overall derby competition," he reported.

Other stations tested the Scouts' knowledge of first aid and orienteering. "We wore goggles that were painted so we couldn't see out of them and had to set up a two-man tent," noted Tenderfoot Scout William Zakovitch.

According to Lee, the derby officials stated that the Scouts of Troop 97 excelled at this skill.

When asked what station he enjoyed the most, Zakovitch said, "Axe throwing!"

So far this year, Troop 97 has volunteered more than 350 community service hours to its sponsor, the Londonderry Fire Company No. 1, during its annual fish fry. Scouts served meals, kept drinks filled, bused tables and washed dishes on seven consecutive Fridays. They also volunteered 36 hours at the Geyers United Methodist Church Easter egg hunt by scattering eggs, guiding children to their assigned age areas and handing out prizes. 

Upcoming campouts are planned for Gettysburg Battlefield and Ricketts Glen State Park. For information about Troop 97, contact Ted Pauley at 717-503-3078.