BELGRADE– Despite the 14 degree temperature, Camp Bomazeen in Belgrade played host on Saturday, January 20, to an outdoor competition between Brown Bears, Northern Pike, Falcons, Arctic Sharks, a Wolf Pack, Antarctic Polar Sturgeon, and Spicy Meatballs. Those were the names of some of the Patrols of Scouts assembled to vie for the top spot in the annual Klondike Derby. The theme this year was the Polar Express and like in the movie, Scouts received a bell at each station with the word “Believe” engraved on it.

Julie McKenney of Belgrade, Activities Director for Kennebec Valley District, chaired the team of volunteers who organized the event attracting Scouts from twelve troops from Farmington to Damariscotta and from Skowhegan to Bath. The Scouts competed as a patrol in stations that stressed teamwork to overcome challenges of such traditional Scout skills as fire building, outdoor cooking, winter safety, first aid and leadership training.

Millard Davis of Clinton is an Assistant Scoutmaster of Winslow Troop 433 and ran one of the stations. At his area, Scouts had to work together to get their entire sled over a large mound of snow and then return. “They had to work together to figure out what was the best way and the safest way to get their sled up and over the steep incline,” Davis said. “The ones who worked together completed the task quicker than those who spent more time arguing. We want them to practice teamwork.”

Scouts from Farmington Troop 546 not only competed but also came in second place overall. “I am always impressed by our Scouts,” said Troop 546 Scoutmaster Gearry Judkins who sported snowshoes to get around camp.

Willow Mudie is a Scout in Augusta Troop 603. This was her second Klondike Derby. “It was pretty chilly,” she said. “I wore sweat pants, ski pants, scarf, hat, two layers of sweatshirts, three layers of gloves and a big, comfy coat.”

Safety was a major concern for Scout leaders as well. Each station had a fire pit where Scouts could get warm and extra hats and gloves were available in case any Scout found themselves with wet, cold hands. “We also had McCurdy lodge where Scouts could go to get warm,” McKenney said. “Or they could get cocoa or soup there as well. We want everyone to have a great time at camp and that means staying warm.”

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