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Douglas Fir District hosted our annual Oregon Trail Council Klondike Derby up the North Umpqua River in the beautiful Diamond Lake area on Highway 138 east of Roseburg OR. Although the weather can’t always be optimal the event and smiles created certainly are. Nearly 160 Scouts and Crew members along with 70 adult leaders and volunteers enjoyed our only council-wide winter camp. Originating in 1979 this Klondike Derby brings together units from all five districts in the council and historically many from outside the Oregon Trail Council.
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This year was no exception. The slush didn’t deter the Scouters from performing at a high level in 8 skills stations including winter weather First aid, winter camping skills, knot tying, HAM radio communication, and of course shooting sports, including slingshots and black powder muzzleloader live firing ranges. The units competed as patrols and were scored by instructors to determine the best of our best participants. There were “Gold Nuggets” handed out and everyone turned these into the trading post for well-deserved rewards for the day’s activities.
The event was overwhelmingly successful and enjoyed by all. The units were able to stay overnight if desired and bravely managed through darkness, rain, slush, and freeze-dried meals all while meeting new friends and learning a new appreciation for winter scouting at its finest!
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Thanks to Eugene Regan for another super event and all other organizing volunteers. We also would like to thank ODOT for the use of this venue that is absolutely uniquely beautiful and perfect for this event.
