Overmountain District Vance Klondike Derby

February 8th, 2020 9am start

1/11/20 4:13 PM Final Leaders Guide 1 This replaces all others!

The 51st Overmountain Vance Klondike Derby is dedicated to our fellow Scouter and Klondike Derby Planning Committee Member

Herbert Norman Van Nostrand III. Jan. 30, 1938 to Nov. 21, 2019

1/11/20 4:13 PM 2 Overmountain District Vance Klondike Derby 2020 February 8, 2020 Sugar Hollow Park, Bristol, VA Fellow Scouters:

Here is your preliminary information packet for the Fifty-First Overmountain Vance Klondike Derby. The 2020 Klondike Derby will be on February 8th at Sugar Hollow Park, Bristol, VA. (The Continuous Campfire will remain in Bristol VA, across from the train station)

In 1970, the mayors of Bristol, VA and Bristol, TN officially proclaimed the Saturday that falls within Scout Week as “Klondike Derby Day” in Bristol. They urged all citizens to lend whatever assistance they could to the Derby. This enduring tradition also requires your help to make it a successful and fun experience for all of our youth.

Historically, the Pellissippi District Klondike Derby was rotated to different locales within the district and individual units sponsored the skills stations. Changing the venue of the Overmountain District’s Klondike Derby has been under discussion for several years. However, in tribute to the 50th Anniversary of the Klondike Derby held in the historic downtown of Bristol, moving to a different location was not considered. For the Fifty-First Klondike Derby, we are on the steps of a new chapter, a new half century! The Klondike Derby Committee incorporated some of the suggestions and ideas that have been gathered from past Derby surveys, discussions with unit leaders, and most importantly, youth input. We have maintained many elements of past Klondike Derbies that have served us so well. Our objective is to keep our Klondike Derby challenging and exciting. In Overmountain, we are fortunate to have varied and rich traditions from two districts: Ocanosta and Pellissippi. When our districts were combined several years ago to form the Overmountain district, the Klondike Derby continued as it had been run for many years in the Ocanosta district. The time has come to integrate our experiences and create a Klondike Derby that reflects the heritage, knowledge, and talents of all. Let the Challenge begin!

2020 Klondike Derby Committee

Tom Fowlkes, Chair Committee Members: Anna Booher, Karen Haaser, Richard Macbeth, Mike Smith

1/11/20 4:13 PM 3 Klondike Derby General Information

Location: Sugar Hollow Park, 23261 Sugar Hollow Rd., Bristol VA. The Derby will be in the rear section of the park, past the soccer fields at the Picnic Area. Follow Sugar Hollow Rd to the end and through the Park Ranger’s gate. In February, this back portion of the park is usually closed to vehicles and camping. We will have use of this part of the park for February 8th only. There will be parking available for personal vehicles, but NO TRAILERS ARE PERMITTED. Unfortunately, camping is not an option this year. Pickup trucks are best to bring in the Sledge’s and can park at the stations.

https://goo.gl/maps/8vQMmde8WpM5SasVA

A detailed map of the event area is on the last page of this guide which includes all the stations. Remember it is ONE WAY TRAFFIC turn right when you get into the site.

Registration: Starts at 0830 Feb 8th 2020

• The unit leader and SPL will submit the completed unit registration form (see end of this document), with payment, at the check-in area of the Derby Headquarters. More details to follow on this process. • A registration fee of $6.00 is to be paid by all scouts and scouters to cover the cost of the Klondike Derby patch, ribbons, insurance, porta-potties, etc. • Patches: Each scout and scouter registered will receive a patch especially designed for the derby. Past year’s patches are now collector’s items, if you can find them!

What’s new? (This is important!)

• Each station will be run by one troop that has volunteered for that service. Specific stations have been assigned by a random drawing at the Dec 12th Round Table Meeting and are listed along with the station chart on next page. Activity/test guidelines for each station have been emailed to the unit Key 3. Some stations have carefully defined guidelines. Others allow for more creativity. All scoring must be objective and measurable for a total of 20 possible points per station. Unit leaders will ‘run’ the station while the scouts participate in the Derby. A SCOUT IS TRUSTWORTHY. It is expected that leaders will not share the content of the skill test with youth of their unit beyond that which is generally described below. • Lunch will be 30 minutes long and the patrol will eat at the station they are at during the lunch period. NO FOOD MAY BE BROUGHT IN FROM McDonald’s, CHICK-FIL-A, OR ANY OTHER OUTSIDE COMMERCIAL RESTAURANT. NO FOOD MAY BE BROUGHT TO THE PATROL BY SCOUT LEADERS, PARENTS, FRIENDS, ETC. The patrol will have their lunch on their sledge at the start of the event, along with water/water bottles. There will be water stations available to re-fill their water bottles. Leaders don’t forget your own lunch!!

1/11/20 4:13 PM 4 • Patrols should bring only the fire making materials needed to quickly make a fire and burn through a string that is positioned above it. This is a timed event. The fire may be started with only a hot spark or flint/steel. No other method may be used. There will be fireboxes to build your fire in. No artificial accelerants (i.e. commercial Firestarter blocks, lighters) will be allowed! • Unit trailers may NOT be brought into the park. There will be parking for vehicles. • ALL trash must be packed out. We cannot leave trash cans with trash in them. The park is ‘closed’ except for this event and there is no scheduled trash pick-up. Therefore, each sledge has a trash bag as a required item because every unit is responsible for packing out their own trash. • TWO Best Sledge Categories: Traditional and Themed

Scout Challenges: Max Points - 200

Town Station Troop(s) Problem Points Fort Selkirk I 1 Compass 20 Fairbanks B 8 Wrist Rockets 20 Attu D 20 Camp Tools and Safety 20 Shageluk E2 222 Map Reading 20 Yakataga Loins C3 Archery 20 Bearpaw G 32/5/304 Knots and Lashing 20 Skagway C 222 First Aid 20 Kodiak H 70 Disability Awareness 20 Reddog F 76 Fire building 20 Crooked Creek E3 3 Sledge Race 20

What scouts need to know:

• Compass: Pacing, compass navigation • Wrist Rockets: Safety awareness, listening skills • Camp tools and Safety: Familiarity with common camp tools, safety concerns and the proper demonstration of tool use also you need to show your Totin-chip. • Map Reading: Demonstrate ability to answer questions related to a map. Compass required. • Archery: Safety awareness, listening skills • Knots and Lashing: Demonstrate knowledge of BSA knots and lashings and the ability to use that knowledge in a practical demonstration. • First Aid: Demonstrate knowledge. Reference: First Aid Merit Badge Requirements • Disability Awareness: Patrol will be ‘given’ a disability and complete a task and questions. • Fire-building: Build a fire quickly that can burn through a string suspended above – timed task. See “What’s New?” above • Sledge Race - Yep. Timed individual sledge race.

1/11/20 4:13 PM 5 Rules and Procedures:

• All scouts and scouters should be reminded that the rules must be followed. Our Scout Oath and Law guide our actions and attitudes. People will be watching us and will judge scouting by what they see us do. With one exception (Sledge Race), there will be no running. Scouters help us here. We do not want anyone hurt. You have the authority to stop any patrol violating derby rules and to report it to headquarters. The back side of this derby has a steep downhill run. • Sledges: No wheels. Wood runners only. Sledges should be about 6 feet long. They are generally about 18 inches wide. Sledges must weigh at least 10 pounds per patrol member. Some flexibility might be given to First Class Unit patrols. • Patrol Flags: All sledges are expected to have a Patrol Flag. • Patrols comprised of First-Class Scouts and under will compete against other ‘like experienced’ patrols. • Uniforms: At least half of the patrol members should be wearing a scout shirt at the minimum. Full uniforms are encouraged but not required. • Awards: o Patrols will be awarded points at each town depending on how well they handle their problem. The mayor or his assistant will be the final judge on skills. Each patrol will have a paper score sheet, signed off on by each town Mayor. That score sheet is turned in at Headquarters for posting at end of the event. Each Mayor will also keep a record of every unit’s score at his/her station. This will be used to verify points earned if needed. o Trophies will be awarded to the top three patrols and Ribbons to the best ‘first class and under’ patrols. o Unit Ribbons (points): § Blue Ribbon – 150 or greater § Red Ribbon – 100 -149 § Yellow Ribbon – 55-99 o There will be a special judging for the best sledges and patrol flags. Please read the patrol flag and sledge contest guidelines. A new category for sledges has been added this year. This material will assist your patrols in preparing to win the best sledge and best patrol, flag awards. o Night and daytime Polar Bear Award from Continuous Campfire will be awarded o Patches, ribbons, and trophies will be given out at the end of the day. • Once the units have completed the check-in process, their patrols can begin to line up at 8:30am for inspection and judging for Best Sledge and Patrol Flag. The first patrol will get its instructions and head out at 9:00 a.m.

1/11/20 4:13 PM 6 • Leaders should not accompany the patrols and may not attempt to coach them in any way during the derby. For patrols of “new” scouts, leaders might trail them, but may not attempt to lead or coach. • Map of the Klondike towns is included in this brochure. Map and patrol orders will be given to the patrols just before they are sent out. Each patrol must follow its map and station sequence. This will avoid stack-ups and delays at the stations. The mayors are instructed not to test a patrol if they have skipped a station. The derby is a ONE-WAY route. • The patrol will not know their problem until they arrive at the town. The towns may have new problems or content each year. This increases the challenge for each patrol to be up on their skills • Since the derby is a test of scouting skills, Boy Scout Handbooks/personal notes or any electronic devices that access data may NOT be used. • Lunch: No food may be brought in from McDonalds, Chick-fil-a, or any other restaurant. No food may be brought to the patrol by scout leaders, parents, family members, etc. All food items must be on the sledge at the start of the event. • If a patrol drops out, let headquarters know so the mayors won’t be waiting for that last non- existent patrol! • Upon finishing, each patrol must turn in their score sheet at Derby headquarters for posting of their scores on the master score board. Patrols may load up and leave. However, most will want to stay and see who wins the trophies. Patrols must park their sledges, so they do not interfere with traffic or other patrols checking in. • Trash: All units are responsible for tracking out all of their trash. Leave no Trace – not even in a trash can!

Suggestions for Scoutmasters:

A scout is prepared. Now is the time to pull out those sledges for repairs or better yet - build a new one! Review the required equipment list. Start gathering the gear your patrols will need for their trip through Klondike Country. The problems that the patrols will face in this adventure will be a real test of their preparedness and scouting skills. All will come from the Boy Scout/Scouting BSA handbook and other scouting sources. Make sure your scouts have their Totin Chit and carry it with them.

• Plan to attend, and then sell your scouts on the idea of being prepared enough to bring home a trophy or a ribbon. Also, emphasize the “fun aspect” of the Klondike Derby. This year will be a new experience – new location, many new skill tests, more action! • Be sure your scouts understand that this is a very important time for them to live the scout oath and scout law. They will be observed by people in the community. Impressions made on these people can help scouting tremendously – or hurt it!

1/11/20 4:13 PM 7 • The Derby is not a timed race although some stations may have a timed event. Tell them to slow down especially on the back end of the course. Klondike Cops can deduct hard earned points if a patrol is seen sledging recklessly. • Have your scouts dress in layers. They will be outdoors all day. It may be cold in the morning, but they could work up a sweat pulling their sledge. By noon it could be tee shirt weather. • The press and television will likely cover this event so let’s have every troop represented by as many scouts in uniform as possible. Let’s give the Bristol area another good look at “scouting-in- action.” • Your patrol quartermaster should verify that each patrol has the listed gear. Points will be deducted if they have to borrow gear at the stations. • Contact your troop committee and ask them help transport the scouts to and from the Derby. Encourage all unit leaders and parents to stay and see the scouts in action! • Come to Roundtable to share your ideas with us so we can make next year’s Klondike derby even better.

Required Equipment: Must be on Sledge

☐Clip board for patrol orders ☐Pencil and paper ☐Bandage material ☐Compass (2) ☐Splint materials ☐Food for lunch ☐Blankets (2) ☐Scout staves (4) ☐Bad Weather Gear ☐Patrol flag ☐Trash bags ☐Personal gear ☐Water and full water bottles ☐Scout Spirit!!! ☐Patrol first aid kit – for emergency or accident ☐ ¼ inch rope, 10 feet long – with the ends burned or whipped eight (8) pieces. ☐Fire building material: Hot spark or flint/steel, tinder, kindling, small pieces of wood ☐ Optional: Tarp or plastic sheet to cover sledge in bad weather Patrol Flag and Sledge Contest Guidelines

1. Patrol flags and sledges must be built by the scouts. Leaders and parents should act as advisors only. Please follow scouting safety guidelines for the use of power tools. 2. Themed Sledge: Sledge may reflect the patrol name or be entirely creative. Originality is key. 3. Traditional Sledge: Sledge appearance should be consistent with the Klondike time period (natural colors, materials, construction). 4. Sledges should be constructed to serve the purpose of the Klondike derby. They must be rugged enough to tolerate physical demands of the contest. They should have a patrol flag. They must weigh or carry enough extra weight to account for 10 pounds per patrol member. Every sledge must carry the listed gear.

1/11/20 4:13 PM 8 5. Patrols flags reflect honor to the patrol and its name. Originality and use of natural or creative materials usually help to create a competitive flag. Workmanship and overall appearance count. 6. Previously used sledges and flags can be used if they are in good repair. However, it’s nice to retire previous winners. 7. An impartial panel of judges will determine the winners. The winners will be announced at the end of the derby.

The Sledge • The enclosed sketches will give you a basic idea of how to build your sledge. Do not be limited by them; use your imagination! This year, there will be two categories for best sledge: Best Theme and Best Traditional (consistent with Klondike era) • The sledge must have runners, not wheels or rollers and the runners must be made of wood. • The judges look for originality. If you use the same sledge year after year, you probably will not be in the running for one of the trophies. Reworking or rebuilding an old sledge to a new theme or design is acceptable. • Sledges should be about 6 feet long. They are generally about 18 inches wide. Sledges must weigh at least 10 pounds per patrol member. Some flexibility might be given to First Class Unit patrols. • Attach strong ropes to the front. Handles on the rope help as the scouts form the “Dog Team.” • Sledges must be strong enough to stand the wear and tear of being pulled all day over uneven ground or surfaces while loaded with patrol gear. • Fly your patrol flag from your sledge to identify yourselves. Since you have the best patrol, let people know who you are! • Every sledge must carry the listed gear. It will be used! If the weather is bad, it is a good idea to cover the sledge with a tarp or plastic sheet.

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1/11/20 4:13 PM 10 Overmountain District - Vance Klondike Derby

Check- in sheet for troop no. ______

Patrol: Patrol:

1. 1.

2. 2.

3. 3.

4. 4.

5. 5.

6. 6.

7. 7.

8. 8.

Patrol: Patrol:

1. 1.

2. 2.

3. 3.

4. 4.

5. 5.

6. 6.

7. 7.

8. 8.

Other scouts not listed above ______

POC: Adult Leader______Cell Phone#______

Assistant Scoutmasters and other adults ______

Total number of scouts______Total number of leaders ______

Grand Total ______

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1/11/20 4:13 PM 12