Troop 24

Troop 24

Klondike

About the weekend:

This event attracts hundreds of scouts from all over to camp in the snow and is suitable as a first snow camping experience.

The activiites and competitions revolve around 1st class scout skills. The highlight is a sled race between troop built sleds.

  • Hike in about 1/3 mile from the carpark to campsite. Some gear can be taken on troop gear sleds. Bring a sled if you have one. Otherwise assume gear is carried on your back.
  • Some troop gear carried on the Troop race sled.
  • All scouts must have a tent to sleep in, preferably shared with another scout. A four season tent will stand up to snow fall much better.
  • Snow caves can be built (but you must have tent for backup).
  • The toilets are porta-potties. Bring your own toilet paper.

The schedule:

Friday: Drive to campsite. Bring food to eat on the way, or eat before hand. Arrive and set up tents.
Saturday: 1st class scout skill activities and competitions. Afternoon sled race. Winners are announced at closing flag ceremony around 5pm.

Activities include:

  • snow ball toss
  • fire lighting
  • knot tying
  • snow man building
  • sled rescue
  • donut eating (not as easy as you might think!)
  • first aid

Separate competitions for

  • Snow shelter construction
  • Sled Race
  • Biathlon (BB gun shooting at targets/sledding between targets)

Sunday: Pack up and leave. Back in Bay Area around 1pm.

Packing list:

See the Packing List page.
Pack check at the Tuesday meeting before the camp.

Driving Directions:

  • Take I-80 East towards Sacramento/Vallejo (69 miles)
  • In Sacramento, bear right and stay on I-80 for Reno (78.6 miles)
  • Take exit 160 Yuba Gap
  • Turn right onto Lake Valley Road. Travel 0.2 miles.
  • Lake Valley Rd turns slightly left (take left fork) and becomes Crystal Lake Road. Travel 0.6 miles.
  • Follow road to gate. The Klondike Derby staff will meet you there and provide combination for electronic gate keypad.
  • Do not go in via the ‘out’ direction, i.e. on the left of the gatehouse; there are spikes that will puncture your tires that may be hidden by the snow!

More info:

http://www.sfbac.org/camping/boyscout/klondike

Historical note:

The name dates back from the Klondike Goldrush see link http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Klondike_derby