Franklin Troop 90 participates in Klondike Derby

FRANKLIN — Franklin Troop 90 took participated in the Sussex District Council Klondike Derby from Friday until Sunday at Allamuchy Scout Reservation.

The boys camped outside in tents and weathered the elements, which included about 6 inches of snow Friday night. Saturday morning the boys woke up and cooked taylor ham and cheese sandwiches before leaving for the activities. The boys competed in a series of stations positioned around the camp that they had to reach by pushing a Klondike sled through the snow with the equipment they needed for the activities on it. Activities included knot tying, fire building, setting up a tent, semaphore signaling, shelter building, trail signs and tracking, winter first aid, and citizenship. Scouts cooked their own lunch on the trail over an open fire which consisted of hot dogs and macaroni & cheese.

After the activities, the boys were treated to a demonstration of a real dog-sled team similar to one that would race in the Alaskan Iditarod. At the conclusion of the demonstration, the boys lined up through the field and the sled-dog team ran at near full speed down between the boys to show them just how fast the dogs were capable of moving.

Saturday night the troop concluded with a dinner and awards ceremony in the camp dining hall. Dinner was a ham meal with all the trimmings. Afterwards, the awards were handed out, Troop 90 placed 3rd overall in the competition and won an award and plaque. After the awards the group sang some songs and returned to its campsite.

On Saturday night, after returning to the campsite, the boys shared stories and some laughs about the day. The trip concluded the campfire with its tradition of “Rose/Bud/Thorn”, where the boys describe what they liked about the campout, did not like about the campout, and what they were looking forward to.

If you are interested in joining scouting, please call Gary Hintzen on 973-827-3194.