The day started at minus 4 below, the weather couldn't have been better for a Klondike Derby.
Two young Bluffton Boy Scout Troop 256 teams scored well against generally older competition at the annual Camp Berry Klondike Derby on Jan. 22.
Fifty-seven teams entered the derby. Bluffton's teams, the "Pit Vipers" finished 39th, and the "Fire Extinguishers" finished 45th. Bluffton teams included scouts aged 11-13, who did very well for their age.
Other teams had a number older more experienced scouts aged 16 and 17, which gave them an advantage. Last year Bluffton entered one sled (with the maximum participate age of 12).
The derby is an outdoor competition, where scouts pull a sled through the woods to seven different locations and perform different Boy Scout activities.
Teams gain points by performing tasks that test their knowledge, skills and teamwork. Some of the tests are similar from year to year, while others rotate. This year's tests included first aid, rope tying, compass and map work, orienteering, teamwork (catching flying skeet in a blanket held by six scouts), badge identification, and two-man log saw.
As scouts gathered in Bluffton at 7a.m., the temperature was -4 degrees. Scouts were all outfitted for the extreme temperature with multiple layers, which included thermals, snow pants, Cartharts, heavy jackets, snow boots, hats or ski masks.
Each scout was responsible for having individual gear like pocketknives, food and liquid for the day's event, and specific pieces of clothing.
Each sled carried all scout's equipment for the day, plus a set of required items including compass, cook pot, rope, matches, blankets and staves for stretchers.
The Pit Viper Patrol was led by Jared Metzger (assistant patrol leader), with team members Christian Groman, Austen Herron, Tyler King, Nick Luke and Roger Zeits.
The Fire Extinguisher Patrol was led by Misha Groman (patrol leader), with team members Jacob Barnett, Clay Burkholder, JJ Garmatter, Danny Klingler and Brice Metzger.
The Troop 256 adults present were assistant scoutmasters' Jeff Burkholder, Darrell Groman, Mike Metzger, Clair Zeits, Victoria Zeits and scout parent Jake Barnett.
After the event, the scouts reported having fun working on all the different activities, and eating their lunches in the snow.
