Newtown’s Troop 70 Takes First In Klondike Derby

Newtown’s Boy Scout Troop 70 took first place in this year’s annual Klondike Derby, which was held from January 28 to 29.

“This is the third year in a row that we have taken first place. So we’ve got good kids,” said Scoutmaster Ed Breitling, Sr.

After camping out overnight on Friday, January 28, the troop competed against other local troops on Saturday in ten winter events, scoring 119 points out of a possible 120. Troop 70 offers a year-round scouting program, which includes monthly camping, backpacking, and other outdoor activities for its scouts. The troop meets each Tuesday at Cullen’s Youth Association.

Mr Breitling said roughly 500 scouts were registered for the event. Each year a separate town hosts the Klondike Derby, and between 20 to 30 towns participate.

According to Mr Breitling, each participating scout registers with a sled. During the event the scouts make their way through 12 stations, carry their own meals, water, and trail food, and try to layer against the cold as much as possible.

Temperatures went down to the low 20 degrees over the course of the two-day event. Mr Breitling said the troop had to dig three feet of snow to level the ground for a campsite on Friday night.

For anyone else who will be spending prolonged time outside this winter, Mr Breitling suggested a good zero degree or lower sleeping bag, stay dry, and pack a good hat and pair of mittens.