Boy Scouts Win Big At Derby

Boy Scout Troop 270 of Newtown took first place in the annual Scatacook District Klondike Derby, which was held this year on January 22 at Hoyt Scout Reservation in West Redding.

The snow and single-digit temperatures completed the theme of this year’s Klondike, which was “North To Alaska,” and featured 15 “Gold Rush” towns and event stations. Attended by well over 300 Scouts, individual patrols maneuvered a loaded sled of their own construction in a full day’s timed journey to each station.

Once arrived, in addition to general Scout knowledge and spirit, each patrol was required to demonstrate a command of such topics as hypothermia, fire building, response to first aid emergencies, shelter construction and obstacle navigation.

In addition to placing first overall, Troop 270 was recognized for the contribution of assistant Scoutmaster Allan Graves, whose Bonanza Creek “Fishing for Snappers” station was a favorite of this year’s Klondike participants.

The troop, which is sponsored by Dodgingtown Fire Department, has placed second or third in recent Klondike events. The presentation of this year’s first place trophy was made by Dave Perkins, the assistant Scoutmaster of Bethel’s Troop 54. Mr Perkins served as one of the organizing chairmen of Klondike 2000.