Mitchel Walters, Knut Burstrom, Thomas Cybart, Jonathon Zdunski, Brandon Johnson, and Waylon Wilshire from Troop 129 Falconer line up to get their sled inspected. (Submitted photo)

The Hivernant Challenge was the theme of the 2012 Klondike Derby organized by the local Two Lakes District of the Boy Scouts of America.

CAMP MERZ, MAYVILLE, NY – More than 250 people packed up their sleds and came out to enjoy the snow-packed fun and challenging experiences at the camp's annual Klondike derby. The scouts enjoyed the chilly day at Camp Merz on Saturday. The event had stations dotted across the white expanse of the camp. 

This popular event was organized by the local Two Lakes District of the Allegheny Highlands Council and Boy Scouts from throughout the region were represented. Also in attendance this year was a co-ed Explore post from Ripley. 

“Challenging the scouts both mentally and physically is the key,” said Two Lakes Klondike Chairman and Scoutmaster from Panama Randy Rickerson.

The scouts from Bemus Point Troop 137 work on fire building skills. (Submitted photo)

According to Rickerson, "We added a new twist that the scouts had to make and use a pair of snowshoes for one of the stations. We let the scouts do the research and what a wide variety of snowshoes the came up with. Some even resembled milk crates.

The event featured 12 stations dotted across the camp, such as ice rescue, fire starting and orienteering course, as well as a number of activities that centered on team building, leadership training and problem solving. 

The stations were scored and plaques where handed out at the end of the day. 

Finishing first overall was the scouts from Bemus point Troop 137. Second places were the Explores scouts from Ripley Post 271. Third places were scouts from Panama Troop 141 Deer Patrol.

At lunch time the scouts enjoyed a couple of great sloppy joes, and a Klondike Bar.  Chicken noodle and beef soup was provided all day in the dining hall along with hot coco and coffee for all the adults.

Organizers said the older Boy Scouts assume leadership roles as patrol leaders in participating in this winter event as “youth leading youth,” and as a creative way to build life skills while providing fun and instructional environment for the younger Scouts. 

"We want to get the kids outside to enjoy the season," said Rickerson. "We’re putting the outing in Scouting."

Gail Sandy, Two Lakes Chairman said, “There are more than 1,500 youth of all ages from Chautauqua and western Cattaraugus County currently active in Two Lakes district and the skills learned during their Scouting experience help them throughout the course of their lives.” 

"It’s no accident that so many of our astronauts, congressmen and business leaders were Scouts," added Sandy. "Scouting provides them a solid foundation." 

For more information on how you or someone from your family can become a scout visit our web page at www.alleghenyhighlandscouncil.org. Or call our council service center at 716-665-2697.