Submitted photo
Scouts participate in a recent Klondike Derby at the Seven Mountains Scout Camp in Spring Mills.

SPRING MILLS — Even with a severe winter storm forecast to sweep into central Pennsylvania, nearly 400 Scouts are expected today at Seven Mountains Scout Camp in Spring Mills for the 54th annual Juniata Valley Council Klondike Derby.

Veteran Scout Paul T. Fagley, now in his 44th year chairing the event, said the derby is expected to conclude before the worst of the weather arrives. He noted the derby has endured far harsher conditions throughout its history.

“We’ve had snow before. Once it was 10 below zero,” Fagley said. “We had plans in place then, including wellness checks. If Scouts had frozen toes or fingers, we got them into the warmth. We have contingencies for it all.”

Fagley said the turnout reflects the unique opportunity the event offers. Many urban councils, he said, lack the land or facilities needed to host a full-scale winter challenge.

Theme tied to America’s 250th anniversary

This year’s derby theme, “The Fires of Freedom,” ties into the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States, highlighting stories of sacrifice, unity and the nation’s founding.

Each station includes a brief narrative spotlighting lesser-known moments from the American Revolutionary period. Topics include how the rattlesnake became an early national symbol; how Onondaga Chief Canassatego demonstrated unity at the Treaty of Lancaster; the personal sacrifices made by signers of the Declaration of Independence; and the role of Agent 355, an unidentified female spy.

Other stations explore Sybil Ludington’s midnight ride, the influence of the Six Nations’ Great Law of Peace on the U.S. Constitution, George Washington’s refusal to become king, and the Oneida Nation’s lifesaving gift of corn to starving soldiers at Valley Forge.

Additional historical elements include the eight cities that served as U.S. capitals before Washington, D.C., and Washington’s perilous crossing of the Delaware River. A new addition this year highlights preacher George Whitefield, whose teachings on inherent rights and religious unity helped spark the Great Awakening.

Program tweaks and fresh ideas

Fagley said some enhancements to the theme and stations emerged from an unexpected source: ChatGPT. He said he used the tool to brainstorm historical material and develop new station concepts connected to the Revolutionary era.

One concept involved incorporating transportation and rescue elements into a spy-themed scenario in which a patrol must “recover” an asset and provide treatment within a time limit.

Skills, teamwork at the core

The Klondike Derby follows the same competitive format that has made it a winter fixture for generations of Scouts. Teams of five to 12 youth pull a sled along a course of themed stations that test skill and cooperation.

Two divisions compete:

• Scouts BSA Division, ages 11-18

• Webelos Division, ages 9-10

There are 12 stations for Scouts BSA teams and nine for Webelos. Each station is scored up to 100 points, with awards presented to the top five teams in each division.

Special awards also return, including Best Themed Design Sled and Most Rugged Design in the Scouts BSA Division, and Most Colorful, Most Original and the humorous Most Likely to Collapse award for Webelos sleds.

Public invited

Stations are staffed by volunteers known as “town mayors,” many of whom have supported the derby for years. Local service clubs will also assist.

The public is welcome to attend. Hot dogs, Yukon fries, homemade soup, cocoa and other items will be available in the dining hall, which serves as derby headquarters.

Even with winter weather approaching, Fagley said he remains confident the event will go on as planned.

“We have contingencies for it all,” he said.