Byram Venture Scouts Crew 276 wins big at Klondike Derby in Stanhope

STANHOPE — While many people enjoyed the warmth of their homes, the scouts of Patriots’ Path Council, Sussex District, were winter camping in below-freezing temperatures at the Klondike Derby Jan 27–29.
The Klondike was held at the Mt. Allamuchy Scout Reservation in Stanhope and saw 27 homemade sleds transporting their gear from station to station in an attempt to successfully navigate the course while meeting each challenge.
The course consisted of eight stations where patrol units tested their skills and abilities while earning points for their perrformance.
Skills tested included first aid, knot tying, fire building, cooking, land navigation, communication, nature, camping, citizenship and scouting knowledge.
Among the participants was Venturing Crew 276 of Byram, which participated for their second year. The team consisted of six male and three female teens.
Crew 276 received the highest score in the newly formed Venturing Division and the highest score of all 27 sleds across all three divisions.
During the day, Crew 276 mentored Webelo Scouts from Boonton during the competition. “It feels good to pass on the skills we’ve learned to the younger scouts,” a crew member said.
“The Klondike is a great way for the district scouts to come together and participate in a friendly competition,” said Crew member Sam Brothman. “We love camping and work well together, so we can’t wait until next year.
Venturing is a co-ed scouting group with members between the ages of 14-20 that focus on high adventure activities, leadership and community service. Venturing Crew 276 meets monthly in Byram Township at the Lakeland Emergency Squad building.