Young members of the Carman Beavers, Cubs and Scouts recently tested their outdoor skills and teamwork while competing in the 54th annual Klondike Rally at Camp Amisk near Winnipeg.
Members of the 1st Carman Beavers, Cubs and Scouts test their skills during the 54th annual Klondike Rally at Camp Amisk near Winnipeg. Teams completed a variety of challenges, including crossing a suspended rope bridge with their gear, building a fire to burn a rope using only one match and suspending their sled off the ground
Inspired by the Klondike Gold Rush of 1896, the annual event challenges youth to traverse a snowy trail through the bush while pulling a sled loaded with gear — much like prospectors travelling north during the historic gold rush.
“The Klondike is an annual event inspired by the Klondike Gold Rush,” said Scouter Eric with the 1st Carman Beavers, Cubs and Scouts group. “Youth traverse a trail through deep snow in the bush while pulling a sled full of equipment needed to complete various tasks along the way.”
The rally is held over two days, with Scouts and Pathfinders aged 11 to 13 competing on Saturday, while younger participants — including Cubs and Girl Guides aged seven to 10 — take part on Sunday.
This year’s event featured 21 teams in the Scouts and Pathfinders division and 28 teams in the Cubs and Girl Guides category.
Along the trail, teams stopped at up to 10 different “towns,” each presenting a challenge themed around scouting skills and the Gold Rush era.
“When the youth arrive at a town, they’re given a scenario describing the challenge they have to solve,” Eric said. “For example, they might be told the water is rising and they need to keep their gear above water.”
In that scenario, teams had to determine how to suspend their sled and equipment off the ground.
Challenges were timed, and teams earned points based on how quickly they completed the task and how well they worked together.
This year’s activities included crossing a rope bridge suspended over a valley while carrying all their gear, competing in a snowshoe relay race, building a fire high enough to burn a rope using only one match, cooking a hot lunch, completing a memory challenge and constructing a flagpole more than 10 feet tall.
Teams were also challenged to suspend their sled off the ground and transport “dynamite” buckets without touching the containers with their hands — a task Eric said proved to be one of the most difficult.
“Overall, the group did well,” he said. “The biggest challenge was figuring out a way to move the dynamite buckets without touching them.”
While the event includes competition, Eric said the focus remains on teamwork and fun.
“The main purpose of the event is to have fun but also work on team building, as that is a central theme,” he said.
For many members of the Carman group, the rally marked their first time participating.
“Our group has grown dramatically this year, which has been great, but it also means many of the youth are experiencing events like this for the first time,” he said. “I believe the kids really enjoyed the opportunity to compete.”
The local scouting program continues to welcome new members. Programs are available for youth ages five to 18, and participants come from communities across southwestern Manitoba.
Families interested in joining can find the group on Facebook at 1st Carman Beavers Cubs and Scouts or register through myscouts.ca by entering postal code R0G 0J0.
