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First Posted: 3/11/2013

February is a month when most people spend their time avoiding the frigid outdoor temperatures. These temperatures are accompanied with snowfall and unpleaseant weather conditions. T

roop 160 utilizes this season to embrace winter scouting activities. This month was the annual Klondike Derby at Goose Pond Boy Scout Reservation. At this event, local Boy Scout troops are invited to compete in a winter competition.

The troops form sled teams of four to six people who work together during various events. Troop 160 has two sled teams this year with each consisting of four boys. These sleds contain all of the Scouts’ gear for various challenges. The Scouts travel around the campsite, pulling their sled and participating in different activities to earn the most points.

Every year, new activities are added and removed to make each year interesting and unique. The Scouts are informed of the challenges ahead of time so they can bring the proper equipment and train for the competition. This year, some of the events included fire starting, toboggan racing and snowshoe building.

At each event, a judge would grade the scouts on their performance and give them a score. The sled team with the most points at the end would then be titled the winner. The snow may have discouraged some, but it did not stop Troop 160 from having a lot of fun at the derby.

Feb. 10 was Troop 16o’s Scout Sunday. On this day, we give thanks to our sponsoring church, The United Methodist Church, by attending and participating in a service. This church has allowed us to utilize one of their main rooms as our meeting room for numerous years. We happily partake in this service to express our gratitude toward the church.

The Boy Scouts opened the service with Scout pledges and a responsive reading. Afterward, the Boy Scouts were invited to have some snacks in the church’s fellowship hall. The United Methodist Church is very important to Troop 160. We like to show our appreciation whenever we can. Remember a Scout is reverent.