More than 500 Boy Scouts from many troops braved the cold to compete in the recent Klondike Derby at Muttontown Preserve. Approximately 60 of those Scouts were members of Troop 45.
The troop worked through harsh weather conditions to complete challenges, such as fire building, first aid, mental skills, and map and compass tasks at various stations throughout the preserve. Patrols pushed and pulled their sleds filled with supplies and gear through one and a half feet of snow in freezing temperatures.
During the competition, a younger scout was injured. The Leadership Corps of Troop 45, with the risk of losing the win, stopped to perform first aid and carry the Scout out of the woods to safety.
After a long and exhausting day of hard work, Scouts all met up with all of the others to wait for the announcement of the winners. The Screaming Eagles Patrol led by Chris Dunne took first place while the Panther Patrol run by Andrew Desiderio nabbed second place.
In the older scout division, leadership corps led by Cameron Duic tied for first place with Troop 7, and the Bearcoons Patrol, led by Charles Austria, took third place.
