The Klondike Derby has always been an exciting event for Scouts, offering a chance to showcase the skills they’ve worked hard to master. This year, for one Scout from Ronan, a blue ribbon made all the difference.
Cub Scouts of Pack 4940 have attended the Klondike Derby before, so they were no strangers to the games and challenges. It’s a highlight of their year – a day to test their skills, compete with other Scouts, and learn from each other. These Scouts practiced tying knots, taught each other new skills, practiced sled races, and memorized directions with the slogan: “Never Eat Soggy Waffles.”
The last Saturday of January was unseasonably pleasant, with clear skies and no snow or ice in the forecast. The Scouts and their families gathered at the Lutheran Church in Ronan, ready for a day of adventure. With their winter gear packed and a sack lunch, they carpooled to Missoula, excited for the day ahead.
They arrived at the event site, lining up for the opening flag ceremony. They have been working together as a team all year so when Timothy called out, “Let the Games Begin!”, they were off and running.
The day kicked off with the Fire Building Event. It took two tries to light the fire, and even longer for the string to catch, but the Scouts kept their spirits high. They did an outstanding job in the Compass Relay (“Never Eat Soggy Waffles!”).
Weston was a champ in the Snowshoe Relay, running around the post without a single stumble. Clare played the injured person needing “medical assistance” during the Sled Race, with Chance and Brody pulling her sled to the finish line at lightning speed.
The Wrist Rocket Challenge was next, and the Scouts proved their precision with Carter, Chance, and Weston all hitting the target.
Finally, it was time for the Knot Tying Relay, an event they had been diligently preparing for. Brody was up first, tying the timber hitch easily before tagging Clare. Clare tied the square knot in under ten seconds, and Chance and Carter followed suit with the next two.
Then came Brody’s turn to tie the bowline. For some reason, the knot wouldn’t hold. On the third try it held. Being a timed event, Brody knew he used too much time.
Feeling frustrated and defeated, Brody told his dad he was too upset to stay by the team. His dad comforted him, but Brody couldn’t shake the feeling of letting everyone down.
As the award ceremony proceeded, first, second, and third-place ribbons were handed out, but Pack 4940 didn’t place.
Then came the final announcement.
“And in First Place for Wrist Rockets is Pack 4940!”
The team froze in disbelief. The leaders exchanged surprised glances, and the Scouts simply stared.
“Brody, that’s you!” I said, “Go get your blue ribbon!”
It was like a switch flipped and the pack came to life. Brody, hesitant but beaming with pride, walked up to accept his blue ribbon.
The Scouts gathered around him, cheering and congratulating him. When Brody returned, the team surrounded him, giving him high fives, hugs, and congratulatory back pats. Together, they proudly pinned the blue ribbon to their pack flag, a symbol of perseverance, teamwork, and the value of supporting one another through the highs and lows of the competition.
As they headed back to Ronan, tired but happy, one thing was clear: the true reward was not the ribbon, but the lessons they learned. The experience deepened their bond as a team and showed them the meaning of Scouting – working together, lifting each other up, and never giving up, even when things don’t go as planned.
For me, it became clear that while having fun and learning are key, sometimes a blue ribbon can hold more significance than expected.
It’s a reminder that in Scouting, every Scout has something valuable to contribute – and every victory, big or small, is earned through hard work, determination, and a little help from your friends.
Julie Hille
Advancement Chair for Pack 4940
