Our Webelos from the Pack 162 Carol Ann Behrandt Red Hawks competed in the 2010 Klondike Derby on Saturday, January 30 at BSA's Camp Alpine, NJ. In frigid, sub 20 degree temperatures, our brave scouts competed against other Packs from the Bronx River District. They pulled their sled to 22 towns, where they were graded on various scout skills, such as compass, knot tying, cooking, archery, 1st Aide, Camping, Obstacle Course, and many more.

    They were trained by Cub Masters Sean Cahill and Dean Manfredonia, as well as the Pack's Founder and Coordinator Artie Behrendt. The Klondike Derby is the premier event of the scout year, and is the focal point of much of the Webelos efforts from September to the end of January.

    There are awards for each of the top four sled teams, the North Pole, South Pole, East, and West, in that order of priority. In this year's event, our Pack 162 captured the North Pole, and are the 2010 Klondike Derby Champions. A metal plate engraved with the winning team members' names will
be affixed to the pole. The Pack will maintain possession of the North Pole until the 2011 Klondike Derby, when it will proudly defend its crown.

    Congratulations to the Packs' leaders, and to the parents, who braved the freezing temperatures and accompanied the Scouts to Camp Alpine. A special thanks to Giulio Priore and Joe Radice who's surveying skills paved the way for the sled's successful trek.

    Most of all, congratulations to the Pack 162 Webelos. Their dedication to scouting, scout skills, and sheer determination enabled them to become the #1 Pack in the region. The champion scouts of the "Cobra Patrol" sled are: Giulio Priore (Patrol Leader), Alvaro Sanchez (Assistant PL), Andrew Mashchenko, Brendan Fitzgerald, Michael Radice and Isiah San Pascual.

PS.; Good luck to Artie, Sean, Dean, and Ed who served as town mayors. I have the utmost confidence that they will all thaw out in time for our next scout meeting.