Scouts learn mushing at camp

A sled race and sled dog snuggles topped the events last month at the 2024 Polar Bear Mush Klondike, with locals scouts participating.

With 52 scouters and nine dogs in attendance (with their three mushers) at Scout-A-Vista Scout Camp near Mission Ridge south of Wenatchee, participants competed in several categories to try to win the "Polar Bear" trophy, local officials said in a release.

Youth aged 9-17 began the camp Friday, Feb. 23, by preparing their troop-made sleds for Saturday's competition.

Saturday, volunteers Karla Boyle, Rory Frolick, and Terri Frolick of Northwest Sled Dog Association wowed the young people with the dogs, ranging from a 14-week-old husky puppy to an 11-year-old retired musher.

With stations covering everything to know about the dogs, sledding survival in the outdoors, and a hands-on experience with two genuine mushing sleds, scouts were able to learn the basics of the sport. The scouts prepared a short racetrack around the lodge, where Rory and his team showed the scouts how mushers race in real life.

Three-person scout teams then raced their home-crafted sleds, using the same track and feeling the downhill thrill of crossing the finish line. Local Troops 24 and 52 won the race.

The competition continued as troops from as far away as Omak, Okanogan, and Grand Coulee were judged alongside local Wenatchee troops on categories such as their sleds, their speed, their troop's campsite setup, a Full Belly Bear Desert Contest, and outdoor preparedness. An evening of skits and camp songs was topped off by the awarding of the Polar Bear Award to Troop 6071 of Okanogan and the "Snowball" award going to a WEBELOS den from Pack 6032 for their great efforts and attitude. Scouts suggested ideas for next fall's camporee and another outdoor snow experience for the 2025 Polar Bear.

For information on joining scouting, contact Ellen McElfish at 206-471-2295 or email emcelfish@seattlebsa.org