Klondike 2025 Summary Event

KLONDIKE APPRECIATION

A huge thank you to Klondike Derby Event Chair Kris Hoogstraat, Program Coordinator Jamie Ellis, and the many dedicated volunteers who helped organize this year’s winter event. With over 270 participants and leaders, this was the largest Klondike Derby in recent years. The Scouts' energy and enthusiasm, paired with fantastic weather, made for a memorable day and a true highlight for the Prairielands Council.

We also extend our gratitude to all the troops and packs that attended, showing their commitment to winter Scouting. Let's give a heartfelt muffled mitten applause to the leadership for making the '25 Klondike Derby a success!

KLONDIKE CONGRATULATIONS

A round of cheers for the patrol champions of the 2025 Klondike Derby at Camp Drake! In the skills challenge event, Troop 88 from Arcola, IL claimed the overall victory. The Pan of Gold trophy was awarded to the Wally Mart Patrol, who earned the highest total score across all 8 event stations at Camp Drake.

On the plateau playing field, the fastest dog sled race was won by the Flaming Dragons Patrol from Troop 29 in Gibson City, IL. The icy conditions made for some thrilling sledding, and the Yukon Jack Trophy was awarded to the team for their incredible speed.

ANNOUNCEMENT FOR 2026

We are excited to announce that the new Chairman for the 2026 Klondike Derby have been chosen! Ben Hoogstraat and Josh Cooper from Troop 158 out of Chebanse, IL will be taking the lead. Both have been valuable members of the staff for many years, serving in various lodge leadership roles, and are now exceptional adult volunteers with the camping committee. We look forward to their leadership for next year’s Klondike event and are excited to see all the great things they will bring to the future of the event!