Another Potomac District Klondike Derby is in the books. For Troop 447 from Rockville, Potomac District, this will be one to remember. Not for the heavy rain on Friday which soaked most of the tents and even some sleeping bags and clothes, not for the muddy field and falling temperatures, not for the close to freezing temperature on Saturday night, but for an entire year of preparing for this event paying off beyond expectation.
The Gravediggers team, led by ASPL Bryson, won 1st place overall, ultimately decided by them earning 1st place in the Dutch oven dessert contest. The Roadkill team, led by SPL Vincent earned 2nd place overall and Patrol Leader Austin of the Gravediggers team won the Klondike Derby Patch design competition. Troop 447 also had no less than 3 skits approved to be featured at the camp fire, with fantastic responses from the estimated 1,000 strong audience.
More important than all these accolades, the Scouts from Troop 447 learned what hard work on Scout skills throughout the year, respect for each other and other Troops, and working as a team can accomplish. At the Klondike Derby, points are awarded per station not only for the skills, but also for teamwork, respect and Scout spirit. All these qualities should be found in our Scouts, and in our Scouters.
As a first year Scoutmaster, I am beyond proud that “my” Scouts, performed so well, encouraging each other, helping each other and working together on that common goal; “to do my best”. The Troop’s PLC, in their annual planning meeting, set a solid foundation for the Klondike Derby, by scheduling Scout skills in the weekly meetings, combined with more Klondike specific meetings leading up to the event, with senior Scouts helping younger Scouts to master various skills. What more could I ask for?
A huge shout out to first time Potomac District Klondike Derby Director Steve Salaj and his team of about 200 volunteers, for a fantastic organization of this event hosting over 1,000 Scouts and Scouters from the National Capital Area Council.
On January 20, 2020, Troop 544 traveled to downtown Franklin Square Park in Washington D.C. to distribute over 50 blessing bags to the less fortunate. Most of the persons in the park are homeless. The bags were created from donations from the scouts and their families. Items were gathered and assembled at the Troop meeting the Saturday before.
We had a great turn out for both events. The scouts were very eager to provide service to others, which made the leadership very proud. They not only were obeying the scout law and oath, but they also practiced the motto of doing a good turn daily.
After summiting and exploring Mcafee Knob and Tinker Cliffs VA while backpacking the Appalachian Trail, Leo Eschenbrenner and Zumi Hersey from Troop 1203 set up camp at the Lambert Meadows Campsite. 
After Bob enjoyed his hot meal, Bob spoke to the boys about trail angles. Trail angles offer kindness to AT hikers and the kindnesses the boys offered to Bob was some magic that made his journey a little more special. We talked to Bob for seemed to be about 45 minutes and discussed his amazing experiences and the people he had come to meet along the way. Bob departed before sunset with the goal of seeing the sunset from Tinker Cliffs. Leo spoke about Bob and the friendship they shared over his trail angle hot meal.