National Pike District
Klondike Derby
IMPORTANT NOTICE
This message is for all Scouting participants registered for the Klondike Derby 2026:
During a late-night conference call last night of the Klondike Derby leadership team, our team made the difficult decision to postpone the Klondike Derby to the alternate February 21, 2026 date. The decision was based on the volatile and deteriorating weather conditions, the growing unease among the volunteers and volunteer troops operating within the frigid temperatures, and concern for the welfare of the frigid conditions impact on the young cub scouts.
We are sorry for the late notice but feel you would agree with us that it is the proper decision. Please know that we are saddened and disappointed but felt this was an essential step to maintain the support of our Scouting unit community. We thank you for your support and look forward to working with you again in February to provide this event.
National Pike Klondike
February 21, 2026
McKeldin Area of Patapsco Valley State Park
Register for Klondike Derby here
Use one registration per unit as it will require 2 registered Scouters. If you need to add persons to your attendance, edit your existing registration.
Before beginning the unit online registration, please be prepared with the following information:
- Total number of participants for your unit
- Contact information for person making registration
- Contact information for carpool coordinator
REMEMBER: Every unit must have 2 BSA registered Scouters (full membership level) over 21. Each unit with female youth, must have a female BSA registered adult.
Non-BSA registered adult attendees must be a parent or guardian of an attending youth.
Event Start Time: 8:00 A.M. – 12:30 P.M. Jan. 24 Scout Trail Starting times
8:30 A.M. – 1:30 P.M. Jan. 24Cub Scout Trail Starting times
Event Coordinator: Don Campbell
Cub Trail Coordinators: Ed Wollack, Jerry Budai
Scout Trail Coordinator: John Barrett
Registrar: Don Campbell – npdkdregistrar@gmail.com
Registrations are due by Saturday February 14, 2026 at 11:59PM. Registration is not complete until the fees are received for the number of participants registered.
Staggered Start Times: Your unit may request a start time on its registration form; requests will be determined based on the number of scouts registered by the unit and the order in which the fully completed registration is received. You will receive a preliminary start time via email shortly after you register; your registration POC will be notified of your unit’s final assigned start time(s) by email on Monday, January 19th.
Carpooling is required. Parking at Patapsco Valley State Park is very limited. Patapsco Park Staff and National Pike District Staff may turn units away when all available parking is filled. Each unit is required to identify its car-pooling coordinator. Units will be limited in the number of vehicles they can bring to the event! The unit car-pooling coordinator must plan to assign at least four individuals (including driver) to each vehicle.
Clothing: The Klondike Derby is an all-day outside activity; the only shelter available is off the trail at the Ulcer Gulch Warming Station (with a roaring fire all day). All participants must be dressed appropriately for the weather – gloves, hats, and layers. Appropriate footwear is critical. The Scout trail is rugged, and the Cub Trail may be muddy; sneakers should not be allowed in any weather. Unit leaders are responsible for the safety of their Scouts and must enforce these rules.
Food: The Ulcer Gulch canteen will provide Scout Meals (all-beef hot dog, chips, and drink) for only $5.00 at the Upper Gulch Warming Station between 10:30 AM and 2:30 PM. We recommend bringing an insulated bag to keep the hot dogs hot while transporting them. Due to changes in the enforcement of park policies, all Ulcer Gulch meals must be pre-ordered and pre-paid via the registration system. We recommend packing additional snacks and plenty of water and other drinks to consume along the trail.
Firewood: Due to the continuing wood borer infestation, no firewood may be brought into the park.
WHAT is a Klondike Derby?
Cub Trail: Cub Scouts will learn about the 1898 Klondike Gold Rush while having fun and playing games! The Klondike Derby Cub Trail is an outdoor trail activity approximately 1.5 miles long and is intended for Lions, Tigers, Wolves, Bears, and Webelos.
Scout Trail: The Scout Trail is intended for Webelos, AOLs and Scouts below the rank of First Class. The Klondike Derby Scout Trail is a 3-mile hike with multiple stations designed to test Scout skills required for First Class.