Area Scouts tested their ability to withstand to bitter winds, bone-chilling temperatures and blowing snow. But they did it on a relatively balmy day in January.
The Scouts took part in the Voyageur Trace Klondike Derby Saturday at Bemis Woods Forest Preserve near Western Springs.
Even though the weather was opposite of what was needed, Scouts tested their skills for surviving in subzero temperatures. They threw hatchets and tried to build a tent blindfolded — mimicking what it would be like to do that task in blinding snow. They had to follow the verbal instructions of a patrol leader to put the shelter together.
The Scouts also practiced fire building, making knots, first aid skills, and orienteering. They took part in a two-man saw competition, and a test of fishing skills.
For an Iditarod-like sled race, they used sleds equipped with runners built from skis, which allowed them to glide over the ground event without snow.
Troops came to the event from Bedford Park, Berwyn, Brookfield, Countryside, Hodgkins, Indian Head Park, La Grange, La Grange Park, LaGrange Highlands, North Riverside, Riverside, Stickney/Forest View, Summit/Argo, Westchester and Willow Springs.
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