The Thorn-apple Valley Council’s
SNOW-DERBY 2024
The Cadet Snow Derby is a fun teaching and learning event held outside on a farm where the Counselors may teach the cadets about some camping and survival skills. If the already know, they may show the judges their skills.
Grand Rapids Council Clubs / Teams are invited to join Thornapple Valley. If you are interested call or email Marv Mingrrink at (616) 755-3121, marv@hilltoprepair.com
Feb 1, 2025 Snow Derby will take place at Lakeside (6201 Whitneyville Ave SE, Alto, MI 49302) Lunch served at noon, Please bring 1 can of soup for donation.
Sled judging to begin at 12:30
Rotating stations are:
Axe-man-ship,
Knots & Lashing,
Compass reading,
Cliff Rescue & First Aid,
Wrist-Rockets,
Tent setup, (an assembled tent will be provided at the Tent station to save time)
Fire with Cleanup as the last event. (New: the committee will be suppling the wood for the fire building)
The Snow Derby is usually finished by about 4:30 pm
Thornapple Valley Council
SNOW-DERBY
Equipment required to be on the sled at Judging (If you need to borrow a Snow Derby Sled, ask any board member or DCE. There are a lot of Snow Derby Sleds around.)
Hand axe or hatchet (with file and stone for sharpening)
Bushman or bow saw
Shovel
Compass
100’ of lashing twine
Tent w/ ground sheet
2 blankets & 2 poles for stretcher
Matches in waterproof container
Materials for splint and first aid supplies
2 Jack knives – NO SHEATH KNIVES ALLOWED
Kerchief for each Cadet (hint – you may need to use it)
NO fire wood - materials will be provided at fire building
Cadre Flag
REMEMBER TO HAVE A SNACK FOR YOUR CADRE DURING SNOW DERBY
( If you need to borrow a Snow Derby Sled, ask any board member or DCE (Developer of Counselor Education). There are a lot of Snow Derby Sleds around.)
Things your cadets will need to know to compete or just bring a bunch of cadets out to learn and train without joining the competition.
What is the universal distress call?Distress call is: 3 quick blasts on a whistle or 3 quick shouts followed by silence then repeated at 2 or 3 minute intervals.
Know the Compass:
▪ 8 points of the compass: N, S, E, W, NE, SE, SW, NW.
▪ Degree readings for N, E, S, W
▪ Each Cadet should know their step length or the number of steps for 100 feet.
What to do when lost:
1 Carry survival kit every time you hike
2 If lost stay put, use your head not your legs
3 Find or build a shelter to keep warm & dry
4 Build a fire in a safe place and keep it burning with lots of smoke
5 Within sight of your camp find the highest spot to see where you are
6 If still lost, stay calm and take time to talk with God about your situation
Know what the definition of First-Aid and Hypothermia
• The immediate and temporary treatment until professional help arrives
• The body temperature drops below 95° F, sign shivering
Know the 3 criteria for selecting a camping site:
• Good firewood supply nearby
• Level open ground where sunlight is not blocked
• High ground for good drainage.
Be able to identify the traditional trail signs.
Know the Landmarks!!! (there are 6 of them)
• Shield of 3 “C”s forming a cross, represents: Calvinist Cadet Corps
• Cadet Verse
• Cadet Code
• Cadet Motto
• Cadet Pledge
• Cadet Hymn
Be able to explain the difference between Cadets & Boy Scouts!
• Cadets is Calvinistic meaning Christian learning about Christ’s salvation in the Bible
Know the theme and verse for this year.
AMAZING
JOSHUA 3:5 Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.”
Skills you need to show at the Snow Derby
• SLED: Stand orderly while receiving instructions and listen carefully to the judge at every station. Repacked the sled in an orderly fashion after each event.
• AXEMANSHIP: Carry an unsheathed hatchet or axe, pass and receive an unsheathed hatchet or axe. Demonstrate how to sharpen a hatchet or axe, and a knife. Use a “Chopping block” to chop kindling and fuel to proper length.
• CLIFF RESCUE AND FIRST AID: Treat the victim for shock, team attend to the injury and install the splints and bandages properly. Assemble and use the stretcher properly.
• COMPASS: Use a compass to find the correct spot and give the correct degrees for a sighted object. Be able to follow compass coordinates course.
• KNOTS AND LASHING: All team members must show clove hitch and timber Hitch. The team must demonstrate square lashing and a diagonal lashing with tight frapping.
• WRIST ROCKETS: Hit the targets
• TENT: Prepare the ground properly and show the proper use of ground sheet. Place the tent properly with the door facing the correct direction. Tent will be provided.
• FIRE BUILDING: All materials will be provided at the station. Assemble the assigned fire lay properly. Maintain fire for at least five minutes.
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