“The boys started into this
adventure having an attitude
they could never accomplish the
events in the Klondike. I believe
that they gained self-confidence
in finishing the competition and
working to learn these skills.”
Front row (l to r): Jack Heiser, Elliot Stiteler and Logan Hyer.
Back row (l to r): Leland Ferris, Andrew Geitner, Troy Brown and Christopher Geitner.
Not pictured: Logan Willis.
attitude could lose to another team that
better exhibits the Scout principles. You
need both.”
Geitner’s pack demonstrated teamwork
and skill in spades, sharpened through
weeks of practice leading up to the
Klondike Derby. She was especially
impressed with how the group worked
together to rescue supplies from a frozen
lake, accomplishing the task in well under
a minute.
“The boys started into this adventure
having an attitude that they could never
accomplish the events in the Klondike,”
Geitner says. “I believe that they
gained self-confidence in finishing the
competition and working to learn these
skills.”
During the Klondike Derby, each
team is paired with another Scout Patrol
throughout the day. Cub Scout Pack 562
was paired with a Boy Scout Troop from
the South Hills. Even in the arctic cold,
the bond the two groups quickly formed
was heartwarming.
“Even though the South Hills group
was competing in mostly the same events,
they continued to encourage our patrol
and give them advice throughout the
day,” Geitner recalls. “They didn’t have to
do that. For me to see some of the Scout
laws that the Boy Scouts of America
teaches in action—to be helpful, friendly,
courteous, and kind—makes me glad that
my family is a part of this organization. It
encourages me that Scouting works.” ■
WEST JEFFERSON HILLS
❘
SPRING 2018
15