Klondike Derby by Erin DiCamillo

FREEZING, FANTASTIC, FUN are three words that can describe by experience at the Klondike Derby this semester. The night before the service event, we had a nice little snow storm and record low temps with wind chills below zero. With that said, I was a little skeptical about attending the Klondike Derby just because I don't function that well in the cold. However, I had a blast! The scenery was absolutely beautiful and when we first arrived and walked through the woods from the parking lot, I felt as if I were in a winter wonderland. I had the pleasure of working the first aid/ready man station with some of my fellow bros. It was so cool seeing the boy scouts come up with their decked out sleds and put their first aid skills to the test. I was extremely impressed with how skillful some of the young weblos were too! The scenario included a victim that had a gash in their right arm and a possible broken left arm, as well as a broken blood blister on the left foot. OUCH! That makes me cringe just thinking about it. Some of the troops were very enthusiastic and acted out the scenarios very creatively while still being serious with completing first aid. 
Troops came and went throughout the day and I cannot tell you how awesome the camp fire was that the camp had set up for us. My scarf and gloves still smell like the smoke to this day! In addition, the men that were supervising the station were nothing but caring. They gave us hot chocolate, provided sandwich essentials, and finally my absolute favorite, WALKING TACOS!!!! I must say it was one of the best service projects that I have done in a long time. Not only was I doing service to local boy scouts, but I bonded with some brothers whom I never really got to know before. Nothing like a little fellowship at a service project :) Overall, I am sad that this was my last Klondike Derby since I am graduating this semester, but it definitely will be one APO memory that I will never forget!