NOME
FINAL FRONTIER
welcome to
NOME, AK
Every year in March, Nome hosts the finish of one of the toughest sled dog races in the world. During the finish of the race Nome’s population grows by approximately 1,000 people and turns Nome into what people everywhere warmly refer to as the “Mardi Gras of the North”. With hundreds of events to participate in and the ability to rub elbows with some of the most notorious names in the dog mushing industry, the finish of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in Nome is an event not to be missed.
Set at the tip of the Seward Peninsula and overlooking the Bering Sea, Nome may well be Alaska’s most exciting destination for independent adventurers. It’s about as far away as you can get in Alaska while still enjoying the conveniences of the modern world. It offers an incredible mix of Native culture, rugged Alaskan adventure, dramatic scenery, world-class sporting events, rich history, and small-town friendly.
A first-class city, Nome is the most famous gold rush town in Alaska—home of the last great gold stampede in the history of the American West. In the early 1900s, Nome drew people to its shores from all over the world. They are still coming today, especially in March for the finish of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, and in late spring for the annual migration of dozens of bird species.
Nome lies just 90 minutes by jet from Anchorage, but its remote location and 350 miles of roads radiating from town mean you can drive deep into some of Alaska’s most scenic, pristine country. With no trees to speak of, you can see forever across a gentle landscape of rolling tundra, crystal clear rivers, and wide sandy beaches. Chances are you’ll spot muskoxen, reindeer, and other wildlife—but not many other cars. When that happens, you can be sure you’ll get a wave from the friendly locals.
Population = 3,866
Nome serves as the Cyber Sled Race Final Frontier! Below you will find details about final reporting and merit badge counseling sessions.
FINAL REPORTING
Thanks for being joining us for Cyber Sled Race! Here you will find important information on final reporting. This form will be compiled into an email and sent to your unit leader and each parent.
Below you will find important information on final reporting for Cyber Sled Race. This form will be compiled into a customized email with achievements and sent to your unit leader so you can be presented with your awards! Only those who have completed the final reporting will have this sent on their behalf.
You can submit the final reporting tool anytime this winter - no need to rush to the finish line to fill out the report. Find frequently asked questions below.
Important Information:
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Fill out the form for each member of your family, pack, troop, or crew that participated in Cyber Sled Race.
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For SCOUTS BSA youth: If you met with a Merit Badge counselor through Cyber Sled Race, we will attach a note from the counselor to serve as proof of completion with your final reporting. THIS WILL SERVE AS YOUR DIGITAL BLUE CARD.
Fill out the form below OR click here to go to the form in a new window.
COUNSELING
We encourage all participants to meet with a local merit badge counselor to have a more robust and fulfilling experience, however we provide counseling sessions for anyone who cannot find a local counselor.
Scouts are encouraged to find a local merit badge counselor to fulfill the requirements of meeting with a counselor. This will provide a more in-depth, personal, and fulfilling experience.
We will offer counseling sessions for all Scouts who cannot find a local merit badge counselor. Counseling sessions will begin in February to allow Scouts to complete all requirements. Scouts needing a counseling session will be communicated with directly and will sign up for one, 45-minute counseling session to fulfill the merit badge requirement of meeting with a counselor to discuss what has been learned.
Additionally, throughout the spring, we will send a “final report” to both parents and your unit leader through gathering information from each Scout on work done on different merit badges and other advancements and email it to your unit leader. See here for an example. We use this for all HomeScouting programs, and it is positively received from unit leaders.
Who needs a counseling session?
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All Scouts BSA/Venturers to completely earn a merit badge
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Cub Scouts do not need counseling sessions
After filling out the form below, we will contact you directly with details on how to register for merit badge counseling sessions. Please note: counseling sessions will begin in January and continue through February but will not continue into March.
FINAL REPORTING FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
There is a lot of information on the Race Course, do we have to do all of it?
No! You can do as much or as little as you want. To ensure completion of your rank's activity or merit badge, use the tracking tools at St. Michael to navigate the Race Course and complete requirements.
Do I have to fill out the final reporting tool on 12/9?
No! You can fill out the final reporting tool anytime this winter. Every few weeks, we will send your unit leader the final report.
Will my Scout be turning in the worksheets and/or tracking tools?
No. All worksheets and tracking tools are for your use to keep track of what's been completed. We recommend keeping them in case your unit leader wants to see what's been accomplished as proof of completion.
How will my unit leader know what my Scout completed?
We will send a “final report” to both parents and unit leaders through gathering information from each Scout on work done on different merit badges and other advancements and email it to your unit leader. See here for an example of the email to unit leaders. We used this for all previous programs, and it was positively received from unit leaders.
Will there be counseling sessions for the Dog Care or Pioneering Merit Badge?
Yes! We are committed to helping as many Scouts who need a counselor. Scouts are encouraged to find a local counselor however to have the best learning experience. If you are a counselor and wish to help, fill out the form above. Counseling sessions will begin in January and continue through February to allow Scouts to complete all requirements. Scouts needing a counseling session will be communicated with directly and will sign up for one, 45-minute counseling session to fulfill the merit badge requirement of meeting with a counselor to discuss what has been learned. Please note: counseling sessions will begin in January and continue through February but will not continue into March.
How long will the Cyber Sled Race content be accessible after it concludes?
The Race Course and everything on homescouting.org will be accessible for Cyber Sled Race participants until March 1, so you can complete adventures at your own pace and explore as much as you want!