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What is Cyber Sled Race
Chill out this winter as you brave the Alaskan wilderness on HomeScouting’s Cyber Sled Race! Survive the Cold with Iditarod Sled Dog racer and Eagle Scout, Matthew Failor, on a race like you've never experienced as you learn about training and racing a sled dog team, and hone your winter outdoor skills. Or step into the boots of a prospector and Mine for Gold during the Alaskan gold rush as you try to stake a claim, hit it rich, and build your fortune! Lead the pack by completing both races this winter – only at HomeScouting.org
Whether you choose to Survive the Cold or Mine for Gold, your adventure will take you to new worlds. Can’t decide? Do both and save $5 by using coupon code BUNDLE!
NOTE: All digital content for Cyber Sled Race: Survive the Cold is the same content originally released in 2020 and 2022. The exclusive webinars with Iditarod Sled Dog Racer, Matt Failor and Gold Panning Expert, Tony Ledford will be released on the race course but not live.
All Scouts who participated in the past are invited back to complete adventures for their new rank, finish merit badges, and continue exploring snowy Alaska.
The Race COURSE
The virtual race course will be the hub for Cyber Sled Race with different areas just like an actual sled race! Content is available all winter long for those looking for a flexible schedule. There will be a different race course for Survive the Cold and Mine for Gold.
Cyber Sled Race:
Survive the Cold
ANCHORAGE – START LINE
Start at Anchorage! Here you will find the all of the tracking tools, worksheets, and your guide to navigate the Race Course for Cyber Sled Race: Survive the Cold.
FINGER LAKE - PIONEER POINT
Knots & lashings are formed today the same ways they have been done for a long time. Build structures out of sticks and rope at Pioneer Point.
ROHN - STEM STATION
At Rohn, you’ll find an abundance of STEM experiments that are both fun and educational.
RUBY - SURVIVAL SHACK
Learn all about basic first aid, pocket knife safety, and cold weather survival at the Survival Shack.
KALTAG - LUNCH BREAK
Prepare your lunch the same way you would along the Iditarod Trail!
SHAKTOOLIK - WEBINAR WAYPOINT
Watch an exclusive webinar with Iditarod Racer and Eagle Scout, Matthew Failor at Webinar Waypoint.
WHITE MOINTAIN - COMPASS COVE
Orient through the artic circle using a compass and waypoints. Prepare for an outdoor hike in the cold weather.
NOME - FINSH LINE
Find final reporting at the Final Frontier.
Cyber Sled Race:
Mine for gold
ST. MICHAEL, AK – START LINE
Start in St. Michael, AK! Here you will find the all of the tracking tools, worksheets, and your guide to navigate the race course for Cyber Sled Race: Mine for Gold.
KALTAG, AK - LIVE OFF THE LAND
Begin your trip along the Yukon River to Dawson City where gold is known to be found. Learn about plant, animal, and rock identification to keep you safe along the river as you make a pit stop in Kaltag.
RUBY, AK - WEBINAR WAYPOINT
Watch the webinar with Tony Ledford while you learn about tools needed to mine for gold! You’ll need this information once you reach Dawson City.
FORT YUKON, AK - LUNCH AND LEARN
Take a break and enjoy lunch while watching videos about the history of the Alaskan Gold Rush.
DAWSON CITY, CANADA - STAKE YOUR CLAIM
You’ve made it to the mine! Learn about what gold rushers discover in the mines and what you can discover in your backyard.
CARMACKS, CANADA - HIT IT RICH
Now that you’ve struck it rich, learn about the value of gold, history of money, and how money can help you Build Your Fortune in Whitehorse.
WHITEHORSE, CANADA - BUILD YOUR FORTUNE
Create your own business or invention at Whitehorse!
JUNEAU, AK - REPORTING
Find final reporting for Cyber Sled Race. We will email your unit leader a copy of advancements you’ve completed.
ADVANCEMENTS
In addition to fun engaging activities throughout the virtual race course, Scouts will also have the chance to earn the following advancements in each category.
Cyber Sled Race:
Survive the Cold
In addition to fun engaging activities throughout the race, including: learning about outdoor winter cooking, building your own sled, basic and advanced knot tying, cold weather camping, Scouts will also have the chance to earn the following advancements in each category.
Lion - Mountain Lion
Tiger - Tigers in the Wild
Wolf - Finding Your Way
Bear - Bear Claws & Critter Care
Webelos - First Responder & Castaway
Arrow of Light - Castaway
Scouts BSA - Pioneering & Dog Care Merit Badges
Cyber Sled Race:
MINE FOR GOLD
In addition to fun engaging activities throughout the race course, including: learning about plant and animal identification, mining for gold and minerals, and striking it rich when finding gold, Scouts will also have the chance to earn the following advancements in each category.
Lion - Gizmos & Gadgets
Tiger - My Tiger Jungle
Wolf - Adventures in Coins
Bear - Baloo The Builder
Webelos - Cast Iron Chef & Earth Rocks!
Arrow of Light - Earth Rocks!
Scouts BSA - Mining in Society & Entrepreneurship Merit Badges
AFFORDABLE
Participating in Cyber Sled Race is a low cost experience with high value for all participants - with $30 as the base package which gets access to the digital content and a base package. Each Scout participating in Cyber Sled Race should purchase a package. Families should not purchase one package for the entire family.
FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE
There will be a schedule for Cyber Sled Race for those looking for structure, however families can complete the activities at their own pace on their own time. Content will be available on the race course anytime to meet the needs of families.
frequently asked questions
I had access to the content earlier in the day, and now I don't. What happened?
Try clearing your browsing history, closing your browser, and coming back to homescouting.org. With so many changes made to the site daily, we believe the cache can't keep up.
Why don't I see my order under "My Orders"?
Some individuals are having issues with their order showing up under "My Orders." That's okay! We have received your order. This is most likely due to account creation after purchasing a package. Similar as to if you order a pizza using guest checkout, the next time to go and decide to create an account it doesn’t show previous orders.
Can I navigate the Race Map on a phone or a tablet?
You can use a tablet, but we do not recommend using a cell phone. The BEST experience is on a computer. We highly recommend using a computer to participate for Cyber Sled Race.
How long will the Cyber Sled Race content be accessible after it concludes?
The Race Map and everything on homescouting.org will be accessible for Cyber Sled Race participants until April 1, so you can complete adventures at your own pace and explore as much as you want!
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 Merit Badges?
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.
Why can't I access anything on the Race Course?
Only account holders who have purchased a package have access to the digital content for Cyber Sled Race. If you have made a purchase and still can't access, email us at info@homescouting.org with your order number to grant access.