2025 Beargrease Derby

Beargrease Overview

Scouts have been reenacting the historic John Beargrease Race across Northern Minnesota for many years! Instead of delivering the mail, racers will compete and demonstrate their proficiency in Scouting Skills –with an emphasis of having fun! Scouts form teams and then select a team name to be entered in the Derby.

Join your fellow Troops and Crews from across Northern Star Scouting for a day of competition, Scout skills, and fellowship during our Beargrease Derby. The Beargresase Derby is an excellent opportunity for your unit to demonstrate proficiency in Scout skills and teamwork. The Beargrease Derby is open to all Scouts BSA Troops or Venture Crews regardless of District affiliation. 

Event Registration Details

Please form and confirm your team before registering. 

Pre-registration through this site is required.  At the time of registration, names of participants will be required.

Event Costs

Scouts: $15 each (price increases to $25 within two weeks of the event).  

Staff/ Adults Leaders: No fee to attend.

Required Paperwork

All units will be required to have parts A and B of Scouting America's Annual Health and Medical Record for each participant. 

Preparing for Beargrease

Be sure to read the Leader Guide for more information about what to bring to the event, and how to prepare your Scouts for a fun, safe, and successful experience.  The Beargrease Derby leader guide is available in the attachments section on the right-hand side of this page.

Arrow of Light Scout Participation

5th grade Arrow of Light Scouts are welcome to attend, but must register with an attending troop.  Programming we offer will be geared toward Scouts BSA participants.    

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I pay through my unit account?

A: Go all the way through the registration process up until the payment screen. Once here, grab the registration number (top right corner, always start with 250) and then call the customer service line (612-261-2300) for them to process the payment from your in house unit account. 

Q: What do I do if I have Scouts who want to participate, but not enough for a whole team?

A: Please visit the Beargrease Bulletin Board to find a team for your Scouts, or to find extra Scouts for your team: Beargrease Bulletin Board

Q: Will meals be provided?

A: Units should plan to bring a lunch for the event- we recommend a bag lunch with a sandwich. Staff will also provide a warm soup as a supplement, but not a full meal. 

Q: Are Health Forms required for participants on-site for less than 72 hours?

A: Yes, all participants remaining on-site will require Health Form to be submitted. 

Q: Why is there a cap to the number of participants?

A: The participation cap is in place to ensure that the volunteer team can adequately serve participating units.   

Q: What gear will units be expected to bring?

A: See the leader guide for a list of supplies units are to provide. If you have questions about the supply list contact event organizers.

Q: Can Webelos Scouts attend the event?

A: No, Webelos can not attend the event per National policy. Only Arrow of Light Scouts can participate with troops.