The Turtle Race
2003 – Contributed by Anonymous
The turtle race begins! The turtles race across the parade field towards the radial finish line.
Turtle Derby 'Green Room'
2003 – Contributed by Anonymous
Just moments before the big race, the runners get pumped up by slamming themselves against the side of their waiting room.
Box Turtles
2025 – Contributed by Nathan Greway
Turtles in the Nature Lodge just before a turtle derby in 2025.
Derby Training
Contributed by Rev. James Goudie
Scouts would often train their turtles back at the Campsite in preparation for the famed Turtle Derby in the ’70s. The derby had many more competitors in the ’70s as the Box Turtle was a more common inhabitant of Camp at that time.
Turtle Derby Preparation
Contributed by Rev. James Goudie
Trainers give final instructions before the big race in the early ’70s.
And They're Off!
Contributed by Rev. James Goudie
Turtles dart for the finish line during the weekly Turtle Derby.
Finally
Contributed by Rev. James Goudie
Some turtles prefer to take their time finishing the Turtle Derby.
Turtle Derby
Contributed by Rev. James Goudie
The Turtle Derby was held on the Parade Field in the ’70s as it is today.
Turtle Derby Winner
1972 – Contributed by Wayne Woodward
Flash, the Week 2 Turtle Derby winner poses with his Troop 74 trainer, Dave Woodward, after edging out the competition at the finish line.
Turtle Derby
1972 – Contributed by Wayne Woodward
Competitors and trainers gather at the lime circle on the Parade Field before the weekly Turtle Derby.
Indoor Turtle Derby
1944 – Contributed by John B. Rettew III
Al Weeks picks up the winning contestant of a 1944 Turtle Derby in Kindness Center.
Shelled Competitor
2008 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
This turtle is getting his protein before the big race.
Turtle Pit
1962 – Contributed by W. Stuart Watson III
Here is the Turtle Pit where the box turtles were kept for the Turtle Derby back in the 1960s.
Turtle Derby
2026 – Contributed by Heather Callahan
This Scout shows off her box turtle during the turtle derby.
