The 2025 Ted Boniface Memorial Youth Ice Fishing Derby was held this past Sunday on Crystal Lake at Camp Keowa in the Ten Mile River Boy Scout Camps. There were 162 brave young folks out on the ice. That’s a new record.

Temperatures were in the 20s and winds were gusting around 25 miles per hour according to the weather report on the radio as I was driving home after the event. That didn’t stop any of the kids from having a good time.

The Ted Boniface Memorial Youth Ice Fishing Derby was started years ago by the Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs of Sullivan County. Our current Vice President, Carl Lindsley, came up with the idea and has worked hard over the years to build the event into the huge success that it is today.

Everything is free – the food (hot dogs, chips, snacks, candy, etc.), drinks (hot chocolate, coffee, water, juice boxes), prizes, etc. Even the bait is free. The Federation is able to provide some loaner equipment. Gracious volunteers help to drill holes in the ice when needed.

The Derby wouldn’t be free if it wasn’t for generous donations from a lot of people and groups. I would like to thank everyone. The Boniface family provides substantial financial support. N.G. Gilbert (the folks that cut trees for the electric companies) donates a chainsaw that is raffled each year to raise funds for the derby. Ned Lang’s Roto-Rooter donates the use of portable toilets. The Democrat newspaper is a co-sponsor. The Sullivan County Legislature provides funding to the Federation to help with the event as well.

That venerable organization, the Boy Scouts of America, deserves special recognition for allowing the use of their facilities. They make sure everything is plowed out for access and provide a trailer and pavilion, and have their rangers help with the event. Thank you.

It takes a whole lot of volunteers as well. Members of the Federation and some of our member clubs help out. A bunch of other folks come to help as well. Sullivan County Sheriff Mike Schiff was there. He and his Department are strong supporters of our youth outdoor activities. I want to give a special shout out to Ray Otto for jumping in when needed and making sure the event was a success. Again, let me say thank you to all.

Let’s all get outside this winter like those 162 young folks and enjoy the outdoors!

John S. Van Etten is the current president of the Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs of Sullivan County, Inc.