Knights Pond Survival Challenge

The Knight's Pond Survival Challenge is an annual outdoors event hosted at Knight's Pond Preserve which has been ongoing since 1971, though archaeological evidence suggests similar activities may have been done by indigenous populations in the area since prehistory. The Challenge typically happens in December or January to take advantage of snowy conditions and cold temperatures in creating a more challenging environment. The Challenge is free to enter, but betting on participants is used to raise funds to run the event. The Challenge has been challenged on legal and ethical grounds on several occasions, particularly in the early 2003 and 2004 when President George W. Bush made a campaign promise out of stopping dangerous woods competitions. Despite these concerns, the Challenge has operated almost every year since its founding, and this winter's challenge has already been scheduled. Notably, the 2008 Challenge was cancelled when a local child was abducted by Bamper on the eve of the Challenge, and eight out of eleven participants were called up by the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office for the search party.

## Components

Since official rules were finalized in 1995, the Challenge has consisted of 10-20 contestants selected for their survival skills, desperation for fabulous prizes, attitude towards Massachusetts residents, and other qualities at the discretion of the Knight's Pond Survival Challenge Oversight Board. ADD MORE

## Rules

As mentioned, the rules were finalized in 1995. Any original rendition of a rule introduced before 1995 will be noted, as will the reason for change.

* The Challenge is to take place in December or January, whichever is projected to be coldest by the Farmer’s Almanac.
* Any construction of any kind prior to the challenge by a contestant or construction by any person in order to aid a contestant is strictly prohibited. (This rule originally failed to prohibit construction by persons outside of contestants. The rule was altered after the 1983 “Frozen Mansion” incident).
* During the days of the challenge, only contestants and referees are allowed on the preserve. Referees will be distinguished from contestants by light up hats.
* Contestants may only enter the challenge with an empty knapsack — except for an 9mm handgun of the contestant’s choice, for defense against wildlife only — and a half loaf of bread. (The inclusion of a knapsack was included in 1991 after a contestant attempted to store his half load of bread under the ice. Although he successfully stored the bread, he suffered serious injury when attempting to retrieve the items). The handgun was a controversial addition as some argue it is not in the spirit of the challenge. As such, all the contestants have competed without one even after its allowance.
* Contestants may practice cannibalism, but are not allowed to kill other contestants. (The anti-cannibalism rule became too difficult to enforce after the Sewn Shut incident in 1997, although it is still seen as unsportsmanlike).
* Organized airdrops are strictly prohibited, except from birds.
* Prizes will be awarded to the winner by The Power
* The challenge — if necessary — will continue until the ice becomes so thin that a contestant falls through the ice. If there are only two contestants, he who falls through will be considered the loser.
* Contestants are required to press an “easy” button at least once every 72 hours. The button will be located at the center of the ice. Failure to do so will result in elimination
* In the event of a tie, conceivably where there are three or more remaining contestants and one falls through the ice in an attempt to reach the button, The Power will select a winner.
* A contestant or winner shall never reveal what the fabulous prizes are that lay beneath the ice.

## See also

* List of Notable KPSC Incidents and Moments
* List of Notable Challenge Contestants