Plywood, Prizes, and Purpose: Boys & Girls Club of Watertown Announces 12th Annual Blue Door Derby
- Steve Jurrens
- Mar 19
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD – It has been called a “life-sized board game,” a night of “organized chaos,” and Watertown’s most unique fundraiser. On April 24, 2026, the Boys & Girls Club of Watertown will host its Annual Blue Door Derby Camel Races, an event that has grown from a quirky local gathering into the agency’s signature fundraising effort.
Executive Director Liz Brownell and Director of Development Kelly Jaderborg recently joined Northeast Radio SD to pull back the curtain on what to expect at this year’s derby.
Not Your Average Horse Race
Despite the name, there won’t be any actual animals at the Codington County Extension Complex. Instead, the “track” features 4-foot-tall plywood camels moved according to the roll of a giant die.
“They are not real camels... we really refer to it as a life-sized board game,” explained Kelly Jaderborg. “We race six camels at a time. People who attend the event then bet on which camel they think is going to win, just like you would at a horse race.”
While the winners take home their cash, the “losers” don’t leave empty-handed. The Derby features a “Second Chance Drawing,” where non-winning bet slips are entered into a raffle for high-value prizes, including spa packages, sports tickets, and even a year’s supply of beer.
Fueling the Mission
While the atmosphere is casual—complete with food trucks like Papa D’s and BBQ Pit Stop, and a bar service provided by Dempsey’s—the mission behind the night is serious. The club currently serves between 350 and 400 children every single day.
“The cost of doing business is getting greater for all businesses,” noted Liz Brownell. “Fundraisers like this make sure we have quality staff members who are those mentors—the reason the kids are coming back every day. Last year, we served just about 70,000 healthy meals and snacks as part of our program.”
Investing in the Future
The Club prides itself on accessibility, offering a full year of programming for just $125 per child. For families who cannot afford the fee, Brownell says the club’s scholarship program is a “no-questions-asked” priority.
“We are never going to turn kids away. We want them to be there; we will make it happen,” Brownell said. “A scholarship is basically a one-sheet piece of paper... we have almost 100 members who are currently scholared.”
How to Get Involved
The Boys & Girls Club is currently seeking two groups: participants and professionals.
· Derby Support: Sponsorship spots for camels are still available, and businesses can purchase a table of eight for $250.
· Summer Hiring: The club is actively hiring Youth Development Professionals for the upcoming summer season. They are looking for roughly 20 staff members to act as mentors and lead activities.
The Blue Door Derby kicks off at 5:00 PM on Friday, April 24, 2026. For more information on tickets, sponsorships, or summer employment, visit www.bgcofwatertown.com or call 605-886-6666.
