Winter Camping Ideas for 2019-2020

Winter is another good time to go camping because there are no crowds and bugs and we get to see the different signs of nature. Unit are encouraged to camp year round and being prepared for the elements will make the winter camping experience more memorable.

This is a good time to teach Winter or Cold weather camping and the basics of how to stay warm and dry.

A very good resource is the Scout Fieldbook.

The Fieldbook is designed for advanced camping and has many ideas including a section on snow camping. Although we are not in snow country Units should consider doing a snow outing. Snow Camping is a unique experience and is recommended for older seasoned campers. It is a good challenge for older scouts to expand their abilities. With the proper training and supervision older scouts can construct and sleep in a one of the various snow shelter types.

A good event to warm up to snow camping is a Klondike Derby. Klondike Derbies are a camporee in the snow. Patrols compete in a variety of snow related events and games including a sledge race. Prior to going, the Patrol constructs a “dog” type sledge to the specifications and the sledge is used to transport all of the Patrols gear needed for the events. Klondikes are lots of fun and are well staffed and supervised. Several Councils host Klondike Derbies such as Golden Empire, Sequoia, Marin, San Francisco, Mt. Diablo Silverado and Santa Clara.

Another introduction to the snow is a simple fun day in the snow. This is a great way to test out gear and assess your campers abilities.

OKPIK Cold Weather Camping