Winter Camping Troop Program Feature

The Winter Camping program feature teaches Scouts how to be safe and prepared in cold weather. Scouts learn how to stay warm by dressing in layers and choosing the right gear. They also learn the dangers of winter conditions, like hypothermia, and how to prevent them. These are important outdoor skills that can help Scouts in many cold-weather situations.

Scouts also practice how to cook and eat properly in winter. They learn that food gives the body energy to stay warm. They see how planning meals and using stoves in the snow is different from other trips. This helps them build confidence in their camping and cooking skills.

Shelter is another key part of winter camping. Scouts learn how to use tents or build snow shelters like snow caves or igloos. These are useful survival skills. Building a shelter in the snow takes teamwork and careful planning.

Scouts also get to enjoy the outdoors in a new way. They try fun winter activities and learn how to stay safe while doing them. They practice rescue skills, explore winter sports, and become more comfortable in cold weather. This program builds strong outdoor habits that Scouts can use in any season,

The goal of the Winter Camping program is to help Scouts get ready for cold weather adventures. It teaches them how to stay safe, stay warm, and enjoy winter outdoors. Scouts learn skills they need to camp when the weather is cold and snowy.

Scouts find out how to dress for winter using the “wick, wind, and warmth” method. They learn how to choose the right clothes and gear. They also learn that food is important in cold weather because it gives energy to stay warm.

They practice making winter shelters like snow caves and igloos. They also try winter activities like sledding, skiing, or skating. Most of all, they learn how to take care of themselves and others in the cold.

Here are some of the main things Scouts will learn:

• How to dress for cold weather
• How to prevent and treat hypothermia
• How to cook and eat well in winter
• How to build snow shelters
• How to stay safe while doing winter activities
• How to help in a winter rescue

These skills make Scouts stronger and more prepared for all kinds of outdoor trips.

Group instruction is when all Scouts learn together. In this program feature, group time is used to teach important winter skills. Scouts learn how to dress, how to eat right, how to stay safe, and how to build shelters. These lessons help them get ready for the main event.

Scouts learn what hypothermia is and how to avoid it. They talk about the best clothes to wear in cold weather. They learn about the “wick, wind, and warmth” system for staying warm. They also talk about how food helps the body stay warm and strong in winter.

Shelters are another important lesson. Scouts learn the difference between tents for warm weather and tents for cold weather. They talk about snow shelters and why ground insulation is needed. If the trip includes winter sports, Scouts also learn how to stay safe while doing those.

Here are the main group instruction topics:

• Hypothermia and how to prevent it
• The right way to dress in cold weather
• Why food is important for warmth
• How to cook in the snow
• How to build and use winter shelters
• Safety for skiing, skating, and other winter fun

These group lessons give Scouts the knowledge they need to stay safe and enjoy winter camping.

Skill instruction is when Scouts learn by doing. This program feature has hands-on activities for every experience level. There are simple skills for beginners and more advanced skills for older Scouts. Everyone can learn something new.

The skills are split into three levels: essential, challenging, and advanced. Essential skills are the basics, like how to dress in layers and how to make simple winter food. Challenging skills go a little deeper, like learning about snow caves and ice rescues. Advanced skills are for experienced Scouts. These include building igloos and learning about avalanche safety.

Scouts also learn how to cook, build shelters, and stay safe. They try new foods and test out winter gear. They learn what works and what does not in cold weather. These skills help them get ready for real winter camping.

Here are some skill instruction topics:

• How to dress in layers: wick, wind, and warmth
• What to eat in winter and how to cook it
• How to make trench shelters, snow caves, and igloos
• How to treat hypothermia and help in winter rescues
• How to stay safe during snow sports and winter fun

Each Scout works at their own level and builds skills they can use again and again.

Games and challenges make learning fun. They help Scouts practice winter skills in a simple and active way. These activities are good for troop meetings. They get Scouts moving and thinking while having fun together.

Scouts try games that teach how to dress for winter. They race to put on the right clothes. They also try cooking challenges where they make and taste winter meals. Another challenge is to set up a tent in the snow as fast as possible.

These games help Scouts get ready for the real trip. They learn what gear works best, how to cook in the cold, and how to work as a team. Everyone gets to take part.

Here are some fun game ideas:

• Dress for Cold Relay – Race to pick the right winter clothes
• Frozen Kitchen Taste Test – Cook and taste winter camping food
• Pitch Your Tent Challenge – Set up and take down tents quickly in the snow

These games help Scouts practice winter skills while staying active and having fun.

The Winter Camping program gives three main event options. Each one matches a different experience level. There is something for every troop. These trips help Scouts use what they have learned in real outdoor settings.

The essential-level trip is a weekend campout with basic winter skills. Scouts sleep in tents and focus on staying warm and dry. They cook simple hot meals and practice dressing in layers. This is a good choice for younger Scouts or first-time winter campers.

The challenging-level trip includes more outdoor fun. Scouts might build and sleep in snow shelters like trench shelters or snow caves. They may go sledding, skating, or hiking in snow. This trip gives Scouts more ways to test their skills.

The advanced-level trip is for older Scouts with strong outdoor experience. They build snow caves or igloos, cook full meals in the snow, and may travel by snowshoe or ski. They also practice winter rescue and safety. This trip is more remote and requires full winter gear.

Here are the three main event options:

• Basic Winter Campout – Tent camping with simple winter cooking and clothing skills
• Snow Shelter Adventure – Build and sleep in snow shelters, enjoy winter activities
• Advanced Winter Trek – Igloo building, backcountry travel, and survival practice

Each event gives Scouts the chance to grow, learn, and enjoy the outdoors in winter.

See more details about the Winter Camping Troop Program Feature here.

Printable PDF file of Meeting Plans and Ideas for the winter camping program

Click here for a printable copy of the meeting planner

Click here for a printable copy of the main event planner

More Troop Program Features

Troop program features help Scouts plan a month of fun and learning. Each one has a theme, like first aid, cooking, or winter camping. These themes help youth leaders pick meeting ideas and plan a big event at the end of the month. The plans include basic skills for new Scouts and harder challenges for older ones.

The Winter Camping program feature teaches Scouts how to camp in cold weather. They learn how to dress in layers, cook warm meals, build snow shelters, and stay safe. Troops can pick the right level of challenge based on the age and skills of their Scouts.

BSA Troop Program Features Video

Do Scouts need special gear for winter camping?

Yes. Scouts need warm clothes, sleeping bags for cold weather, and good boots. The troop will share a gear list before the trip.

What if a Scout has never been camping in winter before?

That’s okay. This program has different levels. New Scouts learn the basics. Older Scouts can try more advanced skills.

Will we sleep in tents or snow shelters?

It depends on the trip. Some trips use tents. Others may include building and sleeping in snow shelters. Leaders will choose based on experience and weather.

How do we stay warm at night?

Scouts stay warm by dressing in layers, using proper sleeping bags, and staying dry. You’ll learn these tips in the meetings before the campout.

What if the weather is too cold or bad?

Safety comes first. Leaders check weather and adjust plans if needed. They make sure Scouts are prepared and safe.

The Winter Camping troop program feature helps Scouts learn how to camp safely when it’s cold. They find out how to dress in layers, cook warm meals, and build snow shelters. Scouts practice what to wear, what to eat, and how to sleep warm. They also learn about dangers like hypothermia and how to avoid it.

The program has different levels for all Scouts. New Scouts can start with basic skills. Older Scouts can try advanced skills like igloo building or winter rescue. Everyone learns something useful. The goal is to stay safe, have fun, and enjoy the outdoors in winter.

Meetings focus on gear, food, shelter, and safety. Scouts learn in groups and practice skills in small teams. Games and challenges help them test what they’ve learned. The main event could be a tent campout, a snow shelter trip, or a backcountry trek.

Winter camping builds confidence and teamwork. Scouts gain outdoor skills they can use in any season. Best of all, they learn that camping doesn’t stop when the snow starts to fall.