Supplemental Training

for Boy Scouts of America

Training Summary: Provide leadership and practical approaches for troops wishing to bolster their camping into a year-round program.

Time required: 60 minutes

Learning ObjectivesDevelops a plan to build winter leadership skills among leaders and older Scouts in the unit.

Develop a plan to build the practical skills required for safe and fun winter camping.

Learn and communicate the differences between cold and warm weather clothing.

Commit to memory the Winter food pyramid for proper nutrition and hydration.

The first ever Troop 13 Winter Outing is coming and Mr. or Mrs. Tenderfoot Parent really needs to talk to Mr. Scoutmaster. Is Tommy’s gear adequate? Is the new down bag okay to use? .. Tommy wants to go, but, you know, it’s this statement about winter survival that really has me concerned and I really need to talk to Mr. Scoutmaster.

What was going on in this skit? List your responses about the concerns the parent has about winter camping.

Discuss these concerns as a group.

Winter Leadership SkillsSafe outing – winter is unforgiving. Longer time is needed to perform all chores. Assess the leaders’ and Scouts’ capabilities and set limit for weather extremes

Communicate these limits to your parents & Scouts

Leader must be prepared to cancel or terminate an event.

Winter Leadership SkillsLeader Preparation

Physical fitness preparation in the cold is a must.

Study winter camping techniques, cold weather physiology and proper nutrition.

Okpik: Cold Weather Camping book is a good resource

Try camping at in the backyard, in the garage, at a local nearby park and test your gear

Two-deep leadership may never be more important than on a winter campout. Buddies check for frostnip.

Plan exciting day and night program activities. Have Scouts bake an apple under snowy conditions. Night hikes, snowshoe hikes, sled races. Leaders need to encourage good program.

3 qtFood = fuel

Water

Breakfast should give enough fat to satisfy the appetite. 20% Protein Lunch is abundant in high carbohydrate energy. Dinner includes the highest amount of protein.Nutritious high caloric snacks at any time of day 40% Fats&OilsCheck out website mypyramid.gov

40% Carbohydrates

The Winter Pyramid

Practical Skills Age appropriate winter camping

Cabin campouts offer the full range for Scouts of all ages. Younger Scouts become familiar with the fundamentals of winter camping as they watch the older Scouts stay outdoors and thrive in the winter.

Always have a back-up plan for wilderness winter camping. A warming tent having a wood stove is a great contingency plan.

Have Scouts practice at homeBuddies can get together and cook and sleep in the garage, the backyard and become accustomed to the cold. Report the campout result to the Scoutmaster.

Practical SkillsCommunication

Parents will have questions, spoken and unspoken, about their child’s safety and leader qualifications.

Show the parents how the troop is going to prepare for the outing. Explain the limits and cancellation of the trip if necessary.

Expect the Scouts to have prepared ahead of time by practicing the winter procedures [mud, lost glove in snow, cold weather buddy, tent set-up, winter clothing requirements…]

Practice with the Scouts the words,”Mr. Leader, I’m cold. I need help.” It’s Okay to say these words.

Warm vs. cold weather clothing Summer clothes Winter clothes Let heat escape Keep heat close to body Keep cool Stay warm & dry Let moisture escape Allow moisture to escape (active)

Loosely woven fabric Retain 60% moisture on skin

Cotton - absorbs moisture need to layer & ventilate and promotes evaporation wool and fleece work well

Cotton still cools you in the winter. Leave it at home for the winter campout. Choose wool, fleece, synthetics.

Thickness = warmth = dead air spaces

ConclusionEncourage the Scouts to develop a sequential plan to build the winter skills

Introduce winter camping in a safe manner

Build confidence in small stepsKeep parents informed about the need for added training prior to a winter campout