It is time to prepare for the Winter Camping season.
I recently went through my “lessons learned file” on the computer. Little notes that I make after each camp out.
I re read the notes from our January 07 camp out on Mt. Hood. As I read it I thought that I should share some of the lessons we learned as they may help other units that may have younger Scouts or Scouts that have not spent time winter camping.
I did delete personal comments regard specific Scouts.
If you are not in the habit of jotting down a few notes, I would recommend you try it. You will be amazed at the lessons learned file you will build, and as you do, your unit will become better campers and good outdoors men.
Lessons Learned: Winter Camp out- January 12-14 2007
First and foremost everything we do we can learn from. The Winter Camp is without a doubt the hardest type camping, especially when in involves youth.
Pre Camp:
Shake down is a must. We need to use our Checklist of the items we consider to the most important.
We need to stress to the parents that camping gear should not be cheap and that the Winter camp out is not the time or place to skimp on gear.
Items that are a must:
GOOD Boots. Cheap boots do not cut it. We learned that this weekend.
Gloves- Waterproof gloves and extra gloves.
Good outerwear. Water resistant, warm.
Sleeping bags. Not sure what to say about this, but if we have 20 degree bags we need to consider liners.
Hats, some of the boys did not have “Snow hats” I think a spare hat is in order also.
Sleeping pads. This was not an issue (except for one Scout), but we need to stress the importance of layers that insulate.
Stuff sacks. The Stuff sacks that come with most sleeping bags are too small for these boys. We need to encourage the parents to buy bigger (Waterproof) stuff sacks to make it easier for the Scouts to pack their sleeping bags. 8 out of 10 boys need a new stuff sack. If it is difficult to pack your sleeping bag in the Knights hall (our meeting place)it is almost impossible to pack it in the cold.
Packing. We need to revisit (Good Patrol time activity) packing Backpacks and what to take. This is good for regular camping also. We are still seeing the boys take too much “Extra” stuff and items that are not needed. Packs are too heavy with the “Extras” and it takes to long to pack and find items. Encourage the use of ditty bags to compartmentalize the packs.
Tents. We need to continue to encourage the Scouts to have their own tents. What I find is that when it is theirs, they take better care of them. And it reduces the recovery time at the Knights hall.
Planning. I think that maybe next year we make the over night portion an option. This will require more adults and more transportation. If we spend the night at the Knights Hall, shake down etc, then head to the mountain for a “Day trip” we can ease the Newer Scouts into the Cold Weather. The older boys then can remain over night in more manageable sized groups.
In camp:
I thought everything went well until Sunday morning, however this is a short list of things that we can do better in camp. I think these are universal and can be applied in all our camping experiences.
Camp set up. We did a good job of setting up with little impact. Spread out, yet maintaining Patrol integrity.
Established cooking areas. When we back pack we should have multiple cooking areas for each Patrol. Garbage collection at the time it is created is a must. The Cobra patrol had the biggest problem with that this weekend. Cooking areas should be kept clean and all cooking items put away immediately after use (once stove have cooled). They need to be kept in a bear bag, or placed back in pack.
Stoves and Fuel. It is encouraging to see so many of the Scouts have their own stoves, and from the looks of it, they are all good stoves that should last them years. Cooking takes longer in the cold and more fuel is burned, therefore we need to teach the Troop that fuel storage and consumption needs to be different. Fuel cells kept in a sock and placed in the tent at night (Sleeping bag or in a boot).With many of the stoves having Auto lighters or ignitors, less matches are required, but we need to ensure the boys carry a small amount of matches in a waterproof case and striker.
Meals. I did not have an issue with most of the meals “Prepared” this weekend. One buddy team had peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, this would not be an issue in June. We need to watch this I do not mind the backpacking prepackaged “Add water “ meals. They are filling and easy to prepare. Less clean up and fuel used.
Wet or frozen gear (clothing) We need to do a better job or providing an opportunity for these items to get dried. As well as standard backpacking techniques such as placing items in the sleeping bag etc, we might want to consider bringing the fire pit and wood. Additional propane heaters etc. We need to get boots, gloves, and Jackets dry BEFORE the Scout goes to bed the best we can. This would have take some of the bite out of Sunday morning. Adult leaders need to check on the Scouts to ensure they have their boots inside the tent, gloves inside the sleeping bag, and the next days clothing ready and positioned so they can wake up and dress, pack and get moving.
Everything that is not being used or positioned for the following day needs to be packed in the Backpack. Backpacks need to be kept in a “ready to go” mode all the time, this will make it faster to pack up and hit the trail. In the event that we have another super cold morning like this weekend, we need to give the Scouts an advantage in the morning, knowing that all they really have to do is wake up, stuff the sleeping bag, and take down the tent. We can reduce the stress and confusion.
General comments about in camp activity: I think that we are doing a good job with the way we camp. I think we need to do more training to get the Scouts up to speed on Leave no trace, and camp set up. Water became an issue and melting snow is not the “Best” option. We need to encourage more Scouts to get pumps, or we need to carry more into camp. Trash is an issue, we can reduce this by doing a better job of teaching the boys how to break down meals and packaging. Containing gear (keeping it packed) is an issue that needs to be corrected immediately.
Breaking Camp and Recovery:
Most of the above comments will assist in the breaking of camp.
We need to instill in the boys a sense of urgency when breaking camp.
If they used it.. they clean it and put it away. We need to have some consequence for those that fail to carry their share of the load and do their own work.
Recovery at the Knights Hall. I like the idea of seeing the parents before they take their Scout. I do not want to have the “Talk” for each camp out, but at least have the ability for an ASM or Myself to say a few words to the parents before they leave. Critical information is not being communicated while it’s fresh.
General comments and issues:
I think one of the biggest issues about this weekend was the gear. Boots, gloves and other clothing. Those items that meant the most Sunday morning. We need to do a better job talking with the parents, teaching the Scouts, and enforcing proper wear and getting the right gear.
Adult leaders can not panic or demonstrate any behavior that will cause the boys to feel stress. When things get tough, the Adult leaders need to get tougher and calm the situation. Remaining calm and providing positive reinforcement will get us further.
After reading this now a few times, I am certain that we will have a much better experience this January in the snow.
Sharing this with the Patrol leader Council and the Assistant Scoutmasters will ensure success the next time we venture in the winter wonderland.
Happy Scouting!
