Laurel Highlands Council
Area 1 Klondike Derby
Hosted by Eagle Valley District
Camp Twin Echo
Ligonier, PA
February 7, 2015
Fort Ligonier, located 7.46 miles Southeast of Camp Twin Echo is a British fortification from the French and Indian War
located in Ligonier, Pennsylvania, United States. The fort served as a staging area for the Forbes Expedition of 1758. During
the eight years of its existence as a garrison, Fort Ligonier was never taken by an enemy. It served as a post of passage to the
new Fort Pitt, and during Pontiac's War of 1763, was a vital link in the British communication and supply lines. Today’s
activities take us back to a cold November day in 1758. Four thousand British Troops are massed at Fort Ligonier, making
this the second largest community in Pennsylvania. On this date, British troops led by General John Forbes will head out for
Fort Duquesne, some fifty miles west to battle the French for control of Fort Duquesne and access to the three rivers
surrounding that fort.
KLONDIKE DERBY WELCOME
WELCOME TO THE 2015 AREA 1 KLONDIKE DERBY!
This patrol competition of Scout skills, individual knowledge, teamwork, and ingenuity, challenges your Scouts to combine
their abilities to accomplish various activities. Patrols will compete in a round robin style schedule and will have to work
together to be successful! All of the stations are designed to be challenging and fun. They will combine scout skills and are
designed to get your patrols functioning (and competing) and again having fun. Adults who accompany their units to the
event are encouraged to participate as Station Leaders. An online volunteer sign-up sheet will be posted to allow parents and
leaders to sign up and help at one of the activity stations. The Klondike is again being held at Camp Twin Echo just outside
Ligonier on February 7, 2015. It’s a great venue! Packet and volunteer sign up available online after the December
Roundtable.
Dear Scouter,
The Laurel Highlands Council Area 1 Activities Committee challenges you and your unit to compete in the 2015
KLONDIKE DERBY. This one-day event is one of the Area’s most popular activities, held annually for many years. This
program is designed to give Scout and Webelos Patrols the chance to compete and work together as a team to solve
problems and work out team-oriented solutions, while having a blast in the Arctic cold. Patrols will be challenged and
must use leadership, scout skills, and teamwork to score points in the day’s scouting competition. This event is for
registered Webelos and Boy Scouts only and siblings are not permitted to be included. This year the Klondike Derby will
take place on Saturday, February 7, 2015 from 8:00AM (Saturday registration begins at 7am) to roughly 4:30PM at Camp
Twin Echo. Ribbons will be awarded to the top Scout and top Webelos Patrols as well as Prizes and Scout Equipment for
best overall scores.
REGISTRATION:
The cost of this event is $10.00 per participant and $5.00 per adult. This includes the program materials, event
patch, awards, coffee, and hot chocolate. All participants must pre-register. This allows the district time to determine how
many patches, prizes, etc. to purchase. Registration will be completed online at http://www.tinyurl.com/EVKlondike15 .
Troops/Packs must arrive at the event with a completed registration form with the names of all patrol members and
Leaders attending. Patrols will be cooking their own lunch and should plan to cook for their leadership. Registration begins
immediately. Registration Deadline: February 1, 2015. The Eagle Valley District Activities Committee hopes to see
you and your patrols down at Camp Twin Echo for the 2015 KLONDIKE DERBY! This program is designed to be lots
of fun, so bring your sleds and snowballs down to compete in the biggest scouting competition of the winter.
Yours in Scouting,
Norm Solomon [email protected] 724.579.6173, Klondike Derby Chair 2015
Ryan Geraghty, Eagle Valley District Director [email protected] 412.465.0527
PROGRAM INFORMATION
1. ANY SLED THAT CAN BE PULLED USING A “TOWING BRIDLE”.
2. MUST HAVE PATROL EQUIPMENT LISTED BELOW, TRANSPORTED ON SLED.
3. UNITS WISHING TO CONSTRUCT A SLED MAY FIND DESIGNS AT NUMEROUS SITES ON
THE INTERNET. SLEDS MAY BE CONSTRUCTED OUT OF WOOD, PVC, OR OTHER
MATERIALS.
4. SLEDS CANNOT HAVE WHEELS.
SPECIAL NOTE
THE KLONDIKE DERBY IS A TRADITIONAL BOY SCOUT PATROL-BASED EVENT. ADULT
LEADERS MUST LET THE PATROL SUCCEED OR FAIL ON THE STRENGTH OF ITS MEMBERS.
ADULT LEADERS DO NOT ACCOMPANY THE BOY SCOUT PATROLS. PATROL MEMBERS MUST
WORK TOGETHER TO NAVIGATE THE COURSE AND THE STATIONS. ADULT LEADERS MAY
ACCOMPANY WEBELOS PATROLS, WITH THE INTENT OF KEEPING THEM ON TRACK AND
SAFE. ADULT LEADERS SHOULD NOT HELP THE WEBELOS WITH THE ACTIVITIES AT THE
STATIONS. THE VOLUNTEERS WILL BE AWARE OF THE DIFFERING SKILL LEVELS OF BOY
SCOUT AND WEBELOS PATROLS AND WILL ASSIST AND JUDGE THEIR EFFORTS
ACCORDINGLY. THE IDEAL PATROL SIZE IS SIX (6) TO EIGHT (8) SCOUTS; YOU WILL NEED A
MINIMUM OF FIVE (5) SCOUTS. PATROLS WITH MORE THAN SIX (6) SCOUTS MAY HAVE TO
“SIT OUT” MEMBERS AT EACH EVENT ON A ROTATIONAL BASIS. THE PATROL LEADER WILL
TRACK WHO SITS OUT AT EACH EVENT. THE DECISION OF WHO SITS OUT MUST BE MADE
BEFORE THE TASK IS GIVEN TO EACH PATROL.
PATROL EQUIPMENT LIST: WILL BE CHECKED FOR POINTS!!
 PATROL ROSTER – INCLUDED IN THIS GUIDE
 PATROL FLAG WITH UNIT NUMBER AND PATROL NAME
 FIRST AID KIT* CHECKLIST IN SCOUT HANDBOOK, POINTS DEDUCTED FOR INCOMPLETE
CONTENTS.
 BOY SCOUT HANDBOOK
 COMPASS
 BLANKET
 2 – 8’x10’ TARPS
 TENT STAKES
 EXTRA ROPE
 MATERIALS TO CONSTRUCT A STRETCHER (PRACTICE BEFORE)
• 2 POLES BLANKET OR CANVAS, ETC
 FIRE BUILDING MATERIALS (ALL NATURAL NO ACCELERENTS OR FIRE STARTERS)
 FLINT AND STEEL
 HATCHET (Boy Scouts Only)
 SNACK
 WATER
PATROLS: PRACTICE YOUR KNOTS & KNOW YOUR FIRST-AID (HANDBOOK). PRACTICE
THE EVENTS!! EVENT COMPETITION & AWARDS:
THERE ARE PRIZES FOR FIRST, SECOND, AND THIRD PLACE OVERALL SCORES. WEBELOS WILL BE
SCORED AND AWARDED SEPARATELY FROM THE BOY SCOUT PATROLS.
PATROLS WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN LUNCH. THERE WILL BE A JUDGED SOUP COOKOFF,
BUT THE PATROL LUNCH ITSELF IS NOT JUDGED AND PATROLS ARE WELCOME TO COOK AND EAT
WHATEVER THEY BRING. NO COOKING EQUIPMENT WILL BE PROVIDED AND THERE WILL BE NO OPEN
FIRE COOKING. PATROLS MUST BRING THEIR OWN PROPANE OR CHARCOAL GRILLS OR STOVES. THE
DINING HALL KITCHEN WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE.
SCHEDULE OUTLINE:
SATURDAY MORNING
7:30 AM
8:30 AM
9:00 AM
9:30 AM
2:45 PM
4:00 PM
CHECK IN (ALL PATROLS MUST BE PRE-REGISTERED) CAMP OFFICE
PATROL LEADERS MEETING
WOODWARD LODGE
ASSEMBLY AND FLAG RAISING
PARADE FIELD
KLONDIKE DERBY (Shotgun Start)
CAMP WIDE
9:35 AM Arrive at 1st Station
10:00 AM Arrive at 2nd Station
10:25 AM Arrive at 3rd Station
10:50 AM Arrive at 4th Station
11:15 AM Arrive at 5th Station
11:40 AM Lunch/Soup Cookoff
IN/AROUND DINING HALL
12:50 PM Arrive at 6th Station
1:15 PM Arrive at 7th Station
1:40 PM Arrive at 8th Station
2:05 PM Arrive at 9th Station
AWARDS/AUCTIONPRIZES
DINING HALL
DEPART FOR HOME
PARKING LOT/CAMPSITES
TROOPS CAMPING FRIDAY NIGHT WILL BE ABLE TO CHECK IN AT 6:00PM FRIDAY NIGHT
TROOPS CAMPING SATURDAY NIGHT SHOULD EXIT CAMP BY 10:00 AM SUNDAY MORNING
CABINS WILL BE AVAILABLE VIA LOTTERY AT THE JANUARY ROUNDTABLE. TROOPS MUST BE
PRESENT TO ENTER. WINNING TROOPS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT OF THE WEEKEND RATE
FOR THE LODGES. ALL WEBELOS PATROLS CAMPING MUST CAMP WITH A BOY SCOUT TROOP.
PROPER CLOTHING AND
FOOT WEAR IS REQUIRED
ANYONE WEARING
SNEAKERS OR
TENNIS SHOES WILL
NOT BE ALLOWED TO
PARTICIPATE
Fort Ligonier, located 7.46 miles Southeast of Camp Twin Echo is a British fortification from the French and
Indian War located in Ligonier, Pennsylvania, United States. The fort served as a staging area for the Forbes
Expedition of 1758. During the eight years of its existence as a garrison, Fort Ligonier was never taken by an
enemy. It served as a post of passage to the new Fort Pitt, and during Pontiac's War of 1763, was a vital link in the
British communication and supply lines. Today’s activities take us back to a cold November day in 1758. Four
thousand British Troops are massed at Fort Ligonier, making this the second largest community in Pennsylvania.
On this date, British troops led by General John Forbes will head out for Fort Duquesne, some fifty miles west to
battle the French for control of Fort Duquesne and access to the three rivers surrounding that fort. Early on in the
march, your patrol becomes separated from the rest of the troops. You must work together to survive in the
Western Pennsylvania wilderness.
Klondike Derby Stations
(Shotgun Start)
Communication Skills – Signaling
Separated from the rest of the troops, your patrol is on its own. Being cautious, you send two scouts ahead to scout for
enemy French or Indian fighters. Spotting something ahead, the advance scouters are signaling an important message.
Using non-verbal methods of communication, the advance scouts will need to get a simple message to the rest of the
patrol located 25 yards back down the trail. Phones and other electronic communication devices may not be used.
Shooting Skills– Slingshots
You have run across French troops who would like nothing more than to eliminate one of General Forbes’ patrols and take
their supplies. You must fend them off as best as you can. Using slingshots and dog food, hit as many of the targets (pie
tins) as possible.
Physical Fitness – Sled Race
Finding yourself far outnumbered by the French troops, you must retreat as quickly as possible. With a loaded sled,
including a driver, your team must run a course, keeping all your gear intact, and making sure each member of your
patrol escapes safely.
First Aid
In making your hasty retreat, and escaping the French, you’ve found yourself with an injured member of your patrol. Using
your Boy Scout or Webelos skills, provide appropriate first aid and transport for the injured scout.
Knot Tying Skills – Sled Hoist
Despite the cold, not everything is frozen. Loyalhanna Creek is overflowing is banks, and your patrol must secure its sled,
lest it be washed away. Using rope scouts must secure their sled in the air at least as high as their shortest scout. Scouts
will run their rope over a branch and secure the sled. Points will be awarded based on proper knots (Boy Scout or
Webelos appropriate), neatness and speed. Boy Scouts will need to ensure that gear remains in their sled when hoisted.
Webelos will hoist their sled empty.
Teamwork Demonstration – Shelter Building
Night is falling quickly and an early winter storm besets your patrol. The snow and ice, combined with dusk make for
minimal visibility. Your patrol, using their two tarps, 2 poles, rope and stakes must build a shelter for the evening to
house your patrol. All but one patrol member will be blindfolded. The non-blindfolded patrol member will only verbally
aid you in construction.
Fire Building Skills – Use of Flint and Steel
With your patrol members safe, your sled secure, and your shelter built, your men need warmth and comfort. Each patrol
will be required to start a fire using flint and steel and burn through a piece of twine suspended between to stakes, 18” off
the ground. Patrols are permitted to bring tinder and kindling. Only natural tinder materials shall be used such as
cotton (dryer lint), wood shavings, twine, etc. No petroleum based starter may be used. (Webelos will be provided five (5)
matches.)
Teamwork and Coordination – Gear and Provision Pick-Up
Word has gotten to General Forbes and he is aware that your patrol is trying to catch up with the troops. Knowing that you
have been separated for a while, the Troop Quartermaster has left you satchels containing gear and provisions. These
satchels have been suspended from branches to keep them from getting lost in the snow. While your team pulls the sled
through the course, the driver, using a pole, must pick up the hanging satchels.
Teamwork – Rescue the Provisions
Some of the food left for you by General Forbes’ troops has fallen onto the ice covering Loyalhanna Creek. The ice is too
thin to walk on, so your patrol will need to work together to get the provisions back safely. The area of rescue is a 10’ x 10’
square. Each member of the patrol will be given one end of a rope. There will be an “S” hook at the center of all of the
ropes. It will be up to the patrol to retrieve a paint can out of the center of the square. The can will contain candy.
Complete the task in under 1 minute and your patrol gets the candy.
Lunch -- Cooking Skills – Soup Cook Off
At registration, each patrol will be provided with beans, bouillon (Patrol Leader will choose Beef or Chicken), and a mystery
ingredient. While preparing their own lunch, each patrol will need to make one quart of soup using the ingredients
provided, and adding whatever spices or additional ingredients they have prepared. One patrol member must present the
soup to the judges, explaining its preparation, and the patrol member must join in a tasting of the soup.
Along the Way: Woodland Traders
Roaming somewhere along the course, your patrol will inevitably wander into a pair of woodland traders. These hardy folk
live out in Penn’s Woods and making their living farming, hunting, fishing and trading. Should you be able to answer their
questions on Boy Scout history or information, they just might trade you a few points for your correct answers.
ADMINISTRATVE ITEMS
NOW THROUGH February 1st, 2015. NO REGISTRATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER February 1st.
REGISTRATION WILL BE COMPLETED ON-LINE VIA DOUBLEKNOT http://www.tinyurl.com/EVKlondike15
1. REGISTRATION MUST BE Completed by February 1st ONLINE THROUGH DOUBLEKNOT
http://www.tinyurl.com/EVKlondike15
2. REGISTRATION CONSISTS OF THE REGISTRATION FORM, WITH NAMES AND NUMBERS
OF PATROLS, AND NAMES OF LEADERS ATTENDING.
3. ALL FEES ARE TO BE PAID online, at Flag Plaza, or by mailing a check BY the February 1st DEADLINE.
4. SCOUT AND WEBELOS PATROLS BRING THEIR OWN SLEDS AND TRANSPORT PATROL
EQUIPMENT FROM STATION TO STATION BY SLED.
MEMBERSHIP
ALL SCOUT AND WEBELOS PARTICIPANTS IN THE KLONDIKE DERBY MUST BE REGISTERED
MEMBERS OF THE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA. PARENT VOLUNTEERS DO NOT NEED TO BE
REGISTERED LEADERS.
LEADERSHIP
THE SENIOR PATROL LEADER IS IN CHARGE OF AND RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONDUCT OF THE
TROOP AT ALL TIMES DURING THE KLONDIKE DERBY. ALL UNITS ATTENDING THE KLONDIKE
DERBY MUST COMPLY WITH THE BSA POLICY REQUIRING THAT “TWO REGISTERED ADULT
LEADERS, OR ONE REGISTERED LEADER AND A PARENT OF A PARTICIPATING SCOUT OR OTHER
ADULT, ONE OF WHOM MUST BE 21 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER, ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL TRIPS
AND OUTINGS.”
SITE LOCATION
CAMP TWIN
ECHO RD #1 BOX
132 LIGONIER
NEW FLORENCE, PA
14944 724-238-6939
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES / TOBACCO PRODUCTS
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ARE NOT PERMITTED AT SCOUTING FUNCTIONS. THE USE OF ANY
TOBACCO PRODUCT IS DISCOURAGED AT ANY TIME AT A BSA EVENT. IF YOU MUST USE
TOBACCO PRODUCTS PLEASE USE THE DESIGNATED AREA IN THE PARKING LOT.
WEATHER
EVERYONE MUST BE FULLY PREPARED FOR CONDITIONS AT THIS TIME OF THE YEAR.
TEMPERATURE RANGES OVER THE WEEKENDS COULD BE QUITE COLD TO QUITE WARM.
SCOUTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO BRING NECESSARY CLOTHING TO BE AS COMFORTABLE AS
POSSIBLE AT BOTH OF THESE EXTREMES. NO SEAKERS OR TENNIS SHOES ALLOWED,
PARTICIPANTS WEARING THESE ITEMS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE.
FIRST AID
THERE WILL BE A FIRST AID STATION STAFFED DURING THE KLONDIKE DERBY (7:30AM TO 4:00
PM) FOR SCOUTS OR SCOUTERS NEEDING IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE. THE FIRST AID STATION
WILL BE CENTRALLY LOCATED AND MARKED WITH A RED CROSS SIGN. PLEASE BE SURE TO
ADVISE YOUR PATROL MEMBERS OF ITS LOCATION, WHICH WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT
REGISTRATION. TROOPS CAMPING OVERNIGHT SHOULD HAVE SCOUTS/LEADERS TRAINED IN
FIRST AID.
EQUIPMENT DROP-OFF / PARKING
EACH TROOP WILL BE ALLOWED TO DROP OFF TROOP EQUIPMENT AT THE TROOP CAMPSITE
(WEATHER CONDITIONS PERMITTING). PLEASE MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO UNLOAD COMPLETELY
PRIOR TO SETTING UP YOUR CAMP. DUE TO SAFETY CONCERNS ALL VEHICLES MUST BE OUT OF
THE CAMPSITE AREA BY 9:30PM FRIDAY EVENING. VEHICLES ARE TO REMAIN IN THE
DESIGNATED PARKING AREAS UNTIL SUNDAY MORNING (PLEASE DO NOT PARK IN YOUR
CAMPSITE). THERE WILL BE NO VEHICLES ALLOWED ON THE ACTIVITY AREAS.
RESTROOMS
Restrooms are available in the dining hall throughout the weekend.
HEALTH FORMS
THE TROOP LEADER MUST HAVE PART A&B OF THE PERSONAL HEALTH AND MEDICAL RECORD
FOR EACH SCOUT AND SCOUTER PARTICIPATING IN THIS KLONDIKE DERBY. ALL SCOUT FORMS
MUST BE COMPLETED AND SIGNED BY THE PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN. FORMS ARE
AVAILABLE FROM THE BSA WEBSITE HTTP://WWW.SCOUTING.ORG/FORMS
TOUR PLANS
BECAUSE THIS KLONDIKE DERBY IS BEING HELD WITHIN COUNCIL BORDERS A TOUR PLAN IS NOT
NEEDED.
REGISTRATION FEES
EACH SCOUT AND REGISTERED ADULT MEMBER WILL BE CHARGED A REGISTRATION FEE OF
$10.00 AND $5.00 RESPECTIVELY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE KLONDIKE DERBY. THE FEE COVERS
THE COSTS OF THE EVENT, INCLUDING USE OF THE FACILITY, PRIZES, A KLONDIKE DERBY
PATCH, AND ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS.
IN THE CAMPSITES
CAMPING
EACH TROOP WILL BE ASSIGNED (IF STAYING) A CAMPSITE ADEQUATE FOR THE NUMBER OF
SCOUTS INDICATED ON YOUR TROOP REGISTRATION FORM. PLEASE HAVE AN ACCURATE COUNT
FOR REGISTRATION. BE REMINDED TO HAVE A FIRST AID KIT, TRASH BAGS, PATROL DUTY
ROSTER, MEAL PLANNER, AND DUTY ROSTER VISIBLE IN YOUR CAMPSITE.
CABIN LOTTERY
ANY UNIT WISHING TO STAY IN A CABIN MUST ENTER THE CABIN LOTTERY. ENTERYS WILL BE
TAKEN AT THE EAGLE VALLEY JANUARY ROUNDTABLE. UNITS THAT HAVE BEEN SELECTED WILL
BE NOTIFIED AND MUST RENT CABINS BY PAYING THE DISTRICT THE STANDARD WEEKEND
RENTAL FEE.
CHECK-IN/ REGISTRATION INFORMATION
FOR UNITS WISHING TO CAMP (WHICH IS ENCOURAGED), EARLY ARRIVAL CHECK-IN WILL BEGIN
AT 6:00 PM, FRIDAY, FEBUAURY 7, 2014. SATURDAY CHECK-IN WILL BEGIN 7:30AM AT THE ADMIN
BLDG. UPON ARRIVAL YOU WILL BE GIVEN DIRECTIONS TO YOUR CAMPSITE. ALSO, PLEASE
INFORM THE REGISTRATION STAFF OF ANY SCOUT OR SCOUTER ATTENDING REQUIRING SPECIAL
NEEDS. FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT RYAN GERAGHTY AT 412-465-0527 OR
[email protected]
CHECK-OUT
Please follow Camp Twin Echo check-out procedures when leaving your campsite or cabin. Remember to always
leave your camping area in better condition than you found it.
COOKING
IF COOKING MEALS EACH PATROL SHOULD COOK USING THE PATROL METHOD AND MUST FURNISH
ITS OWN FOOD AND COOKING SUPPLIES. THERE ARE ONLY A FEW CAMPFIRE RINGS SO YOU MUST
BE PREPARED TO COOK OFF OF THE GROUND, I.E., PROPANE STOVES.
FIRES AND FIREWOOD
DUE TO PA ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS FIREWOOD MAY NOT BE TRANSPORTED ONTO THE
PROPERTY. ALL FIRES MUST BE LOCATED IN DESIGNATED FIRE RINGS ONLY. FIRES WILL BE
ALLOWED, PROVIDED EACH UNIT ABIDES BY THE FOLLOWING RULES:
A) KEEP FIRES OFF THE GROUND OR IN DESIGNATED AREAS (NO NEW FIRE RINGS)
B) LEAVE NO TRACE OF FIRE
C) BRING A SHOVEL, RAKE, AND FIRE BUCKETS
D) FIRE BUCKETS ARE TO BE FILLED WITH WATER WHILE THE FIRE IS BURNING
E) NEVER LEAVE YOUR FIRE UNATTENDED
GARBAGE
THE KLONDIKE DERBY WILL ADHERE TO THE LEAVE NO TRACE PRACTICES. ALL TRASH MUST
LEAVE WITH YOUR UNIT OR BE PLACED IN THE DUMPSTER IN THE PARKING LOT.
WATER
FRESH WATER WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE DINING HALL, OR IN CABINS. ALL TROOPS SHOULD
BRING THEIR OWN CONTAINERS TO TRANSPORT WATER BACK TO THEIR CAMPSITES AS NEEDED.
CONDUCT
SCOUTS SHALL CONDUCT THEMSELVES IN A MANNER THAT WILL BRING CREDIT TO
THEMSELVES, THEIR UNIT AND TO THE BSA. SCOUTS SHALL REQUEST PERMISSION TO ENTER
PRIOR TO ENTERING THE CAMPING AREA OF ANOTHER TROOP.
DEFACING, DESTROYING, OR
“TRASHING” OF THE PROPERTY OF OTHERS OR OF PARK PROPERTY IS STRICTLY FORBIDDEN.
WINTER CAMPING TIPS
SOME TIPS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN YOUR TROOP TAKES ON WINTER
CAMPING.
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FAIL TO PLAN = PLAN TO FAIL
ALWAYS BRING A BIT MORE THAN WHAT YOU THINK YOU'LL NEED – WATER, FOOD, AND CLOTHES.
MAKE SURE THAT YOU HAVE A GOOD KNOWLEDGE OF THE SIGNS OF FROSTBITE AND HYPOTHERMIA.
YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO RECOGNIZE IT IN OTHERS AND IN YOURSELF. TELL SOMEONE RIGHT AWAY
IF YOU OR ANOTHER SCOUT IS SHOWING SIGNS OF COLD-RELATED PROBLEMS.
STAY HYDRATED. IT’S EASY TO GET DEHYDRATED IN THE WINTER. EAT AND DRINK PLENTY OF CARBS.
KEEP OUT OF THE WIND IF YOU CAN. A RAIN FLY FOR A TENT CAN BE PITCHED TO SERVE AS A
WIND BREAK. THE WIND CHILL FACTOR CAN OFTEN BE CONSIDERABLE AND CAN RESULT IN
EFFECTIVE TEMPERATURES BEING MUCH LOWER THAN NOMINAL.
BRING EXTRA WATER. IT’S EASY TO GET DEHYDRATED IN THE WINTER. YOU AREN’T VISIBLY
SWEATING, SO YOU DON’T THINK TO DRINK WATER, BUT SINCE THE AIR IS SO DRY, YOU LOSE A
LOT OF WATER THROUGH BREATHING. DRINK LOTS OF WATER!
BRING EXTRA FOOD THAT DOESN’T NEED TO BE HEATED OR COOKED. GRANOLA BARS, TRAIL MIX, ETC.
KEEP A POT OF HOT WATER AVAILABLE FOR COCOA OR CUP-A-SOUP – THESE WARM FROM THE INSIDE.
ALWAYS EAT HOT MEALS (BREAKFAST, LUNCH, & DINNER.) DUTCH OVENS ARE THE BEST – THEY
KEEP THE FOOD HOT LONGER. IT DOESN'T NEED TO BE FANCY DO COOKING. MEALS SHOULD BE 1-POT
MEALS TO KEEP CLEANUP TO A MINIMUM. DON'T GET TOO FANCY WITH THE MEALS - IT'S HARD TO
CHOP ONIONS & CARROTS AT -10ºF WITH GLOVES ON. PREP ALL MEALS AT HOME IN THE WARMTH OF
THE KITCHEN.
SHELTER THE COOKING AREA FROM WIND (WALLS OF TARPS, ETC.)
FILL COFFEE/COOK POTS WITH WATER BEFORE BED. IT'S HARD TO POUR FROZEN WATER, BUT EASY
TO THAW IT IF IT'S ALREADY IN THE POT.
REMEMBER C O L D:
C CLEAN - DIRTY CLOTHES LOOSE THEIR LOFT AND GET YOU COLD.
O OVERHEAT - NEVER GET SWEATY, STRIP OFF LAYERS TO STAY WARM BUT NO TOO HOT.
L LAYERS - DRESS IN SYNTHETIC LAYERS FOR EASY TEMPERATURE CONTROL.
D DRY - WET CLOTHES (AND SLEEPING BAGS) ALSO LOOSE THEIR INSULATION.
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COTTON KILLS! DO NOT BRING COTTON. STAYING DRY IS THE KEY TO STAYING WARM. AIR IS
AN EXCELLENT INSULATOR AND BY WEARING SEVERAL LAYERS OF CLOTHES YOU WILL KEEP
WARM.
REMEMBER THE 3 W'S OF LAYERING - WICKING INSIDE LAYER, WARMTH MIDDLE LAYER(S) AND
WIND/WATER OUTER LAYER. WICKING SHOULD BE A POLYPROPYLENE MATERIAL AS LONG
UNDERWEAR AND ALSO SOCK LINER. WARMTH LAYER(S) SHOULD BE FLEECE OR WOOL. THE
WIND/WATER LAYER SHOULD BE GORE-TEX OR AT LEAST 60/40 NYLON.
IF YOU’RE CAMPING IN THE SNOW, WEAR SNOW PANTS OVER YOUR REGULAR CLOTHING
BRING EXTRA HAND COVERING - MITTENS ARE WARMER THAN GLOVES.
BRING 2 CHANGES OF SOCKS PER DAY.
EVERYONE MUST BE DRY BY SUNDOWN. NO WET (SWEATY) BODIES OR WET INNER CLOTHING.
USE PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS OR BREAD BAGS OVER SOCKS. THIS KEEPS YOUR BOOTS DRY AND
YOU CAN EASILY CHANGE THOSE WET SOCKS.
KEEP YOUR HANDS AND FEET WARM. YOUR BODY WILL ALWAYS PROTECT THE CORE, SO IF YOUR
HANDS AND FEET ARE WARM, YOUR CORE WILL ALSO LIKELY BE WARM. IF YOUR HANDS OR FEET
ARE COLD, PUT ON MORE LAYERS, AND PUT ON A HAT!
DRESS RIGHT WHILE SLEEPING. CHANGE INTO CLEAN, DRY CLOTHES BEFORE BED. YOUR BODY
MAKES MOISTURE AND YOUR CLOTHES HOLD IT IN - BY CHANGING INTO DRY CLOTHES YOU WILL
STAY WARMER AND IT WILL HELP KEEP THE INSIDE OF YOUR SLEEPING BAG DRY. WEARING WOOL
SOCKS AND LONG UNDERWEAR (TOPS AND BOTTOMS) IN THE SLEEPING BAG IS OK.
PUT ON TOMORROW'S T- SHIRT AND UNDERWEAR AT BEDTIME. THAT WAY YOU WON'T BE
STARTING WITH EVERYTHING COLD NEXT TO YOUR SKIN IN THE MORNING.
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WEAR A STOCKING CAP TO BED, EVEN IF YOU HAVE A MUMMY BAG.
PUT TOMORROW'S CLOTHES IN YOUR BAG WITH YOU. THIS IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT IF YOU’RE
SMALL OF STATURE. IT CAN BE PRETTY HARD TO WARM UP A BIG BAG WITH A LITTLE BODY, THE
CLOTHES CUT DOWN ON THAT WORK.
PUT A COUPLE OF LONG-LASTING HAND WARMERS INTO YOUR BOOTS AFTER YOU TAKE THEM OFF.
YOUR BOOTS WILL DRY OUT DURING THE NIGHT.
FILL A COUPLE OF NALGENE WATER BOTTLES WITH WARM WATER AND SLEEP WITH ONE BETWEEN
YOUR LEGS (WARMS THE FEMORAL ARTERY) AND WITH ONE AT YOUR FEET. OR USE TOE/HAND
WARMERS. TOSS THEM INTO YOUR SLEEPING BAG BEFORE YOU GET IN. SOME OF THE TOE/HAND
WARMERS WILL LAST 8 HOURS.
EAT A HIGH-ENERGY SNACK BEFORE BED, THEN BRUSH YOUR TEETH. THE EXTRA FUEL WILL HELP
YOUR BODY STAY WARM. TAKE A SNICKERS BAR TO BED AND EAT IT IF YOU WAKE UP CHILLY IN
THE NIGHT.
USE A SLEEPING BAG THAT IS APPROPRIATE FOR THE CONDITIONS. TWO +20ºF SLEEPING BAGS,
ONE INSIDE THE OTHER WILL WORK TO LOWER THE RATING OF BOTH BAGS.
USE A BIVVY SACK TO WRAP AROUND YOUR SLEEPING BAG. YOU CAN MAKE A CHEAP VERSION OF
THIS BY GETTING AN INEXPENSIVE FLEECE SLEEPING BAG. IT ISN'T MUCH MORE THAN A BLANKET
WITH A ZIPPER BUT IT HELPS LOWER THE RATING BY AS MUCH AS 10 DEGREES.
USE A SLEEPING BAG LINER. THERE ARE SILK AND FLEECE LINERS THAT GO INSIDE THE SLEEPING
BAG. THEY WILL LOWER YOUR SLEEPING BAG'S RATING BY UP TO 10 DEGREES. OR BUY AN
INEXPENSIVE FLEECE THROW OR BLANKET AND WRAP YOURSELF IN IT INSIDE THE SLEEPING BAG.
MOST COLD WEATHER BAGS ARE DESIGNED TO TRAP HEAT. THE PROPER WAY TO DO THIS IS TO PULL
THE DRAWSTRINGS UNTIL THE SLEEPING BAG IS AROUND YOUR FACE, NOT AROUND YOUR NECK. IF
THE BAG ALSO HAS A DRAFT HARNESS MAKE SURE TO USE IT ABOVE THE SHOULDERS AND IT SNUGS
UP TO YOUR NECK TO KEEP COLD AIR FROM COMING IN AND WARM AIR FROM GOING OUT.
DON'T BURROW IN - KEEP YOUR MOUTH AND NOSE OUTSIDE THE BAG. MOISTURE FROM YOUR BREATH
COLLECTING IN YOUR BAG IS A QUICK WAY TO GET REAL COLD. KEEP THE INSIDE OF THE BAG DRY.
PUT A TRASH BAG OVER THE BOTTOM HALF OF YOUR SLEEPING BAG TO HELP HOLD IN THE HEAT. A
ZIPPED UP COAT PULLED OVER THE FOOT OF A SLEEPING BAG MAKES AN EXTRA LAYER OF
INSULATION.
DON'T SLEEP DIRECTLY ON THE GROUND. GET A CLOSED CELL FOAM PAD TO PROVIDE INSULATION
BETWEEN YOUR SLEEPING BAG AND THE GROUND. A FOAM PAD CUSHIONS AND INSULATES. THE
AIR POCKETS ARE EXCELLENT IN PROVIDING GOOD INSULATION PROPERTIES. USE MORE THAN ONE
INSULATING LAYER BELOW YOU – IT’S EASY TO SLIDE OFF THE FIRST ONE.
IN AN EMERGENCY, CARDBOARD MAKES A GREAT INSULATOR. OLD NEWSPAPERS ARE ALSO GOOD
INSULATION. A LAYER OF FOAM INSULATION WORKS TOO.
BRING A PIECE OF CARDBOARD TO STAND ON WHEN CHANGING CLOTHES. THIS WILL KEEP ANY
SNOW ON YOUR CLOTHES OFF YOUR SLEEPING BAG, AND HELP KEEP YOUR FEET WARMER THAN
STANDING ON THE COLD GROUND.
A SPACE BLANKET OR SILVER LINED TARP ON THE FLOOR OF THE TENT OR UNDER YOUR SLEEPING
BAG WILL REFLECT YOUR HEAT BACK TO YOU.
NO COTS OR AIR MATTRESSES! BETTER TO LAY ON WITH 30º EARTH INSTEAD OF –10º AIR.
SLEEP IN QUINZEES OR IGLOOS. THESE ARE WARMER THAN TENTS SINCE YOU’VE GOT AN
INSULATING LAYER OF SNOW BETWEEN YOU AND THE OUTSIDE AIR, INSTEAD OF JUST A THIN
NYLON LAYER.
IF IN TENTS, LEAVE THE TENT FLAPS/ZIPPERS VENTED A BIT, IT CUTS DOWN ON INTERIOR FROST.
DRAIN YOUR BLADDER BEFORE YOU GO TO BED. HAVING TO GO IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT WHEN
IT IS 5 DEGREES OUT CHILLS YOUR ENTIRE BODY. DRINK ALL DAY, BUT STOP ONE HOUR BEFORE BED.