Winter is a magical time for Scouting. The crisp air, snow-covered trees, and the thrill of waking up in a tent to find your toothpaste frozen solid—it’s an adventure like no other! While winter camping offers a unique and rewarding experience, it also comes with challenges. Chief among them are staying warm, staying safe, and avoiding the fate of becoming a Scout-shaped sledding projectile. Safety is central to every Scouting activity. With the help of the S.A.F.E. checklist, we can ensure that winter adventures are not only enjoyable but also educational—and perhaps even an opportunity to earn the Winter Sports Merit Badge. Let’s break it down:

S: Supervision

• Every winter activity requires at least two adult leaders over the age of 21. Leaders should have experience in winter camping or sports or pursue additional training, such as the Okpik program at the National Cold-Weather Camping Development Center (learn more).
• The buddy system is essential for monitoring physical conditions and observing surroundings, particularly in colder temperatures.
• Review the rules and procedures with all participants before the adventure starts.
• Clear communication ensures that everyone understands how to stay safe and maximize the experience.

A: Assessment

• Winter sports carry distinct risks. Before engaging in any activity, participants should be informed about potential dangers and the importance of adhering to safety precautions and techniques.
• Plan wisely: In winter, limit travel to 5 miles per day on snowshoes or 10–12 miles on cross-country skis. Always allow extra time to reach camp before nightfall.
• Teach scouts to dress for the weather – consider the W.I.S.E. pneumonic to teach this skill:
  1. W is for your wicking layer. This base layer fits snugly against your skin and serves to wick moisture away. Therefore, it is made from a nonabsorbent fabric such as polypropylene, wool, or silk.
  2. I is for your insulating layer. This is your cozy, puffy layer. It is designed to trap air warmed by your body. Fabrics that make good insulating layers include fleece, down, microfiber, or the wool sweater you found at Goodwill. It should be breathable and loose-fitting.
  3. S is for your shell layer, the water-resistant outer layer. Your shell keeps you warm by blocking the wind and resisting moisture from the outside. Snow melts quickly on your inner layers, so the shell protects them.
  4. E is for an extra layer. It’s the backup if a layer gets wet or isn’t warm enough.
  5. Change your socks before going to bed. The socks you wore all day will be damp, even if you were wearing waterproof boots.
  6. And don’t forget to bring extra clothes in a waterproof bag just in case.
• Be prepared for changing weather and emergencies, such as falling through ice or dealing with hypothermia. Take the Hazardous Weather Training at my.Scouting.org.
• Emergency planning should include responses to cold-related injuries and stabilizing serious conditions like head and spine injuries.

F: Fitness and Skill

• Youth participants must be physically fit for the activity. Incorporate periodic rests during strenuous tasks like building snow caves to avoid exhaustion or overheating.
• Winter sports can significantly strain the cardiopulmonary system. Medical clearance is vital for anyone with pre-existing conditions. All participants must undergo annual health reviews, and adult leaders should adjust activities based on individual needs.
• Adults participating in demanding outdoor winter activities should also undergo an annual physical administered by a healthcare provider experienced in winter sports.

E: Equipment and Environment

• Proper gear is essential. Participants need appropriate clothing layers and cold-weather sleeping gear to stay warm and comfortable.
• Personal protective equipment, including helmets, should be worn for sledding, skiing, snowboarding, and similar activities.
• Winter camping requires a higher calorie intake to maintain energy. Plan meals for a 50–100% increase in calorie needs (around 3,500–5,000 calories daily).
• Verify that all equipment fits and functions correctly, especially for specialized activities like skiing or snowboarding.
• Always assess the camping area for safety, ensuring it is free of hazards such as overhanging branches, unstable snowpack, or unseen obstacles.
• No flames in tents or shelters. This includes stoves, catalytic heaters, and any solid, liquid, gel, or gas fuels. Fire safety is non-negotiable.
• For sledding or tobogganing, use designated areas where obstacles like rocks or tree stumps have been cleared or properly marked to minimize collisions.

Winter Fun with a Purpose

Following the S.A.F.E. checklist, adhering to the Guide to Safe Scouting, and applying a healthy dose of common sense, winter camping can be an unforgettable experience filled with adventure, learning, and fun. Best of all, you’ll come home with stories—not frostbite!

So pack your gear, embrace the season, and get ready for a frosty, fantastic Scouting adventure. And remember: the best winter campouts are those where everyone returns warm, safe, and eager to do it all over again!