Beginner Winter Camping

This is a chance for scouts to get out into the snow and stay overnight.  We’ll plan on spending one night in a Lodge close to the meadow where we will build our snow shelters for our second night. Our goal is to learn how to build quinzees, cook in the snow, stay dry and have tons of fun in an environment that few get to experience!

Scouts who sign up for this trip should also attend two other events for Gear Prep and Gear Check . More info to Follow.

We always pitch a tent first just to have the shelter if we need it.  We pitch a tent in the snow or on the ground depending on conditions.  If the snow is good and there’s time to build a snow cave, scouts can also sleep in the snow cave or other shelter they build (or even under the stars).

There are “four-season tents” but they’re expensive and heavy.  You don’t need to buy a special tent for winter camping unless you do it lots and in really harsh conditions (e.g. high winds or heavy snowfall).  We’ll try to keep folks out of those conditions as much as possible.

The packing list for Troop 37 & 201’s winter events can be found on the packing list page:  http://www.troop37losaltos.com/Scouting/EquipmentandPackingLists.aspx

Registration for Troop events closes one week before the event.  Cooks and drivers need to plan and medical-forms need to be prepared.  The Adult Advisor for the trip may close registrations early or allow late registrations at their own discretion.

Cancellations with refund are allowed up until one week before the event.  After that, there will not be any refund for cancellations an event as planners will be purchasing food, booking reservations, etc.

On Friday, we will drive up to the Claire Tappaan Lodge where we will spend one night. On Saturday, after breakfast (provided by the lodge), we will set out on our winter camping expedition on snow shoes, pulling sleds with all our gear for the weekend. We will have fun in the snow, building tents and snow shelters. Scouts will learn to operate white gas stoves in the winter and cook their meals. Afternoons will be free to explore on snowshoes or play games. Everyone will learn how to stay dry and warm even in cold weather. The Lodge is our back up should anyone get into a dicey situation.
On Sunday morning we will break camp, hike out and drive back to Covington
Arrival back to Covington: Around 4 p.m.

Register and pay on CheddarUp:
https://beginner-winter-camping-2026.cheddarup.com

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