How to stay warm and dry at winter camp...

Cold Weather Clothing Chart

Remember that this is a guide. Humidity and wind will make temperature seem colder.

Preventative Medicine

• The best way to avoid a visit to the Health Lodge is to keep your Scouts (and yourselves) healthy and injury-free.
• Remember that "This Is Winter Camp," and dress accordingly.
• If allowed to, most Scouts tend to wear less than is needed for cold weather camping. So follow these preventative medicine tips...

1. Shoes - Tennis shoes will generally not keep feet warm and dry. Water repellent boots are preferred. In any case, change socks when they get wet or not less than once daily.
2. Clean - Be sure that your Scouts wash their hands before eating, and occasionally during the day. Scouts should be encouraged to shower daily, or no less than three times during the camp.
3. Clothing - Monitor yourself and your Scouts. Set the Example for them as to what to wear. Use the "Cold Weather Clothing Chart" [See Above] as a guide.
4. Dehydration can easily become a problem. Encourage Scouts to drink lots of water.
5. Carry a poncho or rain coat when rain is predicted, or is a strong possibility.

Cold Weather Camping Is Different

• Weather at the end of December can be nice at Camp Strake, but it is most likely that it will be cold and wet! Scouts and leaders - Be Prepared!
• "Layered" clothing - thermal underwear (polypropylene-type recommended - keeps you warm even if wet) long-sleeved shirt, sweatshirt, sweater, jacket or vest (all as opposed to one very heavy winter coat on top of a single shirt), and long trousers - will keep you warm and allow you the flexibility to remove layers as the temperature warms during the day. This type of dress along with a hat, gloves (wool or synthetic knit-type are warmer than leather), and waterproof boots complete the winter camper's attire. If you use cotton or cotton/poly thermal underwear; bring several sets, since cotton absorbs moisture and quickly loses its ability to keep you warm.
• Tell your Scouts to bring ponchos or appropriate rain gear and use them when it rains. Many water-repellent jackets quickly soak through in a typical Strake deluge. Also, boots requiring waterproofing compounds should be treated before camp. Don't forget to bring several pairs of dry socks.
• At night when retiring for bed, change to "clean/dry" underclothes (underclothes absorb body perspiration during the day - this moisture will make you very cold at night), clean/dry socks and clean/dry sleeping clothes (sweat suits are great to steep in only if they are dry). Definitely bring a knit cap for sleeping; over 50% of the heat loss from the body is through the top of the head (this is true for day time also). A shower just before bed will also make you warmer. Hot showers are available at camp; encourage your Scouts to use them.
• All tents should have a ground cloth under them; and an additional ground cloth inside is also advisable. Cots are recommended in order to keep you from being directly on the ground and to protect you from both cold and rain. It is recognized that not all of your tents can accommodate cots; therefore, the old Scottish rule is to have more material under you than you have on top of you. You can place your sleeping bag on top of a sleeping pad, extra blanket, or even newspapers. Air mattresses are not recommended for use directly on the ground, since the air insides cools and makes you colder. An extra blanket on top of your sleeping bag can increase its rated level.

Hope this helps to keep you warm and dry at camp!

Sources: Camp Strake Winter Camp Guidelines; Boy's Life Magazine

Troop 230 Boy Scouts of America Scoutmaster: John Balden Committee Chair: Chris Walker Chartered Org. Rep. Jere Dial This site is for use by Troop 230 Youth, Adults, and Guests to facilitate operation, provide information, coordinate efforts, promote Scout Spirit, and encourage new participants to Scouting.