Winter Camping Steve AllenConference CommanderAppalachian Conference, IPHC

Objectives •Discuss and Identify:

▫The factors regarding choosing a site to camp

▫General guidelines for winter camping▫Supplies needed by the outpost▫What clothing to choose and considerations

of what to wear▫Personal items

Deciding Where to Camp•Choose location: primitive or park •Ask if camping allowed in Winter at

location▫Permit requirements ▫Rules and regulations on trash, fires,

firewood, etc. ▫Fee schedule

Based on site or per person per site•Consider amenities (hot showers, laundry,

activities available on site)

Preparing to Winter Camp•Tents and Cloths

▫Army tents work well to accommodate large groups with cots and heaters. Ventilation helps with use of heaters

▫Cots with blankets or pads under sleeping bag Provides insulation better than an air

mattress▫If sleeping on the ground, need blankets

under to provide insulation and on top for warmth

Consider

•First Aid kit and provider•Nearest medical facilities •Medical release forms for all attendees•Weather forecast •Rope•Shovels •Camera

Scheduling • Plan activities

▫ Sledding or sled race▫ Animal track▫ Flashlight tag▫ Bigger the better Snow

ball ▫ Hiking▫ Snow snake▫ Skiing▫ Snow Angels▫ Building Igloos▫ Snowshoeing▫ Snowball fights

• Consider time for preparing food

• Set meal time • Set worship time

▫ Morning ▫ Evening

• Plan rotations of groups• Time for relaxation and

visitation

• Prepare for the schedule to change

Outpost •Plan menus •Prepare grocery list

▫Food ▫Water ▫Energy drinks▫Energy food (bars, gels, chews, trail mix)

•Hand sanitizer

Outpost PackingCooking supplies •Propane tanks and fuel•Propane burners (on stand)•Pots, pans skillets (Cast Iron)•Dishes, bowels for serving•Spoons, utensils for cooking•Dish detergent, towels•Food storage containers

Prepare to Travel• Vehicle registration and current tags• Check the antifreeze• Check the spare tire, wrench and jack• Jumper cables• Tow and tire chains• Bag of salt or cat litter• Ice scrapers• Tool kit • Reflective triangles• Non-perishable foods and water• One copy of medical and permission form for

each person in the van.

Proper Clothing is Key•Layering

▫Critical, especially with wind chill▫Best protection from the cold▫Start with light layers, and add layers▫Can shed layers through the day and return

layers as the temperature drops ▫Avoid cotton

Frostbite

•Frostbite is damage to the skin and underlying tissues cause by extreme cold▫White or grayish skin ▫Feels hard, waxy or numb▫Blistering or becoming dark or black▫Other symptoms: swelling, itching, burning,

deep pain during re-warming/healing, “pins and needles”

Wearing wet clothes, not wearing enough clothes and high winds increase vulnerability

Hypothermia• A medical condition characterized by a low core

body temperature▫Below 95 degrees▫Signs and symptoms

Shivering Lack of coordination (clumsiness) Slurred speech or mumbling Stumbling Confusion or difficulty thinking Drowsiness or low energy Weak pulse Shallow breathing

Fabrics and Brands of Clothing•Wool (check

allergies)•Fleece•Coolmax polyester•Thermax•Gore-tex

windstopper•Gore-tex •Polarguard

•Polypropylene•Down•Thermastat•Smart wool•Underarmor

•Avoid cotton

Clothing to Pack for 3 Day Campout•1 set/day of shirts and trousers•2 Fleece zip-ups or wool pullovers•2 pair thermal underwear (tops and

bottoms)•4 pair underwear•4 pair socks•Coveralls or insulated coveralls

Accessories to pack •Caps/toboggans – keep 1 dry for night•Hand warmers•Neck scarves and/or face mask

(Balaclava)•Multiple pairs of waterproof gloves•Snow boots (waterproof)•Tennis shoes (optional)•Rain and snow gear •Winter coat•Swim trunks and towel

Toiletries •Toothbrush and toothpaste•Comb•Lotion for dry skin•Lip protection•Washcloths and towels (2 sets)•Shampoo (biodegradable)•Sun screen•Soap•Sunglasses

Personal Items•Bible•Cup, plate, spoon, fork, knife•Camp stool or folding chair•Sleeping bag (Zero degree bag)•Fleece liners•Wool blanket or winter blankets•Sleeping pad

Personal Items for Camping•Whistle•Compass or Map•Flashlight and extra batteries•Canteen•Extra money (canteen, laundry)•Survival blanket•Matches or lighter

Comfort Items – Optional •Pillow•Personal snacks•Personal sled

What Not to Pack•Radio •Anything needing WiFi•Anything needing electrical recharging

▫Electronic Toys, Games and Music Devices•Noise Makers •Bicycles•Uniforms