Camping in the dead of winter may seem tough or impossible and maybe a little bit crazy. But following the correct procedures and practices can make this outing fun and challenging. Consider what is the task at hand. Number one on the agenda is to keep warm and dry. These two things go hand in hand. The first year Scout may want to build snow forts and to play in the snow, however snow melts when exposed to body heat and then your clothing is wet. Soon you will be shivering and the only way to warm up is to change your wet clothing for dry things. It is important to understand that this is a fundamental survival technique. A fire will not keep you warm in extremely cold temperatures. When the temps are at or below zero, proper clothing and shelter is the only way to be comfortable long term.
Setting up your shelter.
Camp Alaska requires that each Scout builds his own shelter. Modern materials, such as plastic are now used. Any type of configuration may be used. But remember to keep the ceiling as close to the ground as possible to stop drafts. Some type of insulation must be used over the ground cover to insulate your body from the frozen ground. Newspaper works very well for this. Use about 1/2 inch to 1 inch of old newsprint between your ground cloth and your sleeping bag. This will keep the cold of the frozen ground from turning your night into a very uncomfortable affair.
Nutrition and fluids
One thing that should not be overlooked is eating and drinking. One of the toughest things to do while camping in sub-zero conditions is to keep your drinking water supply from freezing. In some cases, this may not be possible. One of the funniest stories that I have heard is the one where the Scout went to sleep with a dozen eggs so that they would not be frozen at breakfast. Needless to say, he rolled over on his breakfast in the middle of the night and really had a problem. One way to keep most things that absolutely must be kept thawed is to put them into an insulated cooler. This will keep most items thawed for the short term. In the long term this method does not work so well. Adding a hot water bottle to the cooler works for about 48 hours. Long term winter camping can present even greater difficulties. For longer term camping in very low temperatures, dehydrated or dried foods can be very effective.These products have already had all or most of the water removed from them, so they will be less affected by the cold.
Fire Building
When building a fire in cold and wet conditions, it is important to find a very dry source of kindling. There is always dead wood hanging on trees and this is the best source of wood in which to start a fire. The small twigs that will break when bent are dead wood and are dry on the inside. These are great kindling with which to start a fire. Remember to store your matches in a waterproof container. If possible buy waterproof matches. They are coated in wax, which helps to keep them dry.
Clothing and Equipment
Always make sure that you have plenty of extra clothing in case you get wet. Layer your clothing, including your socks, and remove and replace an items that become damp from perspiration or wet from the elements. Never walk on frozen streams or ponds. These can be very dangerous if you happen to fall through. Insulated cover-alls are recommended as these conserve heat better than a winter coat. Insulated rubber boots are a must. Replaceable felt liners work the best and are fairly inexpensive. A good pair of gloves, as well as a spare pair in case you get wet is recommended. The sleeping bag may be one of the most important items when winter camping. A bag that is rated at least to 0 degrees is recommended. Adding an extra blanket or two can help, but unless the bag is rated correctly you will find it to be uncomfortable. Consider getting a winter bag as these are designed for the purpose of extreme camping. Army surplus bags are excellent and usually do not carry such a hefty price tag. I prefer a double mummy bag, that is, one bag inside of another. As with layering clothing, layering sleeping bags is a very good idea. Wrap the bag in plastic to keep it dry until you need it. A garbage bag works very well. Store your gear in a nylon backpack. A large plastic cover should be put over the pack to insure that all your gear remains dry.
Camp Alaska
Camp Alaska is a Scouting event practiced in the United States where ever the climate allows. This award is given annually to Scouts who participate in this winter camp. The Scouts must spend the night in shelters that they build and endure the frigid night. If by chance the tempature falls below zero, the Scouts will earn the Polar Bear award. This is a special award in addition to the Camp Alaska patch. If you are truly prepared, Camp Alaska can be very comfortable and a rewarding experience. There is nothing more beautiful than the snow covered forest. A great sense of personal growth and pride can be taken from learning to live comfortably in the frozen landscape.
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