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 Viking Council is embarking on an exciting new
winter camping program for Scouts and Venturers called North Wind. The
purpose of North Wind will be to develop self-reliance, resourcefulness,
learn teamwork, co-operation and responsibility by applying winter camping
skills.
This new program is made possible by a generous
donation from friend of Scouting Lawrence Gagner in memory of his wife
Adina Gagner. The donation to the Viking Council has enabled the
construction of a new winter lodge at Stearns Scout Camp and the purchase
of the winter camping equipment needed for the program.
Training
Camping in winter requires thorough preparation and training. The
Scout motto of Be Prepared applies even more so to winter camping.
Scouts who come to North Wind will receive training in the following key
areas for success and enjoyment of the winter camping experience: Clothing
(wicking, warmth, and wind protection layering), techniques for staying
warm through food, hydration, insulation and activity, winter first aid,
equipment, food, personal hygiene and keeping dry and learning to thrive
in any weather condition! Each crew will have a Staff Guide with them for
the entire weekend to continue the ongoing training and application
process.
Program
During the winter, North Wind will be open to Scouts age
13 and older, Venturers and their leaders. Here is the outline for the
program:
Friday Night:
Scouts, and their accompanying leaders, will receive training on winter
camping essentials and each Scout will be issued a full set of equipment
and clothing for the weekend. Crews will sleep indoors in the Gagner
Lodge.
Saturday:
After a hearty breakfast, the crews will trek to a remote camping area
and build a variety of shelters for their overnight camping. They will
spend the day in outdoor winter activities and games and prepare their
meals. Crews will sleep in their shelters on Saturday night.
Sunday:
On Sunday, crews will fix breakfast, pack up and head back to Gagner
Lodge. Sunday will also include a big lunch, recognitions and the great
feeling of learning and accomplishment.
For Younger Scouts:
Beginning the winter of 2003, younger
Scouts will arrive on Saturday morning to receive training and personal
equipment and will participate in outdoor programs and cooking. They will
sleep indoors on Saturday night in Gagner Lodge and will break camp on
Sunday morning.
Activities:
Winter camping means staying active and North Wind will
feature a great deal of activities for Scouts. These activities will
include a variety of programs such as: Shelter building including quinzees,
thermal shelters, polar domes, parachutes, and igloos. Cross country
skiing, and snowshoeing. Winter cooking, making snow sculptures and snow
snakes, ice fishing, astronomy in the winter sky and orienteering.
There will also be a variety of non-snow
activities such as: Learning about winter nature, winter survival and
building winter survival kits. First aid, ice crossing safety, building
non-snow shelters, matchless fire building, compass games and GPS. And
much more…
Equipment
North Wind will provide a fully equipped and provisioned winter
camping program for each Scout who participates. Equipment to be provided
will include:
Clothing
including mittens and liners, boots and liners, socks and liners, hats,
pants, suspenders, and gaiters.
Sleeping and Shelter
provisioning including sleeping bags, ground pads, lanterns, and shelter
materials such as parachutes, tarps, tents, shovels and polar domes.
Food and cooking
equipment including stoves, water bottles, cooking equipment, and a full
provisioning of food.
Activity equipment
including crew sleds, skis, poles and snow shoes.
Registration
Registration for 2003 will begin in October. Scouts, Venturers and their leaders should sign up as a unit
and will be organized into crews of 10 to 12. This first year, each
weekend will be limited to 6 crews. The fee for each participant for the
weekend will be $50.
The 6 program dates will be the first three
weekends in January and the first three weekends in February.
Recognition
A distinctive patch will be presented to each participant.
Build yourself a winter camping adventure you’ll
never forget. Plan now to sign up for North Wind.
Fact Sheet and 2003 Registration Form
Top of Page
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Stearns Scout Camp
3303 County Road 44
South Haven, MN 55382
(320) 236-7879
(320) 236-7494 (Summer Only) |
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