Cold Weather Leader Training STUDENT GUIDE Northern Tier National High Adventure Boy Scouts of America Northern Tier National High Adventure Cold Weather Leader Training Student Guide Table of Contents About Okpik and CWLT ................................................................................................................ 4 How Do We Prepare Mentally and Physically? ............................................................................. 5 What are the risks? (Risk Advisory) ............................................................................................... 6 How do I prevent problems? ........................................................................................................... 7 General policies and information .................................................................................................... 7 How do I get there? ......................................................................................................................... 8 What do I need to pack?.................................................................................................................. 9 Patches and Program Awards ....................................................................................................... 12 Feed the Cold (a pre-CWLT assignment) ..................................................................................... 13 Sample Course Schedule (subject to change) ............................................................................... 14 Cold Weather Camping................................................................................................................. 16 Homeostasis .................................................................................................................................. 17 Clothing and Personal Equipment ................................................................................................ 23 Shakedown .................................................................................................................................... 25 Sleeping System ............................................................................................................................ 27 Food, Water and Sanitation........................................................................................................... 30 Sample Okpik Menu ..................................................................................................................... 31 Cold Weather Injuries ................................................................................................................... 35 Winter Hazards and Emergency Preparedness ............................................................................. 40 Mountaineering Considerations .................................................................................................... 43 On Ice Skills .................................................................................................................................. 44 Trip Planning / Camp Site Selection ............................................................................................. 45 Camp Site Organization ................................................................................................................ 45 Shelters .......................................................................................................................................... 46 Snow Kitchen ................................................................................................................................ 48 Stove Demonstration – MSR Dragon Fly ..................................................................................... 50 Pulk Sled Demonstration .............................................................................................................. 51 Winter Trails ................................................................................................................................. 52 Cross Country Skiing Instruction.................................................................................................. 53 Snowshoe Instruction .................................................................................................................... 56 Winter Ecology ............................................................................................................................. 57 Activities to Stay Warm and Entertained ...................................................................................... 59 Leave No Trace ............................................................................................................................. 60 Bibliography / Suggested Readings .............................................................................................. 63 Notes ............................................................................................................................................. 64 Page 2 of 80 Northern Tier National High Adventure Cold Weather Leader Training Student Guide Welcome from the Chairman Greetings! Congratulations on signing up to join us at the Boy Scouts of America’s premier cold weather education: Cold Weather Leader Training (CWLT) at Northern Tier National High Adventure. We’re excited that you’ll be joining us “Up North” to experience the thrill of cold weather camping. Our volunteer Instructors – Scouters with significant outdoor experience, particularly in cold weather camping – work year-round to plan a training like none other. These guys are among the BSA’s best at camping when the mercury drops, so be sure to take advantage of their cumulative knowledge. I’m certain that, by the time you head home, you’ll know more about the cold weather camping than you thought possible…and hear some great stories, too! Please review this guide, IN ITS ENTIRETY, to prepare for your adventure. You’ll likely have questions. Feel free to reach out to me at [email protected] or to Northern Tier’s Team Leader for Canadian and Winter Operations Sean Ferrier ([email protected]) and we’d be happy to answer them (or point you in the right direction. Also, note: there is some expected prerequisite knowledge. Some material is, by its nature, more classroom- centric. To spend more time engaged in hands-on education, it is our expectation that you review certain materials before arriving and have a basic knowledge of certain subjects – this will allow us to do a quick on-base review that uses less time. Please be sure to review this guide, the Okpik Guide to Winter Camping that you will receive, and check your email regularly for updates. On behalf of the entire CWLT team, we look forward to meeting you this January. Safe travels! Yours in Adventure, Shane A. Miller Cold Weather Leader Training Chair Northern Tier National High Adventure Page 3 of 80 Northern Tier National High Adventure Cold Weather Leader Training Student Guide About Okpik and CWLT For over forty years the Okpik program of Northern Tier National High Adventure Programs has provided safe, exhilarating and challenging adventures for thousands of youth and adult participants. The name, Okpik, comes from the Inuit word for the Arctic or Snowy Owl which has been used as the symbol for the Okpik program since it began in the early 1970’s. CWLT Participants will receive an introduction in how to enjoy life in extreme weather conditions and temperatures. You will be accompanied by a trained staff member, called an Interpreter, along with experienced volunteer CWLT instructors. The program fully outfits participants with group gear and almost all necessary personal clothing. The goal of the CWLT program is to instruct you on how to see low temperatures as an opportunity, not a barrier, how to turn a 3-season camper into a year-round camper, and how to take it back to your Troops, Districts, and Councils. Cold Weather Leader Training is hosted at Northern Tier’s Charles L. Sommers Canoe Base near Ely, MN; adjacent to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in the Superior National Forest. No city lights, no noise, simply the outdoors. Okpik is the premier Cold Weather Camping Program of the Boy Scouts of America. We are excited by your interest in cold weather camping and we look forward to introducing you to the wonders of a North Woods winter. Pronunciation Guide Okpik (the winter program) Ook pick Bizhiw (2-night award) Bee zhoo Quinzhee (sometimes spelled Quinzee) (snow shelter) Quin zee Page 4 of 80 Northern Tier National High Adventure Cold Weather Leader Training Student Guide How Do We Prepare Mentally and Physically? Winter Camping requires a good deal of stamina. The cold temperatures drain energy, as the body spends more effort working to keep itself warm. While out on the ice, you can expect to expend far more calories than you normally would – 4,000 - 5,000 would be a good estimate! Because of these factors, arriving at Cold Weather Leader Training in good physical condition will enhance the enjoyment of your trip. Try to exercise for thirty minutes three times a week for at least the month before you arrive at Cold Weather Leader Training. We recommend high amounts of cardiovascular exercise. Pulling a sled, snowshoeing, and skiing all require significant cardiovascular capacities. Run, swim and be active to prepare for your trip. Participants in CWLT must meet Northern Tier’s weight requirements to attend: Weight-to-Height Table Northern Tier National High Adventure Programs Recommended