Sunday evening will feature our Patrol Winter Olympics.  The exact details will be determined by the Patrol Leaders council.  Some activities that could be included are:

Shotgun shooting Snowshoe Race Cross Country Ski Race Tree Identification Animal Track Identification Chariot Race (Lashings) Knot Relay Snowball Toss Frisbee Throw

Height and Distance Estimation Gully Crossing  First Aid and Survival Quiz Fire Lighting and Water Boiling Compass Bearing Blindfolded Stretcher Carry Signaling Tent Pitching Ice Rescue

A Rattlesnake Mountain hike is planned for Monday.  We will start the day with two indoor sessions: one on "Winter First Aid and Safety" and one on  "Hike Preparation".

We will leave on the four hour round trip expedition around 10:00am and should return around 2:00pm.  Lunch will be on the trail and will include:

• granola bars
• fruit (apples & Oranges)
• cheese crackers
• trail mix
• water

A snack of fresh fruit, soup and hot cocoa will be available upon our return.

You will need the following -

• Good pair of winter boots
• The three layers of clothing - wicking, warming, and weather (thermals, fleece, mittens, hats, overcoat, etc).
• 2 water jugs (will be supplied)
• Sunglasses would be good
• Flashlight
• Small daypack

The staff will carry radios and a small safety kit in case of an emergency.

The troop's four patrols will engage in a snow sculpture contest.

Which patrol Curlew, Raven, Wolf, or Bull will made the best one?

Be sure to have the following for this activity:
• Outdoor pants – wool is preferred, snowmobile pants or suits, ski pants
   are acceptable alternatives. Cotton jeans and sweatpants for outdoor
   wear are NOT recommended.
• Warm winter coat
• Winter waterproof boots or packs are a MUST
• Winter hat that covers your ears
• Wool mittens or warm winter gloves

One of the high lights of the week will be when you and a buddy from your patrol build and sleep in your own quinzee (snow shelter).  You'll pile the snow high and hollow it out.  More infomation on how you will do this is described below.

You'll need the right gear for your overnight.

In addition to all the warm winter clothes mentioned above, you will also need:

• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Sleeping Bag rated for cold or very cold
• Waterproof ground cloth or sleeping pad
• Backpack for clothing and equipment (some available if needed)

Thursday evening we will have a session on ice fishing preparation. We will then spend a couple hours on Panther Pond doing some ice fishing on Friday afternoon. Warm winter clothing required.  Equipment will be supplied by the camp.

Scouts 16 years of age or older are required to have a fishing license.  Maine residents under 16 years or age and nonresidents under 12 years of age may fish without a license.

A quinzee is a simple shelter made by hollowing out a big pile of snow. They can take several hours to build, but are an effective way to stay warm when camping in the winter. Here’s how to build one.

Step 1: Shovel a pile of snow into a mound seven to eight feet high and big enough around to hold two people once it is hollowed out. Mix snow of different temperatures to cause it to harden, or “sinter.” Flip the snow over so it mixes when you pile it into a mound.
 

Make sure you mark your entrance in case it gets covered with snow while you are away having fun. Keep a small shovel inside in case you need to dig your way out.

- If you have to visit the latrine in the middle of the night, eat a snack afterward to help warm up your body and get back to sleep. Don’t worry about keeping the snacks in your quinzee — when you camp in winter, you don’t have to worry about bears.

- Jell-O gelatin mix makes a great hot drink. Store Jello-O powder in refillable backpacking tubes and add it to hot water. Try cherry Jell-O in instant hot chocolate!

- Eat your meals from their packages. Vacuum-sealed meals and packages of oatmeal can be opened and used as “bowls.” If you don’t rip the top off completely, you’ll have only one piece of trash to dispose of.

- Bury your water jugs in a snowdrift. The snow insulates the water and keeps it from freezing.