Sleeping bags - Boy Scout Winter Camping Tips

For most Boy Scouts, summer is the best time to go camping. The wonderful warmth of the sun surely adds to the nice camping experience. However, there are those who like to go camping in the winter and enjoy the trip with all the snow and the cold weather around.

Even if winter camping may not sound fun for some especially those little ones who hate being in the cold, it can still be just as enjoyable as summer camping provided that you are able to prepare thoroughly for it. Here are some tips for the troop leader and the Boy Scouts for a fun winter camping trip:

1. Bring sufficient clothes. Instruct the kids to bring extra thick clothing and apparel like jackets, sweaters, mittens, bonnets and boots to keep themselves warm and comfortable all the time.

2. Learn about frostbite and hypothermia. Be sure that you know the symptoms and the basic treatments for these. Call for help immediately if any of your scouts show signs of these health problems.

3. Choose a campsite that is sheltered from the wind as much as possible.

4. Tell the kids to opt for clothes made of wool material instead of cotton, which easily loses insulation when it gets wet, and can take a long time to dry.

5. Drink plenty of water. The cold dry air can get you dehydrated just as much as the sun can. Make sure that everybody drinks a good amount of water throughout the day to prevent dehydration.

6. Invest on a good quality tent and kids camping gear that will not fail you or the kids even during the cold weather conditions.

7. Do not forget to bring a portable water heater that will come in handy anytime anybody needs a hot cup of chocolate or milk to get the chill out.

8. Pack thick beddings and blankets for a comfortable sleep. Instruct the kids to do the same thing.

9. Eat hot meals with the boys to keep yourselves warm.

10. Make sure everyone wears a hat because the heat of the body can easily be lost through the head.

11. Eat some energy snacks with the youngsters before going to bed to help the body generate heat. Of course, do not forget to tell them to brush their teeth.

12. Use winter sleeping bags.

13. Empty your bladder before sleep to avoid middle of the night nature calls, which are especially difficult given the cold weather condition. Tell the kids to do the same. 14. Have hiking sticks for you and the kids to use during the hike. These are great in helping you keep your balance on the icy ground.

Whoever said that winter camping can never be fun is making a big mistake. With these pointers to keep in mind, you can be assured of a wonderful and fun-filled camping experience.