Over the years, Troop 581 has participated in lots of amazing adventures but every once in a while an opportunity comes around to do something truly unique. Such an opportunity came around this past January when four Scouts traveled to BSA’s Okpik winter high adventure program. Held at the Northern Tier High Adventure Base, the Scouts experienced a true Northwoods winter: learning how to thrive in subzero temperatures, traveling across frozen wilderness lakes and constructing their own sleeping structures out of snow.
Upon arrival, participants are outfitted with all the cold weather gear they will need so there was no need to purchase or travel with heavy gear. They were also instructed on how to stay warm in extreme cold weather. And a good thing, too because participants slept outside under the stars in temperatures that reached -20 degrees Fahrenheit! But by creating wind breaks called a quinzee and using multiple layers of ground pads, sleeping bags and tarps, the Scouts were kept quite warm. According to Eagle Scout Kyle Houchin, “we were still less cold at Okpik with constant low temperatures than we would be at a normal November camp out in Virginia.”
While the Scouts had the opportunity to participate in lots of outdoor activities, the main program involved dog sledding. Scouts helped to take care of the dogs as well as learn how to drive the sleds. Each day included multiple sled runs and by the end of the program the Scouts had become expert mushers. A typical day started with feeding the dogs at 6:30am. After a quick breakfast, the dogs were harnessed and the Scouts would take them on their first run of the day. Early afternoon offered time for Scouts to do other activities including cross country skiing but by mid-afternoon, it was time for the second sled run. The dogs would be fed around 4:30pm followed by feeding the Scouts.
Okpik provides one of the most unique experiences available in Scouting. The Scouts loved it so much, Troop 581 is planning to send multiple crews next year!
