In late January, Troops 260 and 262 ventured to Gunstock Mountain in New Hampshire for their annual winter trip, a Scout favorite. This year, the cold was intense, with temperatures reaching zero, and wind chills making it feel like -18°F. By the second day, it warmed to a more manageable 25°F, with overnight lows around 9°F.
The Griswold Scout Reservation served as the base camp, with Troop 260 staying in Adirondack shelters and Troop 262 in cabins. Though the scouts typically camp outside, they decided to sleep in cabins the first night for safety due to the extreme cold. This decision was a valuable lesson in adaptability and prioritizing safety over sticking to a plan.
The scouts enjoyed a fun day at Gunstock Mountain, snow tubing and skiing. After returning from the mountain, Troop 260 moved into the Adirondack shelters, despite being tired and cold. They successfully built a fire, made delicious grilled cheese sandwiches and set up their winter sleeping gear. Winter camping requires preparation, such as using warm water in a Nalgene bottle for heat, changing into fresh clothes to stay dry, and layering ground pads for insulation. The next morning, a few younger scouts shared that it was the best night’s sleep they’d ever had. They were proud of their achievement and learned the importance of being well-prepared for winter camping.
In February, the scouts competed in the annual Charter Oak Klondike Derby, where over thirty troops participated across two courses. Well-prepared, our scouts excelled and earned second place on their course.
Next up, in March, the scouts will camp at Mohawk Mountain to hone their orienteering skills. In April, they’ll welcome new crossovers at the Sunrise Park campout. The remainder of the spring will focus on preparing for their exciting Iceland adventure in July. Interested in joining the fun? Email suffieldscouts@gmail.com for more info.