Winter Camping Success: Mastering the C-O-L-D Method

Winter camping offers some of the most rewarding experiences in Scouting, from pristine snow-covered trails to peaceful nights under the stars. However, staying warm in January requires more than just a thick coat; it requires a strategy. To “Be Prepared” for your next winter outing, remember the Scouting America C-O-L-D method for layering and temperature regulation.

C — Keep it Clean

Insulation works by trapping pockets of “dead air” that your body heat warms up. When clothing becomes caked with dirt, grime, or body oils, the fibers mat down and lose their “loft,” or fluffiness. This significantly reduces the garment’s ability to keep you warm. Always start your trip with clean gear and handle your insulating layers with care.

O — Avoid Overheating

It might seem counterintuitive, but sweating is one of the biggest dangers in winter camping. When you overexert yourself—whether by hiking or building a snow cave—your body produces sweat to cool down. Once you stop moving, that moisture quickly pulls heat away from your body, leading to a rapid chill.

• The Fix: “Vent” your clothing by unzipping jackets or removing a layer before you start to sweat.
• Pro Tip: Stay hydrated! Even if you don’t feel thirsty, your body needs water to maintain its internal “fire”.

L — Wear Loose Layers

Tight clothing is a winter safety “don’t.” Tight socks or boots can restrict blood flow to your extremities, making your fingers and toes much more vulnerable to frostbite. Instead, wear several loose-fitting layers. This creates more air pockets for insulation and ensures warm blood can circulate freely to your toes.

• The Layers: Use a wicking base layer (not cotton!), a warm insulating middle layer (fleece or wool), and a windproof/waterproof outer shell.

D — Stay Dry

Wetness is the enemy of warmth. Moisture-absorbing fabrics like cotton (including denim) lose all insulating value when wet and take a very long time to dry.

• Stay Dry Outdoors: Always brush snow off your clothes before entering a tent or a heated building so it doesn’t melt into your layers.
• Stay Dry Indoors: Change into a dedicated set of completely dry clothes and socks before crawling into your sleeping bag.

By following the C-O-L-D method, Scouts and leaders can focus on the adventure instead of the temperature. For more information, review the Scouting America Winter Activity Safety Moment or the Guide to Safe Scouting.

These safety guides explain how to stay warm while camping by following the C-O-L-D method and other winter camping best practices.

Why You Should Attend:

• Targeted Learning: Dive into position-specific and general interest courses that go beyond basic training.
• Expert Instructors: Learn from experienced Scouters eager to share their knowledge and passion for the program.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow leaders from across the council, share ideas, and build a stronger Scouting community.
• Diverse Course Catalog: Explore a wide range of topics from high adventure planning and first aid to unit management, leadership development, and specific merit badges.

Featured Topics:

• Outdoor Skills: Knot tying, Dutch oven cooking, Leave No Trace awareness, backpacking tips, and knife safety with Cubs.
• Program Planning: Pack plans, den meeting ideas using the new Cub card decks, and planning expedition adventures.
• Advancement & Leadership: Tracking advancement in Scoutbook, building youth leadership, setting a course to Eagle Scout, and supporting female troops.

Specialized Sessions: The new Artificial Intelligence merit badge, Mental, Emotional, and Social Health (MESH), and even a session on how “every Scout can succeed in Scouting” for youth with ADD.

A trained leader is a confident leader, and confident leaders impact the quality and safety of the program, making the Scouting experience all it can be for our youth!

Check out the full course list, times, and registration details on our site.

Will you be attending this year’s Scouting U to enhance your leadership skills and make a difference?

Date: Saturday, February 28

Time: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

Location, St. Pius X Cathloic Church, 

Registration Deadline: 11:59 pm on Tuesday, February 24

Registration Link: https://scoutingevent.com/070-scoutingu

Why You Should Attend:

• Targeted Learning: Dive into position-specific and general interest courses that go beyond basic training.
• Expert Instructors: Learn from experienced Scouters eager to share their knowledge and passion for the program.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow leaders from across the council, share ideas, and build a stronger Scouting community.
• Diverse Course Catalog: Explore a wide range of topics from high adventure planning and first aid to unit management, leadership development, and specific merit badges.

Featured Topics:

• Outdoor Skills: Knot tying, Dutch oven cooking, Leave No Trace awareness, backpacking tips, and knife safety with Cubs.
• Program Planning: Pack plans, den meeting ideas using the new Cub card decks, and planning expedition adventures.
• Advancement & Leadership: Tracking advancement in Scoutbook, building youth leadership, setting a course to Eagle Scout, and supporting female troops.

Specialized Sessions: The new Artificial Intelligence merit badge, Mental, Emotional, and Social Health (MESH), and even a session on how “every Scout can succeed in Scouting” for youth with ADD.

A trained leader is a confident leader, and confident leaders impact the quality and safety of the program, making the Scouting experience all it can be for our youth!

Check out the full course list, times, and registration details on our site.

Will you be attending this year’s Scouting U to enhance your leadership skills and make a difference?

Date: Saturday, February 28

Time: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

Location, St. Pius X Cathloic Church, 

Registration Deadline: 11:59 pm on Tuesday, February 24

Registration Link: https://scoutingevent.com/070-scoutingu

Why Participate in Scouts on Skis?

Benefits for the Scout

• Skill Development: Every registration includes a free beginner lesson. It’s the perfect, low-pressure environment for a Scout to learn a new lifelong skill.

• Advancement Opportunities: Participation can help Scouts check off requirements for the Snow Sports Merit Badge (for Scouts BSA) or satisfy elective adventures for Cub Scouts related to outdoor activity and physical fitness.

• Resilience and Confidence: There is no better way to build “grit” than learning to balance on snow. Mastering a run down the mountain provides a massive boost in self-esteem.

Benefits for the Unit

• Turn-Key Planning: Organizing a ski trip can be a logistical nightmare. By joining a Council-led event, the heavy lifting—negotiating rates, coordinating with the resort, and scheduling lessons—is already done for you.

• Unit Cohesion: Shared adventures outside of regular troop meetings are where the strongest bonds are formed. Spending a day on the lift and the evening in the lodge builds lasting friendships and Scout spirit.

• Recruitment & Retention: High-adventure winter activities are a major “hook” for keeping older Scouts engaged and showing new families that Scouting is about exciting, real-world experiences.

Benefits for the Family

• Affordability: The Scouts on Skis program offers some of the most competitive rates for lift tickets, rentals, and lessons available anywhere in the region.

• Family Bonding: Unlike some Scouting events that are Scout-only, Scouts on Skis encourages parents and siblings to join in, making it a wonderful winter getaway for the whole family.

Don’t wait—spots fill up fast! Visit the Old North State Council registration portal today to download the information packet and claim your spot on the mountain. We’ll see you on the slopes!

Scout Day with Gargoyles Tickets on Sale

Upcoming Calendar

Pro tip: Click each one for more info and registration links.