Troop 98’s

Snow Shelter Weekend

By Jake W.

             On February 16, three adult leaders and six boys, including myself, went to Windy Top. Windy Top is located in South Sutton, New Hampshire.

            The trip was mostly planned for a snow shelter weekend. We were to make the snow shelters and sleep in them over night but the extreme weather would prove to be too cold for us first time winter campers, so we went up there for the day.

            We arrived in the morning and unpacked our bags. We then made an open-ceiling shelter that was very tall so we could make a fire and sit in it without having the wind come at us. We shoveled snow in a large circle format, leaving the middle open. The top of the snow was iced over, so we pulled pieces out and made a wind barrier around the shelter.

            Snow shelter building was next on the agenda. Snow shelters are piled and compacted snow that when hardened, can be hollowed out and slept in to stay away from the wind at night. When the snow hardens, you hollow out the cave with small shovels. We discussed what you would to if you were to sleep in one a few meetings before the trip.

            We shoveled lots of snow in one big pile and packed it down with snowshoes after lunch. Then, the other troop from West Lebanon asked us to play a game of capture the flag. After the game, we dug out the shelter.

            In addition to having warm layered clothing, you need to eat the right foods. You should have extensive amounts of protein and fattening foods because it takes a longer time to break it down, so you stay warm. We were to have hot rice, beef, and vegetable for lunch and spaghetti with warmed garlic bread for dinner.

            After eating dinner, we packed up our things and went home. The boys and l had fun and kept warm. We hope to plan another trip so we can stay over the night.