WINTER TREK

An epic winter tradition for Troops across New England

INFO & REGISTRATION

Snow? Ice? No problem!

Winter Trek brings Scouts to Mt. Norris Scout Reservation for a weekend of cold-weather adventure in Vermont. Throughout the event, Scouts explore winter skills, try seasonal activities, and enjoy time outdoors with their troops.

Although Vermont winters can bring snow, ice, and low temperatures, proper preparation makes outdoor adventure possible. Therefore, Winter Trek helps Scouts build confidence while learning how to stay active, comfortable, and safe in winter conditions.

Experience Winter Adventure

  • Quinzhee Building
  • Wilderness Survival
  • Frontier Style Games
  • Hatchet Throwing
  • Shotgun
  • Archery
  • Snowshoeing
  • Cross Country Skiing
  • Indoor Climbing
  • Dutch Oven Cooking
  • Maple Sugaring
  • Sugar on Snow

Winter Trek offers activities for Scouts with different interests and experience levels. For example, participants may build quinzhee snow shelters, practice wilderness survival, or travel across the snow on skis and snowshoes.

In addition, Scouts may enjoy ice fishing, Dutch oven cooking, frontier-style games, and maple sugaring. Depending on program availability, activities may also include archery, shotgun shooting, and hatchet throwing.

When Scouts need a break from the weather, they can visit the indoor climbing tower. Because the tower offers a climate-controlled environment, participants can climb while warming up indoors.

Together, these activities create a balanced weekend of outdoor challenges, skill development, and Scouting fun.

Vermont Scouts on the cover of Scout Life Magazine

Build Winter Skills and Confidence

Winter Trek gives Scouts an opportunity to practice teamwork and personal responsibility in a winter environment. As they move between activities, participants learn how clothing, equipment, food, hydration, and preparation affect cold-weather comfort.

Furthermore, Scouts can challenge themselves without facing winter conditions alone. Adult leaders, event staff, and fellow Scouts provide support throughout the weekend.

Units may also use the event to introduce Scouts to winter camping. Every participant receives an assigned bed in a heated cabin. However, experienced units may choose to practice their winter camping skills and sleep outdoors.

As a result, troops can select an experience that matches their skills, preparation, and program goals.

Meals and Evening Program

The full-weekend program begins with a Friday evening cracker barrel. Then, participants receive breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Saturday. A continental breakfast concludes the event on Sunday morning.

After Saturday dinner, Scouts gather indoors for a campfire program. This evening activity gives units time to relax, share experiences, and enjoy Scouting fellowship.

During registration, units should identify all food allergies and dietary needs. This information helps the event team prepare for participants before they arrive.

Faq

Who should attend?

Winter Trek serves Scouts BSA members, Venturers, and their registered adult leaders. The activities and program structure reflect the ages and abilities of these participants.

Because the program does not serve Cub Scout packs, units should not combine Winter Trek with a Cub Scout trip. Instead, Cub Scout families should explore age-appropriate winter programs offered by Green Mountain Council.

These are great weekends to try your winter camping skills and sleep outside. Every participant will be assigned a bed in a heated cabin by gender in accordance with Scouting America Group Accommodation Guidelines. Thank you for your understanding, as it’s not possible to make exceptions and members of your party may need to be bunked separately.

Unit leaders need to have copies of the Annual Health Medical Record (parts A&B) for each participant.

Winter Trek provides the equipment needed for scheduled program activities. However, participants may bring personal cross-country skis or snowshoes when appropriate.

Units should not bring personal archery or shooting-sports equipment. Instead, event staff will provide and manage all equipment used at those stations.

In addition, unit leaders must bring copies of Parts A and B of the Annual Health and Medical Record for every participant. Scouts should also pack suitable winter clothing, personal gear, and any items listed in the current event guide.

FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE WITH PAYMENT. Your troop must pre-register and pay all fees to secure your reservation for your weekend of choice. Walk-ins will not be allowed (This includes additional members of a pre-registered unit.)

Registration Information

Space remains limited for each Winter Trek session. Therefore, troops and crews should register early to secure their preferred weekend.

Units must complete registration and pay all required fees before the deadline. Winter Trek does not accept walk-in participants, including additional members from previously registered units.

Before registering, review the current event listing for available dates, fees, schedules, packing information, and program updates. Then, gather your troop or crew and prepare for an unforgettable winter adventure at Mt. Norris.

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