Training Series – Youth Group(s)

The Snowcamping Section welcomes organized youth groups (such as Scouting USA, church youth groups, Boys and Girls Clubs, and Outdoor Education groups for youth) to join us to have fun in the snow, learn to snow camp safely and learn snow survival skills. Smaller groups can take part in the existing snowcamping family group training trips, or, if your group is larger, we may be able to schedule a training trip specifically for your group.

While taking youth out to camp in the snow is not for the faint of heart or the unprepared, snowcamping can be a truly magical experience and teaches important skills. Snowcamping isn’t easy, but the rewards for both the teamwork and self-sufficiency required to be comfortable, warm and safe teach self-reliance, give one self-esteem, and offer a real sense of appreciation and respect for the beautiful and mystical winter wonderland of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

The Youth Snowcamping Group is a subgroup of the Snowcamping Training Series that offers training trips for groups of kids age 11 to 17 and their parents or legal guardians and adult group leaders. Many aspects of the training series apply, so we strongly encourage interested youth groups to also read the pages relating to the Snowcamping Training Series. Our volunteer leaders and assistants are graduates of the Training Series and all leaders are certified in Wilderness First Aid and have had experience as assistants before becoming leaders. Youth Group leaders are chosen based on their experience and skills with families and children.

All minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian or by an adult participating in the outing designated in writing on a medical waiver form by the parent of the minor.  No adult who is not affiliated with one of the youths or the youth group is allowed on a Youth Group outing.

Participating adults and youth must have experience in summer backpacking, be able to reliably use a stove, have a sense of adventure, be willing to help each other, and be ready for the physical challenge of traveling on snowshoes with a pack.

Both the youth and their accompanying adults must attend the orientation day before going on their first snowcamping trip. Please see our Application Page for the current fees. All participants receive a Snowcamping Training Manual and a “reward” (e.g., a tee shirt, mug, or other item commemorating the completion of their first trip).

We suggest that a youth group’s adults take the adult Training Series prior to taking a Youth Group outing with youths. This earlier training will allow the Snowcamping leaders and trained adults to focus on helping the youths learn snowcamping on their first trip.

 

A Typical Youth Trip

On the first trip we camp out for one night, usually leaving from a trailhead near the Lake Tahoe basin. Participants are encouraged to travel to the mountains the evening prior to the trip and stay in a local motel; this gives everyone a chance to acclimate to the change in elevation and makes the trip easier for children.

In the morning, we meet at the trailhead, everyone checks in, and any group equipment is distributed among the adults. Before leaving, we determine our location using map and compass, and make sure that everyone knows where we are and where we are headed. Our destination will be within 1-3 miles of the trailhead, and we always choose a site that will allow for quick evacuation in case of an emergency.

One leader sets out in front of the group, and another brings up the rear as the “sweep.” We always stay in sight of each other, and leaders carry two-way radios for easy communication. After about an hour and a half of travel, we break for lunch, and again check our location on the map using a compass. We usually reach camp within a half hour after lunch, at which point we set up tents and then dig out a “table” and “benches” to create a snow kitchen. Once everything is ready, those who are interested can build snow shelters to sleep in or just play in the snow.

Dinner is always a treat, and on clear nights the stars can be magnificent. Before turning in for the evening (most families sleep in 3-season tents), we heat up water so that each camper can have a hot water bottle to snuggle with in bed. In the morning, after breakfast, we tour shelters, and everyone has a chance to talk about what they did or didn’t like about their sleeping accommodations. If there’s time, everyone can take some time to relax, explore and/or play before we start to pack up and get ready for the trip out.

The second trip is similar to the first. However, unlike the adult Training Group, the second trip is still only a single overnight so that the youth do not miss a day of school.