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Goodwin’s Rules for Scoutmasters, Part 3

When camping in cold weather, any comment about how cold it is will immediately be countered by one or two older Scout leaders saying, “Cold? This isn’t cold. Why, I remember the time when it was so cold…”

Corollary: When camping in hot weather, the same will apply to comments made about the heat. However, as I have actually slept in 100-degree temperatures, that comment will be coming from me.

Published in: Not a Real Boy Scout | on January 22nd, 2006 |

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7 Comments Leave a comment.

  1. On January 22, 2006 at 11:33 pm Big Unit Said:

    I’ve camped out when it was cold enough to freeze an egg on the sidewalk.

    A year ago this weekend the family and I camped out in some cold weather. According to the national weather service hour by hour report the high on Saturday was 22 degrees with an average 20 mph wind. Low Sunday morning was 14.

    Great memories! The wife was so proud of herself and thankful that I had taught her how to camp and stay warm. Little Unit slept by himself in a bivy sack under a tarp tent. I was so proud of them both.

  2. On January 22, 2006 at 11:51 pm Stacey Goodwin Said:

    Was that at last year’s Trappers Rendezvous? It was simply gorgeous this year, clear and sunshiny (of course it was cold, it’s January after all). You missed a great time! Although I certainly don’t blame Mrs. Unit for opting out while Little Unit version 2.0 is on the way. :-)

  3. On January 23, 2006 at 8:30 am Big Unit Said:

    No, it was Cub Winter Day. We stayed and camped with a troop.

  4. On January 23, 2006 at 9:56 am Stacey Goodwin Said:

    So you all qualified for the Polar Bear badge, did you? Too cool, when you do it as a family!
    You need to find some excuse to come to Trappers next year. It’ll be the 30th anniversary, and it will be BIG!!

  5. On January 23, 2006 at 11:00 am Mark Said:

    The key to cold weather camping is the coffee. Heat the thermos the night before, fill it with hot coffee, and hen you wake up, you can have a cup of hot coffee without leaving your bag. Makes the whole day brighter.

  6. On January 23, 2006 at 5:39 pm Joe Goodwin Said:

    Mark, excellent advice. I will now consider a thermos to be required gear!

  7. On January 23, 2006 at 6:23 pm Big Unit Said:

    PUt that hot thermos (or nalgene filled w/ hot water) in your sleeping bag with you, it will give you some heat. Also, lots of calories - eat well! Urinate when you have to, it takes a lot of energy for your body to keep urine warm. Stay hydrated (previous tip then comes in to play more ofter ;-).

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