Winter is Back!

Be Sun-Safe 

• The sun can be dangerous, even in winter, and it can be easy to forget about when you do not feel its heat.
• Take breaks in the shade to get out of the sun – the sun reflecting off the snow can be even more damaging than direct sunlight.
• Wear sunglasses and sunscreen when spending time outside in the winter – your eyes and skin will thank you! 

Getting the Gear 

• Getting the right gear might be a barrier for some families, but this does not mean that you cannot do winter activities.
• Hosting a gear swap can be a great way to help people get the gear they need – have people bring in old gear that no longer fits or they no longer need: coats, boots, snow pants, etc. and have people swap items or small amounts of money for the items they need. 
• If your Group has the space, consider collecting and storing extra essential gear – as youth grow out of winter gear and families no longer need it, add it to the collection. As youth need gear, try to match youth with gear that fits them and fills their needs – depending on the scenario, this could be a permanent loan or just something temporary for a camp or adventure. 
• You do not have to run out and buy all new gear – encourage families to look through what they already own. Fleecy PJ pants are great pants for winter adventures. Second-hand stores often have large collections of clothing made of wool and natural fibres; they may not be fashionable, but under a winter coat, they will be exceptionally functional.

Dress for Success: 

• Dressing in layers allows you to remove layers as you get too hot. If you are doing a high-exertion activity (building shelters, hiking, etc.), you will get warm! 
• As you get warm, take off layers and add layers as you get cold. Store any layers that you have removed somewhere dry and close by, like a backpack. Depending on the conditions, you might want to remove a layer under your coat and then put your coat back on – your coat will keep you drier than a sweater if it’s snowing. 
• Cotton is Rotten; ensure that non-cotton layers are closest to your skin (base layer) – this could be long underwear, non-cotton pants, etc. Cotton will collect moisture from your body and will hold it. We all know how long it takes a load of laundry full of jeans and sweaters to dry! Polyester, poly-blend, wool, and other non-cotton materials will wick away the moisture from your skin and will keep you warmer as a result, even after you’ve sweat. 
• This does not mean that families should be running out to buy a whole new wardrobe for their youth! For the most part, families should be able to make do with what they have. Need a t-shirt? A soccer jersey can be a good alternative – and fleecy pajama pants can be great under snow pants!
• This video from REI Co-op offers a bit more information about layering and the kinds of materials that you should consider – it’s not a winter video, but the principles remain the same throughout the year. 
• In winter, gloves vs. mitts is a long-standing debate, but true winter people know that gloves AND mitts are the real secret. If you have a thin pair of gloves (those light, stretchy gloves that are very inexpensive, or even thin gloves meant for winter running or cross-country skiing), put those on under a pair of mitts. Then, when you need to use your hands for something and must take off your mitts, your hands will still be nice and warm.
• It can be tempting to add lots of layers to your feet but be careful. If you cannot wiggle your toes inside your boots, you may start to cut off circulation to your feet, which will make you colder. Before heading out for a day of adventure, make sure you try out the boots and socks you plan on wearing that day. Make sure you have some wiggle room.