It’s always a bit difficult to trudge through the snow, especially climbing to the top of the hill. The winter hunting boots on my feet fit snug and keep out the cold, making it easier, but I still have to lift each foot a little higher than normal. Reaching the top you gain a vantage point that allows you to see over the rooftops to the other side of the valley.

The day after the storm is always so beautiful and serene. Everything is covered in a fresh, clean blanket of white. Wisps of steam rise up from the rooftop pipes and there’s the faint smell of wood burning in someone’s fireplace. Although it’s not an extreme elevation, the wind still carries quite a bit of chill. Standing there, exposed to the wind, the afternoon sun plays peek-a-boo from behind the clouds. Even from the hiding position it’s still bright enough that I wish I’d brought my sunglasses. Ahead of me lies a vast hillside of compacted snow, exhaustingly packed down by one sled after another. Other parents have also congregated on the hilltop and the cool winter breeze picks up a little, bushing my cheeks. Listening to the laughter of children, I’m certain that their thoughts were echoing mine, “It’s time for winter camping.”

There’s just nothing like winter camping, although I would recommend the feeling of being prepared over the feeling of forgetting an extra pair of dry socks. Sure, it’s cold, but that’s how you prevent it. Well, actually it’s C.O.L.D. (Clean, Overheated, Layers, Dry). In order to stay warm, you need to remember to keep your clothes and yourself clean. When you’re out playing, don’t become overheated. Your body will sweat to cool itself off and cooling off is what we’re trying to avoid. Use layers of clothes, such as thermals, long-sleeved shirt, sweatshirt, and a jacket instead of one large, snowmobile parka. If you get too hot you can take off layers until you’re comfortable. If it gets cool add a layer back on. Finally, keep yourself and your clothing dry. If your feet get wet, change your socks. If your pants and gloves are covered with snow, change clothes and let them dry off. The campfire will always keep you warm, but only one side at a time. Keeping clean and dry will help both sides stay warm at the same time.

Now all you need is the opportunity to try this out for yourself. For Boy Scouts and Varsity Scouts, you’ll get that opportunity. Jan. 23-24 is the Annual District Klondike. The event will once again be held at the Grantsville Reservoir and the cost is $3 per Scouter. Troops will need to provide all of their own meals. For those of you itch’n to win the Dutch Oven Contest, the theme this year is desserts. Judging will be at 9 p.m.

Saturday brings the Klondike events and troop competition. Be prepared for ice rescue, knot tying, fire starting, orienteering, first aid, and the sled race. Each unit will need to bring a few supplies in order to compete, including: a Klondike sled, a 4- to 6-foot length of rope for each boy, fire starting material (no paper), a compass, triangle bandages, and splint material. Items to leave at home include lighters, fire accelerators, straw, pets, firearms, and ATVs. For more information contact Matt Imlay at 882-1326.

Varsity teams will want to attend the Varsity Winter Camp to be held at Big Hollow on Jan. 30-31. Big Hollow is located just off Highway 199 on the north side of the road and just east of Clover Springs. If you drive past the Clover Springs Campground you’ve gone too far. Teams will be responsible to cook their own meals. A fire bowl with cracker barrel will be held Friday night, courtesy of the camp staff. Following breakfast, provided by the teams, the events will include run’n and shoot’n and should conclude around noon. For questions on the Varsity camp contact Bill Yauney at 801-580-6424.

T.J. Wallace serves on the District Committee as publicist and he is the Scoutmaster for Troop 1109, serving boys with special needs. He has lived in Tooele for 11 years, which includes 10 in Scouting.