Winter Cabin Camping

Description

Annual winter overnight camping trip at the Twin Rivers Council camp in Averill Park, NY. Scouts stay in multiple heated cabins with propane heat and electricity, enjoying winter outdoor activities over a full weekend.

Overview

Winter Cabin Camping is one of the pack’s signature events — a full weekend of winter outdoor adventure in a comfortable cabin setting. Scouts go sledding, ice skating, ice fishing, hiking, and geocaching, while evenings feature campfires, movies, and games. The heated cabins make this accessible even for families new to camping. Approximately $10/person, making it one of the most affordable overnight events on the calendar. The pack has held this event for many years and families look forward to it annually.

Timeline / Checklist

When	Task
October	Contact council camp to reserve cabins for February/March weekend
November	Announce to pack families; open RSVPs
January	Confirm headcount; finalize meal plan
Before trip	Collect BSA medical forms; share packing list
Weekend of event	Arrive Friday evening; full day Saturday; depart Sunday morning

Event Details

Logistics:

• Multiple heated cabins (propane heat, electricity); outhouse latrines; no running water in cabins (water at camp office)
• ~1/3 mile hike from parking to some cabins — icy in winter; sleds helpful for gear transport
• Ice cleats/Yaktrax recommended for adults

What to Bring:

• Firewood bundle, reusable water bottles/mugs, snack to share
• Sled, helmets for sledding
• Heavy layers (NO COTTON), thermal underwear, snow pants, boots, waterproof gloves, warm hats, extra socks
• Sleeping bag, pillow, extra blankets
• Toiletries, headlamp/flashlight, BSA medical forms

Activities: Sledding, hiking around lake, ice skating, ice fishing (optional), hockey, broomball, games, campfire, movie night, scavenger hunt, geocaching

Meals:

• Friday: Pizza dinner
• Saturday: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Sunday: Continental breakfast

Schedule: Arrive Friday evening (~6pm), full day Saturday activities, Sunday cleanup/departure

Venue: Council camp, 279 Davitt Lake Road, Averill Park, NY 12018

Coordination

• Program Chair coordinates cabin reservations, meal planning, and logistics
• Cubmaster supports program and attends the event
• Den Leaders supervise den scouts during activities

Tips (from 2025)

• Consider mixed-age activities for older/younger Scout mentoring
• Scavenger hunt great for younger scouts; geocaching very popular
• Consider February timing for better snow
• Need adults with trucks for garbage runs
• Emphasize “Leave No Trace” throughout the weekend

Key Tasks

Task	Category
Winter Cabin Camping	Outdoor