I am a middle school teacher, and I would like to figure out a way to bring groups of students winter camping that is affordable. I am thinking area state parks as the destination, but I get stuck when trying to come up with a plan for affordable gear, especially tents and sleeping systems. Any ideas would be much appreciated.

Why not just do a gradual or part way intro to winter camping. No actual overnight stay but teach them things during the day. You could have them make several styles of snow shelters, learn to melt snow, talk about ice safety, Clothing, tents, sleeping gear, snowshoeing, XC skiing, pulks and sleds, etc.

Sorry to answer your question with a question, but do you know if any of the Environmental Learning Centers such as Wolf Ridge or Deep Portage have any equipment or offer winter programs?

Would a cabin experience resolve some issues?

Take them to the state parks in mid-end of March. That way you still have some of the snow aspect, but "usually the below zero temps are beyond you....

My friend and I eased into the winter camping scene by going to Tettegouche State Park last March, and day hiked on the SHT. It was an AMAZING time. We camped in regular tents, with zero degree sleeping bags.... On the floor of the tent I placed a wool blanket, followed by a closed cell thermarest, and then my exped, and 1 zero degree sleeping bag. Slept in long johns, wool socks, cap and gloves, which I took off mid-night.

This year we plan to actually test our skills in the BWCA, though we are going to Hot tent this time.

Mylar blankets (used in road racing) often help warm you up too at night. Let me know if you'd like some Mylar blankets... I can probably hook you up with some.

Otherwise, as others have suggested, maybe do a camper cabin... and test their mettle during the daytime/evening hours, but know you have a warm place to retreat to at night.

Not interested in camper cabins as that is not winter camping. I want the kids out in the elements! I have done it with Wintergreen over winter break, but that is quite expensive, and at the school I have been with for the past 3 plus years, overwhelming majority of families cannot afford that type of trip. Same problem with Wolf Ridge and Deep Portage; great programs but really expensive.

We have 10-15 new sewing machines at school, and I am toying with making some hot tents, although I have never sewn silnylon. I do have sewing experience (am a quilter), so I think I could make this work. Next issue would be making stoves, and I do have a buddy with a break press. That leaves only the sleeping systems...

What month is winter break? That makes a big difference in equipment needed.

quote Pinetree: "What month is winter break? That makes a big difference in equipment needed."

Winter break is the last week in December, but I am not necessarily planning a trip over winter break. Most likely, if I can pull something off, it will take place over a few weekends as I cannot take 60 kids all at once.

I would check with boy/girl scout and ymca camps in the area.....many of then remain open year round and offer Winter programs and equipment. They will typically allow other not-for-profit youth groups to use their facilities at the same or close to the same price as their own as long it isn't already reserved......If your taking younger (middle school age) kids out, i think your best bet is to basecamp out of a heated cabin and through the course of the weekend try and get them into an igloo/kwinzee/hot tent that they help build/put up. You'd be amazed how many kids that age have never even camped in warm weather let alone winter camping.....

Mike

One cheap way is to use tarps and cold camp. As far as gear goes you could look into rentals thru REI and Midwest Mtn see if they have discounts for schools. Making an appeal to a manufacturer might get you discounted or second hand stuff or if they are feeling really generous some free gear.

Good luck.

quote Frenchy19: "I am a middle school teacher, and I would like to figure out a way to bring groups of students winter camping that is affordable. I am thinking area state parks as the destination, but I get stuck when trying to come up with a plan for affordable gear, especially tents and sleeping systems. Any ideas would be much appreciated. "

Hi Mark, Sarah your old coworker says check REI. They have a free gear bank for schools, they rent tents and sleeping bags.

quote : "

quote Frenchy19: "I am a middle school teacher, and I would like to figure out a way to bring groups of students winter camping that is affordable. I am thinking area state parks as the destination, but I get stuck when trying to come up with a plan for affordable gear, especially tents and sleeping systems. Any ideas would be much appreciated. "

Hi Mark, Sarah your old coworker says check REI. They have a free gear bank for schools, they rent tents and sleeping bags. "

If this is Sarah, hello and I hope you are doing well! If not, please give my regards to her and thank her for the idea!

Have the kids borrow two bags and put them inside each other. I started out with putting two of the flannel lined cotton family bags inside each other and cold camping; It can get the job done. Bring a quilt to throw over two folks will help. have them think outside the box.
We just tarp camped. We did a couple 50 mile 5 night trips on snowshoes, with crappy snowmobile boots and canvas tarps.

REI rents

rental

quote Pinetree: "REI rents


rental "

Not winter weight bags.

Dan's comment on sleeping bags is how I started cold weather camping. Cold tent, doubled synth lite weight bags, add blankets as needed. For location any state/fed campground open and nearby, they do not get much use in cold weather.
Add some firewood and big pot of chili/stew/soup.
Get them past that and the possibility of more specific gear, and remote trips become feasible.
I'll donate a s-bag (big synth REI), and tent (4 person geo-dome Eureka), if ya need.

butthead

Frenchy,

I am not sure if they would accommodate non-scouts but it may be helpful to check out Northwind Scout Camp. https://scoutingevent.com/250-NorthWind2017

I went there a couple of years ago with our troop and they did a nice job introducing the boys to winter camping. Everything is included for about $70 per person. And when I say everything, I mean everything. Not sure if that is in your price range or not, but maybe worth a try.

Frenchy. Not sure if you still check this thread as it is almost two months old but....I have brought high school students to the BWCA winter camping for the past 8 years. Lower income students, not a lot of gear, cold tenting.....

We always go in mid March. Longer days, warmer days, still snow on the ground, slush usually gone by them. Cold nights to get them out in the elements. Been to Clearwater, Sea Gull, Wood Lake, Newfound Lake. For the first time, I would recommend Clearwater. Smaller lake, you can see your campsites, no water flowage between islands.

If you do not want to go into the BWCA, or don't want to bring students out on the water, Crosby Manitou State Park is your answer. A nice hike to campsites along the river. Still use dead and down principles, fire grates, vault toilets etc. Also, Crosby offers no 9 person limit.

Another added plus to going in mid march to lakes like Clearwater and Seagull is that you can trout fish.

Gear. 95% of the gear needed can be found by kids asking around. Down hill sled, two sleeping bags, winter clothes, winter boots, tupperware bowl, common flash light....nothing special for a two day trip. Most of the kids can find these items with a little searching. Do a little more searching to find the hand auger (can share between two groups) and propane cook stove. An absolute must is a foam sleeping pad. If a kid is going to buy anything, this would be the item. $15-$20 a Fleet Farm.

As far as snowshoes. Of the ten trips I have been with students in March, I have used snowshoes exactly once (2014...on Seagull). Of course this depends upon the year, but all the years I am up there in March, the sun has packed the snow down on the lakes to no more than ankle deep. Again, depends upon the year. You can email around on here as the trip gets close and people will give you good up to the day info. If you go to Crosby, you may need snow shoes as it is in the woods.

Length of trip. Head in on a Friday afternoon. Come out Sunday AM. Just long enough to push their comfort zone, but short enough to keep it fun.

The real cost of the trip for schools is the transportation. That is 95% of our budget right there. It is always a pain to figure this one out.

Finally, I have never done this but I have seen group camping sites advertised the DNR website. Not sure where they are but that might be the ticket for a group of middle school students. I believe they are drive up but am not 100% certain. Also, not sure if this option is available in the winter.

By far out of all the teaching I have done, these trips offer the greatest life lessons I can provide. I have been lucky enough to bring students a number of places (DC, cities etc) These trips have always given me the most satisfaction.

If you want to talk more about these trips, just repost on this thread and we can talk over email.

I hope that helps!