Difference between revisions of "AY Honors/Winter Camping/Answer Key"

Revision as of 01:37, 6 July 2007

1. Earn the Camp Craft Honor.

2. Make up a complete list of necessary camping equipment for winter conditions, such as possible sub-zero (-18° C) temperatures, storms, and snow.

3.Explain the principles of maintaining body warmth and dryness through the proper use of clothing and sleeping gear under all temperatures down to zero while traveling, resting, and sleeping.

The key to staying warm in the winter is to stay dry. This is done by dressing in layers which are easily vented. While snow shoeing, hiking, or cross country skiing, an individual generates an enormous amount of body heat. Unless the person is careful, the body will overheat, and the person will begin to perspire. When the person stops to rest, the perspiration will begin to chill the body.

It is therefore imperative that the active person dress in layers. When the body begins to heat up, the outer jacket should be vented, which is to say, unzipped. If heat continues to build, the outer jacket should be removed. If this does not cool the body enough to end perspiration, another layer should be vented, and perhaps shed. Eventually, the clothing will match the person's level of activity, where enough body heat is generated to keep the person warm, but not sweaty.

If a person finds that he (or she) has not controlled his (or her) perspiration sufficiently, it is important to change out of the sweat-soaked garments as soon as possible. For once the chills set in, they are difficult to overcome.

When the day's exertion ends, it is time to start adding layers again. When it is finally time to go to bed, the winter camper should climb into a warm sleeping bag and zip up. Again, if perspiration begins, the bag should be partially unzipped to allow the air to cool the body before sweat does.

4. List and explain the characteristics of winter campsite selection.

5. Describe, or show where possible, the preparation of a level tent site in snow and pitch a tent in winter conditions.

6. Prepare a balanced three-day menu to be used in your winter camping experience.

7. Know how to get water from snow.

Though snow is a form of water, it is foolish to eat it while it is still frozen, especially when spending an extended period of time in the cold. Eating snow can lower the body temperature, leading to chills at best, hypothermia and death at worst. That said, snow is still a great source of drinking water, so long as it is melted first. Pack snow into a pot and put it on the camp stove.

8. Know five safety rules of winter camping.

9. Explain the proper steps to take if stranded without equipment in winter conditions.

10. Show knowledge of and ability to prevent, recognize, and care for mild frostbite, hypothermia, mild snow blindness, and dehydration.

11. Spend a total of six days and nights in cold weather camping.

a. All nights should have temperature lows in the 40's (5° C).

b. Two nights should have temperature lows below freezing (0° C).

c. All nights should be spent in tents, tarps, or the open.

References

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 ==2. Make up a complete list of necessary camping equipment for winter conditions, such as possible sub-zero (-18° C) temperatures, storms, and snow. ==
 ==3.Explain the principles of maintaining body warmth and dryness through the proper use of clothing and sleeping gear under all temperatures down to zero while traveling, resting, and sleeping. ==
+The key to staying warm in the winter is to stay dry.  This is done by dressing in layers which are easily vented.  While snow shoeing, hiking, or cross country skiing, an individual generates an enormous amount of body heat.  Unless the person is careful, the body will overheat, and the person will begin to perspire.  When the person stops to rest, the perspiration will begin to chill the body.
+It is therefore imperative that the active person dress in layers.  When the body begins to heat up, the outer jacket should be ''vented'', which is to say, unzipped.  If heat continues to build, the outer jacket should be removed.  If this does not cool the body enough to end perspiration, another layer should be vented, and perhaps shed.  Eventually, the clothing will match the person's level of activity, where enough body heat is generated to keep the person warm, but not sweaty.
+If a person finds that he (or she) has not controlled his (or her) perspiration sufficiently, it is important to change out of the sweat-soaked garments as soon as possible.  For once the chills set in, they are difficult to overcome.
+When the day's exertion ends, it is time to start adding layers again.  When it is finally time to go to bed, the winter camper should climb into a warm sleeping bag and zip up.  Again, if perspiration begins, the bag should be partially unzipped to allow the air to cool the body before sweat does.
 ==4. List and explain the characteristics of winter campsite selection. ==
 ==5. Describe, or show where possible, the preparation of a level tent site in snow and pitch a tent in winter conditions. ==