Plan for Snow | Stage 1

Snow Ready: First Steps into Alpine Adventures

This activity introduces Joey Scouts and Cub Scouts to alpine environments and snow activities. Youth will learn what “alpine” means, how to dress and pack for cold conditions, how to stay safe and not get lost, and how to have fun in the snow. The program builds excitement and confidence before an alpine outing such as tobogganing or ice blocking.

What you'll need

Hall night

• Assorted alpine clothing (good and poor examples)

• Day pack or backpack

• Crushed ice or ice blocks and ice crusher

• Gloves or mittens

• Decorations for snow people

• Hoops, cones or obstacles

• Question cards

Outing

• Large ice blocks and old towels (for ice blocking)
• First aid kit
• Change of clothes
• Towels and gloves

Activity

• 1. What Is Alpine? (Group discussion)

  • Talk about what “alpine” means

  • Discuss where the Unit is going for their alpine adventure

  • Explain activities we might do in alpine areas, such as:

    • Snow play

    • Tobogganing

    • Walking

  • Talk about why alpine environments are colder and why we need to prepare

  • Briefly explain what will happen during tonight’s activities

  2. Backpack Packing for the Snow

  • Show examples of good and poor clothing for alpine activities

  • Discuss:

    • Keeping warm

    • Keeping dry

    • Avoiding cotton

  • In Patrols or small groups:

    • Sort items into:

      • Wear it

      • Pack it

      • Leave it at home

    • Pack a day pack so important items are easy to reach

  • Explain how to protect items that need to stay dry

  3. Alpine Safety Obstacle Course

  • Talk about:

    • Staying on marked trails

    • Using the buddy system

    • What to do if lost

    • How to get help in alpine areas

  • Set up an obstacle course around the Hall

  • Youth complete the course in pairs

  • At each hoop or station, answer a safety question before moving on

  • Reinforce:

    • Stop if you’re lost

    • Stay with your buddy

    • Use a whistle, phone or ask ski Patrol for help

  4. Build a Snow Person (indoors)

  • Use crushed ice to create “snow”

  • Youth build a snow person using the ice

  • Try building with bare hands and with gloves

  • Talk about:

    • How cold hands get

    • How wet gloves become

    • Why staying dry helps you stay warm

  • Discuss changing into dry clothes after snow play

  5. Alpine Outing: Ice Blocking or Tobogganing

  • Brief youth on:

    • Where to slide

    • Using the buddy system

    • Staying warm and dry

  • Youth take turns ice blocking or tobogganing

  • Reinforce listening to the Activity Leader

  • Ensure safe walk-back paths and clear run-out areas

  • At the end, change into dry clothes and warm up

Change the challenge level

• Make it easier by running activities as one large group

• Increase challenge by having youth explain safety answers

• Ask older Scouts to help lead parts of the obstacle course

• Turn packing or safety questions into relay-style games

Reflection