Who can attend Snow Base?
Scouts BSA, Venturing Scouts, and Adults
When are programs offered?
Weekends in January and February
What is provided?
Snow Base will provide the equipment (sleds, sleeping
bags, cooking, etc...), most of all the cold weather clothing (bring
your own long underwear and jacket) and all meals (they're tastey!). See related content for a packing list.
What should I pack for camp?
Participants will need to bring some clothing items to wear under the
cold weather gear we provide as well as some personal items. See related content for a full packing list.
- Indoor Sleeping Bag, pillow, etc.
- Long Underwear (not cotton)
- Non absorbing upper body layers such as wool or polyester
- Outer Shell – A winter jacket with hood works great.
- Plastic bowl, mug, spoon, and fork.
- Personal items – Toothbrush, toothpaste, chapstick, handi-wipes, deodorant, etc.
Meals are provided, what if I have a food allergy?
We will do our best to meet the special dietary needs of the participants in
your unit. We have alternative menu items for those with special
dietary restrictions due to medical or religious reasons. See related content for more information on dietary restricitons. We
will not be able to meet the special dietary needs of any participant
without advance notice. Special dietary restrictions must be entered
into the reservations system online roster two weeks prior to your
arrival.
What if weather conditions are severe?
Information regarding current weather conditions and Northern Star
Council Winter Camp Programs will be available at 612-261-2448 the week
of camp.
Where do I check in?
Check in occurs at Program Center between 7:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Staff will meet you in the parking lot upon arrival.
WHAT FORMS SHOULD I BRING?
Each participant will need to have completed a health history (parts A/B). Every unit needs to bring a completed unit roster, if not completed in Black Pug. If you're in Spearhead, you should complete our program planning sheet at your unit meeting prior to coming to Snow Base.
FEES AND DEPOSITS
The balance of your crew fees is due to the Northern Star Council office on December 1 if you're attending during January, and on January 1 if you're attending in February. Because of the limited number of places available each weekend due to equipment and lodging limitations, crews are responsible for the number of participants that they registered. All fees paid are non-refundable.
LEADER REQUIREMENTS
Units need to provide two leaders for each crew. Some units may elect to split Scouts across different programs / crews. Each program / crew requires two adult leaders. If you're having difficulty with finding available leaders, contact us and we can help connect you with another unit for the weekend. For any circumstance, your crew guide will not be considered adult leadership. The policy for "two deep" leadership must be followed, including one registered leader who is at least 21 and one adult leader who is at least 18 years of age.
EQUIPMENT
Please review the Equipment Packing List in related content, and make sure all participants have looked at it. Please emphasize:
- The need for non cotton clothing
- All participants in the Spearhead/Expedition program should bring plastic silverware, plastic bowl, and a plastic mug
- All participants in the Experience program should bring a plastic mug
TRADING POST
Snow Base operates a camp store with souvenirs and some equipment. Items range in costs between $1 - $40. Credit cards are accepted.
RECOGNITION
Participants at Snow Base receive a patch.
EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBER
The phone number at Tomahawk Scout Reservation for emergencies is 651-252-4776. Please understand Scouts are spread out during program and it can take up to an hour to get a Scout to the camp land line.
IMPORTANT NOTES
- All Scouts in attendance must be registered with BSA or complete a BSA Application.
- Alcohol and Illegal drugs are not permitted on camp property.
- Before you arrive, please review with your Scouts the guidelines for winter camping as outlined in the Guide to Safe Scouting
- Unit leaders are responsible for distribution of Scout medication. If you need access to temperature control, please connect with your Crew Guide upon arrival to camp.