OKPIK, which is Inuit for: “Snowy Owl," is the Cold Weather Camping Adventure program offered by the Boy Scouts of America.  OKPIK will give you the skills to go where few dare. The purpose of the nationally acclaimed OKPIK program, made famous at Northern Tier, is to teach Scouts and Scouters how to be comfortable and safe while camping in cold weather. This training enables Scout units to extend their outdoor camping season to a full 12-months. These unique skills are delivered in a safe environment and culminates in a 24-hour outdoor overnight session that tests your new-found skills while enjoying some Scout fellowship and the outdoors. This is NOT a survival skills session – it IS an opportunity to learn about how winter camping can be fun and exciting, and still be enjoyable! Program is delivered in a troop setting, where each participant is assigned to a unique cold weather patrol.

Adults must be registered Scout leaders, have current Youth Protection training, and must have the appropriate medical forms. Youth must be 14 years old and at least 1st Class as of January 15, 2025, and have long term camping experience, and have their Scoutmaster’s approval. Venturers may participate with the same restrictions less the 1st Class rank. Medical forms parts A and B, and Scoutmaster/Advisor Approval form are all required at check-in on February 2, 2024. All forms can be found on this site. 

The early bird fee is $60.00 for pre-registration by January 15, 2025. The cost will increase to $75 after January 15, 2025.. The fee will increase to $75 from Jan 2 to January 24, 2025. Meals and snacks will be provided. All participants will be able to sleep in a heated cabin Friday night. Then on Saturday night, we hope that all participants will try sleeping in their own tents or at the Adirondacks. Upon Completion of this course, you will receive a FCC OKPIK pocket flap patch and Certificate. Extra Okpik pocket flap patches will be available for purchase for $5.00 each.

All questions and concerns will be addressed by Woody Whitling, Okpik Course Director, at wooknwoody@gmail.com or (814) 229-9663.

GO COLD OR GO HOME!