Next week we're going on our Winter Campout. For you new Scouts especially, it's going to be a test of what you've learned about camping and being comfortable outdoors.

Camping is easy and fun in the spring, summer and fall because while you may get wet occasionally, it's not much trouble to get dry and warm again. Camping in winter is fun, too, but it's not so easy to stay comfortable when the temperature is around the freezing mark and cold rain or snow is falling.

That's why it's so important that we're all prepared for winter camping. Tonight we've checked our camping equipment and each patrol has planned some nutritious meals for camp. We've also practiced some of the things we'll need to do to stay warm and dry and have fun in camp.

I suggest that each patrol go over their preparations once more before camp. Remember that Mother Nature is easy on us through most of the year, but in winter she can be unforgiving for Scouts who are not prepared.