Need info about Okpik
Bates Noble (70065.174@COMPUSERVE.COM)
Thu, 2 Jan 1997 22:09:02 EST
George:
Your question is very timely as I am packing up to get ready to serve on the
staff of our local Council's Okpik Course Outdoor Session. (Northwest
Suburban near Chicago)
Three Scouters from Northwest Suburban went to Ely (Charles L. Sommers High
Adventure Base) five winters ago to take the Okpik Course offered there.
The Ely course has spawned a number of Okpik Courses around the Country
including ours.
Our course consists of four afternoon skull and skill sessions (16
hours in October, November, and December) followed by the "final exam", the
Week-end Campout on the first week-end of January. In tents and a big cargo
parachute.
The Course has been very well received and we now have students (Scouters
and senior Boy Scouts) from five surrounding Councils. We've had a full class
and a waiting list for the past three years. Cold Weather Camping in the
context of this course should be considered a "high adventure" level
activity. Younger, less experienced Scouts simply don't do well in this
mileau. ( I speak from hard won experience.) We emphasize the "Train the
Trainer" aspect of the course and expect our students to TAKE IT BACK.
I'd strongly encourage you to contact the folks at Charles L. Sommers for
details of their Course. (Sandy Bridges is the major domo) Then *GO*!
In the meantime, get the Okpik Handbook, "Okpik: Cold-Weather Camping" BSA
No. 34040, ISBN 0-8395-4040-X.
Our Okpik motto: Non Semper Erit Aestas (It Ain't Always Gonna Be Summer!)
Stay dry....Stay warm. And have a great time Cold Weather Camping.
Bates /IL
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City | 
