“Winter Explorers” Learn Cold-Weather Survival Skills

Do you know how to dress for different winter conditions? What to do if frostbite sets in? How to build a fire on top of the snow? Or maybe how to build a shelter outside?

Learn these and even more winter outdoor skills with staff from Wildwood Camp and the Jaffrey Parks & Recreation Department during our Winter Explorers program series.

This winter, on the third Saturday of each month, we’ll discover a different skill to help us brave the winter weather. Each session takes place from 9:00 to 11:00 am.

Register online on the Jaffrey Parks & Rec website for one session or for all four at a discounted rate.

Photo © Phil Doyle

November: Winter Attire

Saturday, November 21, 2020
At Jaffrey Parks and Recreation
31 Howard Hill Road, Jaffrey, NH 03452

What are your jeans made of, and can they really keep you warm in cold weather? Through a variety of experiments, learn the “do’s and don’t’s” of what to wear during the winter months, including the differences between various fabrics.

Note: Participants should bring clothes in a backpack or bag that you believe could help keep you warm if you were outside in the cold for ten hours.

Winter Hiking with Wildwood at Mount Monadnock
Winter Hiking with Wildwood at Mount Monadnock

December: Winter First Aid

Saturday, December 19, 2020
At Wildwood Camp
462 Old New Ipswich Road, Rindge, NH 03461

Be prepared for any accident that may occur during the winter months. Learn the warning signs for hypothermia, frost bite, and dehydration and what to do if you or someone else is showing signs.

Note: Instructor Cheryl is a certified Red Cross First Aid instructor; participants will not be certified at the end of the program.

January: Fires & Cooking

Saturday, January 16, 2021
At Wildwood Camp
462 Old New Ipswich Road, Rindge, NH 03461

Have you ever tried to build a fire on snow? What happens to wood when it is wet? Learn the answers to these questions and more as we build a fire and cook over an open flame. Together we will learn the science of how to start a fire without matches.

Note: Participants should bring a travel mug, thermos, or cup with a lid for hot beverages.

Camp cooking in winter
Camp cooking in winter

February: Shelters & Knots

Saturday, February 20, 2021
At Wildwood Camp
462 Old New Ipswich Road, Rindge, NH 03461

Protecting yourself from harsh winter weather with a DIY shelter is a great skill to have! Use materials you can find in the woods to help make your shelter safe and warm, and learn different knots and lashings to create a camp chair or even a table!


To register for these programs, please visit the Jaffrey Parks & Rec website. Join for one session or for all four at a discounted rate! Should you have any questions, reach out to Wildwood’s Education Program Manager, Cheryl Oliveira at [email protected].