Okpik
| Okpik | |||
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| Owner | Boy Scouts of America | ||
| Location | Northern Tier National High Adventure Bases | ||
| Country | United States of America | ||
| Awarded for | cold weather camping | ||
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Okpik, (Inuit for snowy owl) pronounced as (OOk' pick) is the cold-weather adventure program created by the Boy Scouts of America's Northern Tier National High Adventure Bases at the Charles L. Sommers Canoe Base in Ely, Minnesota.
As the result of Northern Tier's Cold Weather Training program that teaches leaders to develop their own cold-weather program there are similar programs named after and based on Okpik offered by Boy Scout councils nationally. For example, Tahosa High Adventure Base located near Ward, Colorado offers a program similar to Okpik; Camp William Hinds in Raymond, Maine offers a popular Okpik program as well. Philmont Scout Ranch, another National High Adventure Base, offers a similar cold weather camping program called Kanik. Several local councils of the BSA have named their own local winter camping programs under the Okpik name, using the Okpik: Cold-Weather Camping manual, such as ones in Michigan and Buffalo, New York.
Since the early 1970s, the Charles L. Sommers Canoe Base has provided training in cold-weather camping and winter survival, while providing a place for cross-country skiing, ice-fishing, and other activities in the snow. In the early days, the Okpik program was teamed up with the U.S. military who used the base during the week for cold weather survival training. On weekends, the Scouts would come to the base for a three-day camping experience.
From January 8 to 13, older Scouts and leaders interested in learning how to develop and run a winter program for their unit or council can attend a five-day Cold Weather Training Course. The Okpik staff trains participants in the skills of safe cold weather camping and the sharing of resources among participants, with emphasis on leadership and working with young people in a cold weather environment. Winter logistics and the safety of all participants are points of emphasis.
The weekend program is the oldest Okpik program. From Friday evening through Sunday, participating groups receive instruction in the basic skills of winter camping and have the opportunity to practice them on an overnight campout. Training in cold weather dress, first-aid, menu and equipment are included in indoor sessions. Opportunities are also available for activities in winter ecology, igloo building, and other cold weather activities. Extra days can be added for school planning days and Martin Luther King holiday.
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