Join us for a Winter Hike at Bullfrog Lake in Willow Springs! We will be going for a 1.5-mile hike along the Bullfrog Lake Trail and then sledding (weather permitting).
What: Winter Hike at Bullfrog Lake
When: Saturday, January 20th at 1 pm.
Where: Bullfrog Lake, 9600 Wolf Rd, Willow Springs, IL 60480
We will gather/park at the roundabout parking lot HERE
Who: All Pack 24 Scouts
What are we going to do:
We will be going on a 1.5-mile hike along Bullfrog Lake Trail.
1pm – arrive and gather
1:15 – Start the hike
2:00 – Hike ends/Hot chocolate & snack
2:15 – 3:30 – Sledding (snow permitting)
Make sure to dress for the cold and bring extra sledding clothes (if we have snow). Keep reading for more info about what to wear in cold weather!
Hot chocolate & a snack will be provided after the hike to help warm us up.
Costs: FREE
What to Wear in Cold Weather
The correct clothing and gear can help your family enjoy being outside in almost any weather. Here are some tips for staying comfortable in Winter:
Base layer (first layer): A base layer of wool or synthetic fibers (like polyester) works better than cotton. Cotton soaks up and retains moisture, leaving skin wet if you sweat or if rain or snow gets through your outer layers. Remember you can layer pants, too. A base layer of long underwear, snug pajamas, or leggings can help you stay comfortable longer.
Middle layer: Layer a fleece, sweater, or sweatshirt over your comfortable base layer. You want to be able to add layers when you’re cold and remove them when you’re too warm (sweat means wet skin and wet skin means cold and uncomfortable skin). The type of fabric for that mid-layer (sweats, fleece, etc.) isn’t as important.
Outer layer: Winter coats and snow pants should be weatherproof. Snow pants aren’t just for the snow. You can stay outside longer and sit on the cold ground more comfortably with snow pants on. If it’s very cold and/or you’re planning to be out for a long time, you can even layer rain suits (also called mud suits) over your snow gear.
Socks: Wool socks are great for staying warm and feeling drier. But socks are one item NOT to layer (unless your boots have room to spare). Doubling socks makes boots fit tighter, and tighter boots restrict circulation, resulting in colder feet. A boots/socks combo that allows you to move your toes around is a better bet.
Boots: Footwear should be comfortable and something you’re ok with getting dirty. For snow or very cold weather, snow boots are ideal. Rain boots with wool socks are a good substitute if your snow boots are drying at home.
Hats and gloves: Ski masks/balaclava are great for super cold weather, sledding, and/or staying out for a long time. Waterproof gloves or mittens are the best in the snow. They can be hard to maneuver in, so you may want to keep some thinner gloves in your bag in case you need to use your hands. Keeping extra gloves in your bag is also a good idea in case gloves get wet or lost.
Extras: Hand warmers can go a long way towards cheering up a child struggling with the cold. (Please read the safety information on any warmers you use.) Another secret weapon is a thermos of warm tea.
Happy Scouting! We look forward to adventuring with you all!