Jan 19, 2008 10:54 pm US/Central
Local Boy Scouts Combat The Cold, Camp Out
(WCCO)
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"I love the cold," said scout Anthony Kramer.
CBS
A boy scout troop from Coon Rapids has no fear when it comes to the cold.
The troops are spending the night in the snow in mid-January. A scout demonstrates just how cold it is outside by throwing a cup of water up in the air. The liquid crystallizes in mid-air and falls like powdery snow.
"I love the cold," said scout Anthony Kramer.
It would take Kramer's enthusiasm for the cold to take on this challenge. Six boy scouts are camping out overnight in sub-zero temperatures. However, it is nothing new for Boy Scout Troop 406. They have been doing it for more than a decade.
"We believe you can have fun camping in the snow and outdoors whether it's cold or warm. And the key to it is to be prepared for your camping," said Steve Timm, the Scoutmaster of Troop 406.
Saturday's frigid atmosphere is the coldest weather they've encountered at this Ramsey campsite, with temperatures of possibly 15 below.
The scouts are staying true to their motto: being prepared with at least three layers of clothing.
"You must have wool socks because if you have cotton your feet will freeze off," said Kramer.
It took the scouts about three hours to create each one of these snow trenches and quincies. The quincy is a sort of an igloo made out of snow.
Scout leaders hope the boys learn they can make it through just about anything. And, of course, there will be the stories of an adventure that few are brave enough to try.
"Bragging rights, pretty much. I just think it's fun to be friends and stuff," said scout Dylan Thiel.
Believe it or not, the scouts don't get any kind of badge for this frigid camping trip.
It is actually just a training exercise for a campout in Ely in February, where it can get 30 below.
If they endure subzero temps there, they'll earn what's called a zero hero award.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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