Summit Achievement Knows How to Do Winter! Expos & Safety during Winter in Maine

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Winter expeditions (we call them expos!), including camping and hiking in Maine, are a unique and magical experience. The snow-blanketed wilderness, crisp air, and serene landscapes offer an unparalleled opportunity to connect with nature, build resilience, and overcome a variety of mental health challenges. Expo skills and tools learned year-round are not based on primitive skills but in the student’s world today!

Winter camping also comes with unique challenges. Proper preparation and awareness of potential hazards are crucial for a safe and enjoyable adventure, enabling our students to have the best possible experience at Summit no matter the season. On very cold days, heated shelters and lean-to’s in the White Mountain National Forest offer protection from the elements. Summit Achievement staff ensure that all students receive instruction during pre-expedition safety briefings on the prevention and treatment of various first aid topics, allowing students to have some agency and ownership of their safety and experience. 

While continuing to deliver consistent therapeutic programming, we prioritize safety above all else! Winter conditions require guides to be proactive in their thinking. They are vigilant, conservative, and compassionate while keeping themselves warm and comfortable! This begins with ensuring they and all the students have the necessary clothing, equipment, and training to keep themselves comfortable and safe.

The primary concern of Summit guides is to keep their group safe. If the temperature, wind, or general conditions become prohibitive, guides will redesign the expedition to a more conservative plan. Depending on the group, more conservative plans could include staying on campus during the day or night in heated buildings or at one of the established heated shelters and doing group activities, initiatives, service projects, or day trips. In all cases, guides are always ready to pivot.  Student’s hands, fingers, feet, and toes are checked regularly!  

So why does Summit do Expos?  A significant part of why we do expeditions is to help students address their treatment goals for depression and anxiety.  A core tenet of working through depression and anxiety is to build self-confidence.  Over the years, we have found that one of the most profound ways we can help students build self-confidence is winter camping!  Winter camping is statistically safer than most high school sports, yet a higher perceived risk helps students gain increased confidence when they can stay warm and have fun.  In our nearly 29 years of operation, Summit Achievement has never had a student develop a significant cold injury, and we have been doing expeditions every winter since 1996.  

Here’s a look at what our Summit team does to ensure our students stay safe while exploring Maine’s winter wonderland. Read more below about how winter expos looks in action… 

1. We Know the Weather!

Maine’s winter weather can be unpredictable. Before heading out, our team will regularly:

  • Check the forecast for our destination, including expected temperatures, snow conditions, and potential storms.
  • Be prepared for sudden weather changes and know the signs of hypothermia and frostbite.

2. Layer Up Wisely

Staying warm and dry is essential. Summit gear is top of the line, and our students dress in layers that can be added or removed as needed:

  • Base Layer: Moisture-wicking fabric to keep sweat off your skin.
  • Middle Layer: Insulating materials like fleece or down to retain heat.
  • Outer Layer: Waterproof and windproof shell to protect against the heat lost through convection.

And let’s not forget:

  • Insulated gloves and socks.
  • A warm hat that covers your ears.
  • Waterproof boots for snow and slush.

3. Pack the Right Gear

Winter camping requires specialized equipment:

  • Sleeping bag: Rated for temperatures well below zero!
  • Insulated sleeping pad: Prevents heat loss to the ground.
  • Cooking equipment: A portable stove suitable for cold conditions. We always pack extra food, water, and clothing. Calories keep your body warm, and staying hydrated is as crucial in winter as in summer.

4. We Choose Our Campsite Wisely

Location matters, especially in winter, and our team will always:

  • Avoid areas prone to avalanches and we carefully consider our route planning when dealing with heavy snow accumulation.  
  • Stay clear of frozen bodies of water. 
  • Seek shelter from the wind by setting up camp near natural windbreaks like trees or hills.
  • Avoid setting up camp under snow-laden branches that could break and fall.

5. We Stay Connected and Prepared

  • When temperatures and windchills drop below a safe level, heated shelters are used.
  • Our expo details, including planned routes and return time, are always logged and shared with leadership.
  • Carry a fully charged phone, map, compass, and satellite communicator.
  • Always have a first aid kit and know how to use it.
  • Our team is experienced in winter survival skills, like building a snow shelter and starting a fire in snowy conditions.

7. Respect Maine’s Wilderness

Winter camping in Maine means sharing the space with wildlife and preserving the pristine environment:

  • Pack out all waste, including food scraps.
  • Avoid disturbing animals, who may be more vulnerable in winter.
  • Stick to established trails and campsites whenever possible.

A few more thoughts…

Winter hiking and camping in Maine can be a rewarding adventure because we are always well-prepared and mindful of safety. We create lasting memories in this winter wonderland by planning, packing appropriately, and respecting nature.

If your teenager is struggling with their mental health and you are considering treatment options, perhaps Summit Achievement could be right for your family. Reach out to Admissions today.