We just got back from enjoying OKPIK 2021 and it was time to put in our preferences for 2022. We were able to get 1 cabin stay and 1 lake stay trek for 2021. we have nearly both of them filled and hoping to go from 8 person crews to 11 person crews. Looking forward to many scouts and adults who have not had the fun of experiencing OKPIK and winter camping finding out how much fun it is!

Its been several years since our Troop has been to OKPIK. Its always been an amazing adventure. For 2021, we have 19 going. 11 that will be doing the Lake stay and 8 for the Cabin stay.

I have done 5 previous Lake treks and this time was to be a Cabin stay (I was still going to sleep in my tent outside). Just before the roster had to be submitted, we had a few crew members cancel. With the changes, I am back to the Lake stay. Both groups will have an amazing time!

It will be the first time for all but 3. Looking forward to hearing their thoughts.

We got the lottery results back and we have 2 crews for 2021. Should be fun! Since we have so many scouts that will only be 13, we will be doing the cabin stay instead of the frozen lake stay. The older scouts can still stay outside if they wish as can the adults.

Our scouts have decide they want to go to OKPIK in 2021. I was hoping we would have 6-8 adults and scouts interested in attending. Instead, we had 14 adults and scouts, so we have entered the lottery for 2 crews.

Now, we just wait.

Okpik 2018 was a wonderful time. Good weather up and back.
They have multiple options for your stay. You can spend the entire trek out on the ice camping, do a ski trek where you move camp each night and ski at least 5 miles each day and a dog sled trek where you spend the trip dog sledding. Due to the weather forecast of very low temps, our crew decided to stay close to basecamp. This gave them the option to stay out in tents, build a quinzee to stay in, or stay in a cabin if the temperature got too cold.

When you arrive, you spend the first night in a small warm cabin.
The crew photo before the adventure begins.

meeting

Meeting their interpreter.  He will be with them for the entire trek.  He is also the one to be sure it is safe for them to be out in case of severe weather.Each crew starts with planning their trek.  Where they will stay and what they will be doing.  This is important for basecamp to know where everyone is out in the woods.

Part of their training session.  Talking about layering pads under the sleeping bag to stay warm.  They have enough gear to completely outfit your entire crew if needed.

 Forecast for the week.  Good thing they have plenty of warm gear!

Lots of skis, poles and snowshoes. Thats a lot of snow leading to a cabin. Sunrise in Northern Minnesota is always pretty in the winter. I think they need a sign for the winter. Getting ready to sled down one of their big hills. Yea, its fun!

Sledding closeup Another group photo Selfie

Outside, you can stay in a tent, or you can build a quinzee.  The quinzees are fun to build and really warm inside. A variation on broom ball A very clear ski at night Oh yea! Dogsledding. They are ready to go! Dogsledding is an amazing amount of fun!

 

The group had an incredible amount of fun at OKPIK.  They took advantage of all of the activities they offered.  Can’t wait for the next time to go back!

All of our preparations are finished.   This weekend we will be at OKPIK enjoying winter camping.  WE have a group of 11 going up to Ely, Minn. The training is complete.  Everyone is excited.  It is supposed to be sub zero!  That’s why we go up there in January.  It’s going to be great!  Just wait for the photos.

We’re excited.  We have 11 scouts and scouters going to OKPIK in January.  It will be another awesome trip!!!

Most of the planning is done.