Owls, December 12th

The Owls are learning about winter survival skills. They started the day with a little crash course on how to read snow and looking under a magnifying glass how to identify snow that is more likely to slide into an avalanche or what is safe snow. Ask your Owl about the different shapes of snow. Are rounded flakes dangerous or safe? They also did a hitting test with a core sample to see if the snow is likely to budge. Starting with wrist power to elbow power to arm power. We determined that the ice mountain by the curling club was not likely to avalanche. Once that was determined the Owls set about setting up ropes and carving holds out of the snow to secure the ropes for climbing.

Moving on to the bluff, the Owls practiced their pulley system skills to practice hoisting an injured person up a crevasse. Thank you Bean for being the first volunteer and thank you Ari for letting us pull you up feet first. Huckley determined that an 8 point system was the best to easily hoist someone up.

We also had a visit from Mr. Tony who demonstrated how to use a receiver and transmitter when trying to locate someone in an avalanche. The Owls learned how to use them, how to track and locate a receiver and that in the back country everyone in a group should have one.

At the cabin we had our white elephant gift exchange. The gifts were amazing and so thoughtful. We think that everyone left happy with what they got - even if they had to let go of something they wanted.

To end the day we challenged the Owls to make mini fires by themselves or in partners. Some were lit after much determination and patience with a flint and some used matches. The Owls had to maintain their fires for a minimum of ten minutes before adding it to the communal fire.

Next week is our last class before the winter break!