The most important thing to remember is that it is going to
be COLD out there! It will be important to be prepared to
take care of yourself and to keep yourself warm‹it will be
far more difficult at this time of year than at any other
Gathering to care for those who come unprepared, and not
being prepared is more than uncomfortable‹it is dangerous.
If everyone comes prepared, everyone will have a fine time;
if even one person suffers from freezing, everyone will have
a rougher time of it.

Personal items you will want to bring: Many warm clothes,
including one complete change to keep in a vehicle to be
sure it doesn't get wet. Include long underwear, boots, warm
socks, warm gloves, a good hat, a scarf and/or balaklava,
sweaters, vests‹layer your clothes, and bring more than you
think you need! A good weathertight tent with a groundcloth,
a good insulating sleeping pad, and a very warm sleeping bag
with extra blankets or comforters. I am told that a candle
lantern can help warm a tent some, but be careful! Keep it
away from the tent material, and be sure there is enough
ventilation. Cup, bowl, and utensils. Cross-country skis
and/or snowshoes will be useful (we hope). Chapstick,
sunblock, and sunglasses.

Group items we will need (remember the rule: if you pack it
in, pack it out. This means that even if what you bring is a
generous gift to the family, if it hasn¹t been used when you
leave, please pack it back out.  In the circumstances of a
Winter regional it is preferable to bring only things very
likely to be used): Love, respect, caring; Teepees and large
shelters; Pots, pans, utensils; Insulated water containers;
Firewood and woodcutting equipment; Toboggans to haul gear;
Some sort of floorless shelter, like a screen house, to
cover the latrine; Perhaps some sort of heater for the
latrine; Tarps, ropes, tools; Rocks for a sweat lodge (very
few rocks in the area); 5 gallon buckets; Medical supplies;
Bleach; Good food; Cold-resistant musical instruments;
Warmth and energy. Don't bring pets‹they can freeze, too.

Basic winter good sense: If you get wet, get warm.
Hypothermia is the biggest danger. Wear a hat. The head is
the body's greatest radiator of warmth. Don't drink
alcohol‹it makes you feel warm by dilating the outer blood
vessels, which actually makes you lose heat faster. Layer
your clothing. You have better control over temperature
change.