Our trip to Oil Creek turned into quite an adventure. The ride over was uneventful until a wrong turn took us down an unmaintained road where two of our vehicles became stuck. At that point we were close enough to the Wolfkiel Run Shelters to backpack in. Two adults stayed with the cars while the rest of us made our way about 2 3/4 miles uphill. The weather was pleasant, bright and sunny with very little wind. Once at the site we got ourselves situated and cooked up a quick lunch. The adirondacks were very comfortable, with room for 4 people each and a fireplace to use for warmth. After several hours the adults were able to get the cars back to the camp parking lot. They had the help of a tow truck and our new friend Steve with his 4 wheel drive truck. In camp, the fires were going in all three shelters and some wood was collected before it became dark. The cooks made an excellent meal of Chicken Jambalaya, brownies and hot chocolate/tea for supper. The temperature really began to drop after the sun went down and around 8pm everyone settled into their adirondacks. During the night people slept on and off while keeping their fires going. At around 5am the temperature was at -7 degrees Fahrenheit and our firewood was dwindling. The decision was made to pack the gear, hike back to the cars, and head home. On the way home the cars needed fuel and we had a chance for breakfast at Subway. Even with all the adversity during this trip, we had a good time and gained valuable experience. The six scouts and four adults that attended will receive their polar bear award and a Troop 810 sub-zero camper patch. Those braving the winter were David K., Dylan, Kyle, Nick, Peter, Richard, Mr. Deran, Mr. Drown, Mr. Kelly, and Mr. Makowski.

Polar Bear, Oil Creek State Park Photo Album

Trip Plan for Polar Bear, Oil Creek State Park

Date and Time of Departure: Saturday, February 15th, 7:30am - Old Church

Camp Coordinator: Mr. Makowski

Purpose: To learn how to camp in the winter. We will earn our Polar Bear Award. The troop will be using Adirondacks for sleeping quarters. Adirondacks are small shelters with bunks. These shelters have fireplaces, but to earn your polar bear there must be no interior heating of any kind. It will be cold so plan accordingly. Scouts crossing over in 2014 will not be permitted to attend this event.

Location: Oil Creek State Park - Wolfkiel Run Shelter Site (see Park Map), Park Phone Number - 814-676-5915.

Cost: $25.00 per scout and permission slip due at troop meeting on January 21st

Estimated Time of Return: Sunday, February 16th, 11:30am-12:00pm

Items to Bring:

• Be Prepared for Winter Camping (covered at troop meetings)
• Scout Outdoor Essentials (see handbook)
• Camping Gear and Extra Clothing (see handbook)