Winter Camping Workshop 2025

Join us in Waupaca for our Annual Winter Workshop Dec. 12th-14th for a variety of presentations and hands-on skill-building opportunities. Check-in time is 8-10 am Friday, Dec. 12th followed by camp set-up. Presentations start at 11 am and will take place entirely outside.

This event is located on 40 private acres at our NOW Outdoors basecamp in Waupaca, WI just west of Hartman Creek State Park. Upon arrival, you will check in at the parking lot and then hike down to the campsite roughly 5-minutes from your car on a clear, wide path. If there is deep snow, you may need a sled and snowshoes to haul your gear to camp. If you do not have a sled, we have several sleds available to use for free. Some people have found a wagon to be helpful as well. We can help you find a place to set up your tent or hammock. We have an incredible crew of expert presenters from the region joining us for a wide variety of topics.

This year's topics include:

• Winter clothing and equipment for an expedition at 40 below
• Building a winter fire: The ability to build fire under extreme cold or wet conditions is an important and potentially life-saving skill.
• Winter camping on a budget: Tips and tricks to save money and find deals for all of your winter gear needs.
• Axe and saw use: Learn proper technique and safe ways to process firewood in this hands-on skills workshop.
• Cold weather first aid: Learn to identify and manage cold weather emergencies such as frostbite and hypothermia in this hands-on presentation.
• Shelters and sleep systems including winter hammocks
• Knife safety and use: Bring a fixed blade (Mora) style knife and hone your skills. (we will have some knives available if needed)
• Women's-specific camping topics
• Build a signal fire
• Useful knots for the backcountry

This year, you can bring your own food or purchase a ticket for our own fantastic NOW Outdoors campfire meals.
Coffee and hot water will be available at no charge throughout the day.

AS ALWAYS >>> A gear list and directions will be available via the group forum on our website for this event. You will have access to this "Group" page upon registration. We have zoom calls and recordings posted here along with other resources and important updates.

Event Registration Price: 3 Days $300

• Registration closes Monday, Dec. 2nd.
• Meal tickets must be purchased by Monday, Dec. 2nd.

> Ask about our discount for scouts and other youth groups.
> Spaces are limited and are filled in the order payments are received. An RSVP on Meetup without payment will not hold your spot. The event may fill before the payment deadline.
> Refunds are available within 7 days of ticket purchase but not after the registration deadline. Refunds beyond 7 days of ticket purchase will be in the form of a full credit valid for 1 year that can be used for NOW Outdoors trips and events.

REGISTER AND MAKE PAYMENTS HERE

Included:

• Coffee and hot water all day
• Misc. group gear (tables, kitchen equipment)
• Warming tent
• Porta-potty
• Firewood
• Group parachute shelter
• First aid kit
• Pre-trip Zoom call
• Group forum

Not Included: (rental gear available)

• Personal camping equipment
• Meals (meal tickets are available for purchase at checkout)

Hot tent rental: Contact us for details at info@nowoutdoors.org
We have 2 Snowtrekker wall tents and 1 Tentipi Zircon 9 available for this event. Each tent is outfitted with a woodburning stove and firewood. Prices listed are for Friday-Sunday noon.
9x11.5 tent sleeps 2-3 on ground pads or 2 on cots. $300
10x13 tent sleeps 4-5 people on ground pads or 3 on cots. $325
14' tipi sleeps 4-6 on ground pads. $350

Winter hammock rental: $100 for Friday-Sunday noon.
We have a limited number of premium Superior Gear hammocks rated for 0F or colder and outfitted with down quilts and a rain fly.

Please send all questions to info@nowoutdoors.org