SWC: Scouters' Winter Campout
Winter Camping Training for Scouter Leaders
January 8-10, 2027
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Woodruff Scout Reservation
Since 1968, SWC (Scouters' Winter Campout) has trained Scouters in cold-weather camping, outdoor leadership, and Scoutcraft — rain, shine, or snow. Experience a camporee from the Scout's perspective.
WHY SWC
Built by leaders, for leaders
SWC started with a simple idea: Scouting doesn't stop when the temperature drops. Nearly six decades later, SWC is winter camping training for Scout leaders, built around a full weekend of patrol-based games. You participate as a patrol, play the games, build pioneering projects, and pick up cold-weather skills to bring home to your unit.
The bigger payoff comes after the weekend. Inside a well-run patrol, you see firsthand what an engaging program feels like. That stays with you longer than any single skill. People give their time to what energizes them, and a leader who just had a great experience comes home more invested, bringing that same energy back to the unit. When the program is fun, the Scouts feel it first, and that is what keeps a unit thriving.
What You'll experience
A full weekend of games and fun with a purpose.
Cold-Weather Camping
Sleep systems, first-aid, hydration, and staying warm through the night.
Patrol Games
Staff-designed games where the skills come with the competition.
Patrol Method
Experience the program the way your Scouts do — as part of a patrol.
Scoutcraft
Fire, knots, lashings, and tools — sharpened in the cold.
Winter Cooking
Plan and cook good meals when the thermometer drops.
Campfire Program
Evenings of entertainment, story, and Scouting tradition.
Cracker Barrel
Friday-night gathering to meet and swap ideas with fellow Scouters.
Take It Home
Ideas you can run with your own unit all winter long.
Event Information
Everything you need to know.
New to SWC
First time at SWC? Start here.
Every year, SWC welcomes a large group of new Scouters. This one-of-a-kind winter camping training for Scout leaders is an annual event started in 1968. All you need to get started are some warm layers and a willingness to jump into a patrol! These tips cover everything you'll need to be prepared.
Information for First-TimersSWC: Winter Camping Training for Scout Leaders
Registration opens September 8th, 2026. Sign up as a patrol, and you'll have the chance to request your campsite as part of the process. Gather your fellow leaders and join us this winter!