Stay Safe in the Cold
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What you will learn
- 1Plan a cold-day outing from packing to shelter
- 2Explain why staying dry and out of the wind keeps you warm
- 3Sort actions into ones that warm you and ones that chill you
- 4Recognize the warning signs that the cold is becoming a problem
- 5Explain why you tell an adult at once when someone shows a warning sign
Mini Lesson
Cold weather in the wild can be beautiful, but the cold can sneak up on you. Wind, wet clothes and tiredness all pull warmth out of your body. In Grade 5 you learn to plan ahead for the cold and to spot the warning signs early. Planning keeps you warm, and spotting trouble early keeps your group safe.
🌿 The Wild Way (plan for the cold)
- LAYERS RECAP: wear thin wool or synthetic layers (not cotton, which stays cold when wet), with a windproof and waterproof layer on the outside.
- STAY DRY: wet clothes chill you fast. Put on your rain layer early and pack spare socks and a spare warm layer.
- COVER HEAD AND HANDS: a warm hat, gloves or mittens and warm socks protect the parts that get cold first.
- EAT AND DRINK: snacks and water give your body fuel to make heat. Cold days still need water.
- MOVE, BUT DON’T SWEAT: keep moving to stay warm, but slow down or open a layer before you get sweaty.
- GET OUT OF THE WIND, SHELTER EARLY: stop behind rocks or trees, and head for shelter before you get very cold, not after.
🌿 The Wild Way (know the warning signs)
- SHIVERING THAT WON’T STOP: shaking that keeps going, even when you rest.
- CLUMSY HANDS: fingers that can’t close a zipper or open a snack.
- SLURRED WORDS OR CONFUSION: words that come out mumbled, or someone who seems mixed up.
- PALE OR NUMB: fingers or toes that look white or grayish or feel numb - never rub them.
- TELL AT ONCE: if you or anyone in the group has a warning sign, tell your grown-up right away - don’t wait.
If anyone has shivering that won’t stop, clumsy hands, slurred words, confusion, or very pale or numb fingers or toes, tell an adult at once. The adult is in charge: they get the person out of the cold and somewhere warm. If the person gets worse, the adult calls your local emergency number. Never keep going to "tough it out" in the cold.
Words to know
layers
Several thin pieces of clothing worn on top of each other.
e.g. I took off one of my layers before the climb.
windproof
Able to stop the wind from getting through.
e.g. My windproof jacket kept the cold breeze out.
shiver
To shake because your body is cold.
e.g. When I started to shiver, I told my grown-up.
numb
Not able to feel properly.
e.g. His toes felt numb, so the adult got him somewhere warm.
sweat
Water your skin makes when you get hot.
e.g. Slow down so you don’t sweat on a cold day.
shelter
A place that protects you from wind, rain and cold.
e.g. We reached the shelter before the snow began.
🧠 Survivor’s Trick: "Be bold, start cold." Begin a walk feeling a little cool, because you will warm up as you move. That way you don’t sweat in the first ten minutes and get chilled later.
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