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York School News
ICE Winter Camping 2025 - Student reflections
After an unforgettable week of winter camping in the snowy outdoors, Grade 9 ICE students were asked to reflect on what they had learned and provide insights that could help next year's Grade 9s prepare for this adventure. Their thoughtful, practical and sometimes funny responses are below in a letter to next year's ICE Cohort. Enjoy!
See photos from this year's winter camping trip here.
See photos from this year's winter camping trip here.
Picture this: it’s the first night of winter camping, and the temperature seems to drop by the minute. You’re huddled around a crackling fire with your friends, trying to warm your toes while snow falls quietly around you. A few days ago, we were in your shoes—uncertain, excited, and maybe a little nervous. Now that we’ve survived (and even thrived), we want to share our hard-earned wisdom so you can be prepared for your own adventure.
First Lesson: The Power of Layers
We realized pretty quickly that the key to winter camping is layers. That means plenty of socks (but not too many all at once—your feet need space to heat up). Bring multiple pairs of gloves: thin liners for warmth and dexterity, plus thicker mitts when it’s really cold. And don’t stop at clothing—two sleeping bags, or a sleeping bag with a cozy liner, can make the difference between shivering all night and actually getting some rest. A thick sleeping mat is also your best friend—trust us, waking up with numb hips because the ground is frozen solid is not fun.
We realized pretty quickly that the key to winter camping is layers. That means plenty of socks (but not too many all at once—your feet need space to heat up). Bring multiple pairs of gloves: thin liners for warmth and dexterity, plus thicker mitts when it’s really cold. And don’t stop at clothing—two sleeping bags, or a sleeping bag with a cozy liner, can make the difference between shivering all night and actually getting some rest. A thick sleeping mat is also your best friend—trust us, waking up with numb hips because the ground is frozen solid is not fun.
Second Lesson: Keep It Dry
Snow is beautiful…until it turns into slush, soaks through your boots, and leaves your socks soggy. We learned (sometimes the hard way) to dry everything overnight—socks, gloves, even boot liners—because putting on damp gear in the morning is miserable. If you can, hang things up inside the tent, but be warned: they might smell like a campfire the next day. It’s a small price to pay for warm, dry feet.
Snow is beautiful…until it turns into slush, soaks through your boots, and leaves your socks soggy. We learned (sometimes the hard way) to dry everything overnight—socks, gloves, even boot liners—because putting on damp gear in the morning is miserable. If you can, hang things up inside the tent, but be warned: they might smell like a campfire the next day. It’s a small price to pay for warm, dry feet.
Third Lesson: Move, Laugh, and Warm Up
It’s easy to huddle in one spot when you’re cold, but the more you move, the warmer you get. Jog in place, help out with chores, or even just laugh with your friends—anything to stay active. If you start feeling a chill, you just can’t shake, so take a quick break inside a tent. Warming up for a few minutes can totally change your outlook on the rest of the day.
It’s easy to huddle in one spot when you’re cold, but the more you move, the warmer you get. Jog in place, help out with chores, or even just laugh with your friends—anything to stay active. If you start feeling a chill, you just can’t shake, so take a quick break inside a tent. Warming up for a few minutes can totally change your outlook on the rest of the day.
Fourth Lesson: Embrace the Unexpected
Before heading out, some of us thought we’d be absolutely frozen the whole time. Others thought that a roaring fire would magically make the campsite toasty no matter what. Well, we discovered you never know what winter camping is going to throw at you—freezing nights, surprisingly warm afternoons, smoky tents, or even unexpected sunny days that make you wish you’d brought sunscreen (yes, really!). Keep your mind open, adapt to each moment, and stay flexible with your gear and your attitude.
Before heading out, some of us thought we’d be absolutely frozen the whole time. Others thought that a roaring fire would magically make the campsite toasty no matter what. Well, we discovered you never know what winter camping is going to throw at you—freezing nights, surprisingly warm afternoons, smoky tents, or even unexpected sunny days that make you wish you’d brought sunscreen (yes, really!). Keep your mind open, adapt to each moment, and stay flexible with your gear and your attitude.
Fifth Lesson: Canada is BEAUTIFUL!
We’ve spent the year learning about the vastness of our country, the landscapes that stretch across it, and the history that has shaped it—but to actually be out there, in the quiet stillness of a snowy forest under a sky full of stars, was something else entirely. Experiencing a part of Canada that few people ever do gave us a deeper appreciation for the North, for the land itself, and for the way people have lived and thrived in this environment for thousands of years. It closed the loop on so much of what we’ve studied, and made it real in a way that no textbook ever could. If you embrace this experience fully, you’ll walk away with a new perspective—not just on winter camping, but on what it means to live in a country as incredible and wild as this one.
We’ve spent the year learning about the vastness of our country, the landscapes that stretch across it, and the history that has shaped it—but to actually be out there, in the quiet stillness of a snowy forest under a sky full of stars, was something else entirely. Experiencing a part of Canada that few people ever do gave us a deeper appreciation for the North, for the land itself, and for the way people have lived and thrived in this environment for thousands of years. It closed the loop on so much of what we’ve studied, and made it real in a way that no textbook ever could. If you embrace this experience fully, you’ll walk away with a new perspective—not just on winter camping, but on what it means to live in a country as incredible and wild as this one.
Sixth Lesson: Mindset is Everything
Here’s the secret none of us saw coming: being cold, wet, and tired doesn’t have to ruin your experience. We learned that if you focus on the fun—joking with your friends, exploring the woods, and pitching in as a team—you forget about the discomfort. Bring a positive attitude, and push yourself to try new things (even if you’d rather stay in your sleeping bag). You’ll come away from the trip with stories that only you and your classmates truly understand, and those memories can be pretty awesome.
Here’s the secret none of us saw coming: being cold, wet, and tired doesn’t have to ruin your experience. We learned that if you focus on the fun—joking with your friends, exploring the woods, and pitching in as a team—you forget about the discomfort. Bring a positive attitude, and push yourself to try new things (even if you’d rather stay in your sleeping bag). You’ll come away from the trip with stories that only you and your classmates truly understand, and those memories can be pretty awesome.
So pack that extra pair of socks, bring earplugs to block out tent noise, slather on sunscreen even in the dead of winter, and brace yourself for a trip that will challenge you but also create some of your best memories. You’ll walk away with an unshakable sense of accomplishment—and maybe a lingering campfire smell in all your gear.
Good luck out there. Keep moving, keep laughing, and keep an open mind. We promise it will be worth it in the end :)
The ICE Class of 2024-25
