Snowshoeing Honor

Recreational Activities

Requirements

1. Describe the shape and size of 3 types of snowshoes and when/how they can be used (aerobic/running, recreation, mountaineering).

   Answer: Aerobic/running: light, small (50-70cm), for a fast pace on flat terrain and firm snow. Recreation: medium (70-90cm), versatile for family walks and light trails. Mountaineering: large (90-120cm), reinforced, with strong crampons, for steep terrain, deep snow and alpine expeditions. — Snowshoes distribute weight, preventing sinking. Materials: aluminum with synthetic decks (modern) or wood with rawhide (traditional). Sizes according to the user's weight and the type of snow. Crampons (metal claws) help on hard terrain. Common in Canada, the Alps, Patagonia. In Brazil, they are used in rare snowfalls in the south. The sport is growing in popularity.

2. Describe the following accessories for snowshoes and their usefulness while walking in the snow:
   • Walking stick
   • Hiking boots
   • Gaiters

   Answer: 1) Walking poles: poles (one or two) provide balance and stability on uneven and slippery terrain, relieve the weight on the knees and ankles during descents and help with propulsion when climbing; the tips with larger baskets prevent them from sinking too far into soft snow. 2) Hiking boots: waterproof boots, with thermal insulation and a high shaft, keep the feet dry and warm, give firmness to the ankle and offer a rigid sole with good grip to fit well into the snowshoe bindings and give traction on ice. 3) Gaiters: protectors that wrap around the lower part of the leg and the opening of the boot, sealing out the entry of snow, water, mud and debris into the footwear; thus they keep the feet dry and warm and help prevent blisters and the cooling of the extremities. — Snow poles have rings at the tips, preventing sinking. Gaiters seal the shin and boot against snow. Boots must be waterproof and insulated (-20°C). Step-in or ratchet-type bindings. Reinforced crampons in frozen conditions. Backpack: water, snack, emergency kit (whistle, map, GPS, flashlight, thermal blanket). Layered clothing (base, insulating, outer) is essential.

3. Demonstrate the proper technique for using snowshoes in the following situations:
   • When turning (changing direction)
   • Ascents
   • Descents
   • Trails

   Answer: On flat terrain: wide, rhythmic steps, distributing weight. On an ascent: step with the front of the snowshoe, use poles, walk in a zigzag on steep slopes. On a descent: weight back, knees bent, snowshoes parallel. In deep snow: short steps, lift the feet well. — Upright posture, poles for balance. On an ascent, crampons bite the ice. Zigzagging reduces the effective slope. On a controlled descent, firm feet and small steps. Lateral traverses require the edge of the snowshoe on the hill. Poles provide propulsion and stability. Walk in a line or parallel according to the width. Constant hydration (cold tricks thirst) and layers of clothing to regulate body temperature.

4. Explain how to keep the body warm and dry through the use of appropriate clothing, under winter wind conditions while traveling and resting. Know how to prevent and how to treat hypothermia during the winter.
   • Stretching
   • Warm-up
   • Aerobic exercises
   • Cool-down
   • Targeted exercises

   Answer: 1) Keep the body warm and dry with appropriate clothing: dress in layers. The first layer (thermal base) should wick sweat away from the skin; the second (insulating: wool or fleece) retains heat; the outer one should be windproof and waterproof, protecting from wind and snow. Avoid cotton, which retains moisture and cools the body. 2) Protect the extremities and the body's heat: cover the head, ears, neck, hands and feet with a hat, gloves, scarf/buff and thermal socks, since it is through these that the most heat is lost. Stay fed and hydrated for the body to generate energy/heat. 3) When traveling (walking): regulate the layers so as not to sweat excessively — open zippers or remove a layer when warming up and close/replace it when stopping; immediately change any garment that gets wet from sweat or snow. 4) When resting: put on an extra layer as soon as you stop, before cooling down, take shelter from the wind and sit on something insulating (do not sit directly on the snow) so as not to lose heat to the ground. 5) Avoid and treat hypothermia: prevent it by staying dry, bundled up, fed and in motion, without exhausting yourself. Recognize the signs (shivering, slurred speech, confusion, drowsiness). To treat: take the person to shelter from the wind, remove wet clothes and change them for dry ones, rewarm gradually (blankets, body heat), offer a hot, sweet drink if they are conscious, and seek help in severe cases. — Hypothermia: body temperature below 35°C. Symptoms: shivering, confusion, slurred speech, drowsiness. Layering regulates temperature. Avoid cotton (it soaks and cools). Wet clothing = heat loss. In an emergency: NEVER a hot bath directly (afterdrop), yes to gradual warming, the trunk first. Call for help. Prevention is better than cure, always. Watch for signs in companions.

5. Explain the value of the following safety rules:
   • Know how to read a map, how to use a compass or GPS while hiking
   • Leave a trip plan with someone while you are hiking in the snow
   • Always hike in the snow with a partner
   • Carry enough water and food
   • Have a first aid, survival, and repair kit

   Answer: 1) Know how to read a map and use a compass or GPS: in the snow the terrain references disappear and trails become covered; mastering map, compass and GPS allows you to keep your bearing, not get lost in a snowstorm or fog and find your way back safely. 2) Leave a travel plan with someone: informing a trusted person of the route, the departure and return times and the destination point ensures that, if you do not return on time, the rescue knows where and when to begin the search, gaining precious time. 3) Always walk with a partner: in case of a fall, injury or hypothermia, the companion provides help, seeks assistance and keeps up morale; never walk alone in the snow (ideally a group of three or more). 4) Carry enough water and food: cold and exertion consume a lot of energy and cause dehydration; carrying water and energy food maintains body temperature, stamina and mental clarity, preventing hypothermia and exhaustion. 5) Have a first aid, survival and repair kit: it allows you to treat injuries, light a fire, signal, take shelter and fix equipment (snowshoe, binding) on site, preventing a simple mishap from turning into a serious emergency. — The 3+ principle: if one is injured, one takes care of them and another seeks help. A written travel plan with route, expected time, contacts. Apps: AllTrails, Garmin GPS. Risk of avalanche on slopes with fresh snow: learn to read the terrain. PPE: helmet on technical terrain. Respecting the mountain = humility. Radio communication in remote areas. Prior training considerably reduces risks.

6. Using a pair of snowshoes, demonstrate how to get up after a fall in the snow.

   Answer: Turn to the side, position the snowshoes parallel to your body in the snow. Support yourself on the crossed poles or on the opposite knee. Push your body gradually upward using your arms and the supporting leg. In deep snow, first free the snowshoe from the compacted snow, then lift. Avoid twisting your knees. — Falls on snowshoes are common. Wrong technique: trying to get up facing forward in deep snow (the snowshoes get stuck). Correct: roll to the side, create a platform. Poles used as crutches. In soft snow, compress the base with your hand before pushing. A knee bent under the body facilitates extension. After getting up, check the bindings and equipment. Training before the expedition avoids injuries and loss of time.

7. Demonstrate the importance of correctly attaching and securing your boots to the snowshoes.

   Answer: Correct binding prevents accidents (sprains, falls), improves control and stability, reduces muscle fatigue and protects joints. A loose boot comes off during the walk and can injure the ankle; a boot that is too tight cuts off circulation. An adjusted binding allows natural ankle movement safely. — Types of binding: ratchet (toothed strap), step-in (step and lock), good lacing. The boot must be centered on the snowshoe, without lateral play. Check before each walk and periodically. The ankle free to flex (but firm). Cold reduces the material's elasticity. Adjusting with a glove is more difficult; test at home first. Front crampons must align with the ball of the foot.

8. Participate in a series of 3 hikes — one of 1 km, one of 2 km, and one of 4 km. Make a detailed report describing the approximate depth of the steps in the snow and the condition of the snow, plants and animals, and the average travel speed.

   Answer: Progressive hikes in the snow have been standard Pathfinder Drill methodology since 1985, training gradual endurance and familiarizing one with the terrain before long excursions in Brazilian and international alpine environments.

9. Explain the meaning of the expression "whiter than snow" found in Psalm 51:7. What other natural metaphors could you use to demonstrate the meaning of this verse?

   Answer: The expression symbolizes absolute purity after divine forgiveness, compared with the immaculate whiteness of snow. Other metaphors: lily (Song of Songs 2:2), purified gold (Job 23:10), refined silver (Ps 12:6), white dove (peace/Spirit). — Psalm 51 was written by David after Nathan's confrontation about the sin with Bathsheba, being one of the seven classic Penitential Psalms of the Christian tradition, recited in rituals of repentance since the first centuries of the church officially.