On Saturday, December 6th, 2025, the Order of the Arrow will be conducting our annual Winter Camp Awareness (WCA) training on the USS Hornet Aircraft Carrier at Alameda point. If your troop intends to pursue winter camping or cold weather camping, this is the opportune training experience that will prepare your scouts (and leaders) to have a fun and safe time in the snow or cold.
Scouts will learn how to Sleep Warm, choose the proper Tent and Terrain, operate Stoves and Fuel, how to select Winter Foods, perform Winter First Aid, and choose the proper Winter Clothing. This training is essential and will help prepare Scouts for any winter-oriented events, whether it be the upcoming Klondike Derby (in February), your own unit-led events, or any other winter events!
Winter Camp Awareness’ historic venue, the USS Hornet aircraft carrier, is a fascinating preservation of the nation’s history. It is a place where Scouts can go back in time and walk in the footsteps of their country’s servicemen and women. After the event, you will have the opportunity to tour the USS Hornet at your own pace.
Check-in begins at 8:00 AM, December 6, 2025. The program starts at 9:00 AM and is expected to finish around 4:30 PM. There’ll be a 40-minute lunch period at Noon. Wear closed toe shoes and warm clothing. Bring a water bottle in a small day pack. We provide an option to purchase lunch during registration that will include a hot dog, chips, fruit, and water. Due to site limitations, we are unable to offer lunch options for other dietary needs.
1. This event is not intended for Cub Scouts.
2. Registration is by UNIT only. You will stay with your registered unit throughout the day. Simply indicate the number of youth and adult attendees from your unit.
3. Do not include any unit members who are serving on staff for the event; they will receive separate instructions to register.
4. This event is intended for Scouting America Scouts and Leaders only.
5. Register early, as space is limited. You may register additional attendees as needed until registration closes.
6. Each unit must have at least 2 adults in attendance with their unit throughout the event – SYT requirement.
7. If your unit decides to register for the event, we’ll keep you posted and more information will be provided via email at a later date.
8. OA members staffing the event, please do NOT register here. You will receive separate instructions to register.
Please feel free to share this information with other Unit Leaders who may be interested.
Yours in Scouting,
Chester Chao
WCA Youth Chairman
WCA Evaluation Form:
Click here to open a Google online evaluation form for the WCA.
Click here for a PDF copy of the evaluation form that you can email to us at “[email protected]“
OA Chapter Assignments:
Lodge Chief – OA Session (Group 1 & 2)
See below for class specific assignments.
Iowac – Tents & Terrain (Group 1)
Moluk -Tents & Terrain (Group 2)
Ohlone – Sleeping Warm (Group 1)
Swegedaigea – Sleeping Warm (Group 2)
Wekemnayon – Winter Clothing (Group 1 & 2)
Sem-Yeto – Stoves & Fuel (Group 1)
Royaneh – Stoves & Fuel (Group 2)
Kaweah – Winter Foods (Group 1)
Seunen – Winter Foods (Group 2)
Kchinkwehlak – First Aid (Group 1)
Wek-Wek – First Aid (Group 2)
