CONWAY WINTER ACTIVITIES FIELD GUIDE
Snow Scouts: A North Conway Winter Break of Clues, Cog Rides, and Weather Science
A school-break day camp in North Conway that trains kids in winter ecology, glaciers, and Mount Washington weather with hands-on activities and a Cog Railway outing.
Snow Scouts: A North Conway Winter Break of Clues, Cog Rides, and Weather Science.
Mount Washington Observatory leads Snow Scouts, a winter-break camp in North Conway that uses a scavenger-hunt structure to teach children about glaciers, winter ecology and Mount Washington’s weather through indoor and outdoor exploration.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Scavenger Hunt & Hands‑On Science
Campers follow a clue-driven scavenger hunt built around hands-on activities that explore glaciers, winter ecology and local weather—working indoors and outdoors to solve each mystery.
Cog Railway Trip to Waumbek Station
A special Cog Railway ride up to Waumbek Station is offered for campers; on that trip they use weather tools to learn about Mount Washington’s weather and are rewarded with hot cocoa at the destination.
Led by Mount Washington Observatory Educators
Mount Washington Observatory educators structure the program, guiding children through scientific observation and interpretive activities that emphasize winter weather and ecology.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
Snow Scouts unfolds as a paced mix of indoor discovery and outdoor fieldwork: a scavenger hunt that sends groups from indoor learning stations into the snow to test hypotheses about glaciers, ecology and weather, capped for some groups by a Cog Railway ascent to Waumbek Station for hands‑on meteorology and hot cocoa.
THE INVESTIGATION
Scavenger Hunt & Hands‑On Science
Campers follow a clue-driven scavenger hunt built around hands-on activities that explore glaciers, winter ecology and local weather—working indoors and outdoors to solve each mystery.
THE ASCENT
Cog Railway Trip to Waumbek Station
A special Cog Railway ride up to Waumbek Station is offered for campers; on that trip they use weather tools to learn about Mount Washington’s weather and are rewarded with hot cocoa at the destination.
THE INSTRUCTORS
Led by Mount Washington Observatory Educators
Mount Washington Observatory educators structure the program, guiding children through scientific observation and interpretive activities that emphasize winter weather and ecology.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this program is designed for and how the sessions are organized.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring outdoor clothing and footwear for winter conditions: snow pants, gloves or mittens, warm hats, insulated jackets, sweatshirts or fleeces, and insulated snow boots. A change of indoor clothes is highly suggested.
Pack a lunch, water, personal snacks and any required medications; campers are responsible for bringing their own items.
Expect time outdoors in winter weather—dress in layered, insulated and waterproof clothing appropriate for snow play and field observations.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What grades is Snow Scouts for?
Sessions are grade‑specific: Grades 5–8 meet 2/17/26 from 8:30 AM–2:30 PM; Grades 2–4 meet 2/18/26 from 8:30 AM–12:00 PM; additional field‑trip sessions are scheduled 2/19/26 and 2/20/26 from 8:30 AM–1:00 PM.
Who runs the camp?
The program is operated by the Mount Washington Observatory.
Is a Cog Railway ride included?
Campers are offered a special trip up the Cog Railway to Waumbek Station; those who go use weather tools during the outing and receive hot cocoa at the station.
What should my child bring to camp?
Pack winter outdoor clothing (snow pants, insulated jacket, gloves/mittens, hat, insulated snow boots), a change of indoor clothes, a lunch, water, snacks and any personal medications.
How long are the camp days?
Day lengths vary by session: for example, the Grades 5–8 day on 2/17/26 runs 8:30 AM–2:30 PM while the Grades 2–4 day on 2/18/26 runs 8:30 AM–12:00 PM; field‑trip days on 2/19/26 and 2/20/26 run 8:30 AM–1:00 PM.