BRUNSWICK WINTER ACTIVITIES FIELD GUIDE
Winter Survival Workshop: Snowshoe, Shelter and Compass Skills in Brunswick
A full-day, beginner-friendly workshop teaching compass navigation, emergency shelters, firecraft and winter camp cooking for outdoor enthusiasts.
Winter Survival Workshop: Snowshoe, Shelter and Compass Skills in Brunswick.
This is an all-day, hands-on Winter Camping and Survival Skills workshop in Brunswick that puts you on snowshoes for the complete day and asks you to practice real-world responses to winter conditions — from navigation by compass and building emergency shelters to fast firecraft and cooking over a campfire or small stove.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Compass drills: bearings in poor light
You will be challenged to use a compass outdoors: following a known bearing, creating a bearing, and traveling in poor- or no-light conditions using a compass — practical, focused navigation practice rather than mastery in a single day.
Fast fire-building and camp cooking
The workshop emphasizes rapid firecraft in simulated emergency situations and cooking your own lunch over a campfire or a twiggy or small backpacking gas stove, with part of the meal prepped at home.
Knots and emergency shelters on snowshoes
You will learn essential knots and then apply them to erect emergency shelters; the day includes sharing and evaluating pack contents so you learn to refine what you carry for winter outings.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
Expect a disciplined, hands-on day outdoors (8:15–5:15) that cycles between short skill stations — compass work, firecraft, knots and shelter building — and practical application while on snowshoes; the emphasis is on trying and learning, not on achieving mastery in every skill during the workshop.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this workshop suits — and who it’s not for.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a full-day workshop running approximately 9 hours (typically 8:15–5:15).
Dress for the weather in layers; bring a day pack with the items you carry on winter outings. You will be on snowshoes the complete day and will cook lunch using a campfire or small backpacking stove; pack a lunch partly prepared at home as directed.
The workshop meets at 17 Webb Field Rd, Brunswick, ME 04011, USA.
The workshop takes place outdoors in all conditions — snow, rain, wind, sun, warm or cold — and is only canceled if driving conditions are unsafe.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
When does the workshop start and end?
The workshop is an all-day session running approximately 9 hours (typically 8:15–5:15).
Will the workshop run in bad weather?
Yes — snow, rain, blowing conditions, sun, warm or cold weather do not cancel the workshop; it is only canceled if driving conditions are unsafe.
Is this suitable for beginners?
Yes — the workshop is beginner-friendly and designed for outdoor enthusiasts, including those preparing to become Registered Maine Guides.
Will we be on snowshoes?
With Mother Nature’s assistance, participants will be on snowshoes for the complete day.
What kind of cooking and equipment will be used?
You will build fires and cook lunch over a campfire or use a twiggy or small backpacking gas stove; part of the meal will be prepared at home beforehand.
What will we practice during the day?
Expect compass navigation (following and creating bearings), rapid fire-building in simulated emergencies, knots and shelter construction, and hands-on cooking and pack-review exercises.