Northern Tier requires every crew to have at least one adult currently certified in Wilderness First Aid (16-hour minimum course length) and CPR (WOW Crews may substitute Standard First Aid for WFA). For more information on how to become certified and find recognized courses, visit the BSA’s Health and Safety page regarding WFA here. Additionally, Northern Tier offers WFA, WFR and CPR courses through recognized providers occasionally. Be sure to check out our Training Center page regularly for information on those offerings.
No. Scouts BSA program integrity required single gender units. Scouts BSA male troops and Scouts BSA female troops cannot combine Scouts and adult leadership into a single troop or National High Adventure Base “crew”. They must register separately and provide separate two deep leadership as required by Scouting’s Barriers to Abuse. Linked Troops can attend together if the crew size allows, each troop must provide it’s own leadership, meaning a minimum of 4 adults would be required.
Yes. Venturing is a co-ed program.
Northern Tier provides all trail and base meals, sleds, snowshoes, winter clothing (other than base layers and hats) and communication equipment. For a full list of what OKPIK Participants should bring, check the participant handbook. We also provide trained staff (i.e., interpreter) to assist your crew in having a great Scouting experience with a fun trip appropriate to the experience and abilities of your crew. The interpreter will enhance your Scouting skills along the way and deliver a memorable experience.
For OKPIK weekends, Treks and Dogsledding Programs, participants must be age 14 OR age 13 and currently be enrolled in eighth grade by the time of arrival.
Cabin Stay participants must be age 11 or above by the time of arrival.
The Okpik Advisors Guide contains all the information you need to help plan you next expedition!
- OKPIK CABIN STAY and WEEKEND SAMPLER – 11 people
- WEBELOS OKPIK WEEKEND – 6 partner pairs (6 WEBELOS and 6 parents)
- OKPIK TREKS – 8 people
- OKPIK DOG PROGRAMS – 7 people
Visit our Winter Individual Programs page to learn about opportunities for individuals to attend Okpik
There are a few different awards that may be earned at Northern Tier during OKPIK. These are specific to Northern Tier programs and may not be earned anywhere else. Information on all available awards may be found here.