I am an Assistant Scoutmaster for 50 boys. We teach winter camping every year and participate in a "Freeze-O-Ree" camp and winter competition with a couple hundred Scouts and Scouters. We build igloos, snow caves, tenting in the snow and snow shelters. We are prepared. No boys are allowed to go unprepared. They all love it and love sleeping in these different snow shelters. We have shakedowns prior to the winter camps to prepare for any unexpected weather changes. I also elk hunt with Fathers and Sons and wouldn't think of going out for the day without our "gear" which prepares us to be lost & found or spend a couple of nights out should things go bad.
Again, the Scout Motto "Be Prepared"
Mike