Winterfest is turning 50!
The 2026 version of Winterfest, a signature event for Explorers, Venturers, Sea Scouts and older Scouts BSA youth, will take place Feb. 6-8, 2026, in the scenic Great Smoky Mountains of Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
The event will celebrate five decades of providing a challenging and inspiring program specifically tailored for the older youth segments of the Scouting movement. Hosted by the Northeast Georgia Council, the 2026 version of the event looks to be the biggest and most dynamic yet.
“The best thing about Winterfest is seeing youth in action — training, learning new skills and working together to accomplish a common goal,” says Michael Sims, Battalion Chief of Public Relations & Recruiting for Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services in Canton, Ga., who attended Winterfest as an Exploring youth and currently serves as an Exploring Advisor. “The excitement, camaraderie and sense of accomplishment truly capture what Exploring and Scouting are all about.”
Winterfest is a place where youth can see the diversity of Scouting, as participants test their skills in high-pressure scenarios and imagine the future they want to build.
A half-century of adventure and career exploration
Launched 50 years ago through Scouting America’s Exploring program, the high-energy weekend has grown significantly since its earliest days, evolving from a regional gathering into a nationally recognized experience.
It now draws thousands of participants and volunteers from across the country, with attendees arriving from as far away as Texas, Utah and even Hawaii. The event’s core mission remains focused on career skill development, leadership growth, high-adventure challenges and unforgettable fun.
“Whether they’re competing in public safety events, solving challenges as a team or cheering each other on, it’s inspiring to watch how much growth and teamwork happens in the preparation for this weekend and during the trip itself,” Sims says.
Who can attend Winterfest?
Winterfest is open to all currently registered Venturers, Explorers, Sea Scouts and Scouts BSA members who are 14 years old or older or who have completed the eighth grade.
Registration is open now, and participants are strongly encouraged to sign up early. The standard participant fee is $70; Advisor/unit leader registration is $25.
Prices are subject to increase for anyone attempting to register after the deadline of Jan. 5, 2026.
Safeguarding Youth Training is required for all participants and Advisors over the age of 18.
“There is truly something for everybody at Winterfest, from your adrenaline junkies who want to experience makeshift cave diving and rock climbing, to those interested in STEM activities,” says Ben Howard, who’s attended Winterfest as both a youth and adult staffer. “You have the opportunity to interact with fellow Scouts from across the country, and the event is just a blast.”
What does the Winterfest 2026 program look like?
The 2026 Winterfest event will utilize three primary venues across Gatlinburg to host its diverse programming: Rocky Top Sports World, the Gatlinburg Community Center and the Boys & Girls Club.
The weekend program is designed to appeal to older youth with a variety of interests, featuring more than 130 competitions and activities packed into just a day and a half.
“The best thing about Winterfest is that you will, without a doubt, leave with new skills, experiences and friendships,” says Andrea Marron, past president of the National Venturing Officers Association and youth Winterfest participant. “I had never built a boat out of cardboard, tried to climb a rope or jammed out to a silent disco before Winterfest, and now I can say I’ve done all of those things and so much more.”
Program highlights include:
- Career-focused Exploring: The event is famous for its specialized competitions offering in-depth, real-world application of skills. This year features intensive programs in vital public service fields, including law enforcement, fire, EMS and medical services.
- High-adventure and STEM: Participants can test their physical and mental limits with high-adventure favorites like climbing, target and range sports, and hands-on STEM exhibits.
- Aquatics programs: The aquatics component features unique challenges, including cardboard boat regatta races and Discover scuba sessions.
- Friday Night First Responders Academy: This event will feature hands-on learning in the fields of law enforcement, fire and emergency and non-emergency medical services.
- Winterfest Talent Show: Can you sing? Play a musical instrument? Tell jokes? It doesn’t even matter! Just show up and have fun.
“Winterfest is designed for older youth, offering fun, competitive events that match their skill level and intellectual curiosity,” says Alyssa Hightower, a former youth Winterfest participant and current Sea Scout volunteer and Winterfest staffer. “It is truly a unique, essential and unforgettable chapter in the Scouting journey.”
Winterfest 2026 is proudly supported by generous sponsors, including Duncan-Parnell, Creative Specialties and Chick-fil-A Sevierville, Tenn.
Click here to order your Winterfest 2026 gear.
The 50th anniversary of Winterfest promises to be an essential and unforgettable experience for older youth, blending practical learning, socializing and the adventure of a lifetime.
Photos courtesy of Winterfest/Northeast Georgia Council
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