Building a Snow Shelter

Catherine Medeiros
Period C

Snow Shelters

The winter months often prove to be difficult for many. Those who are homeless often suffer from the harsh conditions. They also do not typically have many supplies. I went outside to see if I could build a small shelter that any person could build in a park to help protect them from the elements. 

I first began by clearing the area that I planned to build my shelter. I removed the snow as best as I could. The area I cleared is pretty large because I thought it would be best to clear a larger area than I needed. This way I could leave my extra belongings outside the shelter; however, not sitting in the wet, cold snow.

The next step was to put some sticks up. I found two sticks. They were the strongest and biggest that I had. These would be used for the base of the shelter. I dug a small hole in the ground with my foot and then used snow to support the stick. I had to pack the snow in to make sure that would remain standing. 

After this, I had to put a stick across these to connect them. I could not find a stick long enough, so I connected two sticks. I did this by pouring some water over the two sticks and allowing them to sit outside in the cold for a long period of time. This caused the two sticks to freeze together. 

My only item that I used that could not be found in a park was a tarp. I used the tarp as the floor and as the main part of my shelter. I laid the tarp over the structure that I had already built. It held up fine. Next, I took another smaller stick and put it in the ground the same as I did with the other structure. I then stretched the tarp out as far as it could go to the stick. This made the shelter larger, and big enough for two people to sit in. While, the shelter is very small, the supplies I had were limited. I had to make the best of the situation. I feel as if the shelter is strong enough that when the wind blows, it will not fall down. I also feel that it can keep two people safe from the harsh elements for the night.  Because I was designed my shelter with the idea of simplicity and ease for somebody to use, that is why it seems so simple and easy. You can set it up and take it down very quickly.