You might think running your Trials & Tribulations challenge in winter would make it more “authentic” and challenging, but honestly, it’s not worth the risks. Winter events often become more about survival than meaningful learning, and that’s not what you’re trying to achieve.
Why winter events are problematic
It gets genuinely dangerous
Winter conditions create real risks that go beyond meaningful challenge:
- Hypothermia becomes a serious concern when people are wet, cold, and fasting
- Icy or frozen ground makes falls much more likely and more serious
- Reduced daylight hours mean you’re more likely to be doing activities in poor light
- Emergency services take longer to reach you in bad weather
- People focus on staying warm rather than connecting with the deeper purpose
The learning gets lost
Previous winter events have shown that:
- Participants remember being freezing cold more than understanding refugee experiences
- People spend energy just surviving rather than reflecting and growing
- The extreme discomfort overshadows the spiritual and charitable aspects
- Many participants describe it as “barely survivable” rather than meaningful
- Drop-out rates are much higher, disrupting the group experience
The ideal window: April to October
Why these months work better
This timeframe gives you:
- Ground that’s muddy and challenging without being dangerously cold
- Enough daylight hours for full activities without rushing
- Weather that’s uncomfortable enough to be meaningful but not life-threatening
- More flexibility if you need to adjust plans due to conditions
- Participants who can focus on the purpose rather than just getting through it
Different seasons offer different experiences
- Spring (April-June): Fresh energy, good mud from winter rains, moderate temperatures
- Summer (July-September): Longer days, but you’ll need to plan for heat management
- Early autumn (September-October): Often perfect conditions with returning rains and cooler temperatures
What participants actually say
Winter event feedback:
- “I just wanted it to be over”
- “I couldn’t think about anything except being cold”
- “It felt more like an endurance test than a learning experience”
- “I was worried about some of the older participants”
Temperate season feedback:
- “Challenging but doable”
- “I had space to think about what refugees go through”
- “Difficult enough to feel meaningful without being scary”
- “I’d definitely do it again”
If you’re determined to add winter elements
Safer alternatives
If you want to include some winter-like challenges:
- Start with shorter outdoor exposure periods
- Have proper warming facilities readily available
- Focus on one winter element (like cold water) rather than overall cold conditions
- Plan indoor alternatives for the worst parts
- Have very experienced first aiders present
Consider your group carefully
Ask yourself honestly:
- Do you have people with good winter outdoor experience?
- Are your participants generally fit and healthy?
- Do you have proper emergency procedures and equipment?
- Can you handle someone developing hypothermia?
Planning for the right season
Book venues early
Popular assault courses and outdoor venues get booked up quickly during the good weather months, so:
- Start planning 3-4 months ahead for spring/summer dates
- Have backup dates in case your first choice isn’t available
- Consider slightly less popular months (like September) for better availability
Weather contingencies
Even in good seasons, British weather is unpredictable:
- Have indoor alternatives planned for truly awful weather
- Monitor forecasts in the week leading up to your event
- Be prepared to postpone rather than risk safety
- Communicate clearly with participants about weather-related decisions
Managing expectations
Some people will push for winter. You might hear:
- “It would be more authentic in harsh conditions”
- “Refugees don’t get to choose good weather”
- “We should make it as difficult as possible”
Your response can be:
- “Our goal is empathy and learning, not survival”
- “Meaningful challenge doesn’t require dangerous conditions”
- “We want people to remember the purpose, not just the discomfort”
- “Safety allows us to focus on the deeper meaning”
Using winter months productively
Preparation and planning
Use the colder months for:
- Physical training and preparation for your group
- Planning and organising your spring/summer event
- Educational sessions about refugee experiences
- Indoor fundraising activities
- Building excitement and anticipation for the main event
Indoor alternatives
Consider winter events that capture some of the challenge spirit:
- Sponsored walks in difficult conditions but with proper shelter available
- Educational events with basic food and accommodation
- Fundraising activities that simulate some aspects of refugee experience
- Training and preparation sessions for the main outdoor event
The bottom line
Your challenge should be difficult enough to be meaningful but safe enough that people can engage with its deeper purpose. Winter conditions often tip that balance too far toward survival and away from learning.
You want participants to leave feeling:
- Proud of what they accomplished
- Connected to refugee experiences
- Motivated to continue supporting the cause
- Confident about doing similar challenges in future
Not:
- Grateful they survived
- Traumatised by the experience
- Reluctant to try anything similar again
- Focused only on the physical ordeal
Plan your challenge for when weather conditions support your goals rather than overwhelming them. Your participants will thank you, and you’ll create much more meaningful and impactful experiences.
Remember: the goal isn’t to recreate the worst possible refugee experiences, but to build empathy, understanding, and commitment to helping others. You can achieve this powerfully without putting people at genuine risk.