Gear check prior is important. So is adequate - involved/observant adult leadership.
I've been involved in YM/Scouts for about 25 years in Alaska. Been part of several great cold weather/winter camps. Several well below zero. some enjoyable and safe. A couple not enjoyable and not safe. Proper gear, trained adults (and trained older scouts), good planning, are the key to good camping in bad weather. If you dont have well trained leaders and a gear check prior, you're asking for trouble. I do agree with the idea that 'doing hard things' is part of the purpose of scouting. However, we dont need to use that as an excuse to make the experience harder.