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Gear Guide
Outdoor learning in all kinds of weather offers children meaningful opportunities to build resilience, confidence, and a sense of adventure. Rain, snow, and other challenges become part of the fun, creating joyful, memorable experiences that foster lifelong skills and lasting growth.
To ensure children can fully participate and stay safe and comfortable outdoors, appropriate clothing and gear are essential. Proper layers help regulate body temperature, waterproof items keep kids dry and happy, and sturdy footwear protects growing feet on varied terrain. Below are some of our gear recommendations. Please note that these are examples, not requirements; the specific brands or items are not important, but having functional, weather-appropriate gear is:
All Seasons:
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Clothing: appropriate outdoor wear that is okay to get dirty. We recommend long pants/leggings until it is extremely warm outside. This helps to prevent injury, scratches from trees, bug bites, etc. No dresses or skirts without shorts/pants underneath (see below for seasonal details)
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Water bottle (one that will not spill if tipped over - water only, please.)
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Rain gear (any combo, even just a poncho for warmer weather!)
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Rain Boots
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A bag for wet/dirty clothes
Summer:
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Watershoes (we recommend barefoot style... any brand works, but will need a thick rubber bottom similar to the styles below for wading/hiking)
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Towel (Five and Below has $5 Beach towels)
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Bathing Suit (we will announce water play days)
Fall/Spring
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Long-sleeved base layer shirt
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Warm Jacket (it is always cooler in the woods!)
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Sweatshirt/Fleece/second warm top layer
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Long pants (preferably no jeans, they absorb moisture quickly, and they restrict movement during play)
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Shoes: Closed-toed shoes are a must. NO sandals or flip flops. We highly recommend waterproof hiking shoes or boots
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Waterproof gloves
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Warm Hat
Winter
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Top and bottom base layer
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Weatherproof winter jacket with secure hood (The Children's Place and Gap usually have Winter jacket sales starting in September, they're $19-30)
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Sweatshirt/Fleece/second warm top layer
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Third top layer (optional)
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Bottom outer layer (sweatpants, fleece pants, outdoor pants - preferably no jeans - they can be difficult for children to put on and take off independently, they absorb moisture quickly, and they restrict movement during play.)
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Snow pants (we recommend bibs)
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Tall, warm socks (preferably no ankle socks - they tend to fall and roll up inside boots)
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Shoes: Closed-toed shoes are a must. We highly recommend weatherproof boots like the ones below. NO sneakers in the winter unless it's super dry.
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Warm hat that fully covers the ears
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Balaclava
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Waterproof Mittens are easier to put on and take off than gloves, and they keep hands warmer. Mittens allow fingers to share a common space, which helps retain body heat and provides better insulation.
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Extra set of socks, shoes, pants, underwear, shirt, sweatshirt/fleece, hat, gloves
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