General:

• Backpack (we recommend a 12L size backpack for our smallest friends, 18L for older kids)

• Water bottle (any ol’ one will do, but look for one that can be opened easily with mittens on. It’s harder than you think)

• Lunch bag/box and thermos with plenty of food

• A plastic bag or reusable wet bag for dirty/wet clothes

• A COMPLETE change of clothes and shoes, including base + midlayers, underwear, and socks, in a plastic bag, to be stored in the van.

Rain Gear (Can be left on the bus, but must be available every single day, just in case):

• High quality, 100% waterproof boots. We like Bogs Classic Boots, but there are other options. Have your child stand in a puddle (or the bathtub) before the first day to make sure they are actually water proof.

• Rain pants and jacket from Polarn O Pyret, MK Nordika, or Reima. Why these brands? In our experience, a lot of rain gear sold in general clothing stores is water resistant, not hardcore waterproof. There’s a biiiiiig difference when you are out in the rain for 6 hours straight. We love shopping second hand for these. Already have good rain gear, but not one of these brands? Let’s take a look at it together!

Warm Weather:

• Light weight shirt and pants

• Socks and closed-toe, secure-heel shoes-- absolutely no flip flops, clogs, or (shudder) high heels. If it’s dry, sneakers are fine. If it’s wet, wear rain boots. Secure sandals, like Keens or Tevas or Chacos are fine, if your child will not complain about wet or cold feet. 

• Sunscreen if you need it-- please apply at home, and send extra if you think they’ll need to reapply.

• A few notes: We make everyone wear a shirt, even when it’s hot. Shorts are cooler than pants, but they also leave legs exposed to sunburn, bug bites, poison ivy, and itchy grass. I recommend pants. 

• A hat, if desired.

Cold Weather:

• Baselayer: Long sleeve baselayer top and bottoms, either merino wool or polyester. If it’s cold, cotton will not keep your child warm. Invest in wool— trust me.

• Merino wool socks. Cotton socks don’t keep you warm.

• Midlayer: Polyester fleece or thick wool sweater and pants.

• If it’s really cold, add a puffy jacket and snow pants between the midlayer and outer layer. 

• Outer Layer: Windproof, waterproof jacket and pants. This is just your usual rain gear, but now it’s got a lot of layers underneath. Snow pants/jacket work great too, if it’s not raining.

• Fleece or wool hat and neckwarmer

• Balaclava if it’s freeeeeeeeezing

• Waterpoof mittens. Not those little cotton gloves from the drugstore, please. Buy these ones— yes, they are expensive. Yes, they are 100% worth it.

In YOUR car, for when you pick them up:

• Wet bag or plastic bag for really gross gear that needs to go home.

• A towel

• Dry socks

• An extra snack, and a hot beverage (on cold days) goes a long way

Need more help figuring out which brands are good, or understanding how all these layers work together? Check out Appalachian Forest School’s guide or Firefly Forest School’s guide. When in doubt— call us. We’ve done this before, with kids of all ages, and we’re happy to help.