Our Gear Guides & Recommendations
Prepare your students for success
Below are some suggestions for how to set your child up for success in a fully outdoor nature based preschool ONB preschool or forest school for older grades program. Please contact us for support in obtaining gear, talking through alternate options, and understanding best practices.
Always pack:
● A backpack (that they can carry themselves!)
● Water in a spill-proof water bottle (Teachers also carry water for refills!)
● A healthy, high-energy snack & healthy lunch!
● Extra shirt, pants, and underwear
● A change of shoes! (think sneakers and keens)
● Extra socks (wool!)
● Waterproof gloves/mittens
● Winter hat/Summer hat
● Nature journal & drawing tools We recommend a hardcover sketch journal, totally optional!
● A lovie, pictures of family (but no toys please!)
Wet & Snowy Weather
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A base layer of 100% polyester or natural fabrics such as wool or silk. The fabric should wick moisture away from the skin and provide a warm, breathable layer.
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A middle layer of insulation made of wool or fleece.
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An outer shell of waterproof, windproof clothing, including a rain or snow jacket and rain or snow pants.
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For the feet, we recommend neoprene Bogs or Sorel boots. Alternatively, your child can wear waterproof boots that are one size too large with two pairs of socks (wool is excellent for socks). Please make sure boots are not too small. This cuts off circulation to the feet and makes them colder.
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Warm hat that covers the ears
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Gloves that can be taken on and off easily
Cold Weather
● Warm and waterproof mittens that slip on and off easily
● Long underwear
● An extra pair of warm gloves and warm socks in your child’s backpack
An inner layer of 100% polyester or natural fabrics such as wool or silk. The fabric should wick moisture away from the skin and provide a warm, breathable layer.
● A middle layer of insulation made of wool or fleece.
● An outer shell of waterproof, windproof clothing, including a rain or snow jacket and rain or snow pants.
● For the feet, we recommend neoprene Bogs or Sorel boots. Alternatively, your child can wear waterproof boots that are one size too large with two pairs of socks (wool is excellent for socks).
● Warm hat that covers the ears
Warm Weather
● A long-sleeved shirt - We recommend light cotton, silk or hemp.
● Durable pants
● A large sun hat that covers face and neck
● Running or hiking shoes (note that children may play in water and mud)
● Sun protection
Teachers Carry
All lead teachers carry a “Happy Bag.” The Happy Bag is a waterproof roll bag that contains:
● A complete first-aid kit
● Blanket & Mat
● Emergency shelters, tarps & ropes
● Extra snacks
● Extra clothing
● A biohazard bag and all biohazard items
● All hand sanitizers, soaps, sunscreens, insect repellents
● Med forms & contact sheets for all students
The Happy Bag contains only these contents, always packed in the same configuration, and is taken along everywhere the class goes.
