What type of gear does my child need?
Nature school kids need good gear. Not expensive, high-end gear, just good sturdy gear that keeps you warm and dry.
Star Child Nature School is a fully outdoor program. The children need to be able to stay dry and warm for an extended amount of time, and for the younger children, this usually means a full-body rain suit. If your child prefers not to wear a full-body suit, waders or rain pants with a hooded rain jacket are fine. A rain suit that has elastic at the bottom to fit over boots will keep feet and boots dry at all ages.
Once enrolled, you can join our Star Child Nature School Parent Facebook page to request gear for purchase or swap.
Searching for gear at thrift stores and on FB yard sale sites can be helpful in finding items at a discounted price.
Parents who find purchasing a full-body rain suit or rain/snow gear financially challenging, please let Melissa or Kelly know so we can work together to provide gear for your child.
Items that we think work best
Large backpack (waterproof optional, but not necessary). Include a garbage bag for rain protection if needed. Ensure the pack can accommodate changes of clothes.
Include a complete change of clothes, including underwear and socks, in daily backpacks, along with a hoodie for rainy days in case the jacket gets wet.
Base layers: wool or Under Armour-style bottoms, tops, and socks (preferably wool).
A hand towel.
A reusable bag for wet/ dirty clothes, kept in the backpack.
Inexpensive fabric gloves (2 pairs) to wear under waterproof gloves or mittens.
Waterproof gloves or mittens.
A winter hat.
Winter snow pants for warmth, to be worn throughout the season, not just on snowy days.
A winter jacket.
Rain boots.
Snow boots.
A reusable/ refillable water bottle for daily use.
A lunch box/ bag for those staying for lunch.
Why choose wool?
Wool is much better than cotton at wicking away sweat and dampness under layers. While cotton holds onto moisture, wool not only provides warmth but also helps keep you dry.
We highly recommend wool under layers for keeping warm on cold or rainy days.
