When kids are well-prepared to be outside with the proper clothing and the right outdoor essentials, they are set up to learn, have fun and enjoy their experience being outside. But it can be difficult to remember everything when you’re rushing out the door. Not to worry, we’ve got you covered for whatever the weather.
In this article, we’ll share helpful tips for how to make sure your child is ready for all types of weather. We’ll provide a checklist of the must-pack items to include in their backpack, and we’ll touch on what we’ve learned works best to get kids equipped for our Wild & Immersive outdoor programs.
Getting Them Ready for the Elements
At Wild & Immersive, our events and programs take place outdoors and run in all weather conditions. Unless of course, the weather is a safety concern such as lightning or strong winds. Having the right clothing for the outdoors is as much about dressing for the current weather as it is about making sure your child is prepared if the weather takes an unexpected turn. Dressing appropriately for the outdoors is key for keeping them comfortable and adaptable in uncertain conditions. One great way to do that is by layering.
Dressing kids in layers gives them the flexibility to add or remove pieces of clothing as temperatures change throughout the day, so they don’t get overheated or too cold. When it comes to layering, it’s best to start with a quick-drying baselayer (typically polyester or nylon blends) to keep kids dry after active play. Next, add a warmer middle layer such as fleece or wool. Finally, add a light outer layer that is waterproof to help protect kids from wind and rain. Effective layering helps to make sure kids can focus on having fun and learning outdoors.
Suiting Them Up for the Seasons
As the seasons change, so do the clothing suggestions for kids. While the higher temperatures of summer call for light, breathable fabrics, the chill of winter and fall require more insulated clothing. Let’s take a look at some of the recommended clothing choices for each season.
Summer
In the warmer months of summer, breathable, lightweight clothing works best. Choose quick-dry shirts and light pants, plus a hat for sun protection. Light, long sleeve shirts are recommended for added protection from the sun and bugs as well. Make sure they have shoes that can handle hiking trails and uneven terrain, and stay away from sandals, crocs or open-toed shoes.
Fall
Because fall is often cool and damp, it’s important to dress in warmer layers. We already covered the best approach to layering that will help keep kids comfortable. On colder days (especially in the chilly mornings), it’s a good idea to bring toques and gloves as well. Waterproof boots are the footwear of choice as the forest floor becomes wetter and covered in leaves.
Winter
In winter, you’ll want to make sure your child is warm from top to bottom. That means having a thermal base layer, warm middle layer and an insulated jacket. Plus, warm socks, waterproof gloves and a toque. Choose waterproof, insulated boots and avoid rubber rainboots in winter as they can get very cold outside and aren’t ideal for cold weather or snow. It’s also best to avoid cotton for socks and base layers, as cotton is a bad insulator and dries slowly, keeping kids cold in low temperatures.
Spring
Spring weather can shift quickly, from warm sun to rainfall and cold winds. Again, layers are your friend here. In contrast to fall and winter, layers for spring can be more lightweight but be sure they have a waterproof outer layer for rain. In case things get wet or muddy, be sure kids wear waterproof boots or shoes and an extra pair of socks.
Understanding What to Pack
When it comes to packing, it’s all about making sure kids have what they need for the day. Note: at Wild & Immersive programs, kids pack everything in a waterproof tote that stays at base camp so they don’t need to carry their things around with them. Here are some key items that we would recommend bringing to outdoor programs.
Extra layers: For our programs, we always ask that participants bring a minimum of one full change of clothes. Two is even better, plus extra socks and gloves.
Appropriate Footwear: The right footwear can make a world of difference outdoors. Hiking boots or shoes that are weather-ready will help keep kids exploring the forest in comfort.
Snacks & Water Bottles: We’ll get to a list of go-to foods a little later, but the key is making sure snacks and lunches are compact, nutritious, and easy to eat outdoors. Water bottles are a must to ensure they stay hydrated throughout the day.
Insect Repellant: No one likes bug bites. Making sure your child has lotion or spray to keep the mosquitos and other bugs away will make their outdoor experience more enjoyable.
Sun Protection: No matter the season, when the sun is out it’s important to have adequate sun protection. Sunscreen is the big one, but hats, sunglasses, and lightweight long sleeves can all help provide protection too.
First Aid: While we have multiple first aid kits at Wild & Immersive and access to advanced supplies, it’s never a bad idea to send kids along with a mini kit that includes things like band-aids and moleskin pads for blisters. A whistle and flashlight are also good to bring for added safety.
Knowing What Not to Pack
In addition to knowing what to pack for outdoor education programs, it’s equally important to be mindful of what not to bring. It’s best to leave the electronics and personal toys at home. These items are prohibited at Wild & Immersive forest schools, events and camps with one notable exception. If it’s necessary for the child to have a mobile phone for safety reasons, it must stay in the child’s bag during all outdoor activities.
Outdoor programs are all about being present in the outdoors, learning and connecting with nature. Bringing toys and electronics not only creates a distraction for the child who brings them but for other participants as well.
Giving Them Go-to Nourishment
At our outdoor programs like day camps and forest school, lunch is not provided. That means you’ll need to ensure your child has a nutritious lunch (nut free), snacks and water for the day. For lunches, it’s important to pack lunches that are easy to grab and go, and hold up well outdoors. This includes things like sandwiches, wraps and pre-cut fruits and vegetables. To keep these foods fresh, use insulated lunch bags with cold packs if needed. And try to minimize waste as much as possible by using reusable containers.
For snacks, items that are easily-packable, quick to eat, nutritious and high-energy check all the boxes. This could include things like fresh fruits (berries, apples, bananas) or dried fruits (raisins, mangos, apple chips), veggie sticks, trail mix, dried cereal, granola bars, and crackers. Homemade foods like muffins or energy balls are great options as well. On colder days, you may also want to pack hot chocolate or tea in a thermos for a warming pick-me-up.
What Works Best at Wild & Immersive
We’ve all heard the expression “Be prepared” and there’s a reason it has stuck around for decades when it comes to outdoor activities. Participants of our Wild & Immersive programs need to come prepared with appropriate clothing and footwear for all weather conditions. This includes waterproof clothing, running shoes or hiking boots/shoes for uneven trails, hats and other items tailored to the season. We request that kids bring a minimum of one additional change of clothing for all activities in case they get wet or dirty.
Don’t forget about bug deflection and sun protection! Clothing that reduces exposure such as long sleeves and pants provides a great initial layer of protection. Use bug repellent and sunscreen for exposed areas like the hands, face and neck.
Making Sure They’re Prepped for Outdoor Success, No Matter the Weather
Ensuring kids are equipped with everything they need will help prepare your kids for a successful and enjoyable outdoor program experience. If your child is registered for one of our Wild & Immersive programs and you have further questions about what they should or shouldn’t bring, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team.
