What to Pack for your Child's Day at SOL Forest School:

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Your child will be expected to carry their own backpack so it is important that you have them try some backpacks on before making a purchase.  A higher-quality backpack from an outdoor / sports store will serve better than something cheaply made.  Look for a backpack with a waist belt &/or a chest belt as this helps to distribute the weight of the backpack, as well as one with a built-in safety whistle, if possible.  These can be found at REI, on-line & usually in the larger box stores.  The backpack should be big enough to carry 1 large or 2 small water bottles, some spare clothes, a hat, & any special personal items such as sunscreen, bug spray, handkerchief or tissues, etc. PLEASE do not send your child with toys or cherished items as we are not responsible for anything that is lost or destroyed while outside in the field.  We also are unable to dispense medicines to your child so these cannot be in your child's backpack.

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This is what your child should bring to each forest school session and have on them or in their backpacks:

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• sunscreen applied on their face/body (applied by parent)

• 1 or 2 water bottles (in their backpack, filled with water)

• closed-toe shoes & socks (all year round)

• long pants strongly recommended year round (durable/lightweight/breathable material in warmer temps; shorts NOT advised)

• sun hat (all year round, the NM sun can be intense throughout the year)

• extra set of clothing, including underwear AND socks (all year round; adjust spare clothing for the season)

• extra layers (all year round: non-cotton long bottoms, long-sleeved shirts & fleece or sweater in cold months)

• warm hat, gloves/mittens (2 pairs on wet days) & scarf/neck gaiter or balaclava (Oct-Mar)

• winter jacket, fleece, hoody or warm sweater (depending on the season)

• NON-cotton long underwear worn under pants in cool/cold weather

• Snow pants during winter/snowy/wet weather (NO cotton)

• NON-cotton socks in cold/wet weather

• snow boots in cold weather (i.e. Bogs, Sorrel, Kamik, and similar; mid-calf or well above the ankle)

• rubber boots in the muddy spring (i.e. Bogs, Muck Boots, and similar; mid-calf or well above the ankle)

• waterproof rain coat & pants during monsoon season

• lunch packed in a separate lunch bag (include ice pack in warm weather; we will keep all of these together in a separate cooler bag)

• [optional] tissues, wipes, sunscreen, hand gel, etc. IF you have a brand-name preference or your child has an allergy / sensitivity

• [optional] mask for drop-off and circle time (please see our current Covid policy)

 

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Snacks & Lunch:

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We provide a healthy morning snack that includes a fruit/vegetable and grain/protein.  For birthday celebrations we ask parents to provide low-sugar, finger-friendly treats to share with the group (nothing with icing or requiring refrigeration please as it is too much to handle in the outdoors).  We do not encourage sending separate personal snacks unless your child has food intolerances / allergies (if this is the case, please talk to Sally). On occasion, we may have a child in a session with a food allergy and if it is severe enough, we may ask parents of our other Treeschoolers and Tall Pines NOT to send their children lunch with the offending item (peanuts or peanut butter, for example). For birthdays we also encourage sending a favorite book or story of your child's to share during our morning, snack, or lunch circle (parents are always welcome to come along & read this book during their child's birthday celebration!) 

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Please check (empty) your child's backpack after each forest school session as it is highly likely you will find all kinds of "treasures" inside from their outdoor adventuring!

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