What to Bring, at a glance:

• Daypack/backpack - one that’s comfortable for your child to wear as needed

• FULL water bottle - please decide how much water to pack based on your child’s needs. If a child is regularly finishing their water before the end of the day, a facilitator will ask you to pack more.

• Snack and Lunch - Snack should be packed separate from lunch for easy access. Please pack all food in lightweight, reusable, containers. (See Lunch and Snack for more info)

• Rain Gear - rain boots, raincoat AND rain pants (see more info below - Rain Gear)

• Extra change of clothes - in Ziploc bag or wet bag - wet clothes will potentially be placed in the bag after changing to be sent home. Please back a full change of clothes, including underwear and socks.

• Apply bug spray and sunblock at drop off prior to signing your child in. If you have a preferred bug spray or sunblock you may pack it with your child in a leak proof bag and inform the staff and your child.

• 3P has a gear lending library. If you do not have an item (your child just outgrew their gear, you haven’t been able to find an item, or it is a financial burden to do so) please reach out to a facilitator. Having your child in proper gear makes all the difference so please reach out.

What to Wear:

Please pay attention to weather forecasts and have your child dress appropriately. If severe weather is anticipated, we will send an alert through Brightwheel.

 

Warm Weather:

Long pants

• Athletic or hiking pants work best. Thin cotton leggings have a tendency to catch on thorns and rip easily. Denim is made from cotton, can be very uncomfortable if it becomes wet, and takes a long time to dry.

• Long pants are recommended, even on the hottest days, because they offer protection from poison ivy, thorns and insects. However, we understand that shorts can be much more comfortable in our climate. If you do decide to allow your child to wear shorts, we simply ask that you be aware of the heightened risk for the above hazards.

Closed-toe shoes​

• Open-toe shoes are not allowed, even in warm weather. We spend time walking in the woods off trail, and these types of shoes leave feet vulnerable to poison ivy, thorns, insects, etc. Shoes with open sides can be worn in warm weather, but do leave feet more vulnerable to thorns, insects and sticks. 

• Hiking boots or durable sneakers are recommended, but keep in mind they may (probably) get wet, muddy or torn.

• Rain boots are also good, just keep in mind weight and comfort for hiking as our explorers sometimes travel longer distances. Please always wear socks with rainboots to prevent blisters. Facilitators will send a Brightwheel message if rain/mud/water play is expected. Keep in mind, mud/water/dirt is a possibility to encounter every day.  On rainy days, please send in rain boots/waterproof shoes or send a backup pair of shoes/socks.

Tops

• Thin, loose fitting, long or short sleeved shirt that wicks away perspiration

Light jacket

• Rain coat can double as a light jacket/windbreaker

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Optional Items: 

• Brimmed hat for sun protection

• Sunglasses

• Sunscreen

• Insect Repellent

 

*If your child needs sunscreen or insect repellent during warm weather, we have some available, but please apply before the beginning of program.

 

Cold Weather:

• Base layer made of polyester or other synthetic material. 

  • Cotton is rendered useless for warmth the moment water or sweat comes into contact with it. We cannot stress this enough. If it's particularly cold, or your child is extra sensitive to being cold, you can layer up with extra base layers.

• Mid layer of fleece or wool

• Wind resistant outer layer

  • down or synthetic insulation is great (down is warmer)

  • rain jacket over an insulated coat works well for extra wind protection.

• Athletic or hiking pants with synthetic leggings (not cotton) underneath for added warmth. 

  • Layer up the leggings if needed. 

  • Snow bibs are great option, especially for younger children.

  • Denim is not recommended - it is made from cotton and is very problematic if it becomes wet, especially in cold weather.

• Warm hat or headband that covers ears

• Gloves or mittens (mittens are warmer)

• Warm, tall socks

  • Not so thick that circulation to toes is hindered. This can have a reverse effect and make feet feel even colder. Sometimes, two layers of thin socks can be better than socks that are too thick for the shoes. Sweat wicking socks are great for keeping feet even warmer.

• Warm, waterproof boots

  • We recommend neoprene, insulated rain boots. Feet can become wet even on dry days from puddles or creek water, so waterproof shoes are really important when it’s cold.

 

Feeling warm enough can make or break your child's experience for the day. When in doubt, over prepare. It is better to have an extra layer that isn't needed than to spend a day uncomfortably cold.

 

Rain Gear:

• Look for water PROOF not just water resistant.  Some days are very wet and water resistance is not sufficient.

• Rain coat

• Rain pants (insulated snow pants are great for cold, wet weather)

  • Tip: ​Keep rain pants on the outside of the boots, not tucked in. When they are tucked in, water runs straight down the pants and inside the boots.

  • Look for taped seams on rain pants

• Rain boots

  • We recommend neoprene, insulated boots for colder months.

• Optional: A hat with a bill is helpful for keeping rain off of the face

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Lunch & Snack:

• Please pack both a snack and lunch each day.

• Snack should be packed separate from lunch for easy access.

• Please include a reusable cloth napkin, and appropriate utensils needed.

• Refrigeration for lunch and snacks is not available.

• Our programs have a strong emphasis on care for the environment, and we appreciate refraining from single-use packaging as much as possible.

• If there are any food allergy restrictions for your child's program you will be notified prior to the first day.

• Tip: pack more than they typically need/eat at home for both snack and lunch. We are extremely active at program and caloric needs are typically more than you’d expect.

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Snack: Healthy energy (i.e. fruit, healthy fat, protein) that can be eaten relatively quickly, and without a lot of mess. Snack is eaten around the circle, without a table, so please keep this in mind. Having your child's snack in an outer pocket on their backpack for easy access helps are day to run smoother.

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Lunch: For optimal satiation and energy, lunch should ideally include whole grains, healthy fat, and/or protein, along with fruits and veggies of your child's liking. Foods high in added sugars can often lead to an energy "crash" and are not recommended. If you choose to pack a dessert-like item, your child may be asked to wait until after lunch time to eat it.

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Water: All students must bring an age-appropriate, full, reusable water bottle. Please do not pack any beverages other than water. It’s important for children to stay hydrated during our programs, and having other drinks can distract them from drinking enough water.

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Nature Explorers Specific Notes: 

• Please do not send any desserts, cookies, chocolate, or other sugary items for lunch or snack. If a facilitator notices these items in a child’s snack or lunch, they may be asked to put it away until pickup.

• When packing your child's lunch, please be mindful that they are required to carry it in their pack all day. Bento-style boxes are great, but they can be heavy. If your child is persistently struggling with the weight of their pack, a reusable cloth lunch bag, or paper bag with lightweight food containers may be a better option. Out of respect for nature, we teach children to “pack it in, pack in out” so any trash will be packed out in their lunch container, including fruit peels and nut shells.

• Water can also be heavy. We can work together to find the right balance. If your child is regularly finishing all of their water before the end of program, or struggling with the weight of their pack from an excess or water, a facilitator will ask you and your child to make an adjustment.