The right gear makes all the difference!
There’s no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothing! With the right gear, we can enjoy nature in all types of weather!
Please check the weather each day before Forest School, and look at the hourly forecast rather than the high for the day. It’s much colder at 9:00am than the high temperature in the afternoon!
Kids need to be dressed in gear that is made for extended periods of time outside! Many rain coats, snow pants, mittens, etc. are WATER RESISTANT, and they don’t hold up well after many hours in the rain and snow. Please make sure all winter gear is WATERPROOF and wind resistant. If kids are not dressed appropriately, we will call you to come pick them up. We want Forest School to be FUN and it’s not fun for kids that are not dressed appropriately.
Clothing and footwear should allow students to comfortably move, jump, climb, and play. Clothes will get dirty, so only send your child in clothes that you don’t mind getting ruined.
Feel free to use whatever gear you’d like, these are just suggestions.
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Winter (Below 40°)
We can have fun in any temperature with the right gear! Kids should wear a base layer (wool or synthetic, not cotton), mid layer (fleece sweatshirt and sweatpants), and an outer layer (waterproof and wind resistant snow pants and coat). A fleece balaclava is great or a hat and neck gaiter with a waterproof hood over it.
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Fall and Spring (40° - 60°)
Layers are so important on these days! Dress for the coldest temperature and we will take layers off if needed. Kids still need a base layer, mid layer, and outer layer, as well as hats, mittens, and a face or neck covering. Think of snow pants as a coat for your legs, even if there isn’t snow on the ground!
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Summer (70°+)
Staying safe in the heat is a top priority for us! We will do our best to stay in the shade as much as possible and do water activities as needed. Please pack extra water on hot days so your kids stay hydrated! Footwear should allow kids to be active. Closed toe sandals or tennis shoes are recommended, and flip flops, crocs, or sandals without a back are not allowed.
Mittens
Kids should have waterproof mittens. On the coldest days, a base layer mitten is helpful and hand warmers are important. Mittens should go OVER the coat sleeve so they can easily be taken on and off. Here are our favorite brands:
Outer Layer
The Outdoor School Shop has many great brands. Lands’ End Squall is a more affordable option and they often have big discounts.
Rain
Kids need full coverage on rainy days, not just a raincoat. They love getting wet and muddy; rainy days are some of our favorite days! Kids need waterproof boots, a full rain suit with a secure hood or a rain hat. Our favorite rain gear:
Boots
Bogs are more durable and warm, but they are heavier. Vivo boots are very lightweight but not as warm.
Tick Safety
Ticks are a concern anytime the temperature is above freezing. We recommend changing clothes after being in the woods, and doing thorough tick checks. We also love this tick repellant spray, also available from Thrive Market.
Labels
Our favorite way to keep everything labeled so it doesn’t get lost! Click this link and search for Southeast Michigan Forest School to support our fundraiser.