Please find below helpful information on how to ensure your child is prepared for the outdoors. Especially during colder times of year, it is very important that children are dressed properly. This ensures they can fully participate in our program and that we can extend our time in nature. Thank you all for your support!

When Your Child Arrives at School (Kindergarten)

Your child should be dressed for the current weather when they arrive in the morning. We start our day outside. We ask that they are fully dressed including splash pants/snow pants, hat, gloves, warmer layers (colder weather), a waterproof jacket, and waterproof boots.

EVERYDAY your child needs to arrive wearing:

  • Waterproof jacket (appropriate for the weather)
  • Waterproof splash pants/snow pants (ensure they are waterproof, not just snow proof)
  • Waterproof boots/hikers (ensure they are warm enough)
  • Waterproof warm gloves (can be kept in the backpack) & a pair of lighter gloves (for activities)
  • Lighter gloves (to wear while doing activities outside)
  • Long sleeve or warmer shirt (in case they want to take off their jacket)
  • Sunscreen & bug spray (warmer weather only)

Please adjust the clothing your child wears/packs according to the seasons. We will send out how to dress for the specific seasons as they approach.

In Your Child’s Backpack

Your child will keep their first set of EXTRA items in their backpack. Their backpack needs to be brought to school and taken home each day.

In their backpacks they need:

  • Waterproof warm gloves & a pair of lighter gloves (for activities)
  • Long sleeve or warmer shirt
  • Full set of extra clothing
  • Waterproof bag to hold wet items
  • Full water bottle

If wet clothing is sent home, please make sure to replenish their backpack for the next day.

REMEMBER TO LABEL EVERYTHING!

In Your Child’s Cubby

Your child will keep a second set of clothing and a set of outerwear items in their cubby. They will not be used unless their first set gets wet. Please pack one bag with these items (a reusable shopper is a great idea- please ensure it is large enough and labelled). This bag will be sent home each week to allow families to replenish items.

In their cubby bags they need:

  • Waterproof Jacket (appropriate for the weather)
  • Waterproof splash pants/snow pants (ensure they are waterproof)
  • Waterproof boots/hikers (ensure they are warm enough)
  • Waterproof warm gloves & a pair of lighter gloves (for activities)
  • Long sleeve or warmer shirt
  • Full set of extra clothing
  • Waterproof bag for wet clothing

If wet clothing is sent home from their cubby bag, we will send home the complete bag to be replenished. please make sure to send more items back the next day to replenish their cubby items and ensure that their backpack items are replenished as well.

REMEMBER TO LABEL EVERYTHING!

The Breakdown

You will need:

  • 2 winter jackets (one to wear, one for their cubby)
  • 2 waterproof snow pants/splash pants (one to wear, one for their cubby)
  • 3 full sets of clothing (one to wear, one in their backpack, one in the cubby bag)
  • 2 pairs of waterproof boots (one to wear, one for their cubby)
  • 3 pairs of waterproof gloves (one to wear, one in their backpack, one in the cubby bag)
  • 3 pairs of thin gloves (one to wear, one in their backpack, one in the cubby bag)
  • 2 seasonal hats (one to wear, one for their cubby)

Waterproof items are essential! Please let us know if you need some recommendations. We have found that MEC, Helly Hansen, BOGS, and Mountain Wearhouse have great items for children. Once Upon a Child has great gently used items at amazing prices. We highly recommend sourcing used items- for the planet and for your wallet. A great online store is the Outdoor School Shop (https://outdoorschoolshop.com). Please note that it is an American company so there are shipping fees.

Winter Layering for Kids

Outdoor Safety

Teachers and volunteers are provided with and adhere to strict safety training, policies and procedures. These measures create an environment and culture that takes safety seriously and uses a proactive approach to Risk Management. Students and teachers actively play a role in personal and group safety.

Our Safety Principles Are:

  • Constantly assess risk as conditions change (dynamic risk assessment).
  • Set up a safe space with boundaries and safety guidelines reviewed each day.
  • Observe the children’s interactions with each other and with nature and guide them as needed.
  • Spot the children during more challenging physical activity.
  • Guide the children to skills level appropriate activities when required.
  • Head counts will be carried out every 10 minutes and before and after transitions to different sites.
  • Two-way communication will be maintained by teachers and supervisory staff by way of two-way radios and cell phones at all times.
  • In-depth forest and site safety checks completed seasonally.
  • Daily forest and site safety checks completed before participants enter onsite or offsite environments.
  • Weather and environmental safety including – teaching students about hydration, application of sunscreen and insect repellent, changing of wet clothes, as well as noticing the changes in the weather and how to stay safe.
  • Educating students on safe waterways practices; such as safety equipment needed, and guidelines for safe waterway play.

If we feel that the children’s play is becoming dangerous, we will redirect the children and discuss how we can change our play to keep ourselves safe. If your child gets a bump, scratch, or a bruise, we will provide necessary first aid and let you know at the end of the session.