Wild Nomads Forest School can be as demanding as it is fun! It is very important your student is prepared to be outside for the entire duration of their experience with us.
Rucksack
Wild Nomads Forest School is an outdoor school. Everything your student brings with them must fit in their pack! the rucksack or backpack is arguably one of the most important pieces of kit your student will have. Their entire life will revolve around their pack during their school experience.
Most school packs are not proper rucksacks. Everyday school backpacks are often poor quality, have delicate zippers, aren’t adjustable, and will cause excess fatigue on your students neck, back, and shoulders from being carried all day.
Ensure your student comes with a proper outdoor rucksack. Purchase one from an outdoor store, or military surplus store. Be wary of packs from clothing stores as they often will be very uncomfortable and not last very long in the forest environment.
Look for packs with either very wide straps, or puffy well padded straps. Most rucksack straps should be fully adjustable and will often include a waist strap. If you have any questions, you can contact our staff and we will gladly help you choose a pack for your student.
Sunglasses / Goggles
It is important to keep eyes covered. In the winter the sun can reflect off the snow burning retinas. In summer the sun is brighter and can also do damage. Sunglasses or goggles also protect eyes from being hit by branches, brush, and other hazards.
Clothing:
It is very important to dress in layers. Weather can change quickly and frequently throughout the day. Every student feels cold in different ways. Many students often feel cold in hands/feet first, others in thier head first.
If a student is dressed inappropriately they will not have the best time at school. In extreme cases we may have to call home.
Seasonal Layering Systems for Forest School
Cool Rainy Day Clothing (Fall/Winter/Spring):
Base Layer: Synthetic or wool long john shirt and pants; wool socks
Mid Layer: Fleece or wool sweater and pants
Outer Layer: Durable, WATERPROOF raincoat and rain-pants; warm toque; waterproof, insulated mittens; waterproof boots (Bogs, Kamik or similar)
Extra Layers: 1-2 pairs of wool socks, 1-2 pairs of waterproof insulated mittens; warm toque; mid layer as indicated above; underwear.
Optional: Extra boots
Cool Dry Day Clothing (Fall/Spring):
Base Layer: Synthetic or wool long john shirt and pants; wool socks
Mid Layer: Lightweight fleece or wool pants and sweater
Outer Layer: Warm jacket; durable rain-pants, waterproof boots, waterproof mittens; warm toque
Extra Layers: 1-2 pairs of wool socks, 1 pair of waterproof insulated mittens; mid layer as indicated above; underwear.
Warm Rainy Day Clothing (Fall/Spring):
Base Layer: Lightweight, synthetic material t-shirt and long sleeve; lightweight, synthetic material pants (quick-dry material is ideal); wool socks
Outer Layer: Durable, WATERPROOF raincoat and rain-pants; waterproof boots Extra Layers: Fleece Sweater; wool socks, toque
Optional: Extra boots
Warm Dry Day Clothing (Fall/Spring):
Base Layer: Lightweight, long pants that can easily be rolled up; t-shirt; lightweight synthetic socks
Outer Layer: Fleece sweater or jacket; closed toe running shoes or hiking boots; sun hat
Extra Layers: Extra socks; base layer
Optional: Bug jacket/headnet (Spring)
Cold Winter Day Clothing:
Base layer: Wool or synthetic long john shirt & pants; wool socks
Mid layer: Wool or fleece sweater and pants; fleece or wool neckwarmer Outer Layer: Warm, waterproof, windproof and breathable snow suit; warm toque; waterproof insulated mittens; warm waterproof boots
Extra layers: 1-2 pairs of wool socks; warm toque; mid layer, 1-2 pairs of insulated mittens
Optional: Extra boots, hand-warmers, extra snowsuit
Gloves:
Gloves are important most times of the year. Gloves help us keep warm in the winter, and provide a barrier from icky stuff students may want to handle. Even in warmer months, it is important to bring light gloves for building shelters, bushwhacking, and other tasks.
Shoes:
In the warmer weather most Wild Nomads go barefoot. It is important, however in the cooler weather to wear protection to keep warm!
At least TWO PAIR of socks! Wool is best as it retains heat, even when wet
Rain Boots as it often gets MUDDY out
Running Shoes for when the weather is warm
Sandals for when the weather is hot
Water:
Canteen, water bottle, or hydration bladder is essential! Students require a minimum 250ml of water each hour to stay hydrated. We will provide unlimited water refills for students. Ensure your student has their name on the water bottle. Water bottles are one of the most lost items at forest school. Students who arrive without water canteens/bottles may have parents contacted to rectify the situation.
Environmental
In the warmer weather be sure to send your student with bug spray and sunscreen. Optionally a bug jacket may be worn.
Medication:
Any medication must be brought in original
bottle and is best given to staff (includes Tylenol, antacids, allergy meds, etc)
Handy Extras:
- Cards, games, coloring book, crayons
- Compass
- Few non-messy snacks in sealed bag/container
- Flashlight
- Powerade/Propel packets to add to water
- Plastic shopping bags to hold wet clothes
- Yoga Mat / Sleep Pad for sitting on cold, wet ground
- Hydration Bladder
- Ziploc bags to bring home treasures
DO NOT BRING:
- Knives! Knives will be provided
- Expensive electronics
- Un-marked medications
- Peanut products
- Anything that should not get wet / muddy / dropped
- Ming Vase
- Pet hamster
