Books, Gear & Articles to Read
Health Updates
We believe in connection and healthy development for children which includes sharing smiles and physical contact. We believe everyone has the right to decide what is best for their families and bodies and we respect the privacy and personal nature of their health choices.
We ask children to stay home when sick and follow our most up-to-date community guidelines in regards to Covid and any other communicable illness.
Below are some links for Natural Home Remedies and immune-boosting tips for you and your child.
Natural Boosts for Children’s Immune Systems:
Books for Parents
About Children/Nature Connection and Healthy Development for Early Childhood
Last Child In the Woods. Richard Louv
Vitamin N. Richard Louv
Balanced and Barefoot. Angela j. Hanscom
Beyond the Rainbow Bridge. Barbara j. Patterson
Proper Gear
Rain gear, boots, shoes, gloves, socks, hat, packs and sunscreen!
Proper Gear is ESSENTIAL for your child to have a happy and healthy day at Forest School. Cold + Wet = tears and no fun (and poses an actual health risk to your child in severe weather). These are some of my favorite suggestions for gear. I realize gearing your child up for all day nature survival when they are growing 10 inches a day can get pricey, so it helps to check out what I have here and then do some second hand shopping around to see if you can get something similar in good condition or try other websites that sell brand name or high quality cheaper.
Muddy Buddy Rain Suit. https://tuffo.com/muddy-buddy/
Bogs rain boots. https://www.bogsfootwear.com/shop/kids-rain-boots
5 finger gloves for toddlers. https://www.smartwool.com/shop/kids-merino-150-glove-sw018042. https://www.rei.com/c/kids-gloves-and-mittens
Wool under layers and socks are far super to cotton or synthetic fibers for keeping little ones dry and warm,
I love SmartWool for socks, hats, under layers, mittens and more! https://www.smartwool.com/shop/kid-wool-clothing-and-socks
A full cover sun hat like this one is excellent, baseball hats won’t cut it to protect their necks and faces. https://www.rei.com/product/894867/sunday-afternoons-play-hat-toddlers-and-kids
Waterproof winter boots and summer hiking shoes a must! Look for good fit, waterproof boots and shoes that are above the ankle. Imagine walking all day in them and make sure they are comfortable. The kids also like when they can put them on themselves so be mindful of the extent of ties etc. Please no sandals, water shoes, shoes with holes etc. Here’s some good options from REI who has a great return policy should we find they give your child blisters etc after we cover them in mud:). https://www.rei.com/c/kids-footwear/f/f-waterproof?ir=category%3Akids-footwear%3Bfeatures%3AWaterproof&r=c%3Bf
Waterproof Snow Jacket and Pants, there are many great options here in a wide range of prices, the important thing is a good fit, truly waterproof, not just water resistant, and some type of securing feature around the ankles and wrists so snow doesn’t get in. Also consider the length of the jacket, if they raise their arms over head, their jacket should not go above their waist and if their jacket is long can they move and climb freely in it? Here’s some ideas, but by no means every option. https://www.rei.com/c/kids-snow-jackets/f/f-waterproof?ir=category%3Akids-snow-jackets%3Bfeatures%3AWaterproof&r=c%3Bf
Other important items to have are; a SMALL backpack, ideally waterproof, your child can hike with that can hold a water bottle, lunch and treasures from the forest. A non-breakable water bottle that doesn’t leak and that they can open.
Sunscreen if you use it, applied before your child arrives at school and packed in their bag for reapplication.
An extra change of seasonally appropriate clothes packed in a ziplock or waterproof bag, don’t forget the socks!
In The News
Forest Schools and the benefits of Risky Play are getting TONS of great press! Take a look!
Can Climbing Trees Replace Preparing for Tests?
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/19/parenting/forest-school.html
Risky Play: Why Children Love It and Need It
Why some risky play is necessary for kids
6 reasons children need to play outside
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/6-reasons-children-need-to-play-outside-2018052213880
Kids Who Spend More Time Outside Are Happier Adults, Science Says
Ecopsychology: How Immersion in Nature Benefits Your Health
https://e360.yale.edu/features/ecopsychology-how-immersion-in-nature-benefits-your-health
An awesome website from Richard Louv’s organization with tons of scientific research, downloadable outdoor ideas and tool kits, training programs, ways to create change etc