6. What to Wear
It's a relief and joy to see warm and happy explorers enjoying every season!
Please be sure to dress your child in warm base layers, winter suits, and waterproof boots. One piece clothing is discouraged, as this can be tricky for using the bathroom!
If your child appears to be under-dressed, their teacher will need to ask you to bring them more layers, or request that you take them home again to layer-up or warm-up.
Rain Gear Winners!
As we spend A LOT of time in the outdoors, we ask parents to supply appropriate warm and waterproof clothing. We want to set children up for success, and we don't want the rain to dampen their spirits!
While we've linked each item directly to the brand’s website, many of these rain gear pieces can also be found at retailers such as MEC, Decathlon, Sportchek, or secondhand through platforms like Facebook Marketplace, thrift shops and local swap groups.
We have a few brands that families have tried and tested that we recommend:
Rain Jackets
Rain Pants
Waterproof Mittens
Warm Mid-layer
Backpacks (Front sternum strap is recommended for Nature classes)
Thermal Base Layers
Rain Boots
Winter Boots
Socks
Hats
Recommended layering techniques
To help children stay warm and dry during the cold, wet days, we have a few tips that can help dress for success.
Rainy, Cold Days
Base layer: Thermals (top and bottom)
Mid layer: Fleece or down pants and top
Waterproof rain gear (jacket and pants)
Rainboots (tuck underlayer pants into boots, with rain pants over top to keep water out)
Waterproof hat (or jacket with hood)
Waterproof gloves (over the jacket sleeve)
Winter Days
Base layer: Thermals (top and bottom)
Mid layer: Fleece or down pants and top
Waterproof outer layer (jacket and pants)
Insulated winter boots
Two layers of gloves: warm fleece mittens underneath and waterproof gloves on top (Hot Hands hand warmers can be placed between layers or kept in their bag)
Toque or warm hat, with waterproof hood.
Wet Children
It sometimes happens that a child falls (or sits!) into a deeper puddle, the pond, or the ocean. If this happens, they are swiftly lifted out, dried off, and changed. If needed, the parent or caregiver is contacted to take their child home for a warm bath, a snuggle, and a warm drink.
Label All Items
Please label all items brought to the Centre (first name and last initial at a minimum). Items that need labelling include but are not limited to everything from socks and underwear to snack containers, and water bottles. We recommend Mabel’s Labels. The Centre and educators are NOT responsible for lost articles but will certainly do their best to help your child keep track of their belongings.
If your child should need to borrow an item of clothing from the Centre, we would appreciate it being laundered and returned promptly. Each child has a specially marked “cubby” for jackets, extra clothes and notices or projects. Please check your child’s cubby each day to take home items that need not remain at school.