Equipment for the Forest and Nature Program
The contents of the emergency bag will vary depending on the time of year and weather conditions, the site being used, and the planned for activities according to the relevant risk assessments and daily risk assessment. There are of course also essential items that will be carried out for every session.
Essential Equipment:
- First Aid Kit (See contents list, contents review record
- Emergency Procedures
- Medical information for each individual and Emergency contact details for every member of the group (adults & children)
- Risk Assessments for the space being used
- Communication Devices (mobile phone and/or walkie talkie – checked for working order and signal strength)
- Clean Water
- Emergency whistle
- Emergency Blanket
- Accident forms
- Medication for individuals (if not appropriate for the individual to carry the medication for themselves it should be clearly labelled – staff have been trained to administer it with parental consent received)
Other Equipment:
- Water bottles
- Sun cream
- Wet wipes, hand sanitizer
- Tissues
- Water bag
- Bush knife
- Tarp, rope
Essential Equipment: Clothing
Appropriate clothing is required to protect children from heat, cold, keep covered to reduce the likelihood of cuts and scrapes, and that fits appropriately for comfort. Muddie Buddies are provided by the Centre. Note, in the forest it can often be cooler than expected under the shade of the trees.
Clothing list:
- Long sleeved top, sweater or hoodie
- Full length trousers
- Boots (for the weather)
- Socks (for the weather) and a spare pair
- Hat (for the weather, waterproof for snowy weather)
We agree with the principle: “there is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing.”
Depending on the season, participants, including teachers and accompanying ECE students will need rain-suits, boots, extra warm clothing, waterproof/warm snowsuits, extra hats and mitts, hiking shoes, sneakers, wool socks, thermal underwear, etc. For cold weather please consider the following factors when dressing for FNP.
Winter:
- Winter hats [must cover ears and stay on the head]
- Balaclava or neck warmer [no scarves please due to risk of strangulation]
- Warm, waterproof mitts
- One warm, waterproof snowsuit
- One set of warm, waterproof boots
- Wool socks
- Three base layers: thermal shirt and pants, middle layer, wool/fleece sweater [cotton is not recommended for cold weather conditions]
Spring:
- Rain gear [waterproof boots, pants, jacket], with extra insulation on colder days
- Wool socks on colder days [they insulate even when wet]
- Sneakers for running shoes [please no open toe shoes even in summer]
- Sun Hat [for warmer months]
- Warmer sweater or jacket for colder days
Summer:
- Rain gear [waterproof boots, pants, jacket]
- Sneakers for running [please no open toe shoes even in summer]
- Sun Hat
- Lightweight clothing
- Light jacket
Fall:
- Rain gear [waterproof boots, pants, jacket]
- Sneakers for running [please no open toe shoes even in summer]
- Sun Hat [for warmer months]
- Warm Jacket [fleece or other breathable fabric ideal]
