Below is our gear list for the 9-month nature immersion program. Starred (*) items are required. Other items are helpful but optional. We highly recommend labeling ALL GEAR with your child's name!

***TTT Families receive a 25% discount on Oaki outerwear orders over $29.99. Use discount code throughthetrees.***

As you prepare for a day at Through The Trees, ask yourself the following questions:

1. What does the weather forecast tell me about the day ahead?
2. What should be worn to program and what should be packed in their backpack based on the weather forecast? If it is at all wet or snowy, please make sure waterproof layers are on their body at drop off.

It is best to avoid cotton clothing in cold weather as cotton absorbs moisture when we sweat. Because it dries slowly, it makes us work harder to stay warm. We recommend good quality wool, fleece or synthetic layers for year round comfort.

BACKPACK

Start with a backpack to pack gear and extra clothes. It is really helpful to have a waterproof backpack or a rain cover for the backpack. Here are some suggested packs: 10L Waterproof for Half Day Children, 20L Waterproof for Smaller Full Day Children, 30L Waterproof for Larger Children

EARLY FALL/LATE SPRING

• FOOTWEAR
• Light-weight wool socks or cotton on warmer days
• Sneakers or hiking boots for dry days
• Waterproof boots for wet days*
• CLOTHING 
• Long pants (protects from scrapes and biting insects)
• Long sleeve shirt (protects from scrapes and biting insects) or T-shirt
• LAYERS - Based on your answers to the questions above about weather
• Extra layer - long sleeve fleece or sweatshirt in the their backpack
• Top layer - Heavy Duty & Waterproof Rain Pants or Bibs & Jacket* (Required on Rainy Days)
• HEAD & HANDS - Pack or wear these items
• Warm hat (mornings and late afternoons can be chilly)
• Waterproof mittens
• Sun hat (optional)
  
• Work Gloves (optional but helpful)
• EXTRA CLOTHING - Pack extra clothing in a plastic bag in a backpack.*
• Pants*
• Long Sleeve Shirt*
• Socks*
• Underwear*
• Extra shoes* (either pack shoes for getting wet or pack the dry shoes to change into)
• FOOD & FOOD GEAR
• Kids are very active all day and eat a lot of food. Good options are foods with healthy fats and protein like nut/seed butter, nuts, trail mix, cheese, jerky, hard boiled eggs. Foods to cook over the campfire: hotdogs, pre-cooked sausage, sandwich to grill, raman-type noodles (we can add hot water), soup to heat up in stainless mug. Avoid foods high in sugar.  Kids get extra hungry being outdoors, so pack extra!
• Full Water bottle*
• Camp mug - Option 1 example for heating over fire, Option 2 example insulated mug
• Utensils as needed

• OTHER
  
  • Camp hammock with tree straps (optional, but very helpful)
  • Journal and pens/pencils/markers
  • Small Tarp and 50ft. of paracord (optional, but good to have on rainy days)
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect/Tick Repellent
    
  • Folding Knife for beginners (this must stay in backpack unless permission is given by our staff to use)
  • Fixed Blade Knife (best for kids with some knife/tool experience)
  • Net for catching frogs, fish and bugs

• THINGS NOT TO BRING
  • Electronics
  • Anything you do not want to get wet or dirty
  • Clothing, shoes or personal items that are precious, delicate or stain easily

LATE FALL/WINTER/EARLY SPRING

• FOOTWEAR
• Mid-weight wool socks (For feet that get cold easily, double up on light to mid-weight wool or use a moisture-wicking sock liner.)
• Waterproof winter boots for wet days and snow
• STANDARD WINTER CLOTHING - Layers!!!
• Base layer pants and shirt (aka: high quality long underwear)
• Extra layer - long sleeve fleece or wool shirt and pants in the their backpack
• Top Layer - Heavy Duty & Waterproof Rain Pants or bibs & Jacket ***We strongly encourage you to invest in good quality waterproof rain gear and use this year round with layers underneath, instead of snow pants and jacket.
• HEAD, NECK & HANDS
• Warm winter hat 
• Fleece or wool mittens (to go under the waterproof mittens)
• Waterproof mittens/gloves
• Neck warmer (optional but helpful)
• Sunglasses (optional)
• Work Gloves (optional but helpful)
• EXTRA CLOTHING* - Pack extra clothing in a plastic bag in a backpack. (On rainy, wet days we will provide protection for backpacks to keep them dry.)
• Pants
• Long Sleeve Shirt
• Socks
• Underwear
• Warm layer
• Winter Hat
• Extra mittens/gloves
• FOOD & FOOD GEAR
• Kids are very active all day and eat a lot of food. Good options are foods with healthy fats and protein like nut/seed butter, nuts, trail mix, cheese, jerky, hard boiled eggs. Foods to cook over the campfire: hotdogs, pre-cooked sausage, sandwich to grill, raman-type noodles (we can add hot water), soup to heat up in stainless mug. Avoid foods high in sugar.  Kids get extra hungry being outdoors, so pack extra!
• Full Water bottle*
• Camp mug - Option 1 example for heating over fire, Option 2 example insulated mug
• Utensils as needed
  
• OTHER
  
• Camp hammock with tree straps (optional, but very helpful)
• Journal and pens/pencils/markers
• Small Tarp and 50ft. of paracord (optional, but good to have on rainy days)
• Folding Knife for beginners (this must stay in backpack unless permission is given by our staff to use)
• Fixed Blade Knife (best for kids with some knife/tool experience)
• Net for catching frogs, fish and bugs
• THINGS NOT TO BRING
  • Electronics
  • Anything you do not want to get wet or dirty
  • Clothing, shoes or personal items that are precious, delicate or stain easily

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