At FCNS, we are outside EVERY DAY unless it is dangerous to do so. It is important for your child to have the appropriate clothing to enjoy their experience in nature. Here are some guidelines on what you will need.
FCNS provides each child with rain pants & jacket for the Fall/Spring and an insulated, waterproof snow suit for the Winter months. Parents must provide rain boots for the Fall/Spring and snow boots for the Winter. Even if the day is dry, waterproof gear helps protect clothing from mud and dirt, and little bodies from insect bites. Below are some recommendations of gear that we find works best throughout the year.
The Best Days End in Dirty Clothes!
Your child is going to get dirty at FCNS. It is important to consider this when you are choosing gear. Most waterproof gear should NOT be washed as it affects its waterproof properties. Stains will be hard to get out but they will be like a badge of honor from a great day at school!
Benefits of Getting Dirty Dirty kids have healthier immune systems Dirty kids are happier Dirty kids are more active Dirty kids have healthier sensory systems Dirty kids are smarter
Seasonal clothing lists
Summer Program (mid-June & July)
- Sun hat
- Long-sleeved shirt such as a Rash guard
- Shorts
- Sturdy walking shoes
Warmer Weather – Fall/Spring
- Sun Hat
- Light weight long-sleeved shirt
- Light weight long pants or leggings
- Light weight socks (long enough to tuck pants/leggings into)
- Sturdy, closed toe shoes
- Rubber boots
- Waterproof rain gear – provided by FCNS
Cooler Weather – Fall/Spring
- Long-sleeved shirt (short sleeve underneath is fine)
- Long pants
- Fleece or wool sweater
- Waterproof rain gear- provided by FCNS
- Insulated rubber boots
Winter
- Insulated waterproof boots with wool liner
- Base Layer: wool, silk or polypropylene long underwear top and bottom – no cotton
- Mid Layer: long sleeve fleece or wool sweater, fleece pants
- Over Layer: insulated waterproof snow suit with hood – provided by FCNS
- Wool socks – silk or synthetic liners are a plus
- Gloves – waterproof, insulated liners are a plus
- Hat – fleece or wool
- Balaclava/ski mask
- Neck warmer (please no scarves – strangulation hazard
Seasonal backpack supplies
Summer Backpacks
Pack items in labeled Ziplock bags
- Water bottle
- bug spray
- sunscreen
- 3 t-shirts
- 3 pairs of shorts or pants
- 3 pairs of underwear
- 3 pairs of socks
- 2 beach towels
Fall backpacks
Pack items in labeled Ziplock bags
- Water bottle
- bug spray
- sunscreen
- 3 long sleeved shirts
- 3 long pants or leggings
- 3 pairs of underwear
- 3 pairs of socks
- 2 lightweight sweater or jacket
Winter Backpacks
Pack items in labeled Ziplock bags
- Water bottle
- 3 long sleeved shirts
- 3 pairs of fleece pants
- 3 pairs of underwear
- 3pairs of wool socks
- 3 fleece or wool hats
- 3 pairs of insulated gloves
Great suggestions for home use
Tuffo Muddy Buddy https://tuffo.com/muddy-buddy/ – this is a light weight and waterproof full body suit. It is a good idea to get one size up so that it will have to go over snow pants and jacket in the wintertime.
In this picture, the Tuffo is paired with a pair of waterproof mittens from the Outdoor School Shop (see link below)
Oakiwear
https://oaki.com/ – these are more durable than a Tuffo Muddy Buddy but they are a little heavier. They are great for cool and colder weather. Oakis have larger size options as well.
As with the Tuffo, it is a good idea to order 1 size up to go over winter layers to keep them dry.
Outdoor School Shop www.outdoorschoolshop.com/schools/framingham-centre-nursery-school/ (use the code: FRAMINGHAM to get 15% off) Waterproof bibs offer a great option for all kinds of weather. Worn with long sleeves (as seen here) provide protection in the warmer weather. When paired with a waterproof jacket it adds more protection as the weather gets colder.
The FCNS Shop at Outdoor School Shop offers a 15% discount for our families when you use the code: FRAMINGHAM at check out.
FCNS gear partners
Name Bubbles fundraiser – FCNS receives 20% of sales
The FCNS Shop at Outdoor School Shop offers a 15% discount for our families when you use the code: FRAMINGHAM at check out.
Gear up for cold weather
