Frequently Asked Questions

Are you really outside all day long in (almost) any weather? Yes! Here's our gear recommendation and procedures that help us stay comfortable and safe

Wonder in the Wild is a 100% outdoor experience that continues in almost any weather, including rain or snow, as long as it is safe to play outside.  To see how we determine if it’s safe to play, see below.

With the right gear and procedures, we can stay comfortable as we play the day away! 

For a GREAT gear checklist, gear recommendations, AND easy online shopping, we have partnered with Outdoor School Shop to provide a online resource and shop customized for our families.  Please follow this link: https://outdoorschoolshop.com/schools/wonder-in-the-wild-outdoor-school/

During checkout use code: WONDERWILD for 15% your entire full price order! 

If you have any questions or need help regarding gear, please email Alyssa at alyssa@outdoorschoolshop.com

Here are our clothing requirements for cold weather:

• Layers are most important: wool-based layers, fleece mid-layers, and water-resistant outer layers are essential

• Thick socks, high wool content is best

• Hats and mittens/gloves

• Insulated winter boots

• Change of clothing, including socks and gloves

Try to find high wool content for base layers and socks.  Unlike cotton, which absorbs moisture and releases heat from the body, nonabsorbent wool base layers trap heat in the body. Fleece mid layers provide an additional layer of insulation, and finally, water resistant outer layers provide protection from contact with cold, wet snow and ice.

Here are our requirements for summer:

• Light-weight, long-sleeved tops and pants are recommended to protect from sun, scratches, and insect bites or stings. Shorts and t-shirts are okay for most programs.

• Light-colored clothing to make tick checks easier

• Close-toed shoes and socks

• Hat and sunglasses

• Close-toed water shoes with heel strap, no flip flops.

• Change of clothing

Clothes can get very muddy in every season so be prepared to do some laundry afterwards and don’t let explorers wear any clothes they will be upset to get dirty.

If your explorer arrives to school/camp without the right gear, they will be sent home, as this is a safety concern.  They may return later with proper gear. 

We also have some fun ways we like to stay warm in the winter at camp in addition to our cozy gear:

• Movement – at Wonder in the Wild we learn and explore by running, playing, climbing, and moving about our outdoor classroom, trails, woods, and beach.  Kids who are moving are more likely to stay warm as their muscles generate heat and they’re less likely to complain about the weather because they are having FUN!

• Campfires – we love having a fire in the campfire circle to warm up by on chilly days.  Explorers learn and practice fire safety before every fire and trained staff are always there to supervise.

• Warm drinks – we always have hot tea or hot chocolate on cold days to warm us up from the inside out. Yum!

• Hand warmers – we have reusable hand warmers and extra sets of dry gloves to share if fingers ever get uncomfortable.

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Playing and learning outdoors in all 4 seasons does come with its challenges, however children who learn to thrive in various conditions grow in their resilience, perseverance, creativity, focus, and confidence.  These skills are important to develop as a child, as they are essential skills when facing new and different challenges as adults.