Learning how to increase comfort outside in all weather throughout the seasons together is part of our programming. Clothing and gear can make a big difference between having fun and enjoying a cool rainy fall day and being uncomfortable and cold. We recommend checking thrift stores for outdoor clothing, and if you need help acquiring items on this list please contact us, we may have extras to loan or give. In cooler temperatures synthetic or wool clothing, especially baselayers and socks will help kids stay warm. Pack multiple layers because the weather can change dramatically during the day. Cotton clothing leads to rapid body heat loss when wet, even from a light sweat. In colder weather, pack warm food and drinks in a thermos.
Participants should have a backpack they can easily carry with the following required items everyday:
• 1-2 lunch items (protein, carbs, and fat)
• 2 bottles of water, tea, etc.
• Complete change of clean, dry clothing in a plastic bag
Cold weather (below 40)
• Water resistant winter coat
• Warm, water resistant snowpants
• Hat and scarf or neck warmer
• Water resistant gloves or mittens + extra pair
• Synthetic or wool socks + two extra pairs
• Baselayers (synthetic or wool)
• Multiple warm outer layers
• Insulated water resistant boots
• Extra pair of shoes (sneakers, crocs)
Warm weather (above 55)
• Bathing suit or clothing for wading
• Sun hat, and/or sunblock applied before arriving
• Life jacket or puddle jumpers for anyone who cannot swim and tread water confidently on their own
Additional (optional) items:
• Mug for herbal tea
• Knife with sheath (Morakniv Rookie or My First Opinel No.07 recommended)
• Gloves for carving: leather (Kinco or similar brand) or “no-cut” (available online)
• Snowshoes, sleds
• Bandana
• Towel
• Small pot for heating lunch foods on the fire
• Rain pants
• Insect repellant (non-toxic)
• Crafts or projects (baskets, cordage, friction fire sets, etc)
• Fire starting kit (magnesium rod, flint and steel, etc) please do not bring lighters or matches, mentors will provide matches.
• Magnifying glass
• Notebook
• Nature mysteries from home
Bring a backpack that can be easily carried with the following required items everyday:
• Lunch and snacks
• 2 bottles of water, tea, or other liquids (16 – 32 ounces total)
We have refilling stations in Monroe. No potable water on site at Reeds Brooks Trails.
• Complete change of clean, dry clothing in a plastic bag
• Warm layer
Additional Items:
• Bathing suit or clothing for wading (please arrive ready to swim)
• Swim shoes for foot protection in the water
• Towel or blanket
• Life jacket or puddle jumpers (required for anyone who is not a confidant, independent swimmer)
• Sun protection: long sleeves, sun hat, and/or sunscreen (applied before arriving + extra in backpack)
• Rain jacket when inclement weather is predicted
We recommend participants arrive wearing a swimsuit and sun protection if desired.
Optional:
• Mug for herbal tea
• Knife with sheath (Morakniv Rookie or My First Opinel No.07 recommended)
• Gloves for carving: “no-cut” (available online) or leather (Kinco or similar brand)
• Bandana
• Small pot for heating lunch foods on the fire
• Insect repellant (non-toxic)
• Notebook
• Magnifying glass
• Nature mysteries from home
• Crafts or projects (baskets, cordage, friction fire sets, etc)
• Fire starting kit (magnesium rod, flint and steel, etc)
Please do not bring lighters or matches, mentors provide matches.
We recommend doing full body tick checks each day after returning home. It is important to remove all clothing and check thoroughly. We have found this is the most consistent way of preventing Lyme disease.
This post may be helpful in answering questions about knife use and includes recommendations for beginner knives →
Do not bring any electronic devices including phones, game systems, or tablets. These items can be a distraction and cause anxiety if they become lost, damaged, or are exposed to water.
Bring a backpack that can transport all of the items on this list (one additional bag may be carried into our site as well)
• We are providing all meals and snacks and will take food allergies and preferences into account.
• It is important participants do not bring food packed in their bags. We do not want to attract rodents (or larger animals!) to our camp site.
• Sleeping system:
• Tent (1 or 2 person) -or- hammock with bug net
• Rainfly or tarp
• Sleeping pad and bag (rated for 10-20 degrees below predicted temperature)
• Extra blanket (optional)
• Sleeping bag liner (optional)
• Pillow (optional)
We will be encouraging experimentation with various types of sleep systems and it is important to pack a sleeping system that your child feels confident setting up and comfortable sleeping in as a backup to alternative options. Mentors assist with setting up tents.
• Recommended Clothing: (including what is worn on arrival day)
• 2-3 pairs of shorts
• Three t shirts or tanks
• Two long sleeve shirts (synthetic or wool preferred) (required)
• 1-2 warm outer layers (synthetic or wool preferred) (required)
• One warm bottom base layer (synthetic or wool preferred) (required)
• 1-2 additional pair of pants (quick dry preferred – anything synthetic) (required)
• Two bathing suits or sets of swimming clothing
• Rain jacket (required)
• Comfortable clothing to sleep in (synthetic or wool preferred)
• Shoes that can get wet (required)
• White or light colored t-shirt or tank top to decorate
• Daypack (required)
• Towel (fast dry pack towel recommended)
• Headlamp + extra batteries (required)
• Two water bottles (16oz or more, marked with identifying features)
• Mug for hot drinks
• Lightweight bowl or container with lid
• Spoon, fork optional
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, and other toiletries — fragrance-free / biodegradable
• Carving knife (we recommend Mora knives)
• Gloves for carving: “no-cut” (available online) or leather (Kinco or similar brand)
• Emergency whistle (if you own one)
Additional Optional Items
• Sunscreen, hat
• Camo clothing for games (navy or other dark colors work well too)
• Scarf or neck warmer
• Bandana
• Non toxic insect repellant
• Extra flashlight
• Journal, writing and/or drawing materials
• Small drum, musical instruments
• Crafts or projects (baskets, cordage, friction fire sets, etc)
• Fire starting kit (magnesium rod, flint and steel, friction fire sets)
Many great items can be sourced second hand from Goodwill or other thrift stores. We may also be able to provide gear and clothing, if you need assistance please reach out at least one week before we meet!
Participants will not have access to electricity or wifi, and we do not recommend bringing any electronics as they may become wet, damaged, or lost.
Bring a backpack that can transport all of the items on this list (one additional bag may be carried into our site as well)
• We are providing all meals and snacks and will take food allergies and preferences into account.
• It is important participants do not bring food packed in their bags. We do not want to attract rodents (or larger animals!) to our camp site.
• Sleeping system:
• Tent (1 or 2 person) -or- hammock with bug net
• Rainfly or tarp
• Sleeping pad and bag (rated for 10-20 degrees below predicted temperature)
• Extra blanket (optional)
• Sleeping bag liner (optional)
• Pillow (optional)
We will be encouraging experimentation with various types of sleep systems and it is important to pack a sleeping system that your child feels confident setting up and comfortable sleeping in as a backup to alternative options.
• Recommended Clothing: (including what is worn on arrival day)
• 7-8 t shirts or tanks
• 2-3 long sleeve shirts (synthetic or wool preferred) (required)
• At least 2 warm outer layer tops (synthetic or wool preferred) (required)
• 2-3 warm bottom base layer (synthetic or wool preferred) (required)
• 2-3 additional pair of pants (quick dry preferred – anything synthetic) (required)
• 2-3 pairs of shorts
• At least 2 bathing suits or swimming clothing
• Rain jacket (required)
• Comfortable clothing to sleep in (synthetic or wool preferred)
• Shoes that can get wet (required)
• Daypack
• Towel (fast dry pack towel recommended)
• Headlamp + extra batteries (required)
• Two water bottles (16oz or more, marked with identifying features)
• Mug for hot drinks
• Lightweight bowl or container with lid
• Spoon, fork optional
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, and other toiletries — fragrance-free / biodegradable
• Carving knife (we recommend Mora knives)
• Gloves for carving: “no-cut” (available online) or leather (Kinco or similar brand)
• Emergency whistle (if you own one)
• Journal, writing and/or drawing materials
Additional Optional Items
• Sunscreen, hat
• Camo clothing for games (navy or other dark colors work well too)
• Scarf or neck warmer
• Bandana
• Non toxic insect repellant
• Extra flashlight
• Small drum, shaker, lightweight rhythm-maker, musical instruments
• Crafts or projects (baskets, cordage, friction fire sets, etc)
• Fire starting kit (magnesium rod, flint and steel, friction fire sets)
Many great items can be sourced second hand from Goodwill or other thrift stores. We may also be able to provide gear and clothing, if you need assistance please reach out at least one week before we meet!
Participants will not have access to electricity or wifi, and we do not recommend bringing any electronics as they may become wet, damaged, or lost.
• Packed lunch for Friday
• Potluck dish for Friday dinner (details will be sent in advance for Friday dinner plans)
• Sleeping system:
• Tent (1 or 2 person) or hammock
• Rainfly or tarp
• Sleeping pad and cold weather bag (rated for 10-20 degrees below expected temperature) Double up with two bags to achieve more warmth.
• Extra blanket
• Sleeping bag liner (optional)
• Pillow (optional)
• Backpack for transporting gear
• Daypack
• Headlamp + extra batteries
• Weather appropriate clothing — synthetic or wool, avoid cotton
• Rain jacket or poncho
• Rain or snow pants
• Warm hat (synthetic or wool)
• Scarf or neck warmer
• Mittens or gloves (work gloves may also be useful)
• Bandana
• Water bottle (16oz or more, marked with identifying features)
• Mug for hot drinks
• Lightweight bowl
• Spoon, fork optional
• Carving knife (we recommend Mora knives)
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, and other toiletries — fragrance-free / biodegradable
• Emergency whistle
• Journal, writing and/or drawing instruments
Additional Optional Items
• Sunscreen, bug spray
• Crafts or projects (baskets, cordage, friction fire sets, etc)
• Fire starting kit (magnesium rod, flint and steel, friction fire sets)
Many great items can be sourced second hand from Goodwill or other thrift stores. We may also be able to provide gear and clothing, if you need assistance please reach out at least one week before we meet!
• Potluck dish for Friday dinner
• Packed lunch for Saturday
• Snacks to meet specific dietary needs
• Sleeping system:
• Tent (1 or 2 person) or hammock
• Rainfly or tarp
• Sleeping pad and cold weather bag (rated for 10-20 degrees below expected temperature) Double up with two bags to achieve more warmth.
• Extra blanket
• Sleeping bag liner (optional)
• Pillow (optional)
• Backpack for transporting gear
• Daypack
• Headlamp + extra batteries
• Weather appropriate clothing — synthetic or wool, avoid cotton
• Rain jacket or poncho
• Rain or snow pants
• Warm hat (synthetic or wool)
• Scarf or neck warme
• Mittens or gloves (work gloves may also be useful)
• Bandana
• Time piece that is not a cell phone or smart watch
• Water bottle (16oz or more, marked with identifying features)
• Mug for hot drinks
• Lightweight bowl
• Spoon, fork optional
• Carving knife (we recommend Mora knives)
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, and other toiletries — fragrance-free / biodegradable
• Emergency whistle
• Journal, writing and/or drawing instruments
Additional Optional Items
• Sunscreen, bug spray
• Drum, shaker, lightweight rhythm-maker
• Crafts or projects (baskets, cordage, friction fire sets, etc)
• Fire starting kit (magnesium rod, flint and steel, friction fire sets)
Local thrift stores and gear exchanges often have good deals on clothing and equipment!
Minnows Childhood Goods Belfast, ME
Woods + Waters Gear Exchange Brunswick, ME