Mabel's Labels!
Well labelled gear is important if you want it to get back home!  If you purchase labels from Mabel's Labels through the fundraising, Growing Roots will get a cut to use towards our programming! Use this link and choose Growing Roots Forest Play (Cochrane) to make your purchases. 
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What to Wear?!
Depending on the season, participants, including students, teachers, and accompanying
volunteers, will need rain-suits, boots, extra warm clothing, waterproof/warm snowsuits, extra
hats and mitts, comfortable walking/hiking shoes, wool socks, thermal underwear, etc. 

Please consider the following factors when dressing for GRFP:
  1. Insulation: Natural fabrics such as wool or silk work well as an inner/base layer, as does fleece.
  2. Middle Layer: This is another insulation layer that creates ‘dead-air space’ between skin and the elements. This airspace helps in keeping warm. Wool sweaters (Merino wool is exceptionally warm and soft on sensitive skin) and fleece tend to work well. There is often an abundance of used options in Calgary/Cochrane, as children grow so fast.
  3. Outer Shell: This layer should be waterproof and windproof, as well as breathable.
  • 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]
  • Winter
    • Winter hat [must cover ears and stay on the head]
    • Balaclava or neck warmer [no scarves please due to risk of strangulation]
    • Two pairs of warm, waterproof mitts 
    • Light 'snack' gloves (if sending finger mitts, please make sure your child can mostly put them on without assistance)
    • One warm, waterproof snowsuit/snow pants with jacket
    • 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 [silk/cotton ideal, synthetic fibres do not breathe well]
  • All Seasons:
    • Small backpack
    • Snacks
    • Water bottle
    • Change of clothes [including underwear and socks] which can be left at school for the session. 
In terms of boots, we recommend purchasing boots that are one size larger than your child’s foot. Again, this creates dead-air space to assist in insulation. Socks help to wick moisture away from the skin, (please note: cotton tends to sweat and doesn't do a great job at wicking moisture). The best foot insulator would be two pairs of wool socks with waterproof boots that have wiggle room. 
For warmer weather we ask that your child has a light cotton/silk/hemp long sleeve shirt on for
the day. Children are encouraged to wear a hat at all times. Children will be encouraged to stay hydrated for both cold and warm weather as this will assist in regulating body temperatures.