Gear checklist

Daily Essentials

With breast-buckle if possible
Holds water bottle
Choose a simple, durable, easy-to-use bottle.
- We suggest stainless steel. Avoid plastic bottles (may leach in the heat)
- Avoid straws, complex lids, or hinge parts (hard to clean, break easily)
- Avoid tapered or wide bases (don’t fit well in side pockets)
- Too tall bottles (slip out easily)
- Insulated lunch boxes or bags help keep food hot or cold throughout the day
- Choose stainless steel containers – safe, durable, and easy to clean
- Avoid plastic and multi-piece sets (parts get lost easily)
- Each child needs:
  - 1 container for lunch
  - 1 container for snack (usually fruit)
- Containers should seal tightly with leak-proof lids
- Bento-style boxes work well for dry, separate items — not great for saucy foods
Sun hat for summer, warm hat for winter (optional but highly encouraged)

Ideally, children would run barefoot, feeling the earth beneath them. But in Texas Hill Country, we have sharp rocks, fire ants, chiggers, and thorny & itchy plants, we must prioritize safety.
- Closed-toe shoes only
  No sandals (unless with socks). No flip-flops.
- Minimalist shoe design
  Following Katy Bowman’s foot-health principles:
  - Wide toe box (toes can move freely)
  - Thin, flexible sole (barefoot-like feel)
  - Secure fit (no loose or floppy shoes)
  - Flat heel (no elevation)
- Easy on/off
  Children want to be able to take off and put on shoes themselves.
- Hiking boots: Too bulky and stiff for young kids
- Flip-flops, Crocs, or open sandals: Not safe for hiking or forest play
- Shoes hard for the child to manage on their own

Long pants every day – protection from sun, bugs, and scrapes
Simple, natural colors preferred (Waldorf values)
- Shoelaces - if the child is not able to tie their shoes.
- Tight trousers or any clothes that hinder movement
- Jumpsuit or anything hard to take off when going to the bathroom
- Dresses and skirts
- Shorts
Cotton, wool, or breathable fabrics preferred