Gear Library
At Sunflower Seedlings Preschool, we understand that outdoor learning requires appropriate clothing and gear to keep children comfortable and safe in all types of weather. To support families and ensure every child is equipped for outdoor exploration, we offer a Gear Library stocked with essentials available for borrowing.
What’s Included in the Gear Library?
Our Gear Library features a variety of items designed to keep children warm, dry, and ready for adventure, including:
Waterproof jackets and pants
Insulated gloves and mittens
Rain boots and warm socks
Sun hats and winter hats
Thermal base layers and fleece clothing
Backpacks for carrying snacks, water, and personal items
How It Works:
Browse Gear: Families can request a list of available items to see what’s in stock.
Borrowing Process:
Select the items your child needs.
Fill out a simple borrowing form to track the gear.
Borrowed items can be used for the duration of the program or on an as-needed basis.
Return Policy:
Items should be returned clean and in good condition at the end of the borrowing period.
If an item is damaged or lost, please notify us as soon as possible.
How to Access the Gear Library:
To borrow from the Gear Library, contact us via email or phone, or speak with the teacher during drop-off or pick-up. We’ll be happy to assist you in finding the right gear for your child.
Donations and Community Support:
Our Gear Library is made possible through donations and community support. Kayla visits goodwill frequently to find high quality weather appropriate items for children enrolled at Sunflower seedlings. If you have gently used outdoor gear your child has outgrown, consider donating it to help other families. Additionally, we are working to expand the library by applying for grants and partnering with local outdoor gear retailers like REI.
Why the Gear Library Matters
At Sunflower Seedlings Preschool, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to explore, learn, and connect with nature—no matter the weather. Outdoor learning fosters curiosity, resilience, and environmental awareness, and proper gear ensures children can fully engage in these experiences without discomfort or barriers.
However, we also recognize that outfitting children for year-round outdoor activities can be costly, especially as children quickly outgrow their clothing and gear. That’s why we created the Gear Library: to provide families with access to high-quality, weather-appropriate essentials that align with our commitment to inclusivity and environmental stewardship.
A Sustainable Approach to Gear
The Gear Library is a reflection of our school’s values. Many of the items in our collection are sourced from thrift stores, reflecting Kayla’s passion for sustainability and her knack for finding treasures in unexpected places. By upcycling and reusing outdoor gear, we not only reduce waste but also model the importance of mindful consumption for the children and families in our program.
This approach ties directly to Sunflower Seedlings Preschool’s philosophy of living in harmony with nature. Just as we teach children to respect and care for the earth, we incorporate these practices into the way we run our program. Every waterproof jacket, pair of rain boots, and set of thermal layers in our Gear Library tells a story of resourcefulness.
Removing Barriers to Outdoor Learning
No child should miss out on the joys of climbing trees, observing wildlife, or splashing in puddles because they don’t have the right gear. By offering access to essentials through the Gear Library, we remove one more barrier to participation and ensure that every child can feel confident and comfortable as they explore the natural world.
A Community Effort
Our Gear Library is more than a practical resource; it’s a community initiative. Families are encouraged to contribute gently used items their children have outgrown, creating a cycle of sharing and sustainability. By working together and involving local businesses, thrift stores, and organizations, we continue to grow our library and serve more families.
In the end, the Gear Library is about more than raincoats and gloves—it’s about creating a program where every child feels included and ready to thrive in nature. Through this initiative, we plant the seeds of community, mindfulness, and care that will grow alongside the children in our program.
