Getting a gear lending library going for an outdoor oriented school can be a great way to provide outerwear for children whose families might not be able to access it on their own. Lending libraries can also serve as an invaluable resource when kids forget their outerwear at home.
Children not having the proper outerwear, for whatever reason, can jeopardize the success of any outdoor program. If children are uncomfortable outdoors in challenging weather, they will not blame their discomfort on the lack of appropriate gear, they will blame it on the program. Just one child not being dressed appropriately for the elements can affect the mood of all the kids in the program.
At its simplest, an outerwear lending library in elementary education, is a resource that provides students with access to various types of outerwear, such as coats, jackets, hats, gloves, boots, wool socks, and other cold-weather gear. The access can be on a daily basis, as needed, or for the duration of the school year. Access to the outerwear can be free or schools can rent the outerwear to their families.
Many programs take a creative approach to stocking their lending libraries. Sometimes gear is donated from previous school families and gear can also be purchased using grant or fundraising dollars that the school has brought in. An outerwear gear surcharge can also be added to the tuition to finance the purchase of gear.
The outerwear is typically organized and stored in a designated space within the school, such as a closet or storage area, where students can easily access it. For outdoor programs that have no available indoor storage space, the issue becomes a little more complicated but not unsolvable! Creative solutions can include parents volunteering to store gear and/or partnering with municipal organizations such as the local Parks & Rec. Dept. or the local library.
Tips to get started establishing an Outerwear Lending Library:
In summary, starting a gear lending library for an outdoor oriented school. requires careful planning, organization, and promotion. By providing access to outdoor gear, you can help more children connect with nature, foster a love for the environment, and promote healthy outdoor play habits. Remember, that Outdoor School Shop wants to be your partner on this journey. We are here to assist you to source the gear you need for your lending library and make sure that the assortment supports the goals of your program.