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We have gotten a lot of requests from members about items to buy for Rhythm Fire. Of course, the activity supplies are provided. But you know homeschooling moms – we can’t resist the urge to buy all the fun learning tools! So, we came up with a shopping list of things for forest school. All of the items mentioned below are optional and meant to enhance your experience, provide additional learning opportunities, or are helpful in mastering survival skills – and some are just fun.
If you are new to forest school, some of our favorite supplies are things that can be used in all the Rhythms. My kids really like to take a closer look at nature so with that in mind – here are a few suggestions:
• Binoculars: These lightweight binoculars come with a strap and case and have 10x the magnification
• Mini Microscope and Microscope Case: This is a great portable microscope with an impressive 60x – 120x magnification range. It is simple and easy for even young students to use, making it an ideal introductory microscope. Don’t forget the case to protect it.
• Quick-Release Bug Catching Tool and Magnifier: The BugView from Carson is a fun and humane way to view insects and nature.
• Carson Adventure Pack: This set comes with binoculars, a compass, flashlight, and a signal whistle with a built-in thermometer. This is a perfect gift set for the youngest members of your family.
• X-Kids Pocket Tool: This kids 7-function, multi-use optical pocket tool will provide tons of fun. The X-Scope contains a 30x Microscope, 8x telescope, 9x fold-out magnifier, LED flashlight, signal whistle, directional compass, and digital clock.
• Wireless Digital Microscope: This is a wireless handheld digital microscope that has been designed to work with your mobile Android or iOS device. You can view the specimens right on your phone screen and even take pictures. This is one of our favorite hiking accessories.
• Magnifying Glass: This is a 30x magnifying glass with LED lights. Perfect for any age.
• BU Hiking Set: Of course, this is a great tool set to keep in your hiking bag. It comes with a compass, pocket knife, and 9-function wallet knife – all complete in a custom BU case.
• CamelBak Mini Mule Hydration Backpack: Water backpacks really come in handy for those long hikes. This one is perfect for kids. Plus they have a super cool fire logo on them.
• Hydro Flask Water Bottle: If water backpacks aren’t your thing, these bottles are the best. They keep drinks cold and are durable.
Now moving on to Rhythm Fire …
Cycle one is all about Trail Basics. Here are some suggestions on what to get to help you start off on the right foot this year.
• Start practicing your survival skills with your very own Flint & Steel Fire-starter. This is a must-have for your personal survival kit. Ready to take it to another level? Snag this Primitive Wood Bow Drill Friction Kit Fire Starter.
• Field guides are an important tool to have on hand, this US Guide to Venomous Snakes will help you learn and identify venomous snakes on the trail.
• Fire Building Cards and Knot Tying Cards: These quick reference cards are a convenient and fun learning tool. They fit right in your pocket and contain all the instructions you need to get a fire going or tie the perfect knot. Each card collection is laminated for water resistance and held together by a grommet.
• Whittling Kit: Each family will receive their own whittling kit to learn whittling skills. These can be kept inside your backpack for fun whittling projects.
• Emergency Whistle: If you need to call for help or scare an animal, this whistle will do exactly that.
• Knot Tying Kit: This handy kit comes with ropes and waterproof knot cards to help you learn all the outdoor knot basics.
During Cycle Two, Barefooters will be learning about time and navigation. Here is what we picked out to extend your skills.
• Compass: Rhythm Fire members will be getting their very own compass, but if the rest of the family wants to join in the fun, this is a good beginner compass. Or go more advanced with advanced compass.
• Wayfinding Cards, and Animal Tracking Cards: These sets are quick reference guides that cover the fundamentals of the most imperative survival skills. They’re laminated for protection.
• LED Rechargeable Headlamp: These rechargeable headlamps fit adults and kids. Perfect for the night hikes we will be taking during cycle two!
• The Natural Navigator: The Rediscovered Art of Letting Nature Be Your Guide: This book teaches you how to teach yourself to navigate without GPS or a compass.
• Constellation Cards: This flashcard set has 88 cards, covering the southern and northern hemispheres. It also features a constellation list that gives details about the stars, their names, and families. So, if you are trying to learn about these facts for the first time, then this list can act as a useful guide to your knowledge.
• Geocache Stickers: Perfect to sport on your water bottle or hide for cache.
• Map Guide Workbook: Get your GPS going with students in grades 5–8 using Map Reading Skills in this book.
• Tin Containers for Geocache: These are perfect for hiding cache prizes in! Leave them behind for others to find.
• Ultimate Mapping Guide: This book gives 8-13-year-olds all of the tools they need to understand maps, make their own cartographic creations, and even head out on navigating adventures. Getting lost will be a thing of the past.
Food & shelter is the focus of Cycle Three. Learning things like how to fish, forage, and cook over a fire will be a whole lot easier with these tools:
• Edible Wild Plants for Beginners: The Essential Edible Plants and Recipes to Get Started: This book provides you with the essential information and guidance to begin foraging for edible wild plants and including them in your diet.
• Primitive Cooking, Shelter Building, and Survival Fishing Cards: are a fun addition to our backpack and will come in handy during a survival situation and will complete your card set.
• Fishing Pole Set: This is a great telescopic fishing rod reel full kit for beginners that comes with everything you need.
• Life Straw: because who doesn’t need clean water?!
• Cast Iron Camp Cooker: These come in handy and are easy for kids to use.
• And just for fun, this handy S’mores Caddy.
Have fun preparing for Fire!
– Amber
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