TOGGERS
You already know that getting outside changes everything. You’ve felt it on a muddy path, at the top of a hill, or on a drizzly morning walk when you reluctantly went and came back glad you did.
You know what it does for children, too. Digging in the garden, watching something grow, learning that beetroot is a thing, and daffodils take patience. The outdoors teaches children in ways a classroom simply can’t.
We hope that’s why, when we tell you what we’re about to ask, you’ll understand why it matters.
Here it is.
Right now, millions of children in the UK are missing out on exactly what you and I take for granted. Childhood is not as outdoorsy as many people think. Not because they don’t want to go outside, not because their teachers aren’t trying (because they really are). But on wet days, for many families living in poverty, a waterproof coat and wellies are not basic necessities; they are luxuries. And so some children watch from the window while their classmates go out.
9 children in every class of 30. That is the scale of it.
Today, the three of us — Gina, Julia, and Gemma — are officially launching The Outdoor Guide Foundation’s 2026 Waterproofs & Wellies appeal. Our goal is to kit out 3,800 children in state primary schools this year.
A waterproof jacket, trousers, and wellies. Straight to schools.
£39.50 a child.
The simplest fix for one of the most easily solved barriers we know.
One Headteacher, Michelle Jones, told us that receiving the kits meant her children could finally go out into their local community to explore and learn outdoors. She spoke about it like a gift. We think it should just be normal!
That is what this campaign is working towards. A normal where every child pulls on their kit when the teacher says ‘Right then, let’s go outside’ and just goes.
No one left at the window. No one is sitting out.
Here is what makes a real difference today.
Donate, whatever feels right; every pound becomes part of a kit!
Share this email, or our appeal page, with one person who will also understand the need.
Donate or share. Both count. Both help children get outside.
Rain or shine, muddy boots or dry ones, every child deserves to be out there. That’s why we started The Outdoor Guide Foundation, and it’s why this campaign matters to us so much.
Thank you for being part of this community. Now let’s get some kids outside!
Gina, Julia, and Gemma The Outdoor Guide Foundation Team
DONATE TELL US ABOUT A SCHOOL WANT TO HELP? CONTACT GINA & SUZANNE
