Outfitting a rising 2nd Grader with gear this summer. Ideas?

[Anonymous]

The days of the pocket knife are behind us. What trinkets would you get DS to help him explore this summer? He'll be outdoors a lot, so I was thinking a compass or some binoculars? Amazon has a Bug Watch that looks like fun. I'd like some ideas about items I can stick in his backpack that'll give him a sense of adventure. Please help.

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Some ideas:

Dip net
Binoculars
Mesh bug cage
Compass
Inexpensive or hand-me-down camera
"Field" notebook and pen/pencil
Sketch book and colored pencils
Kid-friendly guide to birds/bird calls
Magnifying glass
Rain gauge
Cargo vest
Rock tumbler?
Chalk, bubbles, frisbee, hula hoop, jump rope