Outdoor Classrooms
Barefoot Kids
Endless Possibilities

Imagine

a life where your kids are confident, happy, & healthy from spending more time outside.


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where they look at trees instead of screens & they gain an understanding of our worldly rhythms.

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a place where kids of all ages can be themselves & gather to learn & encourage each other without the pressure of schedules & tests!


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What is Barefoot University?


Our communities meet each week for forest school activities and nature exploration that align with our yearly Rhythm.  Our weekly activities teach nature-based sciences and outdoor skills. Our focus may be nature, but activities expand to cover art, citizenship, local history, math, science, life skills, physical education, critical thinking, and more!  Our communities also do field trips and community service projects throughout the year that often align with our activity themes.

Leaders help facilitate the meet-ups, but parents are their child‘s teachers!  It’s important for parents to know what the activity is beforehand in case your children need additional instructions or you want to take the activity deeper.

If you’re looking for a group that makes everyone sit in a circle and learn a lesson, BU may not be for you. We encourage participation, but we also encourage free play and exploration!


Barefooter of the Month

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Michael
Sneeds Ferry, NC

Michael is constantly looking for a ways to include everyone and to be a peacemaker in our group. He jumps in to help others and is the first to go out of his way to make others feel welcome or seen. We appreciate the way he looks out for others so selflessly and other parents notice him in our group and mention how thankful they are for him. He was recently spotted helping a neurodivergent friend feel seen and special when playing in our group even though others didn’t quite know how to interact he jumped right in and embraced the situation.

Nominations should be based on exceptional forest school skills; a special contribution to your BU or local community; exemplifying the core values of BU; being a good friend; outstanding attitude or attendance. Members, leaders, and parents are eligible.