Outdoor Classrooms
Barefoot Kids
Endless Possibilities

Imagine

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


Image

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

Image

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


Image

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

Image
Wyatt
Farmington Valley, CT

Wyatt is a dedicated #Barefooter. He has almost perfect attendance. Every week he is usually the first one there and often before both his leaders. He greets us with the biggest smile and enthusiasm!!! He has such a big heart that spreads throughout our community, you cannot talk to him without smiling yourself. He is willing and ready to partake in all of the Barefoot activities and is truly proud to complete them, learn from them and share with all the other kids and his leaders. Recently when we reached out to our community about making cards for another Barefooter in a different community, Wyatt worked on a card at home and put so much time into it to make it just right, this is his heart.

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.