As we reflect on the Rhythm Earth year that just wrapped up, we asked parents to share what Barefoot University has meant to their family…
“Barefoot to us, means freedom! We jump out of our busy week into a Friday of friends, and exploration. Learning without stress, Playing without limits. We love it!” – Carmen
“Barefoot has meant better mental health for both me and my kids. That one hike on Tuesday refreshes us and gets us ready to tackle the rest of the week with clear minds. It has also made my kids more resilient! On their very first hike, I thought I might have to drag them back to the car (to be fair it was summertime in Texas), but they made it and they’ve gotten better and better at hiking long distances and enjoying it! Getting outside in all weather, hot and cold, has also made them (and me) more resilient. And lastly, BU has given us all meaningful friendships and restored my faith in humanity. We love our people at Eagle Mountain Lake!” – Emily
“This is our second year and we have loved it. It gets us outside every week in all kinds of weather. We have all learned to love nature more than ever. The children have gained confidence, skills, and friendship.” – Joy
“BU has blessed my family with great friendships, motivation to do more outdoors, and new perspectives on homeschooling, letting children take risks, etc. My kids look forward to it each week!” – Catherine
“The day looks like freedom and the ability to calm your body down in order to finally learn. The days go by way too quickly. A day at Barefoot University will take you on an adventure you never knew you needed. The days at Barefoot are an incentive to try new things, step out of your comfort zone and practice an appreciation for nature. The days at Barefoot University will change your perspective on the day-to-day activities and reprioritize what is important.” – Christine
“Barefoot University is a wonderful organization. The fun, educational activities completed in the great outdoors is a winning combination. My boys adore BU. However, even more than the educational aspects and outdoor fun, BU has provided our son, Andrew, an environment he can safely grow and develop in. Andrew has special needs; and while he struggles with academics, social situations can be even more daunting. Andrew has made friends through BU; something he struggles desperately with. BU is a place, other than home, where he is free to be himself without judgment. BU fosters an environment where kids like Andrew are able to better learn how to interact with peers and people of all ages. While our family appreciates the physical and academic offerings of BU; the biggest blessing for us has been the personal, emotional, and social growth for all the boys, but especially Andrew.” – Bethany
“My kids and I love the community, the beauty of God’s creation, the fun activities, and the knowledge we are gaining!” – Karen
“BU facilitates an unparalleled educational experience for my girls, far better than what they could learn in a classroom setting. It is nice to see different ages mingle together and learn from each other. Barefoot University is awesome.” – Reno
“Barefoot has meant a lot to my family! It has gotten us out of our house every Monday for the last couple of years no matter the weather or how tired and exhausted we were from the weekend. We got up and went and every time we always felt so refreshed and awakened to be out in nature. We never would of done it on our own so having that accountability to come and be in nature has been really good. My kids have learned how to just be in nature there is no need for technology, there is no need for adult direction, there is room to be free and explore with their minds and hearts. On most days it’s me dragging them out of nature which never would of happened on our own. I have always been the person to follow the path but not necessarily make my own path. And this experience has us making our own paths. Thanks Barefoot!!” – Tammy
“Because of BU, my twins have a place to belong. We love meeting together each week with our community and exploring. The program has given us a kickstart to what we are doing each week for science.” – Elizabeth
Thanks to those who shared their feedback about awesome adventures with their various BU communities! Registration closes at the end of June for Rhythm Fire and we will be looking forward to another great year!
– Catherine B.