It’s free! BU provides most of the activity supplies with the occasional requests for families to bring something from home that they likely already have. (ie: scissors, pencils, etc.)

Yes, we are a 501(c)3 non-profit. All of our groups and volunteers are insured.

Start by attending a leaders’ interest meeting. After that, fill out an application and you will be contacted for an interview. If you are selected to become a leader, you will need to pass a background check ($6 costs). Once you and your co-leader have completed this step, you will receive an email to do new leader paperwork and visit…

Yes. We try to spread communities out to reach other families. If you want a group in the same area as another, we will assess the current group enrollment, location, city, etc. to see if the area can support another group. Generally, we suggest parks be spread out by about 10 miles in urban areas and 30 mins in rural…

We only open a group with two leaders. Other families are encouraged to help out in your community each week. Leaders must reside in different households.

We recommend posting about BU in local mom or homeschooling groups and just asking if anyone wants to start a group with you. Several of our leaders started this way and it’s been a success.

Share our posts advertising enrollment, open house events, and yearly rhythms in local homeschool or co-op groups and on your personal page. Let people know about BU when families ask about nature, enrichment, science, or social groups. Leaders also have access to promotional graphics and marketing tips.

Communities may meet at city, state, county, or other free-to-use parks, trailheads, beaches, green spaces, etc. All groups must obtain permission from the place you wish to meet. For liability reasons, Barefoot University groups can not meet on private property.

We do not open year-long groups for enrollment after May 1. That means that all application paperwork, interviews, and other document must be completed prior to that date. Deadlines will be given during the leader interest meeting. Applicants who apply late will be considered for mid-year groups. Mid-year groups participate in a condensed forest school program, not the current rhythm.