Why Lead?

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 or emailing us to send a recording of one. After that, fill out an application and doing the background check below. Once you and your co-leader have completed this step, you will receive an email to schedule a phone interview. After that you will fill out your leader agreement and park information and you’re done! 

We try to spread communities out to reach other families. If you’re wanting a group in the same area as another, we will asses 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 areas.

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

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 adverting 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.

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 at. For liability reasons, Barefoot University groups can not meet on private property. 

We do not open year long, rhythm groups for enrollment after June 1 each year. That means that all application paperwork, interviews, and other document must be completed prior to that date. Applicants that apply late will be considered for mid-year groups. Mid year groups participate an condensed forest school program, not the current rhythm.