Barefoot University

Barefoot University is an outdoor meeting cooperative group, primarily for kindergarten through high school-aged children. Barefoot University promotes the health and education of each child through weekly focuses and creates communities for homeschool families. The primary goal of Barefoot University is to assist children in nurturing a love of outdoor learning. Through this, they will develop valuable skills that facilitate a self-driven knowledge of the natural world. Barefoot University groups meet once per week,outside, to conduct a nature, steam, or forest school themed activity. Barefoot University also includes enrichment field trips and community service projects. In the past, our activities have consisted of a variety of subjects including but not limited to; microscopic algae study, whittling, tree circumference and ring counting, wildflower study, native grass identification, raft and nature boat building, water flow ecology study, mushroom spore prints, geology and fossil study. Along with the activities listed above fine arts and music are also included but not limited; pottery out of native clay, musical instruments made from natural materials, cairns and rock art, rain and watercolor paintings, and grass whistles. Activities are facilitated by a volunteer leaders at each location and parents assist the children in accomplishing the activities. Each Barefoot University branch is held at a park or outdoor space that is local to that specific branch. Barefoot University events can take anywhere from 2-4 hours depending on the specific activity that day. As we expand, our branches will be able to add or subtract the time needed for each activity based on their specific needs. Each activity is funded by family membership to Barefoot University and donations. Ninety percent of our overall expenses are allocated to the activities done by children. This is in the form of supplies for each activity. In the future, Barefoot University would like to expand it's reach and audience into after school programs for low income, inner-city youth. By spending time outdoors and fostering a love of nature, studies have shown greatly reduced anxiety and increased communication skills and focus in children. Barefoot University is striving to provide all children with the opportunity to access nature in a safe and sustainable way.