If you are looking for that nostalgic, high-energy summer camp experience packed with teamwork, outdoor strategy, and nonstop laughter, this is the week! The Wild Color Games is designed to build deep root bonding, fast friendships, and lifelong summer memories in the woods.

We've created a unique cooperative structure where teams engage in spirited, friendly competitions to earn "Village Points". Instead of a division "us vs, them" environment, both teams work together toward a shared community goal, building an inclusive village where every child's effort matters.

Give your child an unplugged week of pure summer joy, movement, and connection. 

June 23rd - 26th                             10 am - 4 pm

For our third summer session, Roots & Resilience, we are incredible honored to introduce the visionary mentors who will be guiding our village deep into the heart of wilderness connection. Meet Nick and Regina:

Nick and Regina Lahase organize Buckeye Gathering, which is a healing endeavor and antidote to the increasingly fast paced, distracted times we are living in. To simply share meals, circle up around the fire, sleep under the stars and spend our days learning, practicing, embodying land-based ancestral skills is essential, and nourishing to our human existence.

They are parents of two young children, Sonny and Ari. They are both dedicated nature-based rites of passage guides, committed to the ceremonies that mark and honor transitions. Nick is a willow basket weaver, wood worker, chef, and is your typical hands-in-many pots, lots-of-irons-in-the-fire kind of guy. He's ultimately happy if he's creating somthing beautiful alongside beloved people. Laughter is his favorite medicince. Regina is a nature-connection guide and creative facilitator of groups. She is a sex educator for youth and adults. She is also a tracker, and has a passion for permaculture, specifically growing food and flowers. Afro-Brazilian dancing and hiking up high in the mountains are a couple things that bring her the most joy. 

Spaces for this transformative week are filling fast. If you are ready for your child to build true resilience and lifelong outdoor skills under their expert guidance, secure your spot today!

What an absolute incredible start to our Summer 2026 sessions! This week, our first group of adventures stepped into the living classroom of Sierra Valley Farms for a Week 1 of Farm Hands. Guided by 3rd-generation master farmer Gary Romano, our junior farmers didn't just visit a farm-they jumped feet first into a beautiful, gritty reality of high altitude organic agriculture

  here's a look back at The Incredible Journey of our first two days in the dirt:

Day 1: Soil Secrets & Greenhouse Science

We kicked off our mentorship with a fascinating tour through the historic farm's greenhouses. The children explored how crops thrive in our unique mountain climate, taste-testing fresh greens along the way and learning natural farming tricks they can easily bring home to their own backyard gardens. 

From there, we transitioned into soil scientists. The kids mastered the "ribbon test" to feel the physical difference between clay, silt, and sand. To put their new skills to the test, Gary took us out to gather soil samples from three distinct fields each of these fields carried a unique history having house different types of livestock over 50 years ago!

To see how that history shaped the Earth, we set up a classic jar-test combining soil with water and a dash of dish soap-and left them to settle for a couple nights.

Day 2: 1.600 Cabbages and MArket Prep

Day 1 was about science, Day 2 was all about pure old-fashioned Farm teamwork.

Junior Farmers blew us away by helping plant a whopping 1,600 cabbage starters! As farmer Gary and Joe maneuvered the tractor down the long rows dropping individual plants, the children followed right behind, carfully and properly tucking each tiny root into its new home. 

After mastering the tractors rows, the team grabbed hula hoes to ackle weeding in the neighboring beds, learning how to cleanly slice away weeds to keep the crops healthy.

We rounded out our second day by getting a behind-the-scenes look at business side of farming. The kids helped harvest, bundle, and wash fresh radishes to get them perfectly prepped for the upcoming Tahoe City Market. Finally, we checked  our settling soil jars from Day 1, marveling at how clearly half-century old farming history still shows up in the layers of sediment today. 

The Village in Action

It was a packed, high-energy week of hard work, and these kids exceeded every expectation. Seeing them lift each other up, tackle big physical chores with smiles, and genuine pride in sweat and dirt is exactly why we started Barefoot and Bright. They didn't just learn where their food comes from this week- they learn what it means to be stewarts of the land.

We are resting up our muscles and can't wait to see what Week 2 brings!

We are still floating on a cloud after today's final Adventure day of the school year period to say it was the perfect end of our spring season is an - understatement- the weather was glorious and this group of kids Blended together so beautifully from the moment they arrived! 

Highlights from our day:

Creative Junk Journals: , the kids still right into the studio process, taking recycled papers, fabrics, and forgotten treasures to bind their own custom journals. Every single notebook turned out completely unique, beautiful, and personal.

Two-Wheel Triumphs: Everyone had bikes and our base camp turned into a joyful trail system! We watched the ultimate Milestone happen today:  one of our amazing riders transitioned from a Strider balance bike to a pedal bike for the very first time and absolutely crushed it!

Forest Explorations: With journals packed and bikes parked, we headed into the woods for spring hike exploring the trails observing the late spring forest and sharing lots of laughs with new and old friends. 

A Heartfelt Thank You 

We are filled with so much gratitude for every single family who participated in our workshops over this past school year. Thank you for trusting us with your children, for embracing the Wild and Free Spirit of nature play, and for being the heartbeat of Barefoot and Bright community. 

As we catch our breaths we are already looking forward to planning next school Year's adventures with you!

Our final Culinary Creation of the season was a Mediterraniean masterpiece! The night was a total hit, and the kitchen was buzzing with the best kind of energy as the kids mastered the art of the Greek Gyro.

"First Bite" Verdict

There is no better feeling than seeing a row of thumbs-up from the chefs after that first bite of handmade Naan and savory Gyro meat! 

Another highlight was hearing a young chef announce that this was the first salad they ever like! Thos chuncky cucumbers and tomatoes-and the fun of shaking up their own dressing-made all the difference.

I am so incredibly proud watching all the young chefs this season grow in their kitchen confidence this year. From knife skills to understanding how ingredients transform, they have truly become little masters of their craft.

What a truly magical day we shared in the mountains! Our homestead was filled with bright energy of young Herbal Explorers coming together to gather, create, and connect with the land and one another. From the moment the rich scents of solar-wilted sage and yarrow filled the air, these children stepped into the shoes of true mountain caretakers. 

The 1-to-10 Foraging Rule

Before we took a single step into the woods, we talked about what it means to be good stewards of the Earth. The children learned the 1-to-10 rule for ethical harvesting: for every one plant or resin "tear" we take, we must see at least ten healthy ones left behind to keep the forest thriving. 

Native Plant Identificaition

Our young herbalist practiced idtifying native species and learning their unique properties:

Sage & Yarrow: We explored how these local powerhouses act as the "wisdom" and the "warrior" of the woods, cooling and soothing irritated, element-sensitive skin.

Comfrey & Pine Resin: We discovered how nature provides its own heavy-duty armor, using sticky pine resin and regenerative comfrey Leaves to protect small cuts and scrapes. 

We balanced the day with heading outside for a sunny lunch break, followed by a lively round of Wildcraft! - a cooperative board game that let the kids out their brand-new plant knowledge to the test. 

The energy in the studio was absolutely buzzing with creativity! We started the day by diving into the funamentals of hand embroidery. The kids showed uncredible focus as they learned and practiced a variety of classic techniques, including the sturdy backstitch, the classic running stitch, and the beautiful, intricate lazy daisy chain.

Once they had the skills down, the real magic happened. The studio became a bustling design floor as the kids customized their own clothing! We saw plain items completely transformed into personalized statements, including custom sweatshirts, sun hat, jean jackets and summer shorts. 

Pride in the Process

Watching the kids meticuloulsy plan out their designs, select their thread colors, and proudly try on their finished, customuzed clothing at the end of the two day series was amazing. They didn't just learn a skill, they learned how to bring their own unique vision to life.

We are incredibly honored to host our Farm Hands summer session at the historical Sierra Valley Farms alongside master farmer Gary Ramano.

Gary isn't just a farmer, he is a steward of the land with deep roots in our region. As a 3rd generation Italian-American farmer, Gary has spent decades perfecting te art of "high-altitude" organic farming. His farm, a breathtaking 65-acre organic oasis in Beckwourth, sits at 5,000 feet-a challenging environment where Gary has proven that with grit and knowledge, credible things can grow.

Why Gary is a Local Legend:

• The Voice of Experience: Gary is the author of books such as "Why I Farm: Risk, Reward and the Survival of a Family Farm" and "July & Winter: Growing in the Sierra" books that capture the heart and soul required to keep family agriculture alive in the modern world.

• Sustainability Pioneer: Long before "organic" was a buzzword, Gary was committed to native plant restoration and sustainable practices that protect our local watershed and soil health.

• Community Builder: He is the visionary behind the Sierra Valley Farms Farmers Market- the only "on-farm" certified farmers market in California- and the famous "Dinner in the Barn" series.

What This Means for Our Adventurers:

When our "Farm Hands" step onto Gary's land, they aren't just visiting a farm, they are entering a living classroom.Under Gary's membership, children learn he "Why" behind the work- from the importance of pollinators to the patience required for a harvest. They get to see firsthand what a life of passion, hard work, and connection to the earth looks like.

The Countdown is On! 

We are exactly 50 days away from the start of Farm Hands on June 1st. As the valley begins to green up, we are getting everything ready for a summer of growth, grit, and discovery.

Meet the Master- FREE Event!

If you'd like to hear from Gary in person, he will be hosting a FREE class at the Feather River Land Trust on April 24th at 5:00 PM. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn from a local legend and get a glimpse of the wisdom hee'll be sharing with our students this June.

We kicked off our morning with a peaceful Nature Walk, training our eyes to look closely at the forest floor, gathering pine needles for our basket-weaving studio. Using long ponderosa pine needles, the kids dove into the patient, rhythmic art of coiling. This task takes real focus, and these kids absolutely blew us away with their dedication. 

True Works of Art

Every single child went home with a literal masterpiece-whether it was a beautifully woven coaster or a stunning coiled basket. Seeing their pride as they held up their finished pieces was the highlight of the day!

Thank you to all the families who joined us. These kids proved that with a little patience and nature's gifts, they can create absolute magic!

Swinging for the Clouds! Get ready to flip your bilding skills upside down! This month at LEGO Club, we are literally swinging for the clouds. 

The Challenge:  Forget building on a table! When you arrive, you'll find a single LEGO brick suspended in min-air. Your mission? To build your entire creation off of that one hanging brick.

The Sky is the limit: Will you build a floating cloud city? A high-flying trapeze? A dangling jungle vine or a futuristic  spacecraft? Since your build is hanging, you'll have to think about balance, gravity, and some serious "air-chitecture."

We can't wait to see how you defy gravity!

Today, Thursday March 19th from 3 pm - 4 pm!

Our Saturday Culinary Creations class was a massive success, and it was a night of "first" for many of our young chefs. From precision knife work to the magic of food science, these kids stepped outside the box!

Custum Sushi Rolls & Seaweed Science

The kids took full control of their dinner, hand-chopping a rainbow of vegies- along with a crab and creamcheese mix to create their own customized sushi rolls.

We also explored the "magic' of ingredients by making seaweed salad. There were lots of wide eyes as we watched the dry seaweed rehydrate and expand to four times its siz right before our eyes! The chefs then whisked together a dressing to get the flavor profile just right.

The Sweetest Finish: Homemade Marshmallows

To top off the magical night, we tackled a true kitchen challenge: homemade maple marshmallows! The kitchen was full of excitment as the mixture transformed into fluffy, sweet clouds. The consensus was unanimous-these were the best marshmallows we've ever tasted. It's going to be very hard to go back to stor-bought ones after this!

I am so proud of how these students embraced new flavors and techniques. It was a beautiful evening of focused work, shared meals, and a whole lot of kitchen magic.

As the snow recedes and the High Sierra sun begins to warm the soil, the forest is waking up- and so is the need for spring nesting sites. This month at Barefoot & Bright, we are inviting our young makers to step into a new role: Earth Steward.

Being an Earth Steward means learning how to be a caretaker for the landscape we love. For out March Adventure Day, we are focusing on two big missions to support our local wildlife:

• Operation Safe Harbor: A team engineering challenge where we will build ground-level habitats for neighbors like the California Quail and mountain cottontail.

• Sky-Home Makers: In our workshop, each child will hand-craft their own Western Bluebird Nesting Box to take home and install in their own backyard. 

It's a day of sunshine, teamwork, and hands-on conservation. We'll spend our "wild and free" time scouting for our first signs of spring and learning how to make our yards "climate-wise" for our feathered friends.

We have a few spots remaining for this day of stewardship!

The wait is over! Today from 3 -4 pm at the Portola Library, we are diving into the world of mechanical marvels.

The Challenge:

Can you build a robot that helps people? Whether it's a high-tech gadget to clean your room, a giant mechanical explorer, or a tiny droid with a mind of it's own, we want to see your best robotic engineering!

Bring your imagination and let's go building. See you at the library!

The rain didn't slow us down this week! We moved our Tuesday Tea Time gathering indoors, finding the perfect cozy spot by the fire to share stories and a delicious Dutch Baby pancake. 

Growth & Grit

The real magic, however, was in the children's voices. It has been incredible to watch those who were once hesitant to speak up now eagerly jumping in for their turn to read aloud. Their confidence is truly blooming. 

We ended the session with a collaborative writing prompt. Even though is was a long, challenging task, the group showed amazing stamina and teamwork, sticking with it until the very end. I coulnd't be prouder of their hard work and the way they support one another's ideas.

The Great Scone Caper

While the Dutch Baby was a win, the 16 mini scones were a "puppy-only" delicacy this week! Our resident pup managed a private tasting before they ever hit the table - we'll just have to take the wagging tail as a rave review. 

Rain or shine, these Tuesdays are a beautiful reminder of the power of community and a crackling fire. 

The fresh snowfall has brought a quiet beauty to Barefoot and Bright, and we are leaning into everything this season has to offer for our Adventure Day this Friday.

This day is designed for everyone. Our surrounding hills offer space for every pace-whether your child wants to fly down on a sled or find their rhythm on skis or snowshoes, there is a perfect slope waiting for them.

Beyond the excitment of the hills. we will be focusing our energy on creation. We'll be building snow forsts and spending dedicated time on our Snow Labyrinth. More than just a path in the snow, the labyrinth is a peice of art that invites calmness and serves as a puzzle for the mind. It's a project of dedication that we are so excited to create together.

To balance the crisp outdoor air, our hearth will be warm and inviting, We'll spend time inside by the fire sharing games, laughter, and perhaps a few warm cookies to keep us fueled. It's a perfect blend of winter energy and mindful rest.

We still have a few spots avaiable for this Friday! Call or email today.

A Full Table for Part 1. There is a special energy around the table when every seat is filled, but today offered something even deeper.As we dove into Part 1 of Beads, Epoxy, & Polymer workshop, the most beautiful thing to witness wasn't the art itself, but the way the children interacted.

It was an afternoon of true collaboration. I watched kids:

• Shared Ideas: Helping each other brainstorm different combos and layouts.

• Offer Tips:  Figuring out the "hoe-to" of epoxy resin together.

• Gave Encouragement: Cheering each other on as their visions came to life.

Seeing them use supportive words for one another's creations is exactly why I do this. While the resin cures our new earrings, pendants, and bookmarks, we're preparing for Part 2 and the hands-on fun of polymer clay.

 We are turning up the heat this weekend with our first Saturday Culinary Class. This workshop is designed fpr students who want to spend their Saturday evening learning the art of a perfect meal while enjoying the company of peers.

From Mastering the pizza crust to whisking up a signature Caesar dressing, this is a hands-on experience that goes far beyond just ordering your next pizza. 

The Menu:

• Main: Homemade Pizza & Wings

• Sides: Garlic Parmesan Fries & Caesar Salad

• Sweet Treat:  Our Special Mystery Dessert!

Tonight, our kitchen was transformed into a bustling Italian trattoria. We had a wonderful group og young chiefs, ranging from ages 3- 11, working side-by-side to create a meal entirely form scratch.

There is a unique kind of magic that happens when you dump a pile of flour directly onto the table and tell a child, "we're making pasta." From the first well in the flour to rolling out the noodles that reached full arm-lengths, the kids went above and beyond. The pride in their eyes as those long strands took shade was just as wonderful as the taste itself! 

Watching the older children mentor the younger ones as they kneaded dough and tossed salad reminded me why we do this. It's about more than just a recipe; it's about the confidence that comes from taking raw ingredients and turning them into a feast to share with friends. 

Our hearts (and bellies) are very full tonight!

Are you ready to cool up something amazing with your facorite bricks? We are so excited to announce that this month's LEGO challenge is FOOD! 

Whether you're craving a giant slice of watermelon, a loaded hot dog, or a 5 course meal, it's time to let your imagination take a bite! We usually keep our themes a hidden until class, but we wanted to give you a head start ti get those creative juices flowing. 

Start thinking, dreaming, and get ready to build delicious creations. Today at the Portola Library from 3 -4 pm. See you there.

A huge thanks to the families who joined us for our most recent Adventure Day! What a great day exploring the warmer shift in the weather and the fascinating world of fungi.

We began our morning by finding our center with a grounding-and quite silly-yoga session. It was a perfect way to prep our "Adventure Agents" for the mission ahead. From there, the team worked together to navigate the backyard, solving riddles and using walkie-talkies to uncover the hidden world of fungi. Yes, fungi in the winter.

They got to step into the "Science Lab" to see biology in action. The kids were fascinated to watch a balloon "magically" inflate before their eyes just by mixing water, yeast, and sugar- a perfect lesson on how the tiny "cousins" of mushrooms grow and breathe!

The highlight, as always, was the "wild and free" time. There is something truly special about watching children run through the forest, laughing with friends and embracing the mud. We prioritize these moments of unstructored play because thet's where the best memories (and learning) happen. We are counting down the days until our next adventure!

Our Wednesday morning started in the simplest of ways- gathered around the fire while Jack built with Legos and Mayla relaxed on the couch. We decided to listen to a story together from Super Great Kids' Stories. Mayla chose " The Brave Little Hummingbird,' and I have to say, it left me with goosebumps.

The story's message feels so relevant to our world today: the idea that if we all simply do what we can, no matter how small it seems, we can make a difference. We are taking  the little hummingbird's lesson to heart: let's all do our part, one drop at a time.

Listen to the story here

Yesterday, we shared a beautiful afternoon gathered around the fire, sipping tea and leaning into the quiet magic of winter. We spent our time with works of Robert Frost, letting his rhythm and imagery inspire our own creative exploration, along with many other silly ones like Shel Silverstein. 

To wrap up our session, we collaborated on a poetry project. Every child was asked to contribute a "seed" of a thought- a word or phrase beginning with "I wonder" that connected them to the winter season. The children then worked together to arrange thees sticky notes into an order that felt right to them, weaving there individual curiosities into one collective voice.

The result was a beautiful reflection of childhood wonder:

I Wonder

I wonder if it will snow?

I wonder how long it will last?

I wonder how snowflakes are all different

I wonder why winter snows?

I wonder how it snows?

I wonder how many snow flakes are in the sky?

I wonder if it will snow?