Hands-on Learning, Wild Play, and Community Connection
Welcome to a summer of adventure in the High Sierras! Our workshops are designed to get children ages, 5 to 12 years of age, away from screens and into the soil, the workshop, and the forest.
Session 1
June 1st, 3rd, 8th, & 10th
Mondays & Wednesdays
Move beyond the backyard garden and step into the boots of a working farmer. We are incredibly privileged to collaborate with Gary Ramano, a master farmer whose reputation precedes him throughout the High Sierras. Well known as the face of Sierra Valley Farms, Gary is the local authority on high-altitude agriculture- the one everyone seeks out at the farmers markets year after year for his exceptional produce. Gary is allowing us a rare opportunity to learn and work side-by-side a true legend of the land.
Cultivate & Care: Master the hands-on basics of soil health, planting, and maintaining a diverse range of crops.
The Daily Rhythm: Understand the discipline and hard work required to run a farm from managing irrigation to the art of a perfect harvest.
Seed to Table: Gain a firsthand appreciation for the agriculture cycle and the environment stewardship needed to feed a community.
The Big Picture: It is an earthy, "get dirty" experience that builds grit, practical gardening skills, and a lifelong respect for nature's seasonal cycles.
Time: 9 am - 12 pm
Location: Sierra Valley Farms, Beckworth
Cost: $132
Session 2
June 23rd - 26th
Tuesday - Friday
Step away from the screen and into the spirit of classic summer camp adventure. The forest of Clio becomes a stadium for friendly competition and creative strategy. This high-energy week balances the thrill of the "win" with the essential values of teamwork and sportsmanship.
The Mystery Reveal: Each child receives a team kit, kicking off a week of identity- building through flag-making, tie-dying, and team chants.
Collaborative Missions: Navigate forest-based challenges and games designed to test problem-solving, agility, and group coordination.
Legacy Projects: Work together to leave the "stadium" better than we found it, practicing stewardship through community-building projects.
The Grand Finale: The week culminates in an optional Friday night family camp out-the ultimate way to celebrate the bonds made during the week.
Time: 10 am - 4 pm
Location: Clio, CA
Cost: $228
Session 3
July 13th - 16th
Monday - Thursday (4 days)
+ Farmers Market Saturday 18th
Move beyond simple crafting and step into the shoes of a professional creator. This intensive week guides students through the entire life cycle of a business- from a spark of an idea to a finished product on a customer's shelf. By treating their work with respect of proffessional artisan, students learn that their creativity has real-world value and that they have power to contribute to the local economy.
Design & Build: Master a couple specific medium each session to create professional-grade inventory.
Brand & Price: Design eye-catching advertisements and calculate fair pricing based on materials, time, and skill.
The Market Live: Take center stage at the Sierra Valley Farmers Market. Students manage their own table: setting up displays, engaging confidently with costumers, and handling real-world transactions.
The Big Picture: It's a complete life-skills experience that builds confidence, financial literacy, and pride in one's work.
Time: 10 am - 4 pm (Mon-Fri) & 9:30 am - 1:30 pm (Sat)
Location: Barefoot & Bright, Clio & Sierra Valley Farms, Beckworth
Cost: $266
Session 4
July 21st - 24th
Tuesday - Friday (4 days)
Step into the wild and practice the foundation skills of our ancestors. We are so honored to collaborate with Regina and Nick, two exceptionally talented and highly trained nature connection mentors who bring decades of wilderness knowledge to Barefoot & Bright. As co-hosts of renowned Buckeye Gathering along with their other businesses, they are both at the heart of the primitive skills community. Our students are truly lucky to learn from their deep wisdom, gain the confidence comfort in nature.
Fire & Shelter: Learn the sacred art of fire-tending (in a safe space by water) and shelter build from natural forest materials.
Forage & Track: Identify local flora for food and medicine, and tools.
The Big Picture: This will be a transformative week that builds physical resilience, emotional grounding, and a profound sense of belonging in the natural world. It's all achieved while playing games and being free to be the wild, creative kid they inherently are. Come join us! We can't wait to get dirty this summer.
Time: 10 am - 4 pm
Location: Clio, CA
Cost: $288
Session 5
August 10th - 13th
Monday - Thursday (4 days)
+ Farmers Market Saturday 15th
Move beyond simple crafting and step into the shoes of a professional creator. This intensive week guides students through the entire life cycle of a business- from a spark of an idea to a finished product on a customer's shelf. By treating their work with respect of proffessional artisan, students learn that their creativity has real-world value and that they have power to contribute to the local economy.
Design & Build: Master a specific medium to create professional-grade inventory.
Brand & Price: Design eye-catching advertisements and calculate fair pricing based on materials, time, and skill.
The Market Live: Take center stage at the Sierra Valley Farmers Market. Students manage their own table: setting up displays, engaging confidently with costumers, and handling real-world transactions.
The Big Picture: It's a complete life-skills experience that builds confidence, financial literacy, and pride in one's work.
Time: 10 am - 4 pm (Mon-Fri) & 9:30 am - 1:30 pm (Sat)
Location: Barefoot & Bright, Clio & Sierra Valley Farms, Beckworth
Cost: $266
Time: 10 am - 4 pm (Mon-Fri) & 9:30 am - 1:30 pm (Sat)
Location: Barefoot & Bright, Clio & Sierra Valley Farms, Beckworth
Cost: $266
Session 6
August 24th - 28th
Monday - Friday (5 days)
+ Community show on Sat the 17th
The woods of Clio transform into a living theater as as students step into the magic of production, where imagination meets teamwork. Moving beyond the traditional stage, our young performers will learn to use the natural landscape as their backdrop, discovering how to bring a story to ifee in the heart of the forest. This intensive week challenges students to be both the creators and the stars, fostering deep confidence as they navigate the journey from a blank page to a standing ovation.
Script & Story: We begin by choosing an Aesop's Fable and rewriting the story line with the group's own unique, modern, or forest inspired twist.
Creative Role: Students assign parts, write original lines, and begin the dedicated process of rehearsal to find their characters.
The Backstage Crew: The makers' sport continues as children design and create their own costumes and build a custom set right among the trees.
The Grand Finale: All the hard work culminates in two big performances:
Private Showing: and intimate performance for family and friends
Community Show: A second show on Saturday for our local community to enjoy the magic of story telling. Location TBD
Time: 10 am - 4 pm (Mon-Fri) & TBD (Sat)
Location: Barefoot & Bright, Clio & Sierra Valley Farms, Beckworth
Cost: $310
Session 7
September 7th - 10th
Monday - Thursday
+ Farmers Market Saturday 12th
Move beyond simple crafting and step into the shoes of a professional creator. This intensive week guides students through the entire life cycle of a business- from a spark of an idea to a finished product on a customer's shelf. By treating their work with respect of proffessional artisan, students learn that their creativity has real-world value and that they have power to contribute to the local economy.
Design & Build: Master a specific medium to create professional-grade inventory.
Brand & Price: Design eye-catching advertisements and calculate fair pricing based on materials, time, and skill.
The Market Live: Take center stage at the Sierra Valley Farmers Market. Students manage their own table: setting up displays, engaging confidently with costumers, and handling real-world transactions.
The Big Picture: It's a complete life-skills experience that builds confidence, financial literacy, and pride in one's work.
Time: 10 am - 4 pm (Mon-Fri) & 9:30 am - 1:30 pm (Sat)
Location: Barefoot & Bright, Clio & Sierra Valley Farms, Beckworth
Cost: $266