CULLMAN, Ala. – On Friday, April 3, families gathered at the Sportsman Lake Park Wildflower Garden for a hands-on event called the “Butterfly Buffet,” hosted by Barefoot University.
Alex Bass, who leads Barefoot University with Rachel Phillips, explained that the activity helps children connect with nature in a fun and simple way.
“The Butterfly Buffet is a way to get them involved with their ecosystems at home. They can make little buffets for butterflies using different kinds of fruit and hopefully attract pollinators like butterflies,” said Bass.
The event focused on hands-on learning, giving children the chance to get involved rather than just listen to information about the environment.
“It’s not just us having a conversation about how important pollinators are,” Bass said. “It’s a way for them to actively participate in nurturing their ecosystem.”
Besides making food stations for butterflies, some children watched caterpillars, while others used nets to explore and enjoyed free play.
Organizers said events like the Butterfly Buffet matter even more now, as many kids spend a lot of time indoors and on screens.
“Forest school gives both parents and children a chance to be in a community with people who share similar values,” Bass said. “It helps them get outside and enjoy activities like climbing, hiking and exploring – things that are really important for children growing up.”
Barefoot University is a K-12 forest school made up of volunteers, homeschooling families and students. Though participation is open to all, meetings are typically held during school-day hours, making it most accessible to homeschool families.
Enrollment in Barefoot University is open from April 8-14 for current families and starts April 15 for new families. The yearly fee is $150 per family, plus a $50 supply fee for each child.
To learn more or to join or start a local group, visit www.barefootuniversity.org.
