Learning by doing is the educational philosophy of the Bootheel Youth Museum. The exhibits and educational programs are designed to supplement traditional educational resources.

While the concept of a children's museum is normally associated with large metropolitan areas, the Bootheel Youth Museum brings the same educational benefits to the primarily rural area of Southeast Missouri. One way people have participated is by helping the museum build a "Pathway to the Future."

Personally engraved bricks were used to build a "pathway" that leads to the front entrance of the museum.