Fresh Air Family Inc
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
Fresh Air Family Inc, primarily through its 'Gross Out Camp' program, offers an exceptional outdoor, science-focused summer camp experience. It distinguishes itself by providing hands-on learning in various scientific disciplines (microbiology, biology, ecology, hydrology, zoology) combined with a wide array of engaging outdoor and water-based activities like hiking, swimming, fishing, crawfish hunting, and exploring creeks for fossils and bugs. The program boasts passionate and knowledgeable instructors (e.g., Dr. Dana, Dr. Matt, Andy, Verna) who are dedicated to getting kids off screens and into nature. Its unique value lies in fostering a deep love for the outdoors and science through immersive, active play, resulting in tired, dirty, and thoroughly educated children.
Key Highlights
- ✓Engaging hands-on science curriculum covering microbiology, biology, ecology, hydrology, zoology, light waves, fossils, and bugs.
- ✓Highly passionate and knowledgeable instructors (e.g., Andy, Dr. Dana, Dr. Matt, Verna) who excel at teaching, entertaining, and engaging children.
- ✓Diverse range of outdoor activities including hiking, swimming, fishing, crawfish hunting, water gun fights, cooling off in creeks, and general exploration.
- ✓Programs offered at multiple locations, specifically mentioned: Oak Mtn, Trussville, and McCallum Park.
- ✓Consistently generates high levels of child enjoyment and satisfaction, often cited as 'the highlight of their summer'.
- ✓Fosters a social environment where kids can meet new friends and reunite with returning camp friends.
- ✓High rate of repeat attendance, with children returning for multiple summers (e.g., '2 years in a row', 'fifth summer').
- ✓Successfully delivers on the promise of 'guaranteed tired, dirty children', indicating extensive active play outdoors.
Standout Features
- ⭐Expert and passionate instructors who make learning science fun and accessible.
- ⭐Comprehensive science education integrated with real-world outdoor experiences.
- ⭐Wide variety of water activities (swimming, fishing, crawfish hunting, water gun fights, creek play) that kids particularly love.
- ⭐Emphasis on outdoor exploration, promoting physical activity and connection with nature.
- ⭐Strong sense of community and friendship among campers.
- ⭐Dedicated counselors who keep kids busy and safe throughout the day.
- ⭐Proven track record of high satisfaction leading to multiple repeat visits.
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →This camp is highly recommended for children who explicitly enjoy or thrive in outdoor environments and are curious about nature/science.
- →Expect children to come home dirty and tired, indicating a full day of active and immersive play.
- →Consider signing up for multiple weeks or returning in subsequent years, as kids reportedly learn something new annually and enjoy the social aspect with returning friends.
- →If your child loves hands-on learning and exploring, this organization provides a strong alternative to screen time.
Things to Consider
- ⚠No specific problems or negative feedback were reported in the provided reviews, all experiences were overwhelmingly positive (5-star).
Price & Value
Pricing details are not mentioned in the reviews. However, the high incidence of repeat customers (e.g., '2 years in a row', 'fifth summer') and universal 5-star ratings strongly imply that parents perceive the program to be of excellent value for the engaging, educational, and safe outdoor experience it provides.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •No specific information regarding accessibility accommodations for special needs is mentioned in the reviews.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •No information regarding food and drink policies (e.g., bringing own snacks, provided meals) is mentioned in the reviews.
🚗Parking Info
- •No information regarding parking facilities or ease of drop-off/pickup is mentioned in the reviews.
👥Crowd Levels
- •No information regarding crowd levels or specific times when the camps might be busier is mentioned in the reviews.
🛡️Safety Features
- •Counselors are explicitly mentioned to keep the kids 'busy (and safe!) all day', indicating a focus on child safety and supervision during activities.
⏰When to Avoid
- • Children who strongly prefer indoor activities, dislike getting dirty, or are averse to extensive outdoor exposure and water play.
- • No specific times or situations to avoid are mentioned, as all reviews are positive and highlight a consistently great experience.
Pricing/Package/Events
Pricing & Packages
Individual Membership
$25Duration: 1 year
Membership for one person.
Includes:
- •Weekly Newsletter
- •Access to Members Only events
- •Discounts on events, programs and outings (excludes Gross Out Camp discounts)
Family Membership
$45Duration: 1 year
Membership for the entire family!
Includes:
- •Weekly Newsletter
- •Access to Members Only events
- •Discounts on all Fresh Air Family events and programs
Events & Schedule
Special Events(Last 2 months - Next 6 months)
Wacky Tacky Light Tour
Dec. 11, 16 and 18
Fundraiser; specific ticket price not listed in provided content. Options for individual tickets or private bus reservations.
Annual holiday fundraiser. A two-hour, specially-curated, luxury bus tour of the wackiest, tackiest, most over-the-top holiday light displays Birmingham has to offer. Riders are encouraged to wear tacky sweaters, loud PJs, or crazy holiday costumes. Funds support scholarships for Gross Out Camp.
🛡️Safety Policy
- • Gross Out Camp promises 'tired, dirty children!' indicating active outdoor play.
📅Booking Policy
- • Registration in advance is encouraged for general events.
- • Existing program participants automatically have a log in; new participants need to create an account for membership and program access.
- • For Wacky Tacky Light Tour: Departure time and bus assignment for individual tickets may be adjusted to accommodate private bus reservations.
- • For Wacky Tacky Light Tour: Group tickets purchased as a single order will not be split up, and the next bus with enough available seats will be substituted.
- • For Wacky Tacky Light Tour: Reserving a private bus guarantees the entire bus for your group.
What People Say
What's Great
- Fun and entertaining activities (mentioned in 5 reviews)
- Great for birthday parties (mentioned in 2 reviews)
Areas for Improvement
- Can get crowded during peak times (mentioned in 2 reviews)
Recent Reviews
Opal Hall
8 months agoSo grateful for Fresh Air Family. We have been fortunate enough to be able to attend Gross Out Camp at Oak Mtn. 2 years in a row. It’s a blessing to have instructors like Andy and Dr. Dana who have a passion for the outdoors and getting kids and families outside in the fresh air! They host so many events, and in the world of the iPad, I highly recommend the organization.
Kelly Grimes
10 months agoMy son (11 yo) loved learning the science aspect of the camp (microbiology , etc) from Dr. Dana, but also really loved all the waterworks too (swimming, fishing, crawfish hunting, water gun fights). He will definitely be back and hopefully eventually be a counselor 💚
Jordan G
a year agoVerna & the counselors at Gross Out Camp Oak Mtn made this week absolutely amazing for my girls! We have already signed up for another week of Gross Out Camp because they have had so much fun! Hiking, swimming, exploring, oh my! Hands down the BEST! 5 stars from our family!
Kelly Smith
10 months agoMy son just finished his fifth summer at Gross Out Camp Trussville. Dr. Matt does an amazing job teaching, entertaining, and engaging the kids in all things science--biology, ecology, hydrology, zoology--ALL the -ologies! He learns something new every year. He enjoys meeting new friends and hanging out with returning camp friends. The counselors keep the kids busy (and safe!) all day. Verna and the Fresh Air Family team have developed an incredible program for kids to get outside and engage the world around them.
Shana Rodriguez
9 months agoThis was our first camp experience, and now the pedestal has been set high! My daughter absolutely loved her week at camp( McCallum Park)! They have so much fun, from cooling off in the creek, learning about light waves, to looking for fossils and bugs! It was the highlight of her summer! I will recommend this camp to everyone who has a child who loves being out doors! They guaranteed tires dirty children, and that’s what I got!
Contact Information
3900 Montclair Rd Box 130186, Mountain Brook, AL 35213, USA
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