About Fresh Air Family

Fresh Air Family provides science education opportunities in the great outdoors. Using design-thinking, we focus on brain development in children, especially at-risk, under-served children. Fresh Air Family employs four PhD level educators and expert naturalists to teach children and families. Launched in July 2006, we have served thousands of families, children and youth in outdoor education programs that promote mental and physical health. Fresh Air Family is a 501(c)3 non-profit. Programs include:

Hikes for Tykes – A free hands-on field biology program for pre-school children. In partnership with Vulcan Park and Museum. 219 served 2019

Fresh Air Field Trips and Classroom programs – Using design-thinking skills, we focus on hands-on learning that develops young brains. Science, life skills, environmental ed. Specializing in under-served, at-risk students. 6,580 served 2019

Gross Out Camp – Camps across the state. Received the Peggy Spain McDonald Bright Idea Award from the Alabama Department of Education. Diverse camp with generous scholarship program to include under-served at-risk children. 447 summer 20 camps 2019, 218 on scholarship, with 1,900 total with field trips

Prepared, Not Scared Camp – A partnership with Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office to teach children survival skills.  48 children in program, with skills taught on field trips as well.

Family hikes – We offer more than 400 family hikes in partnership with everyone from Alabama State Parks to Alabama Wildflower Society, Alabama Hiking Trail Society, Alabama Paleontology Society and many others. Hundreds served.

Wacky Tacky Light Tour – our annual fundraiser that funds scholarships for our camps. A bus ride to see over the top, outrageous holiday lights. 1,226 attended 2018.

Scale Back Alabama – Annually, Fresh Air Family is the activity arm for the Alabama Department of Health and Alabama Hospital Association’s weight loss program called Scale Back Alabama. Typically, 35,000 participate annually.

Awards: 2015 Partner of the Year, Birmingham Botanical Gardens for 20,000 instructional hours

Membership is $25 for individuals and $35 for families. More at www.FreshAirFamily.org.