Children's Fresh Air Farm

The Children’s Fresh Air Farm, located in Birmingham, Alabama, is a transformative summer program designed to nurture the academic, creative, and spiritual growth of underserved children from the greater Birmingham area. Operated by the Independent Presbyterian Church (IPC) since 1923, this camp offers a unique blend of education, recreation, and faith-based activities in a safe and supportive environment. A Summer Learning Program with Purpose The camp’s cornerstone is its Summer Learning Program, an intensive six-week initiative that provides rising 2nd through 8th graders with academic enrichment in the mornings and engaging recreational activities in the afternoons. The program focuses on: Academics: Licensed teachers lead classes in reading, writing, and mathematics, helping children make significant gains in their skills. Many campers achieve several months of academic progress during the summer. Creative Enrichment: Afternoons are filled with activities like art, music, drama, science, and gardening. These hands-on experiences inspire creativity and curiosity. Recreation: Campers enjoy swimming lessons, physical education, and outdoor play on the camp’s sprawling 35-acre property. Field Trips: Weekly excursions to local attractions such as the Birmingham Zoo, McWane Science Center, and Red Mountain Theatre add excitement and broaden horizons. Faith-Centered Community At its heart, the Children’s Fresh Air Farm is rooted in Christian values. Daily Bible study and worship services in the outdoor chapel provide opportunities for spiritual growth. The camp emphasizes character-building lessons such as kindness, respect, and community service, creating a nurturing space where children can grow emotionally and spiritually. A Safe Haven for Underserved Children The camp serves children primarily recruited from IPC’s STAIR (Start The Adventure In Reading) program. It is entirely free for participants and provides healthy meals and snacks throughout the day. For many campers, this program offers access to enriching experiences they might not otherwise have during the summer. Why Choose Children’s Fresh Air Farm? The Children’s Fresh Air Farm goes beyond being just a summer camp—it’s a place where children can thrive academically, socially, and spiritually. With its holistic approach to development and unwavering commitment to underserved communities, this camp has been changing lives for over a century. Whether it’s improving reading scores, learning teamwork through drama productions, or simply enjoying carefree moments swimming with friends, campers leave with newfound confidence and cherished memories. For families seeking a meaningful summer experience for their children, the Children’s Fresh Air Farm offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn, grow, and simply be kids.