Birmingham, September 15, 2025
News Summary
For the past 19 years, Birmingham’s Gross Out Camp has been engaging children aged first through fourth with outdoor science and exploration activities. This summer, the camp served 1,600 children across 108 weeks, facilitating hands-on experiences that foster critical thinking while countering excessive screen time. With a commitment to inclusivity, the camp provides significant financial aid, ensuring all children can partake in enriching outdoor adventures that promote lifelong learning.
Birmingham
Birmingham’s Gross Out Camp, founded by Verna Gates and operated by Fresh Air Family, has been promoting outdoor exploration and hands-on science for children in the area for the past 19 years. This summer, the camp welcomed 1,600 children across 108 weeks, providing them with immersive opportunities to engage with nature and develop critical thinking skills.
Camp Activities and Educational Approach
At Gross Out Camp, children explore streams, build ecosystems, and participate in field biology. The camp curriculum is intentionally designed to foster scientific inquiry while avoiding the traditional classroom structure. Children encounter various creatures, such as salmanders and slugs, as they conduct hands-on investigations, allowing them to gather “data” from their experiences in the wild.
This year’s highlights included a project where campers built their own river system, complete with dams and wildlife bridges. This type of activity exemplifies the camp’s focus on practical engineering skills and encourages campers to think critically about environmental interactions.
Addressing Screen Time and Fostering Development
Gates aims to counterbalance the effects of excessive screen time on children by promoting outdoor adventure, specifically targeting kids in grades first through fourth. She focuses on the numerous benefits of outdoor exploration, which researchers suggest may enhance brain power, resilience, and decision-making abilities.
Financial Aid and Accessibility
Gross Out Camp is dedicated to inclusivity and accessibility, offering $106,000 in financial aid annually, with a significant portion of $61,000 directed towards supporting Birmingham-area families. This financial assistance ensures that no child is turned away due to economic barriers, reinforcing the camp’s mission to provide enriching outdoor experiences to as many children as possible.
Success Stories and Community Impact
Gates notes that the impact of the camp extends beyond the summer months. Several former campers have pursued careers in the sciences, including four alumni who obtained doctorates. Campers also acquire practical life skills; many are motivated to pass on fishing techniques they learned to their parents.
Parents have reported that children often do not want to leave at the end of the day, especially when they are enjoying time exploring the creek. The camp runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with an optional extended hours program from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., across several locations, including Oak Mountain State Park, Trussville, Homewood, McCallum Park in Vestavia, Village at Cook Springs, and Camp Fletcher in Bessemer.
Ultimately, Gates promotes the idea that the best education often takes place outside traditional classrooms, where unstructured, messy activities can lead to unforgettable memories and practical learning experiences.
Key Features of Gross Out Camp
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Age Group | First through Fourth Grade |
| Years in Operation | 19 Years |
| Number of Participants (2023) | 1,600 Children |
| Financial Aid | $106,000 Annually |
| Camp Locations | Various parks in Birmingham area |
| Operating Hours | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Extended to 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.) |
FAQ Section
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gross Out Camp?
Gross Out Camp is an outdoor science and exploration camp for children primarily in grades first through fourth. It emphasizes hands-on learning experiences in nature.
How many children attended the camp this year?
This year, 1,600 children participated in the Gross Out Camp across various sessions over the summer.
What types of activities do children participate in?
Activities include exploring streams, constructing ecosystems, building river systems, and engaging with local wildlife while learning about nature.
Is financial aid available for families?
Yes, the camp offers $106,000 in financial aid annually to ensure accessibility, with significant support for Birmingham-area families.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Alabama’s Hidden Gems: Uncovering Cultural Treasures
Bish’s RV Opens New Location in Calera, Alabama
Tragic Solo Hiking Incident in Grand Canyon Results in Death, Marks Fifth Fatality in August
Indulge in a Gastronomic Delight at Birmingham Restaurant Week 2024
Additional Resources
- AL.com: Comeback Town – My Goal is to Gross You Out
- Wikipedia: Children’s Camps
- Homewood Star: Fresh Air Family – Explore Your Icky, Sticky, Slimy World
- Google Search: Outdoor Education
- StyleBlueprint: Wacky Tacky Light Tour
- Google Scholar: Outdoor Learning Benefits
- Bham Now: Experience the Magic of the Wacky Tacky Light Tour
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Outdoor Education
- AL.com: Christmas 2024 – Best Holiday Lights Shows in the Birmingham Area
- Google News: Birmingham Community Programs
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
