Fresh Air Family Inc
Private
Fresh Air Family runs Gross Out Camp, a science- and nature-based summer day camp for ages 6 to 14 that has kids handling the messier side of the outdoors. Camps run 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with an extended 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. option, at sites including Vulcan Park, Oak Mountain State Park, McCallum Park, Camp Fletcher and along the Cahaba River in Trussville. The nonprofit, founded in 2006, also runs weekend adventures and school field trips, and awards substantial financial aid each year — nearly $50,000 in 2023 across more than 1,500 campers.
The practical details
We list only what the camp itself publishes, and programs change — dates, prices, ages and availability can all move after we check. Confirm the details on the camp’s own website and contact Fresh Air Family Inc directly before you register or pay. Last checked August 2026.
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★★★★★Amber SmithMy twin daughters have had an absolute blast at Gross Out Camp two years in a row, making unforgettable memories and building skills and confidence that will last a lifetime. Shoutout to the Fresh Air Family and everyone involved. Thank you for all the hard work you pour in to making Gross Out Camp possible!
★★★★★Sarah LynnMy 6 year old son went to Gross Out Camp at the Trussville location. He spent each week under the supervision of Dr Matt Brown and learned so much about nature. They explored the Cahaba River for hours each day and always went home exhausted and filthy- just the way a happy child should. Once each week Dr Matt would bring his critters to teach the kids. That was my son’s first spark of interest in snakes and now he is FASCINATED a year later. The camp is full of children from incoming 1st graders up through 5th and I was a bit concerned about him being one of the youngest. But the older kids act as CITs and help out the younger ones. My son wasn't successful at catching any bugs or fish and was a bit down about it but he said the older kids would let him look at/touch theirs so that made it better. We signed him up to return for a couple weeks this year and he is STOKED. TIPS: slather on the high spf and send more - also a stick of spf for the younger ones to do their own face. Long sleeve spf or rashguard shirt. Spray them with bug spray but it will get washed off so we also used the repellent bracelets. Big breakfast and pack them a hearty lunch!
★★★★★Reza EhsanBest camp my son ever attended during the summer! I sent my son to Gross Out camp in 2024 for the first time, and that was enough for him to keep asking my to send him again to Gross Out this summer. Everyone in the camp is so friendly and warm and they learn a lot about the animals in Alabama. Summer means enjoying the nature and they were truly immersed in the nature during this camp.
★★★★★Opal HallSo 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 GrimesMy 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 💚