Children's Fresh Air Farm

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This article is about the program on Shades Mountain. For other uses, see Fresh Air Farm (disambiguation).

The Children's Fresh Air Farm is a day-camp program operated as a ministry of Independent Presbyterian Church at a 35-acre site on Shades Mountain at 501 Park Avenue in Hoover's Bluff Park community.

Independent Presbyterian pastor Henry Edmonds founded the camp in 1923 with the support of Robert Meyer and input from physicians and social workers. The idea was to provide for the physical and mental needs of urban children, away from the soot and smoke of Jones Valley. The first 10-week session was held at Shades Cahaba High School. In 1924 the church acquired the Charles Perry residence as a permanent site. Joe and Mary O'Quinn donated additional land.

In its early years, the Fresh Air Farm volunteer doctors offered medical and dental evaluations and treatment to campers. Nutritionists saw that meals included fresh fruits and vegetables, some of which was harvested from small garden plots tended by the campers. Recreation programs were designed by physical fitness experts. IPC also provided religious programs including twice-daily chapel services. An outdoor chapel facility was completed in 1965 and restored in 1980.

The last overnight camping sessions were held in 2008. Since 2010 Children's Fresh Air Farm has focused on summer programs for children enrolled at Birmingham City Schools' Whatley Elementary School, Gibson Elementary School, and Hayes K-8 School. The Samford University Department of Education has partnered with CFAC to develop the programs, which include field trips. The programs, including transportation, meals and supplies, are provided for free or at nominal cost to participating families.

In 2021 Children's Fresh Air Farm opened a 9-hole disc golf course at the camp which is open to the public.

Directors

References

  • Hyden, Robin (July 23, 2010) "Children’s Fresh Air Farm: 'These kids deserve this'." Alabama Possible
  • Skaggs, Heather Jones (2013) Bluff Park. Images of America Series. Mount Pleasant, South Carolina: Arcadia Publishing. ISBN 9780738590998
  • Skaggs, Heather Jones & Rebecca Walden (June 27, 2013) "A camp in the woods." Hoover Sun
  • Levins, Julia (July 20, 2015) "Vintage photos: Do you remember summer fun at Birmingham's Fresh Air Farm?" The Birmingham News
  • Anderson, Jon (May 24, 2021) "Spinning into summer: Disc golf course opens in Bluff Park." Hoover Sun
  • Burchfield, Rachel (August 23, 2021) "Children’s Fresh Air Farm: A Place Where Kids Can ‘Just Be Kids’." About Town

External links

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