Verna Gates is the founder and executive director of Fresh Air Family (FAF). This organization provides science education opportunities in the great outdoors. Starting with our Hikes for Tykes program for pre-school children through our elementary school camps to junior high and high school camp counselor programs, to our family and weekend programs, and our senior programs. FAF serves people throughout their lives. Fresh Air Family employs PhD and masters level educators and expert naturalists to instruct children and families. Fresh Air Family is a 501(c)3 non-profit.

 

Programs include:

Gross Out Camp –a popular, award-winning science camp based on outdoor hands-on field biology. A manual with 30-plus lesson plans and science background has been created to expand our camp program throughout the state and beyond. Generous scholarship program awarded $62,000 in financial aid in 2024 with 68 camps in 23 locations for more than 1,500 campers.

 

Weekend Adventures – We offer guided weekend adventures including hikes, fossil hunts, creek walks, cave tours, and more. With our partners, we offer more than 400 events annually.  

 

Gross Out After School Program – fourth year at Highlands School. Learn about science and nature on campus or at a park.

 

Hikes for Tykes -- A hands-on field biology program designed for pre-school children and their families. Includes storytelling, fairy house building, creek exploration and more. 

 

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. 

 

Wacky Tacky Light Tour – our annual fundraiser that funds scholarships for our camps. A bus ride to see over the top, outrageous holiday lights. Nearly 1,600 participated in 2023.

Tours and programs for seniors and special needs children, teens and adults. 

 

Calendar and newsletter: FAF gathers statewide events to send to our 6,000 newsletter recipients and to visitors to our website. We average 46% openings for readership. We promote your festival/outdoor/educational events. 

 

Awards: 2023 Eagle Award from Alabama State Parks. 2015 Partner of the Year, Birmingham Botanical Gardens for providing 20,000 instructional hours. Spain Bright Idea Award, Alabama Department of Education