Building with Bricks

Posted on Sunday, March 3, 2019 by Angie

Join the Alabama Center of Architecture in March as they celebrate architecture through Building with Bricks, a design build hand’s on experience for kids and adults too!

Design/Build Room for Kids – It’s time to show off your brick creations. Use your imagination to create your best architectural designs using LEGO bricks with an architect to help create the coolest building.

Architecture Exhibit – Featuring projects and architectural models from local architects and designers. Gather inspiration for your next renovation, office, new construction, investment properties or dream home.

Learn how to read drawings with architects on site.

Magic City LEGO user group exhibition – featuring incredible replicas of local architecture.

This event is not affiliated with the LEGO group.

Architects will be on site for lunch sessions during Spring Break as well as on Saturdays! We hope to see you soon!

Alabama Center for Architecture:

Mar 12th – 14th: 10:00 am – 05:00 pm
Mar 15th: 10:00 am – 03:00 pm
Mar 19th – 21st: 10:00 am – 05:00 pm
Mar 22nd & 23rd: 10:00 am – 03:00 pm
Mar 26th: 10:00 am – 05:00 pm

Friday Five: Top Picks for Weekend Fun, March 1st – March 3rd

Posted on Thursday, February 28, 2019 by Angie

Happy Birthday Dr Seuss! That’s the theme for the events happening around the Magic city this weekend! Along with a tasty Chili Cook Off, one of our most favorite events each spring!

15th Annual Chili Cook Off at Brookwood Mall

The Chili Cook-Off is The Exceptional Foundation’s largest fundraiser of the year. Proceeds from this event are a significant source of funding for our programs at The Exceptional Foundation where we strive to meet the social and recreational needs of individuals of all ages with special needs

Saturday, 10:30am – 3pm

Birmingham Bulls Hockey – Pelham Civic Complex

Vs. Evansville Thunderbolts

As You Walk Through the Door, Your Hearts Starts Pumping! The irresistible lure of HOCKEY and the buzz of a packed house causes your ADRENALIN to surge. The music is PUMPING, the lights fade and the smoke swirls – and that’s just the beginning. Monster hits, UNBELIEVABLE GOALS and in-your-face hockey keeps you on the edge of your seat. The action is NON-STOP! With heart pounding music, and contests, what are you waiting for? It’s an EXPERIENCE to remember.

Saturday, 7pm

Dr. Seuss Birthday at Barnes and Noble Summit

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss! Join us for Storytime, games, and activities in celebration of the beloved author’s birthday. Get a coupon from our Café for a grilled cheese sandwich with milk or juice for $4!

Saturday, 11am

Dr Seuss Day at McWane Science Center

One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish! Join us for some Seuss science!

Saturday, 10am – 6pm

Dr Seuss Day at CHOM

Let’s Rhyme Storytime!

Stack the Cat’s Hat!

Inspect Oobleck!

Make a “Thing” Painting!

Saturday, 9am – 4:30pm

Summer Camp Spotlight: Alabama School of Fine Arts

Posted on Thursday, February 28, 2019 by Angie

It’s Alabama and we’re all looking forward to a steamy summer. There’s a way to make that summer S.T.E.A.M. count with camps in Science-Technology-Engineering-Arts-Math at Alabama School of Fine Arts. ASFA is a public magnet school that is a unique intersection of arts and sciences. During the summer, ASFA opens its doors to the wider community and to younger students with its summer programs.

ASFA Summer Camps meet the needs of the young sketch artist to the young scientist. Programs are designed to educate, inspire and enrich the student in a fun and collaborative environment. Campers may choose to build their dance technique, their confidence on the stage or even an app.

Campers at ASFA S.T.E.A.M. summer program will learn specific skills like how to pirouette, how to hit a D flat, what a+b equals, how to draw perspective, what the rules of improv are, and how to write an answer to a generative prompt. Beyond technical skills though, students will also work on collaboration, creative problem-solving, discipline, and self-responsibility. Instructors and faculty are experienced professionals, both as teachers and as artists and experts in their fields. They provide a caring and safe environment where students are challenged to reach their full potential.

The expert faculty teaches these specialized camps on a pre-professional level. Campers can chose to attend a camp focused on creative writing, dance, video game design, app programming, mathematics, music, theatre arts or visual arts. Most camps are a half day (except theater) so you can mix and match an arts camp with a STEM camp to have a full day of right and left brained learning.

The camps will have you grand jete-ing across a studio, writing poetry and prose, running lines, designing your own video game, earning school credit for Algebra, being inspired at the Museum of Art and learning how to better play an instrument and working on ear-training.

These camps are also a perfect opportunity to see what ASFA is all about and get a taste of ASFA’s excellent specialized education. Many students come to camps to see if applying to ASFA would be something they would like to pursue.

Campers are guaranteed to connect with other campers, laugh, learn and have fun in an environment of exploration and excellence.

Camps run throughout June with easy drop off and pick up at ASFA’s conveniently located downtown campus.

For more information or to register for any of the camps offered by ASFA, visit their website

Homeschool Mommy: Homeschooling and Socialization

Posted on Tuesday, February 26, 2019 by Abby Hengeveld

Let’s start with the first thing everyone ask about when you tell them you’ve decided to homeschool…socialization!

I’ll admit I used this idea as an excuse in the early days of my husband and I deciding to homeschool. As someone who attended public school, I couldn’t fathom how my children could make lasting friendships without going to school and having classmates. How were my
kids going to know how to act around others and their peers if they’re not in a classroom setting?

Luckily, my daughter is my oldest child and she is quite the social butterfly. She makes friends wherever she goes. She loves to talk and ask questions. Small talk is her jam. And I have a feeling this would be who she is, homeschooled or not.

My middle child, my oldest son, is shy. he gets a little overwhelmed in crowds of new people and isn’t much of a talker when he is out of his comfort zone. I also have a feeling that’s who he would be, homeschooled or not.

So, if you’re worried about homeschooling making your child a certain type of person, I don’t think you have anything to worry about there. People are who they are. We’re all unique. And that’s good!

Now, that we have that squared away, let’s talk about all of the opportunities there are for homeschool kids in the Birmingham Area to socialize!

Cover Schools, like mine Faith Community Christian School offers parties, play dates, and field trips. Even Moms Night out so the moms get some socializing in too! There are many good cover schools in our area. They all do not offer the same things, so be sure to pick one that offers what you need.

Co-ops are different than cover schools. A Co-Op can offer classes for your child that would give them the experience of a classroom setting and help fill in any gaps that you think they may have in classes you’ve taught at home. For instance, when my children get older and need more complex Science and Math, a co-op is going to be a life saver! And it will have the added bonus of socialization. Some co-ops offer class parties, and even field trips. There are also many available in our area. For instance, SCOPE is one that I have heard good things about.

There are some curriculums that require at least one day of the week to be group classes. I have used Classical Conversations in the past and the group/class day was always my daughter’s favorite day. There are multiple CC groups in the Birmingham Area.

Some area activities offer special days and rates just for homeschoolers, such as High Point Climbing. Those days are always fun and a good opportunity to meet other homeschoolers in the area. High Point Climbing’s next Home School day is March 7th, from 8AM until 3PM.

The Birmingham Homeschoolers Community is a great resource for park days, play dates, field trips and Moms nights out. They offer events just for teens, enrichment classes and camps as well. The moms who run this community have really made a wonderful resource for homeschoolers in Birmingham.

Along with all of these exclusively homeschooler opportunities, there are still others ways to make sure your children are socializing. Recreational Sports have been a great resource for our family. My sons have found a love of soccer and it was wonderful seeing them work with their team and coaches. Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, still offer valuable life skills and lessons. Along with The American Heritage Girls.

And lets not forget just scheduling a good old fashion play date at the park! It seems the simplest of activities are still my children’s favorite way to socialize.

About Abby:

Abby is a Writer, Wife and Homeschooling Mama to 3. She lives in Springville, AL with her Family.

MOMS Club Mardi Gras Parade, 2019

Posted on Monday, February 25, 2019 by Angie

Watch out for flying beads and moon pies at the park this afternoon as kid “floats” of strollers and wagons take over the park leading up to Mardi Gras. All are welcome, kids are invited to bring instruments and we hear there will be king cake afterward at this MOMS Club, Over the Mountain chapter event. Laissez les bons temps rouler (“Let the good times roll”)

March 5th at Homewood Central Park
Parade lineup at 3:45, parade at 4pm

Spring Fun for Families in Birmingham

Posted on Sunday, February 24, 2019 by Angie

After being stuck indoors during the cold rainy months, getting out and getting some fresh air is always welcome! Fortunately, Birmingham has a lot of options for festivals and family fun going on around town.

Here’s a run down of the ones we always look forward to!

Spring Festivals and Activities in Birmingham

The Exceptional Foundation Chili Cook Off:

March 2nd | Brookwood Village, Macy’s Parking lot
Live music, all the chili you can eat, beverages, and a kidzone make this an event for the entire family.

Tickets:
• $10 – Early Bird General Admission
• $15 – Gate Price General Admission
• $20 – General Admission + $25 worth of FREE BONUS eGift Cards

Mt Laurel Spring Festival:

April 6th | Town of Mt Laurel
Shop the vibrant street fair, savor dishes from the best local food trucks, and enjoy a day strolling the idyllic streets of one of Birmingham’s best neighborhoods.

St. Elias Lebanese Food and Cultural Festival:

April 26th & 27th | St. Elias Maronite Church
St. Elias has been a pillar of the Lebanese community in Birmingham since 1910. As the parish grew, so did its impact, including the creation of its food and cultural festival in 1999. For the last 20 years, the festival has provided Birmingham with delicious food and a fun, family friendly environment. Since the festival began, it has been important to us to give back to the Birmingham community.

Admission: FREE!

Prices for food will range from $3.00 and up. Dessert prices will range from $2.50 to $20.00 for a dessert sampler. Debit and Credit cards Accepted!

18th Annual Gardendale Magnolia Festival:

April 26th & 27th | Gardendale Civic Center
Activities and entertainment for all ages in a family-friendly environment. Children can enjoy the carnival experience, ride ponies, and take free art classes while mom can get her shopping fix with 150+ arts and crafts/business booths. Dad can enjoy the Classic Car Show and grandparents will tap their foot to the beat of blue grass bands as well as other genres on three stages of live entertainment. The whole family will enjoy the Pooch Parade, eating contests, and satisfy their appetites with fried Oreos, funnel cake, shrimp poboys, Philly cheese steaks, kettlecorn, Cajun pistolettes, or sip on a tall glass of fresh squeezed lemonade.Free admission. Carnival armbands, Ponies, petting zoo extra.

Bob Sykes BBQ and Blues Festival:

April 27th |DeBardeleben Park in Downtown Historic Bessemer
Presented by The City of Bessemer and Bob Sykes Bar B Q. The event will combine the best of blues music and legendary Bob Sykes Bbq at the beautiful DeBardeleben Park located in historic downtown Bessemer. You can expect to hear talented award winning local and national blues musicians. Be sure to bring a chair or blanket and set-up your spot for the day.

Tickets $15. Gates open at 11am. Festival is 12-8pm.

Magic City Art Connection:

April 26th – 28th |Linn Park
The 36th annual show and Birmingham’s largest arts festival will transform Linn Park with its blast of fresh artistic talent, sights, sounds, tastes, and aromas. #MagicCityArt spotlights 200 artists both locally and nationally and mixes in music, dance, kids art experiences, sculpture installations, plus food, special tastings & more

Festival Admission:
Adult $10 (entry all 3 days)
Student: $5 (entry all 3 days) – Door Only (Student ID required)
Kids 15 & under Free

The Park Place Cafe is free and open to public all 3 days.Admission Special – $5 Friday:
$5 All Day. Happy Hour 4:00pm – 6:00pm (Friday Only)

Creek Bank Festival:

May 18th | Leeds Memorial Park
Fun and fellowship for a full day of festivities with plenty of shopping at arts and craft booths, a full schedule of entertainment, and food provided by food vendors.

No admission charge

Do Dah Day:

May 18th | Rhodes Park
Do Dah Day is a annual event held along Birmingham’s Highland Avenue with all monies raised donated to charities that benefit animals in the Birmingham & Jefferson County area.Parade starts at 11:01 AM along Highland Avenue and Festivities begin at 12:01 PM in Rhodes Park!No admission charge for spectators and attendees. Fee to enter parade.

Stanley Steemer provides professional deep cleaning services including carpet, tile & grout, upholstery, hardwood and air ducts. We also provide water restoration services. Stanley Steemer of North Central Alabama services the greater Birmingham Metro Area and surrounding counties, spanning from Cullman to Clanton and from the Mississippi state line to the Georgia state line. Stanley Steemer is the first carpet cleaning service certified asthma & allergy friendly by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, removing an average of 94% of common household allergens from carpet. 24/7 scheduling available! Use Code: Mom30 for $30 off any service. (Minimum charges apply)

Friday Five: Top Picks for Weekend Fun Feb. 22nd – Feb. 24th

Posted on Thursday, February 21, 2019 by Angie

Birmingham Bulls Hockey at Pelham Civic Complex

Vs. Knoxville Ice Bears

Friday, 7:30pm
Saturday, 7pm

Disney in Concert: SuperPOPS at Samford University Wright Center

Experience a magical journey into storytelling and music as only the timeless tales of Disney can evoke. Disney In Concert Tale as Old as Time explores iconic moments, plot twists, and feats of daring heroics from Frozen, Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, The Little Mermaid, Tangled, The Lion King and many more.

Saturday, 7pm

Storytime and Activities Featuring I am Martin Luther King

Join us for our biography kids’ book series as we read about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., an inspiring leader who had a dream of peace and love for all children everywhere. Plus get a coupon from our Café for a grilled cheese sandwich with milk or juice for $4!

Black History Month at Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

Each year beginning on February 1st, an entire month of events are planned nationwide honoring the history and contributions of African Americans.

BCRI will open at 9 am on Tuesday-Friday through February.

Friday, 9am – 5pm
Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Sunday, 1am – 5pm

Live with the Characters Dance Party at Gardendale First Baptist

Come dressed as your favorite character!
75 VIP Tickets: $25 Each Show
Reserved Seating • Souvenir • Preshow Autograph & Photos

Saturday, 10am and 2pm

Birmingham Summer Camps 2019

Posted on Wednesday, February 20, 2019 by Angie

We’re so glad you found our summer camp guide!! Make sure to check out our updated listings for 2020 HERE

Many Birmingham Area Summer Camps are registering now! Summer time is just around the corner for Birmingham Families, many of our area attractions have great options for Summer Camps to help Moms look like heroes while keeping the kiddos entertained during the Summer Break. Check out this full guide of options available for 2019!

Birmingham Summer Camps 2019

Advent Episcopal School:

2019 Sixth Ave. North | Birmingham | 205.252.3535 | adventepiscopalschool.org/summer
June 10th – July 26th

Variety of programs to engage, enrich, and entertain students of all ages through the summer break. Open to rising pre-kindergarten through eighth grade students from the greater Birmingham area, the summer program is centered at Advent and designed to stimulate and challenge students over the course of six great weeks.

Afilm Camp:

At Work Play | 500 23rd Street South | Birmingham | 205. 277. 0500 | CLICK TO REGISTER NOW
Weekly: May 27th – August 2nd

Summer Day Camp for students age 6 – 15 to learn the art of filmmaking. Your students will work together with other Students their age to create a short film and in the process learn about film making from high spirited, welcoming staff with a background in film and camps!

Alabama Ballet:

2726 First Ave South | Birmingham | 205.322.4300 | www.alabamaballet.org
June 24th – July 5th. Ages 8-12. $285 for 1 week/$475 for 2 weeks

Junior Camp:
Students will take age appropriate ballet classes, learn modern dance and jazz technique, and take character and/or theatre dance classes. All students will study dance history and prepare for an end of the session performance. Family and friends are invited to join us for this performance.

July 15th – 19th AND July 22nd – 26th. Ages 4 – 7. $250 weekly

Tutus and Tiaras:
Does your little one dance around the house pretending to be Cinderella or the Sugarplum Fairy? Is “Barbie Swan Lake” in heavy rotation on your DVD player? Then Tutus & Tiaras is for you! For one week, four hours a day, children ages 4- 7 will take age appropriate ballet and tap classes, create ballet-oriented crafts and learn how ballet dancers tell stories with pantomime. During these four hours, the children will also have a story time where they can learn the story of ballets such as The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Don Quixote, The Sleeping Beauty and other classical ballets.

Alabama School of Fine Arts:

1800 Reverend Abraham Woods, Jr. Blvd | Birmingham | 205.252.9241 | CLICK TO REGISTER NOW

June 3rd – June 7th

June 3rd – June 21st

Pre-Algebra (non-credit course, preparation for Algebra 1) | Rising 7th – 9th graders | Tuition: $525 (incoming ASFA M/S students: $265)

Fundamentals of Algebra 1 (eligible as a credit course) | Rising 7th graders and above | Tuition: $525 (incoming ASFA M/S students: $265)

June 10th – June 14th

June 17th – June 21st

Stencyl: Programming Video Game Design | Rising 5th – 8th graders | Tuition: $195
Exploring Drawing and Printmaking | Rising 5th – 8th graders | Tuition: $230

Aldridge Gardens

3530 Lorna Road | Hoover | 205.682.8019 | aldridgegardens.com
June 3rd – June 28th | 5k – 5th Grade

June will be a full month long of excitement, entertainment and, of course, education at Aldridge Gardens. Whether your little campers like American Girls, Paper Circultry, Cool Art in the Gardens, Myth Busters, Engineering and Construction, STEAM Lab and more! We have something they’re sure to enjoy!

Acting Out Academy

2531 Rocky Ridge Road, Suite 125 | Birmingham | www.actingoutacademy.com
June 17th – June 21st

The summer’s biggest and best on-camera training program is going to bigger than ever!
Kids will train all week with acting professionals from all over the country and end with a showcase for Talent Agents, Managers and Casting Directors. (Classes include: On-camera Acting, Improv with Second City, Voice Over, Commercial Acting, Hosting, Stunts and more!)

Baylor School Overnight Camps, Chattanooga

171 Baylor School Road | Chattanooga, TN | 423.267.8505 | CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Overnight Dates: June 17 – July 20

Sports Camps: Ages 8-13
Baylor’s sports clinics are directed by our varsity team coaches in a fun and encouraging atmosphere. Our highly individualized instruction includes fundamentals in skill development and teamwork to increase both confidence and ability.

Enrichment Camps:
College Prep: Ages: 15-17 (or any student who has completed Algebra 2)
The Digital Design Experience Ages: 11-16
Science, Engineering, & Technology: Session 1 Ages rising 3rd – rising 5th grade | Session 2 Ages rising 5th – rising 9th grade

Outdoor Camps:
Cherokee National Forest Experience: Ages 12-15
Mountain Biking Experience: Ages 12-16
The Walkabout Experience: Ages 8-16

Special Interest Camps:
The Boarding School Experience: Ages 11-13

LEX/RED: Ages 12-16
This summer camp is unlike any we know of as it treats children to the joy and power of books, reading, authors and writing. Is your child the next famous writer? Does your child love books and reading? If so, this may be their dream camp.

Beauty and Brains Girls STEM Camps

Vestavia Hills Civic Center and Pelham Rec Center | bbgirlsstem.com

Beauty & Brains is a fun, creative, high energy, hands on summer camp and after school enrichment program for girls. Our program give girls the chance to explore and experiment with science, creative design, math, engineering and technology…all while having fun in a gender affirming environment. Our goal is to increase girls interest, understanding and participation in STEM related activities and careers.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

2612 Lane Park Road | Birmingham | 205.414.3950 | bbgardens.org
June 3rd – August 2nd | Ages 4 – 6th Grade

Programs are designed to actively promote your child’s natural sense of creativity and discovery with fun learning experiences in the unmatched setting at Birmingham Botanical Gardens!

Birmingham Children’s Theatre

2130 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd N | Birmingham | 205.458.8181 | www.bct123.org
Camp Dates: June and July | Ages 4 – 17

One of the nation’s oldest and largest professional theatre companies for young audiences, Birmingham Children’s Theatre produces high-quality, professional theatrical entertainment and curriculum-relevant arts education experiences for children and families.

Birmingham Fencing Club

1581 Montgomery Highway, Suite 109 | Birmingham | 205.823.4448 | https://www.fencingclub.org/
DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED | Ages 6-12

Summer Camps introduce students to the basics of fencing. You have lots of choices, selecting activities for your children, and we offer a unique opportunity. The sport of fencing is gaining popularity.

Birmingham School of Music

Drum Set Camp, Guitar Camp, Rock ‘n Roll Band Camp, Musical Theater/Vocal Camp, Beginner Music Camp.

Birmingham Zoo

2630 Cahaba Road | Birmingham | 205.397.3877 | CLICK TO REGISTER NOW
June 3rd – August 2nd | Ages 4k – 5th grade and 6th – 12th Grade

Zoo camps are educational and encourage active learning through games, crafts, age-appropriate explorations, and special encounters with a variety of our resident animals. Rich in STEM-based explorations, these camps engage the natural curiosity of a child and allow ample opportunity to practice critical emerging science skills. Learning has never been so much FUN!

Primary Camps Include:

GRADES 4K – 5th Creature Features | Habitat Happenings | Natural Discoveries
GRADES 6th – 8th Wild Life Researchers | Nature Engineers

Specialty Camps Include:

GRADES 4K – 2nd Naturally Gross!
GRADES 3rd – 5th Zoo Keeper
GRADES 6th – 8th ZooKeeper
GRADES 9th – 12th Animal Wellness | Conservation Connections

Block Out Academy Volleyball Camps

133 West Oxmoor Road, Suite 203 | Homewood | 205.401.6485 | CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
June and July | Price Per Camp $100

Middle School Setter Camp: June 7th 9am – 12pm
High School Setter Camp: June 8th 10am – 1pm
Libero/DS 8th and 9th Grade: June 9th 1pm – 4pm
Rising 8th Grade All Skills Camp: June 14th 1pm – 4pm
Middle School Hitting: June 15th 10am – 1pm
JV/Varsity Hitting/Blocking: June 21st 9am – 12pm
Beginner 12 and Under: June 22nd 10am – 1pm
Freshman All Skills Camp: June 28th 9am – 12pm
Rising 7th Elite Camp: June 29th 10am – 1pm

Middle School 6th-8th grade All Skills: July 12th 9am – 12pm
DS/Libero 8th – 12th grade: July 13th 10am – 1pm
Middle School Setting 6th – 8th grade: July 19th 9am – 12pm
High School Setting 9th – 12th grade: July 20th 10am – 1pm
All Skills Rising 8th and 9th grade: July 26th 9am – 12pm
Middle School Hitting 6th – 8th grade: July 27th 10am – 1pm

Camp Fliptastic at Head Over Heels Gymnastics

500 Caldwell Mill Trace | Birmingham | 205.981.2720 | www.headoverheelsgyms.com
June 4th – July 31st | Ages 3- 14

Daily Themes, fantastic staff, creative crafts, circus arts and plenty of gymnastics

Camp Indian Springs

190 Woodward Drive | Indian Springs | 205.982.9720 | www.campindiansprings119.com
May 28th – July 26th | Ages 5 – 13

Camp Indian Springs is a summer day camp for kids ages 5-13 at Indian Springs School located on HWY 119. Campers will spend their summer engaged in on-campus activities including tennis, hiking, beach volleyball, gymnasium sports, outdoor sports, gardening and arts and crafts along with field trips such as bowling, movies, skating and more!

Camp VST at Virginia Samford Theatre

1116 26th Street S | Birmingham | 205.251.1228 | virginiasamfordtheatre.org/vststars/camp-vst
June 3rd – June 21st | Ages 7-17

Summer theatre intensive designed to give children the opportunity to explore all aspects of working in live theatre. Aciting, singing, dancing, stage makeup, improv, stage-combat and more.

The Dance Foundation

1715 27th Court South | Homewood | 205.870.0073 | www.thedancefoundation.org
June 3rd – August 3rd

Summer Day Camps are led by by caring, enthusiastic professional staff in our studios in Downtown Homewood. Early drop-off option is available for full-day camps. All campers should bring a lunch each day. Snacks provided for full-day campers. All campers receive a T-shirt.

The Exceptional Foundation

1616 Oxmoor Road | Birmingham | 205.870.0776 | www.exceptionalfoundation.org
June 3rd – July 26th | Ages 5 and up

Social and recreational activities for individuals with special needs. Campers will have the opportunity to do art, play sports and go on field trips.

Fish Camp Films Summer Camps

Dates: June 3-14 / weekdays only from 10:00-3:00 location: UAB’s campus cost: $150 / full scholarships available age group: rising High School Freshmen – Seniors/ register online at urbanavenues.com

We all have our favorite stories and films, but what if you could learn the secrets to making your own? At Fish Camp Films, we’re sharing all the tips and tricks! Students will learn from filmmakers, photographers and professional storytellers as they create their own portfolio and experience the city through a new lens.

Through trainings based on both professional equipment and the cameras they always have with them —smartphones — campers will learn the techniques to artfully tell a story. With opportunities to capture the city and visit filmmakers on set, this is a great summer experience for students that love all things media.

Fresh Air Family

Gross Out Camps | Various Locations around Birmingham | www.freshairfamily.org/gross-out-camp
May 28th – August 2nd

Hands-on field biology along with science experiments. Outdoor lessons in nature. Learning so much fun, they will never know it! Live animal shows, exploring in creek beds, exploring the woods, under rocks and digging for decomposers, and Roly Poly races.

Highlands School Summer Camp

4901 Old Leeds Road | Birmingham | 205.956.9731 | www.highlandsschool.org
June 3rd – July 26th (no camp 4th of July week) | Ages 4k – 8th grade

Art, sports, science and more.

High Point Climbing and Fitness

4766 Hwy 280 | Birmingham | 205.981.9190 | www.highpointclimbing.com/birmingham

Build confidence, strength and teamwork skills withing the sport of rock climbing

Hoover Met Complex Summer Sports Camp

100 Ben Chapman Dr | Hoover | 205.739.7364 | www.hoovermetcomplex.com
June 3rd – July 26th (no camps week of July 4th ) | Ages 5-13

Build the foundation for physical skills and teamwork with sports including, basketball, flag football, soccer, and volleyball

Joseph Bruno Montessori Academy

5509 Timber Hill Road | Birmingham | 205.995.8709 | www.jbma.education
June 3rd – July 26th | Ages Preschool and Elementary

Interactive and creative summer camps designed to engage children in meaningful and fun summer activities.

Kidcam Oak Mountain State Park

Oak Mountain State Park | Pelham | 877.4kidcam | www.kidcamcamp.com/2019
May 28th – August 2nd | Ages 5-13

Kidcam offers 10 weeks of summer fun with all the best activities offered at Oak Mountain State Park. Full summer and weekly camp sessions are available online now for registration. Purchase only the weeks you need and build your summer around you!

LJCC

3960 Montclair Rd | Birmingham | 205.879.0411 | bhamjcc.org/summer-camp-2/

Camp LJCC offers day camps to the entire Birmingham community for kids entering grades K-8. We offer camps 11 weeks of summer and most importantly, our camp has a “camp a la carte” system that allows you to plan your summer exactly as you wish – sign up for one week or all eleven. You can mix and match weeks with Day Camp, specialty and/or sport camps.

Mason Music

Bluff Park | Cahaba Heights | Greystone | Mountain Brook | masonmusicstudios.com

Guitar, Piano, voice drum and violin lessons for all ages.

McWane Science Center

200 19th Street North | Birmingham | 205.714.8414 | www.mcwane.org
June 3rd – July 26 (no camps July 2nd – 6th) | PreK – 7th Grade

A week of fun and learning awaits your child at McWane Science Center Summer Camp.

All camps for students entering 1st through 7th grade will be full day camps. Pre-K-Kindergarten will be half day camps from 9:00 AM-1:00 PM.

Pure Fitness Kidz Fit Camp

1425 Montgomery Hwy Ste 115 | Vestavia Hills | 205.420.1054 | www.purefitnessllc.com
June 24 – 28 and July 15 – 19 | Ages 5-13

Stay fit and active over the summer. Learn new sports skills, work on mobility & flexibility and learn more about leading a healthy lifestyle.

Red Mountain Theatre Company

3028 7th Ave S | Birmingham | 205.324.2424 | CLICK TO REGISTER NOW
Ages 4 – 18

RMTC camps teach theatrical craft while providing performance opportunities for youth. The curriculum includes vocal, dance, and drama training and culminates in a staged performance, where students perform for live audiences.

Summer Blast Students Students learn a repertoire of musical theatre songs and dances during a weeklong workshop, culminating in a performance for family and friends. This opportunity is open (non-auditioned) to interested students ages 7-12.

Playmaking: Ages 4- 7
Broadway Bootcamp: Ages 7-18
Blast Camps: Ages 7-12
Theme Camps: Ages 7-12
Active Intensive: Ages 10-14
Peter Pan Jr.: Ages 7-13
Getting to Know Footloose: Ages 13-18

Samford University: Academy of the Arts

1939 South Lakeshore Dr | Birmingham | 205.726.2739 | www.samford.edu/go/aota

Art Studio for Teens: Grades 6-8
Bulldog Art Camp: Grades 1-5
Music and Art for Minis: Ages 4-6
Adventures in Music: Grades 1-12
Writing Camps for Tweens and Teens: Ages 11-15

Samford University: Bulldog Soccer Camps

1939 South Lakeshore Drive | Birmingham | www.bulldogsoccercamp.com/day-camps.aspx
Boys & Girls Ages 4-13

Designed to develop young players technical skills through a series of fun yet challenging activities

Day Camp Session One : June 10-13, 2019
Day Camp Session Two : June 17-20, 2019

South City Theatre

2969 Pelham Parkway Suites J-K | Pelham | 205.621.2128 | www.southcitytheatre.com/acting-up-summer-camp/
June 18th – 29 |Rising 1st – 12th grade students

Students will develop their actor’s tools of body, voice, and imagination through dancing, singing, and acting! Whether they are new to theatre or veterans of the stage, they will gain confidence and self-esteem as well as performance skills by working with our professional teaching artists.

StickAndStrum Academy

106 A David Green Road | Birmingham | 205.690.1521 | www.stickandstrum.com/summer-camp-sign-up
June 18th – June 27th

Opening Act: NO EXPERIENCE, INSTRUMENTS, OR PRACTICE NECESSARY!
Try out Guitar, Drums, Piano, and Bass and in a BAND setting!
We’ll get you rocking in no time.

Headliners: Now that you know how to play an instrument, learn to play with a BAND!
Headliners Camp is for students that have some experience and basic skills on their instrument.
Not sure if you’re ready? Fill out the form and we’ll let you know!

Villager Yoga

3150 Overton Road | Birmingham | 205.262.2012 | https://villageryoga.com/workshops-series-and-events/kids-summer-camps/

Fit & fun, cool & calm, our summer camps are offered in-studio and at various locations around town. Through week-long camps, kids to find their inner and outer strength while being creative, expressing themselves and bonding with friends. Group exercises and games teach considerate peer interaction and leadership skills in a non-competitive environment. Each day, new yoga poses will be introduced around a theme and camp will include the thoughtful enjoyment of a healthy snack, group activity time, creative art project, mindful breathing, and visualization exercises and relaxation. We also offer specialty themed camps.

Spa Yoga Camps: for ages 5+
Growing through Yoga: for ages 4+
Super U Mini Sessions: for ages 4+
Yoga for the Youth Athlete: For ages 10 – 17 yrs

YMCA Summer Camps

May 28th – August 2nd | Rising 1st – 8th Grade | https://www.ymcabham.org/summer-day-camp

There is no place like Y Day Camp. A home away from home where your children laugh, learn, explore and grow in the outdoors while creating memories and friendships that last a lifetime. Kids discover not just the wonders of day camp but the joy of exploring their unique traits, talents and interests and the power of sharing their strengths and skills to benefit the group. That’s why more than 1900 kids in the Birmingham area attend the Y’s summer day camps – to belong, achieve and build relationships.

1st Annual Magic City Gras

Posted on Wednesday, February 20, 2019 by Angie

Get your beads & mask ready because Mardi Gras is coming back to the HAM! Join us as we celebrate Fat Tuesday BHM Style.

Admission $5
Proceeds Benefit the Global Scholars and Birmingham students.

Schedule
Tuesday, March 5, 2019
5:00pm – 6:00pm :: pre-party
6:00pm – 7:00pm :: parade Le Tour de Ham
7:30pm – 9:00pm :: bands featuring Chad Fisher
~Rain or Shine Event~

Food Specials
Cantina Tortilla Grill will have Cruzan Rum Distillery, St Croix, VI Hurricanes for $6.00 ; Jambalaya, Gumbo and Giveaways!

The Lumbar

~More Restaurant specials coming up soon!

Map and Parade Route to be announced

Celebrate George Washington’s Birthday

Posted on Sunday, February 17, 2019 by Angie

Celebrate the birthday of the Father of Our Country! Special admission is $5 per person when someone in your group is wearing a historical costume; otherwise, admission is $10 per adult, $9 for students and seniors. Come join the Colonial encampment, play colonial games, and more.

Monday, February 18th at American Village in Montevallo. Events happening all day from 10am – 4pm

For a full list of events, visit the American Village Website