Loving God through equipping and empowering all God’s children.
Since 1923, Independent Presbyterian Church has operated the Children’s Fresh Air Farm to promote hope and opportunity through partnerships with children, families, and the community by offering quality programming rooted in the love of Christ. Nearly 100 years later, we continue to minister to children from Birmingham through the Christian-focused Summer Learning Program and LIFT OFF to Learning, a science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) program.
Our Programs
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In 2010, we created the Christian-focused Summer Learning Program for youth and children from Birmingham's Hayes K-8. Instead of losing several months of academic learning every summer, these children from our STAIR program are making gains of several months in reading and math. They have six weeks of reading, writing, and mathematics in the mornings, as well as afternoons filled with art, music, drama, science and swimming. Bible study and daily worship are also part of the program.
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LIFT OFF to Learning
The ministry of the Children's Fresh Air Farm expanded in 2018 with LIFT OFF to Learning. This science, technology, engineering, arts and math program for Hayes K- 8 fourth and fifth graders is offered after school three days a week, engaging these students in academics, team-building and character development.
Want to Help?
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If you are willing to pitch in from time to time on light projects around the farm, click on "Friends of the Farm" above to be added to the email list.
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With 96 garden plots, a shade garden and perennials there is plenty to do whether you are a Master Gardener of simply enjoy working in nature. These areas are the centerpiece of the farm and bring great joy to our visitors! Click on "Garden Group" link above to receive emails about work days and current projects.
If you would like to volunteer with the Children's Fresh Air Farm, contact Catherine Goudreau at cgoudreau@ipc-usa.org.
Want to Host an Event at CFAF?
The Farm is available to rent for nonprofit and church events. We do not host private events, like birthday parties, weddings or other social gatherings. Please contact Children's Fresh Air Farm director Catherine Goudreau at (205) 790-1665 if you are interested in hosting an event at the Farm.
News
At the end of 2021, Session set aside significant funds to support areas of need in the community and established the Community Ministries Discernment Committee to recommend the best use of these funds. After 12 months of work, the committee unanimously approved funding to four organizations working to support Birmingham-area children.
We have a grand schedule of events planned for 2023, the Children's Fresh Air Farm’s centennial year, to both learn about the Farm’s history and to celebrate its ongoing mission.
We ask for your support in providing healthy snacks for the IPC Summer Learning Program at the Children's Fresh Air Farm.
It is that time of year. Isn’t it? The school supplies are purchased. The backpacks are packed, and the first day outfits are ready and waiting. School is about to begin! Because of the Summer Learning Program at the Children’s Fresh Air Farm, 95 students at Hayes K-8 School are beginning classes a little more prepared.
The excitment of a summer filled with learning, music, art, swimming, nutrition, gardening, and field trips often ends with a few tears. The Summer Learning Program graduation is a tearful event. By then, students have grown academically by several months and spiritually. Typically, the fifth graders are leaving the Farm for the last time… until now.
