By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer

PELHAM – Pelham Parks and Recreation will host a camp for children looking for adventure this summer.

The Adventure Camp is now open for registration, featuring outdoor fun, challenges and more. Campers will have the opportunity to hike Ruffner Mountain and Red Mountain, climb at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, explore the Cahaba River and more fun-filled activities.

The camp will run from Monday, June 16 to Friday, June 20 and Monday, July 14 to Friday, July 18 and is open to children ages 8-12. Drop-off is at 8 a.m. and pickup runs from 4:30-5 p.m. Lunch is provided Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday for the camp. Each camper will also receive an official Adventure Camp t-shirt. Registration is open for Pelham residents and non-residents alike.

Will Mayhall, the recreation program supervisor for athletics within Pelham Parks and Recreation, outlined what Adventure Camp is all about and what makes it different from other summer camps in the area.

“Adventure Camp is where kids unplug, get outside and dive into real exploration,” Mayhall said. “From hiking scenic trails to uncovering the secrets of Birmingham’s mining past, campers will spend their days discovering what makes Jefferson and Shelby County so unique while taking part in memorable experiences.”

During the educational hikes at Ruffner Mountain and Red Mountain, campers will learn about the mining history of the area and how mining has shaped the landscape of today, according to Mayhall. Campers will also take a close look at the natural environment and look for plants that are native to Alabama. Mayhall detailed the other events campers will participate in.

“Our stream walk will have campers walking the Cahaba River identifying the various species (fish, snails and plants) that call the river home,” Mayhall said. “We’ll also visit the Alabama Wildlife Center at Oak Mountain State Park and learn about the animals they help rehabilitate. We’ll learn a lot but we’ll also have a lot of fun. We’ve got activities like indoor rock climbing where campers will get a chance to test their climbing skills on the UAB climbing wall.”

Mayhall emphasized that safety is a critical cog of the camp, with campers being safely transported to each day’s destination aboard a city of Pelham bus, accompanied by the camp’s trained and caring staff.

“All activities and travel are carefully supervised to ensure your child enjoys a fun, engaging and safe camp experience from start to finish,” Mayhall said.

Mayhall concluded by expressing what he and the camp staff hope campers take away from their week at Adventure Camp.

“Beyond just having fun, we hope campers walk away with a deeper appreciation for the rich history of Jefferson and Shelby County, a greater understanding of the natural world around them and the excitement of discovering outdoor activities they can enjoy with their families,” Mayhall said. “Our goal is to spark curiosity, build confidence and inspire a lifelong connection to nature and the community they live in.”

For more information on the upcoming Adventure Camp, visit Pelhamalabama.gov/813/Camps-Classes.