Shamrock Shenanigans
Test your luck with these fun kid-friendly games and activities while getting in the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day this year! Plus, add these local events to your calendar. Lucky Leprechaun Hunt Download a St. Patrick’s Day scavenger hunt list or create your own, then make it a race for [Read More]
The Last Word
Mother-daughter relationships have been complicated since the dawn of time and mine is no exception. Given our complex 18-year history, I assumed that when she embarked on her new life as a college freshman, she would flee from me like a gazelle narrowly escaping the jaws of a crocodile. I [Read More]
Finding Camps for Children with Special Needs
Every child deserves the opportunity to go to camp. But if you have a child who has special needs, it can be really hard to find a camp that provides the necessary accommodations. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to find camps that provide your kid with the extra support [Read More]
Overnight Camps
Whether they’re into outdoor adventure, science, horseback riding, or classic summer camp fun, this guide has something for everyone. From the mountains of North Carolina to the Gulf Coast, these overnight camps offer unforgettable experiences for kids and teens. Browse the list below to find the best fit based on [Read More]
Navigating Food Allergies & Dietary Needs at Camp
While your child excitedly anticipates all the fun and sun that summer camp offers, you may be worried about their food allergies and how to keep them safe without being there to check everything they eat. Though the idea of your child managing their allergies independently may seem overwhelming, summer [Read More]
Day Camp Listings
There is all kinds of fun to be had at these day camps across Birmingham! From acting and art to soccer and ballet and everything in between, discover which camps you want to send your kids to this summer in this camp guide. Alabama School of Fine Arts S.T.E.A.M Summer [Read More]
What to Bring to Camp
Summer camps are a rite of passage for kids. It’s a time to make new friends, try exciting activities, and gain a little independence. For parents though, the excitement often comes with the stress of packing. Making sure your child is prepared without overloading their suitcase can feel like an [Read More]
Top 10 Skills Kids Learn at Camp
Summer Camp season is upon us. There are so many options for camp to consider including day camps to overnight camps, skills camps or recreational camps. However, one thing all camps have in common is that they are good for kids in a variety of ways. So while parents may [Read More]
Piecing Together the Puzzle
In August of 2020, Emery W. entered this world at the height of the pandemic. The happy baby girl brought much-needed joy to the family during such a difficult year. Although, 11 months later, members of the family began noticing certain mannerisms of Emery’s that caused them concern. Ryn W., [Read More]
FAFSA: How to Finance College
The cost of higher education can be extremely discouraging. According to the Education Data Initiative, the average cost of college has risen 141 percent over the last 20 years and continues to increase each year. At first glance (and maybe second and third), financing college seems impossible. But by taking [Read More]
How to Build a Strong College Application
Applying to college these days isn’t just about grades and test scores—it’s about telling your story. Colleges and universities want to see who you are beyond the transcript: your passions, leadership, and impact. The good news? You don’t have to be class president or win a national award to stand [Read More]
Traveling Abroad with Your Family
Planning a trip to the grocery store with kids can be stressful, so the concept of organizing an international adventure with your entire family in tow? Talk about overwhelming (and perhaps slightly terrifying!). I won’t lie—it is a large endeavor to take on, but the blessings that come from travel [Read More]
Learn How to “Hack Your Happiness” from Teen Sisters and Podcasters
17- and 15-year-old sisters Mercedes and Anastasia Korngut co-founded their business Small Bits of Happiness after struggling with their own daily happiness. Soon after, they began co-hosting a podcast called Hack Your Happiness, where they interview iconic guests—Olympians, New York Times bestselling authors, Oscar winners, and top professors—to help teens [Read More]
An Insider’s Scoop on the Children’s Book Brave Little Panther
Birmingham author D.P. Johnson, also known as “The Prettiest Author In Alabama,” just released her first children’s book: The Brave Little Panther, and it’s an absolute delight. She brings a fresh perspective on problem-solving and perseverance to the table as a by-product of her own struggles throughout childhood and as [Read More]
Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes Celebrates 25th Anniversary
The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes is marking its 25th anniversary in 2025, continuing its mission to honor young people who are making a significant positive impact on their communities, humanity, and the environment. Established in 2001 by acclaimed author T. A. Barron, the prestigious award recognizes 25 exceptional [Read More]
YMCA Earns Praesidium Accreditation® by Praesidium
The YMCA of Greater Birmingham was recently awarded the Praesidium’s Praesidium Accreditation®, which is the highest recognition an organization can receive for child abuse prevention. Praesidium is the largest and most comprehensive sexual abuse risk management firm across the globe, and it specializes in preventing sexual abuse in organizations that [Read More]
The Sacrificial Love of a Mom For Her Deaf Child with Autism
Rhonda and Josh Hale were ecstatic to discover they were pregnant in 2006. Their miracle baby, Devin, was a delight, but they were quickly overwhelmed with visits to the doctor and living far from family. So they packed everything up and moved states from Georgia to Alabama when Devin was [Read More]
George Washington’s 293rd Birthday Celebration
Join the American Village in celebrating George Washington’s 293rd birthday on Presidents’ Day on Monday, February 17th. Enjoy family-friendly events from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., including a puppet show, games, a meet-and-greet with President John and Abigail Adams, and birthday cupcakes with George himself and his wife, Martha. You [Read More]
13 Valentine’s Day Must-Attend Events
Valentine’s Day is rapidly approaching, and if you haven’t made plans for the kids or for date night yet, you may be scrambling to find a fun, unique experience. Don’t stress! We’ve got you covered with these 13 local events happening on or around V-Day. From cake decorating to movie [Read More]
Free Downloadable Valentine’s Day Cards for Kids
Make this Valentine’s Day extra special with our printable, color-your-own Valentine’s Day cards for kids! These adorable, pun-filled designs let kids get creative while making heartfelt cards for their friends. Simply download, print, and color for a fun and easy Valentine’s activity. Whether they love roller skating, animals, or sweet [Read More]
10 Fun Ideas for a Valen-Tween Party!
As anyone can tell you, tween years are hard, especially on Valentine’s Day. You are too old to exchange boxed paper valentines and too young for romantic love. The good news is, the tween years are the perfect age to have a party at home with their friends. Here are [Read More]
From Dream to Job
Two roads diverged in an Auburn classroom… and both intertwined with Birmingham. I had the joy of befriending Vestavia Hills-raised Katie Glenn when attending Auburn University for our English degrees. After college, however, we chose to take very different routes with our passion for the English language. Katie soon became [Read More]
Valentine’s Day DIYs
What says “I love you” better than a heartfelt homemade craft? These five DIY projects will let your little ones get creative and share their love in a meaningful way. Fingerprint Cards by The Best Ideas for Kids Find details and instructions here Bouquet of Hearts Card by Make and [Read More]
Crafting Love
Valentine’s Day is the perfect time for kids to express their love and creativity with heartfelt, homemade cards. Whether your child is crafting for classmates, family, or friends, these easy and fun ideas are sure to spread smiles and love. Button-Heart Cards Photo by One Little Project Transform plain cardstock [Read More]
Valentine’s Day with the Whole Family
As pink and red hearts fill the aisles of grocery stores and pharmacies, you may have started thinking about this year’s Valentine’s Day plans and wondered how your family is going to celebrate. Though often seen as a holiday for couples, Valentine’s Day is ultimately about love, making it a [Read More]