Special to the Enquirer

Want to catch a salamander? Race roly polies? How about finding animal tracks? Or make friendsssss with some legless reptiles? It’s science, but please don’t tell the kids! Enjoy a week of hands-on field biology sure to impress next year’s teachers.

Fresh Air Family is offering its award-winning Gross Out Day – and the gross fun is coming to Hartselle July 18-22.

During this camp, education is taken out into nature’s biggest classroom: The Great Outdoors. Exploring outside is serious learning. Join counselors as they take children on walks in the woods, to hike a trail, canoe a stream or slog through a bog. Children will be looking for birds, flowers, salamanders, stars, bugs, rocks and all of the wonders the beautiful world has to offer.

Gross Out Day is offered in a safe atmosphere where participants will get an up close and personal look at reptiles, bugs, stinky plants and more.

Penny Roy retired at the end of this past school year after teaching science at Barkley Bridge Elementary School for 18 years. She previously taught at Hartselle Intermediate School.

Roy is volunteering as a counselor for this year’s Gross Out Day.

“When I looked into the camp, I immediately understood the reason for the camp originally being started, I felt like it was something that would add to Hartselle’s quaint family charm,” Roy said.

The cost for Gross Out Day is $250. It will be held at Sparkman Park, located at 1701 Madison St. in Hartselle. Camp is held from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and intended for children ages 6-10. Before and after care is available one hour before and after camp for an additional $35 per week.

To register, visit www.freshairfamily.org/gross-out-camps. For more information, or to volunteer, email vinita@freshairfamily.org.