Later on when we lived in Hawaii, I wanted our kids to have the same experience so I agreed to be the head of the Protestant Chapel VBS for our Navy Base Housing. What was I thinking? The first challenge was ordering materials and having them shipped by freighter. Yes, I said “by freighter,” you know, the original slow boat. We had to plan way ahead.
I had no idea the turn out would be so huge. We had more than 300 children from every denomination sign up, and ended up getting permission from the base commanding officer to take over the local elementary school for space. My parents flew to Hawaii to help with the ceramics arts and crafts. It was a major event, but we all had a ball with it.
No matter where you live, Vacation Bible Schools wouldn’t happen without volunteers and without churches willing to pay for the materials, crafts and snacks. If you’d like to help or donate to a local bible school, don’t be shy. Let the organizers know before it starts if possible. Something as simple as baking cookies or accumulating craft supplies can make a big difference for these volunteers. Be sure to say thank you also.
Vacation Bible Schools have changed over the years with more modern themes, more up to date music, cooler crafts and new schedules. Some hold the event in the evening or even at different locations.
However it seems that some parts haven’t changed in the past 50 years. It’s still a lot of fun, and the young folks get to hang out with a new set of friends, some from other schools and grades.
What is not to like about an activity that tells kids to “Love your neighbor,” “Help others,” “Do good things,” and gets them out of the house for a few hours?
There are quite a few Vacation Bible Schools planned for western Clark County (Bethel and Mad River Twps.) over the next couple of months. I’m going to mention a few but I know I wasn’t able to get a hold of all of them.
If I missed your church’s program, I am sorry. I want them all to be successful and fun for everyone. If you are in Mad River or Bethel Twps. and I left out your VBS drop me an email at pamcottrel@gmail.com and I’ll try to mention it before it happens.
Meanwhile, here is the short (and regrettably incomplete) list. Call the churches for more details and age requirements. It is also good to see if registration is required or if there is some way you can help. Watch local bulletin boards for fliers with more details. Remember that there are some VBS taking place in August that haven’t been publicized yet.
In New Carlisle & Bethel Twp:
•Colonial Baptist Church will hold two Backyard Bible Clubs in two local parks. (Smith Park in New Carlisle and Raynor Park in Park Layne.) Both clubs are from 12:45 to 2 pm. Aug. 3 to 5. The theme is “SonSpark Labs: Discovering God’s Plan 4U=Jesus” Something is also being planned for Honey Creek Village. Call the church for details. 937-882-6903.
•First United Methodist Church of New Carlisle, at South Main Street and East Madison, will celebrate “Christmas in July” from 6:30 to 8 p.m. July 12 to 16. Call 937-845-8535.
•Good Shepard Methodist, 1520 Styer, in Park Layne, will have special Friday events for young folks from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call the church for more details, 937-849-0697.
•Medway Baptist Church, 11027 Gerlaugh Road Medway, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. June 28 to July 2. “Journey Off the Map” is the theme. Call 937-849-1201
In Enon and Mad River Twp.
•CrossWalk Worship Center, 210 Royal Lane, 6:30 to 8 p.m. June 28 to 30. The theme is SonTreasure Island. 937- 864-1741.
•Enon United Methodist, 85 Broadway Road, will have a mission theme. Thailand Trek begins on Aug. 9 and runs for a week in the evenings. Call 937-864-1578 for details.
•Maiden Lane Church of God at West Enon, 4800 Snider Road, will host VBS with a Fun Run theme from 6 to 8:30 p.m. June 22 to 26. Call 937-863-0201.
•St. Andrews Lutheran, 7128 Stine Road, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. July 26 to 30. Call 937-864-2601.
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