A group of area churches are gathering together to participate in a community-oriented Vacation Bible School in July.
Crocodile Dock will run from July 12-16 at the Lutheran Church of Dell Rapids. The event is free for youth who are four years old through those going into sixth grade in September. There will be a supper that starts at 5:30 p.m. The Vacation Bible School will run from 6 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.
“If we can impact one child, it is worth all of the time we put into this program,” said Darcie Kringen, who is coordinating the program. “We are hoping we can get as many kids as possible.”
Since the community program started three years ago, the participating has increased up to 150-175 youth.
“That’s fantastic,” Kringen said.
The churches participating in the community Vacation Bible School are the United Methodist Church, Lutheran Church of Dell Rapids, Reformed Church of Dell Rapids, Dell Rapids First Baptist Church and Quarry Rock Church.
Activities involve learning songs with action, crafts related to the theme and Bible story each evening. There is also a Chadder’s Theatre, which is a movie with a story with discussion afterward. At each evening’s finale, the youth discuss the Bible verses that they have learned. In addition, skits are involved with the program.
Pastor Melissa Fletcher of Dell Rapids First Baptist Church said her church has been involved since the community program started because church members felt it was a great way to encourage the whole community to come together and support the children. “It united us as a church body across all denominational lines,” she said. “Vacation Bible School is important because it helps the youth throughout the summer months to stay connected with each other and God. It brings the kids together in a new and fun way. It gets them energized for Jesus.”
Crocodile Dock is based on a New Orleans theme. Shacks and old canoes have been constructed. There will also be masks and upbeat music.
Registration is ongoing.
Kringen said the church will not deny anyone the opportunity to participate, but said it is nice to know ahead of time how many youth are participating in order to gather materials. In addition, volunteers are always needed to be crew leaders, which are people that go from station to station with the youth to get them to the right area and lead the youth in discussing different topics.
At Baltic Lutheran Church, youth ages three years old through second grade in May 2009 will have a different theme each evening. The Vacation Bible School runs from 6:15 p.m. to 8 p.m. on July 12-15 and includes a Bible lesson, craft, singing and snack. In addition, there will be a faithfully fit activity time that involves an exercise to stay healthy. The younger children will be singing during the Wednesday service that starts at 7 p.m.
The older youth, third grade through sixth grade in May 2009, will participate in a one night Lock-In on July 18. The youth will gather in the church at 5 p.m. and be there until 8 a.m. A movie is also slated for the Lock-In. In addition, there will be a Bible lesson, campfire and scavenger hunt relating to the Bible lesson, as well as other games and activities.
Dawn Wendland, who is coordinating both activities, said that if the students can retain one story during the Vacation Bible School, hopefully we are building a foundation that they can use in their everyday life.
West Nidaros Lutheran Church, north of Crooks, will also have its Vacation Bible School theme centered on Crocodile Dock. The Vacation Bible School will run from Aug. 2-5 for youth of all ages from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The activity starts with a meal and includes songs, skits, crafts and games that will help with Bible learning.
Pastor Pat Lehrer said the church believes that Vacation Bible School is important to everyone. “It is a chance for concentrated time to focus on Bible learning that is fun and where everyone can learn and play together,” she said. “It is a great way to grow in our faith as a community of faith for all ages.”