Looking for Summer Options for Kids? Think Vacation Bible School!

When you hear “Vacation Bible School” do you think, “School? During vacation?! I don’t think so!”   Maybe you picture little grey haired ladies reading to daydreaming kids, or you imagine a room full of children spending the day making plastic key chains or coloring.  That’s far from the reality of today’s Vacation Bible School.  VBS  can be a terrific summer experience for kids and can be a highlight of the summer season.  Here are seven good reasons why:

1. It’s a short time commitment.  Most Vacation Bible School programs last five days or less, often lasting just half a day, and are held right near home.  A child might be worried about going away to camp, but going down the street for VBS and being home in time for lunch? That’s  an easy sell!

2. It’s faith based.  There are summer programs for everything from bowling, to cheerleading, to rock and roll.  VBS is an option that helps  develop the spirit.  Choosing a camp that shares positive messages of God’s love and that helps kids have concern for others  is a constructive and worthwhile use of summer  time.

3. It’s an opportunity to make new friends.   Kids love time with other kids. Many vacation bible schools welcome people from all around the community and from many faith traditions. Why not give your kids an opportunity to hang out with new friends in a positive, non-competitive environment?

4. It gives kids a chance to try fun new things.   These days, many Vacation Bible Schools are theme based and full of adventure and action.  At Brecksville UMC this summer, our “Sky” VBS has games, music, drama, crafts, science experiments and food all centered around the theme of the big blue sky.  Every kid wishes they could fly and Sky VBS teaches them that the sky’s the limit with God. It’s going to be a lot of fun!

5. It’s inexpensive.  Times are tight, people.  Where else can you get five days of fun for $25?  Some churches charge even less, or not at all.

6. It’s an opportunity to “try on” a church.  If you don’t already have a faith home, Vacation Bible School can be a low comitment way to get to know a church.  What’s most important to the church community hosting VBS? How friendly are the volunteers?  Are they mission oriented? Can you see yourself as part of the church?

7. It will make your mom happy.  If this one made you smile, you probably have a mother who’s been after you to get your kids to church, right?  You have great intentions, but with work and family commitments, you haven’t been able to find the time.  Think VBS.   You may find that your kids like it so much that they’ll be waking you up on Sunday morning to go to church!

Brecksville United Methodist Church is inviting all community kids to attend Vacation Bible School this summer.   “Sky VBS” is for kids ages 3 through 10 and there will also be a VBS option for Middle School kids.  Learn more at http://www.brecksvilleumc.com/article.asp?ID=3022.

A quick look around the Internet found that other Vacation Bible Schools scheduled this summer in Brecksville include:

• Christ the Redeemer Lutheran Church:  “Christian Olympics – Team Jesus” which is scheduled from June 18-22, 2012 and open to children ages 3-grade 5. Registration form, with more details, is available at  http://crlcbrecksville.org/CRLC%20VBS%202012%20Registration%20Form.pdf

• Community of Hope Lutheran Church: "Heroes of the Bible" VBS will be offered August 6-9 from 9am-12pm. Learn more at http://www.cohchurch.com/vacation-bible-school/

 Do you know of other options? Post them in the comments below!