By McKenna MIDDLETON

Churches all over the country will take part in the long-standing tradition of Vacation Bible School (VBS) this month, and the foothills community is no exception. Children attend VBS for about three hours a day for a week in the summer, but the memories and experiences of the event make VBS a favorite part of many children’s summers.

“I love serving at VBS because seeing how much joy the kids have warms my heart,” said Amanda Burch, a member of Glendale Presbyterian Church who has volunteered at VBS for three years, but also attended the program as a child. “I remember loving to play with the older girl leaders when I was a kid at the same VBS. VBS not only is a time of fun, but seeing the kids learn about Jesus is truly what makes me come back every year.”

Between learning Bible memory verses and worship songs, children build a community through fun activities and even service projects.

“They have a blast and it’s a fun way to learn about the Bible. Also, they get to meet new kids in a fun and safe environment since the event is open to the community, not just people who go to the church,” Montrose Church member Susann Schick, who has sent her two sons to VBS for years, said.

VBS takes on a new theme each year to teach the Bible in a fun, creative way to kids. This year the themes range from Deep Sea Discovery to Cave Quest.

“This year, we are really emphasizing that God knows them,” said La Crescenta Presbyterian Church (LCPC) director of Children’s Ministries Ashley Pollock. “That God, huge though He may be, actually gets them and loves them as individuals.”

Some churches in the foothills area host VBS in the morning, like LCPC, while others offer VBS in the evening, like Montrose Church. Regardless, kids and parents can expect a day of worship songs, fun activities, and creative ways to learn about the Bible.

“VBS is interactive. It gets kids involved in music and art and reading and outdoor play,” Pollock said. “There is so much packed into each day that it always amazes me how quickly three hours flies by.”

Most VBS programs charge between $30 and $50 per child for the week. Kids are often split up by age groups, especially at churches with larger VBS programs like Montrose Church and LCPC with about 300 kids.

“VBS is an opportunity to share the gospel with children. It is a chance to not only tell them about Jesus Christ and His awesome love but also to show them that love in our words and actions,” said Pollock. “We get 15 hours to talk to kids, play with kids, teach kids and learn from kids.”

  Mckenna MIDDLETON