By Megan MELNYK

As summer heats up, children from the community will have the opportunity to cool off with this year’s vacation Bible school (VBS) at Community Life-First Baptist Church of La Crescenta. “Volcano Island” will be similar in structure to many of its previous programs where children will have the opportunity to participate in many fun and engaging activities, learn Bible verses and sing worship songs. However, unlike programs of the past, this year’s VBS at Community Life-FBCLC stands apart because it was uniquely designed by church members.

Despite the success of previous vacation Bible school programs, Community Life-FBCLC members found that many parts of pre-made programs had to be changed in order to work well within the context of the church. Choosing to follow a ready-made program also meant that there were limitations creatively. These realizations led to VBS leaders considering the possiblity of creating their own unique program that would have a community-centered atmosphere for this year.

“We’ve really been thinking about this since the end of last [year’s VBS],” said Carter Thomas, a member of the church and also a senior at Crescenta Valley High School. “We wanted to write our own … and tailor it to the community.”

Work on the program first started three months ago. Centering around a Bible study called “One Way” that was created by Child Evangelism Fellowship, church leaders wrote a unique script and created activities that would take place throughout the VBS week.

Featuring a tropical beach theme, the storyline of the skits follows brother and sister, Kala and Kolohe, as they are tasked to save their island from a volcano. Along the way they meet many familiar characters. Throughout the week, children will also learn key Bible lessons.

“We’re focusing on how God has one way, one plan of salvation,” Church member Lynne Thomas said.

Participating children will have the fun opportunity to show up at the church decked out in swim and beach gear as well as splash around in a few different water features. The creators of the program also plan to have entire families engage in the fun by extending an invitation to an end-of-the-week luau.

“I’m excited for the kids to come and experience it and see it all come together,” Carter said.

This five-day program will occur from July 17-21 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Registration can be completed online at madeforcommunity.com.

For more information, contact Crystal at (818) 249-5832 or email children@fbclc.org.

  Megan MELNYK