Hordes of kids will explore various themes in Vacation Bible School

By CAROL REEVES
Gazette-Times reporter

Find the sunscreen and beach umbrella! Grab your backpack, a shovel and some binoculars!

Tropical adventures and treasure hunts seem to be the most popular themes among local churches’ Vacation Bible Schools this summer.

A few thousand children in Corvallis and Philomath are likely to spend at least one week during the next three months learning Bible stories, playing games, singing songs, building crafts and devouring snacks in what has become an important tradition passed from one generation to another since the turn of the 20th century.

In 1894, a pastor’s wife and former schoolteacher in Hopedale, Ill., is said to have taught the first, four-week summer Bible school with 40 students. Apparently, it was born out of frustration that she did not have enough time during the weekly Sunday School hour. The class met in a local school and used a nearby park for outdoor activities.

Mrs. Waler Aylett Hawes, a doctor’s wife and member of the Epiphany Baptist Church in New York City, is also credited with the idea for VBS. Wanting to get children off the streets on the East Side and into a more wholesome environment, she rented a local beer hall in 1898 and 1899 to conduct an Everyday Bible School.

By the early 1900s, Vacation Bible School became a growing trend.

Most major denominations produce their own VBS curriculum but there are also a host of independent publishing companies that offer children’s materials. This year they include themes related to the weather, space exploration, the Apostle Paul’s sailing adventures, the culture of Mexico, even Habitat for Humanity construction projects.

“SonTreasure Island” is the theme of the first local VBS, hosted by Living Faith Community Church in Philomath. It is one of six local congregations offering children a chance to explore a Caribbean island “in search of the greatest treasure of all — God’s love as described in 1 Corinthians 13.”

According to VBS director Carla Kaminga, the Bible school workers are going all out to create a fun atmosphere. For example, a crew of story-telling pirates will teach the daily Bible lesson in a room designed to look like the beach of a deserted island.

Living Faith has no building of its own. Sunday morning worship services and the VBS program are held at Philomath Middle School.

“The school lends itself to a great week no matter what the weather is. Rain or shine we have a huge facility with lots of classrooms to house all the kids. Plus, there’s the big field to play on outside,” Kaminga said, adding one of the kids’ favorite traditions is a huge waterslide set up on the school’s football/soccer field.

Two other Philomath congregations, College United Methodist Church and New Life Fellowship, are helping to host the annual event that draws an average of 120 children each year. Oftentimes, volunteers from other churches pitch in as well.

Jenny Seagren, the wife of pastor Bill Seagren at the Methodist church, recalled when they first came to Philomath in the summer of 2001 the church was in the middle of VBS. Her children joined in on the last two days, and the following summer she became one of the Bible teachers.

“Working with people from different churches, you can be really creative and get ideas from lots of people. You also get to know a lot of other people this way,” she said.

Seagren said she loved going to VBS when she was a kid. “What was special to me as a child — it means a lot to experience that now with my own children and with other children.”

The highlights of other Bible schools in the community include archaeological digs, exploration of the Alaskan tundra, a trip around the world and the production of a musical about Noah’s experiences on the ark. A pair of children’s camps will offer a full-day schedule and two congregations are inviting the whole family to participate in a series of evening activities.

Here are details about this summer’s VBS schedules. Unless noted, programs are free.

June 14 to Aug. 30

Vacation Bible Club — 7 p.m., Circle Church of Christ, 2020 N.W. Circle Blvd. Each Wednesday night during the summer, classes will be available for ages 3 through adult. Young children will enjoy lessons and fun activities focused on “Walking Where Jesus Walked,” and older children will explore what it takes to grow up to be godly men and women. Teens will participate in recreational sports and Bible studies, while adults view and discuss the DVD presentation of “In the Dust of the Rabbi — Walk as Jesus Walked.” A few classes start at 6:30 p.m. Information: 758-4456.

June 19-23

“SonTreasure Island” — 9 a.m. to noon, Living Faith Community Church (meeting at Philomath Middle School), 2021 Chapel Drive in Philomath. Children ages 4 through those entering fifth grade are invited to a week of games, crafts, skits, story times and snacks centered around a tropical island theme. A family barbecue is planned for Friday night. Information: 929-4764.

June 20-23

“Adventures of the Treasure Seekers: Exploring God’s Promises” — 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Oakville Presbyterian Church, 29970 Church Drive in Shedd. Daily “digs” in the Old and New Testaments, music, games, snacks and crafts will allow children ages 4 through sixth grade to discover God’s promises and Jesus’ love. Information: 758-0647.

June 26-30

“SonTreasure Island” — 9 to 11:30 a.m., Kings Circle Assembly of God, 2110 N.W. Circle Blvd. Ages 6 to 12 will enjoy a tropical island theme as they learn about God’s love through music, games, snacks and Bible study. Pre-registration begins Monday, June 12. Information: 757-9080.

Kidmo Family Camp — 6 to 8:15 p.m., Corvallis Evangelical Church, 1525 N.W. Kings Blvd. The whole family is invited to participate in a week of “Wild and wacky” Bible lessons, games, music, food and crafts. Information: 757-1755.

“Time-Stone Travelers’ Quest for God’s Ten Commandments” — 9 a.m. to noon, First Baptist Church, 335 S. 26th St, Philomath. Children will travel to five different sites, including the Mayan jungle, a medieval castle and an ancient laboratory to learn about the Ten Commandments. Activities will include Bible stories, singing, games and crafts. Preschoolers age 4 through children entering the fifth grade are welcome. Information: 929-5845.

July 10-14

“SonTreasure Island” — 9 a.m. to noon, Calvary Chapel (meeting in Westland Middle School), 1435 S.W. 35th St. Ages 3 through fifth grade are welcome. Information: 752-2851.

July 17-21

“Arctic Edge: Where Adventure Meets Courage” — 9 a.m. to noon, Grant Avenue Baptist Church, 1625 N.W. Grant Ave. The Arctic wilderness of Alaska will be the backdrop for a week of Bible stories, games, music, crafts and snacks to help children discover how they can stand up for God in today’s world by studying six courageous people in the Bible. Classes are available for kids entering kindergarten through sixth grade; pre-registration appreciated. A family night celebration is set for 6 p.m. Thursday. Information: 757-7497, www.grantavebc.com.

Good News Day Camp — 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Scout Troop No. 3 Campground, south of Avery Park. This day-camp program sponsored by the Benton County Child Evangelism Fellowship features Bible stories, crafts, swimming, games, puppets, clowns and more for ages 5 to 13. The cost is $55 if registered by July 3. Information: 752-3740.

July 24-28

“B.A.M!” — 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., First Presbyterian Church, 114 S.W. Eighth St. This annual Bible, Arts and Music camp invites children in kindergarten through fifth grade to perform in “Don’t Rock the Ark,” a musical presentation of the story of Noah’s ark. Activities will include singing, acting and stage and craft construction. The week concludes with a performance during the 9 a.m. worship service on Sunday, July 30. Information: 753-2228, ext. 210.

“SonTreasure Island” — 9 a.m. to noon, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 501 N.W. 25th St. Children entering kindergarten through fifth grade will play island games, create colorful crafts and enjoy tropical snacks as they discover the treasure of God’s love through the truths found in a Corinthians 13. Tuition costs $20 if registered by June 30. Information: 757-1988.

July 31 to Aug. 3

“Adventures of the Treasure Seekers: Exploring God’s Promises” — 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., First United Methodist Church, 1165 N.W. Monroe Ave. Children ages 4 through fifth grade will enjoy Bible stories, music, games and crafts while on a four-day “archaeological dig.” Pre-registration is appreciated. Information: 752-2491.

July 31 to Aug. 4

“SonTreasure Island” — 9 to 11:30 a.m., Zion Lutheran Church, 2745 N.W. Harrison Blvd. A tropical theme and lessons on 1 Corinthians 13 will greet children age 4 through those entering fifth grade. Information: 757-7398.

Aug. 7-10

“The Jesus Code” — 9 to 11:30 a.m., Episcopal Church of the Good Samaritan, 333 N.W. 35th St. Children entering kindergarten through grade five will participate in worship, music, crafts and “code-breaking.” Registration is requested by Aug. 3. Information: 757-6647.

Aug. 7-11

“SonTreasure Island” — 9 to 11:30 a.m., Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 2650 N.W. Highland Drive. Youths age 4 through fifth grade (entering) are welcome to join in the games, crafts, Bible lessons, skits and music. Information: 753-2816.

Camp Lutherwood Day Camp — 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Grace Lutheran Church, 435 N.W. 21st St. “Brave Believers” is the theme for this annual day camp for 5-year-olds up through fourth-graders (just finished) featuring music, crafts, games, worship, Bible adventures, nature activities and a Wednesday field trip to Camp Lutherwood in Cheshire. Campers are to bring a sack lunch with beverage each day; cold drinks and morning snacks provided. The church will host an evening celebration from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday; the camp concludes at 12:15 p.m. Friday. The cost is $40 per child with a maximum of $100 per family; scholarships are available. Information: 757-1600, www.grace97330.org.