Vacation Bible Schools draw attention to the message and word of Jesus Christ—while children enjoy a wealth of fun activities for a week.
With themes ranging from a beach blast to cooking and "Pandamania," local parishes are hosting vacation Bible schools this summer. The different themes focus on fun and sharing God's word.
Hailey's Calvary Bible Church, Ketchum's St. Thomas Episcopal Church/Our Lady of the Snows and Ketchum's Presbyterian Church of the Big Wood are among the vacation Bible schools this summer.
SonSurf Beach Bash at Calvary Bible
Calvary Bible Church invites all local children to join its annual vacation Bible school, known this year as The Gospel Light SonSurf Beach Bash VBS.
The Bible school planned for Monday through Friday, June 27-July 1, has invited kids from age 4 through sixth grade. Times are 8:45 a.m. to noon each day.
At SonSurf, children will sing, create crafts and play games. The SonSurf theme provides a framework to explore God's plan through the wonders of the beach. They explore sun, sand and surf while they learn about tidal pools, collect seashells and more.
Kids learn how to make good choices every day. Some classes are held outside. Children going into the sixth grade go on a special day trip, usually on Wednesday. Cost is generally an additional $10 for that trip.
A highlight of the week is the evening program on Thursday, June 30, at 6 p.m. It consists of musical entertainment and a barbecue that is fun for the entire family.
People should register children early, by early June to ensure they get a T-shirt. The cost is $15 per child and $40 maximum for a family. Scholarships are available if needed. Website is calvarybiblewr.org/vbs.
Calvary Bible Church is located one mile north of Hailey on state Highway 75. For more information, call 788-9174.
Big Wood "Shake it Up"
"Shake it Up—Where Kids Carry Out God's Recipe," is the food-related theme of Big Wood Presbyterian's 2011 vacation Bible school.
It is set for Monday through Friday, Aug. 8-12 from 8:45 a.m. to noon each day at the riverside church. All children from age 4 through sixth grade are welcome to attend.
There will be skits, music, Bible stories, crafts and snacks. Transportation from Hailey to Ketchum is available on a first-come, first-served basis. So are scholarships on request.
This year's Bible school cost has been reduced, to $25 per child or $55 per family. To register, contact Carrie Kotara at 622-0548.
"Pandamania" at St. Thomas
St. Thomas Episcopal Church and Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church are ready for their 2011 vacation Bible school in July.
Theme is "Pandamania—Where God Is Wild About You!" for elementary-aged children. This year's dates are July 11-15.
St. Thomas will be transformed into a different world where children will explore their relationship with God with activities like recreation, arts and crafts, drama and theater, games, snacks and friendship.
To register, contact Sara Gorby at 726-5349, ext. 16 or sgorby@stthomassunvalley.org.
