What do you get when you combine an army of volunteers, heaps of cookies, crackers, fruits and vegetables, catchy songs heard over and over and over again, craft supplies, Bible stories galore, hoola hoops and a parachute with 50 kids? That’s right … Vacation Bible School!
We had a terrific week last week – the weather was, for every day but one, absolutely glorious (one leader e-mailed me this morning, this very wet and rainy morning to say aren’t you glad VBS was last week?, to which I say an emphatic “Yes”!).
Our resident creative decorating genius Joanna turned the barn at Kerr Park into a castle as the theme was a medieval kingdom. Our story teller Betsy mesmerized the kids with tales from the Bible followed with science experiments to underline the learning. Joan had a delightful new and interesting craft every day. Mary patiently and enthusiastically sang the songs over and over each morning until they were permanently embedded in everyone’s mind (still can’t get one tune out of my head!). Each day we had a different games director who offered fun and active games that reinforced the lesson of the morning. All the while Nurse Helen bandaged scrapes, cooled overheated foreheads and sympathized with anyone missing their mom at the same time managing to put out snacks and glasses of water to keep everyone fueled. And I must mention the other leaders – the 12 adults and teens who shepherded the kids from one activity to the next while calmly smoothing out disputes (children can be quite disagreeable with one another!) and insuring that the activity leaders had their full attention.
Many of the children who made up our hoard are ‘repeaters’. They have come to our VBS year after year. Some are grandchildren who combine this week of VBS with a summer holiday at their grandparents.For some this is the only time they get community teaching about the stories of faith.
I said several times this week, “I have the best job in the world.” I just phone up or e-mail 46 adults and teens to ask for their help and they happily say, “Sure, what do you want me to do?” It is amazing. It is a blessing. I am grateful.
