Cheryl LaBelle, director of Christian education for St. Paul Lutheran Church in Columbus, looks over materials and decor from a past Vacation Bible School.
The Republic file photo
From focusing on everything from God to games and from Scripture to snacks, Vacation Bible School offers youngsters — and at some area Christian churches, adults, too — a mix of laughs and learning. And some ministries do such a solid job at teaching basic life components such as honesty and compassion as a part of their lessons that a local mom a few years ago signed up her daughter for multiple such programs.
Even though the parent was not a Christian.
We’ve rounded up just a few options for those who may not be linked with a church with a planned curriculum. Even for the youngest attendees, we’ve seen such programs be a good time for learning teamwork and making new friends, too.
- Columbus Baptist Church, “Zoomerang,” 6 to 8:30 p.m. June 20-24 for those pre-kindergarten to sixth grade. Adult Bible study on June 22. 4821 N US Highway 31, Columbus. Information: columbusbaptist.net
- St. Paul Lutheran Church, “I Love To Tell the Story,” 9 to 11:30 a.m. July 18-22. 6045 E. State St., Columbus. Information and registration: stpaulcolumbus.org.
- St. Peter’s Lutheran, “Monumental: Celebrating God’s Greatness,” 9 a.m. to noon, June 13-16. 719 Fifth St. in Columbus. The promotional summary: “Go off-road for a Monumental adventure through the colorful canyons and sun-baked trails of the southwest. By exploring God’s awesomeness, kids form a rock-solid faith for the road ahead.” Information: stpeterscolumbus.org.
- Community Church of Columbus free “Vacation Bible School” and also “Vacation Bible School Super-Sized: A Day Camp Experience,” with a $60 cost, 9 a.m. to noon June 13-16. Basic VBS includes games, snacks, crafts, worship, lessons and more. Ages kindergarten through sixth grade. The super-sized day camp includes outdoor water slides, crafts, games, songs and more, according to organizers. 3850 N. Marr Road in Columbus.
- Fairlawn Presbyterian Church, intergenerational Vacation Bible School “Compassion Camp,” 6:30 p.m. June 21-23. 2611 Fairlawn Drive on Columbus. During “Compassion Camp,” attendees will assemble school supply tote bags for children around the world. Needed school supplies include rounded-tip scissors, 70-count spiral notebooks, 12-inch rulers, handheld pencil sharpeners, new pencils with erasers, large erasers, and 24-count crayon boxes. Please drop off any donations at the church office.
- Northview Church, “Monumental: Celebrating God’s Greatness,” July 11-15. 7230 N. County Road 250W off U.S. 31. Information: Shalon Perez, 812-343-7996.
- Asbury United Methodist, “Monumental: Celebrating God’s Greatness,” for those preschool through sixth grade, 6 to 8 p.m. June 12-15 and also June 19 beginning with a breakfast at 9:30 a.m. Information: vbs.asburycolumbus.org
