Vacation Bible school once meant simple Bible lessons, punch at snack time, games of kickball and lots of songs like “Jesus Loves Me.” But churches today plan vacation Bible school for weeks, even months, in advance.

They order weeklong courses with biblical themes and even involve youngsters in preparing dishes like those consumed during Jewish festivals.

What a difference a generation makes.

Shelley Polk (from left), Janae Polk and Emma Maynard of Stonegate Community Church put together paper Chinese lantern decorations in preparation for Panda Mania Vacation Bible School.
Duane A. Laverty / Waco Tribune-Herald

Local pastors and youth leaders said churches face greater challenges. They must compete with movies, television and computers to make Bible school compelling for youngsters.

And they often move vacation Bible school to evening hours because both parents work and could not volunteer to help if sessions were held during the day.

“Youngsters today are used to seeing things presented in a polished way,” said the Rev. Elizabeth Grasham-Reeves, associate minister of children, youth and families at Lakewood Christian Church.

“They can see a movie and receive an action figure related to that movie at McDonald’s. And they can buy a book related to that same movie,” Grasham-Reeves said. “If we’re going to compete with the secular entertainment industry, we have to offer something just as polished, streamlined and attractive.

“We don’t just have a story about Jesus. We have thematic snacks, crafts and songs that help drive home the message.”

This year, Lakewood Christian Church chose a curriculum titled “Hometown Nazareth.” It wanted youngsters to identify with the young Jesus Christ, who had a hometown and a family just as they do.

Volunteers built sets for use in the Bible school that just ended and now they will take them down for use at Richfield Christian and Central Christian churches.

Making choices

Youth leaders said they consider the pros and cons of holding vacation Bible school late or early in the summer. They debate whether children will want to go back to “school” after just getting out for the summer, or whether waiting until later in the summer will wreak havoc with vacation plans.

They also must consider volunteers and their schedules.

Brian Horning, director of family ministry at Peace Lutheran Church, said his church’s Bible school is scheduled the evenings of July 10-14.

The church will kick off the week with a carnival, inflatables and a cookout. Each night during the program’s run the church will serve dinner to parents, workers and youths before the fun begins.

“We like to get as many parents involved as possible because we think that creates a more memorable experience,” Horning said. “A lot of parents have used vacation Bible school almost as a day care. We’re not saying that’s a bad thing, but we think this approach is a better strategy for families today.”

Horning said it has become important to incorporate skits and even videos into Bible school. Technology seems to appeal to today’s children more than games, especially older youths, he said.

First Baptist Church Woodway will take a more traditional approach to vacation Bible school this year.

“Ours is called ‘Kickin’ It Old School,’ and we’re going back to the basics of the Bible,” children’s minister Barbra Smith said. “We are going to talk about how Jesus loved us and died for us.”

Active registration

Smith said 751 youngsters already have registered for the sessions. She expects participants will total 1,000 by the time the Bible school begins Monday. More than 290 people have volunteered.

First Baptist Woodway offers its week of activities to ages 4 through the sixth grade.

“We have a rotation model tailored for each age group,” Smith said. “In the classroom, they will get a Bible story, a craft project and a snack. Then we will have missionaries coming to talk about their work in India. Recreation and music are held outside the classrooms.

“And we start each morning with a worship rally.”

Sixth-grade students on Thursday will take part in a project planned by Mission Waco. It remains a surprise, Smith said, but children “will be serving as the hands and feet of Jesus.”

The church on Friday will treat the sixth-graders to a pool party to cap the sessions.

“PandaMania,” or going wild over God’s unconditional love, is the theme three churches will share during their Bible schools next week at Castleman Creek Elementary School.

Brazos Meadows Baptist Church, Stonegate Community Church and Hewitt Community Church will lease the space and share volunteers to make it happen.

“Our theme is Psalm 139, and each night we will address one aspect of how God cares for and loves his children,” Brazos Meadows youth minister Scott Rhodes said.

mcopeland@wacotrib.com

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