Explorers' Camp From My Perspective

By Cari Norton

Vacation Bible School (VBS) this year was different from past years. It was not even called Vacation Bible School or Very Exciting Bible School (VeBS). It was called Explorers' Camp! Instead of being held during one week of the summer, it has been spread out over 3 weeks, each week designed for a specific age group. While in previous years VeBS has been held at the church, this year only the youngest age group met at the church.

During the week of June 24th, Explorers' Camps took place in five different backyards. This camp was designed for entering 1st through 3rd graders. Large colorful banners marked the locations for all passing by to see. A goal of the Explorers' Camps was to reach un-churched children. This new approach of locating the camps in neighborhoods provided increased visibility and made it easier for children to attend.

When Rhonda Herman called to ask if I would be willing to host the event in my backyard, I couldn't say no. For the past two summers, my son Andrew had asked me to host a summer Bible camp for kids in our backyard. It was truly a blessing for God to provide one for us this summer!!

It was a wonderful week for us. This was an answer to prayers, which began months prior. As soon as we knew of the new plan, we started praying, as it seemed like a big undertaking. Many things, such as the weather, were out of our control-but fortunately nothing is out of God's control! During the week, we had the honor of having Olga Gerkens at our site. Before the start of each day, Olga led our group of volunteers in prayer. And we were blessed in many ways. We had 17 children attend each day, only about half of which were members of Central. The mornings went smoothly, trees provided shade and relief from the heat, and no one got hurt!! But best of all, 4 children invited Jesus into their hearts!

The theme of the week was Cruisin' the Amazing Amazon, A Jungle Journey to Discover Jesus. The children not only had fun but they learned a lot about Jesus - that He is our guide, our provider, our shelter, is greater than our enemies, and that He came to save us.

The smaller setting for the camps worked well for us. The volunteers (craft helpers, snack helpers, etc.) got to be with the children during the various parts of the morning. Seeing the children sing, recite Bible verses, and listening attentively to the Bible stories-was a blessing to all of us. The planning and organization prior to the week equipped us to carry out the week effectively. Sunday afternoon, everything was delivered, from written, detailed instructions for snacks and crafts, to all the supplies needed, as well as a delicious coffee cake and coffee to offer to the parents. We were all parts of the body of Christ, doing our part, as unto the Lord-and it worked beautifully!! It was such a blessing to be a part of it!

Taking on bold new ideas such as this took a leap of faith. I am so thankful that our Children's Ministry leaders aren't afraid of trying new things in order to be more effective at growing God's Kingdom! To God be the Glory!!