VBS options abound

Woodbury Bulletin - 05/28/2008

For families with school- age children, the end of school year is the real beginning of summer. Parents have the not-so-easy job of finding some activities for their kids to do during the long three months of summer vacation.

One of the fun summer activities my kids have enjoyed in the last few years is VBS (Vacation Bible School), offered by many churches in and around Woodbury.

VBS usually is a weeklong half-day program consisting of Bible stories and games, arts and crafts, lively songs, recreation and refreshments. In most cases, there is a closing program on the last day.

Parents are invited to watch their children perform songs they have learned during the week.

Programs are designed for elementary aged children, some for kids as young as three years old. VBS is a great way for children to learn Christian lessons while also engaging in summer fun and recreation.

Churches use VBS to educate children and as a way to reach out to the community. Some churches may charge a small fee to cover some expenses while others offer this as a free service.

I compiled a list of VBS offered by local churches this year that I am aware of, with registration and contact information, VBS date, theme, age and fee requirements. Please check the church websites or contact the churches for complete and accurate information.

I hope this list will make it easier for you to choose a VBS for your kids.

• Woodbury Community Church, 2975 Pioneer Drive, (651) 739-1427

www.wccmn.org

Monday-Friday, June 9-13, 2008, 9 to 11:30 a.m.

“Beach party: Surfin’ through the Scriptures”

K - sixth grade (age/grade in the fall), Free

• Woodbury Church of Christ, 4920 Woodbury Drive, (651) 459-1869

www.woodburychurch.org

Monday-Friday, June 16-20, 9 a.m. to noon,

"The Power Lab -Discovering Jesus’ Miraculous Power"

Family Fun Night on Friday evening, June 22, 6:30 p.m.

4 years – (entering) sixth grade, Free

• Resurrection Lutheran Church, 9925 Bailey Road, (651) 730-1000

www.resurrection-woodbury.org

Bring or mail completed registration form by May 31

Monday – Thursday, June 16-19, 9:30 a.m. - noon

"The Power Lab - Discovering Jesus’ Miraculous Power"

4 years – fourth grade (completed), $30 per child ($75 family maximum)

Monday–Thursday, July 14 -17, 9 - 12:00

“SportsLife Camp,” Ages 6 - 11

$45 ($50 for registrations after June 1)

Choices for the main events are: basketball and street hockey, cheerleading and dance, ultimate Frisbee and soccer or arts extravaganza

Further information at www.sportslifecamps.com

• Woodbury Lutheran Church, 7380 Afton Road, (651)739-5144

www.woodburylutheran.org/ministries/children/vbs.php

Monday–Thursday, June 16-19

Choose between morning session 9:30 a.m. to noon or afternoon session (12:30 - 3 p.m.

“Friendship Trek,” For ages 3 - current Kindergarten, Free

Monday–Thursday, July 7 -10, 9:00 a.m. – noon

“SportsLife Camp”

First - sixth grade (completed June 2008)

$35 ($45 after June 1)

• King of Kings Lutheran Church, 1583 Radio Drive, (651) 738-3110 or e-mail office@kingofkingswdby.org

www.kingofkingswdby.org

Check the summer programs for more information about other camps

VBS Session 1: June 16 - 20, 9-11:30 a.m.

VBS Session 2: June 16 - 20, 1-3:30 p.m.

"Rainforest Adventure," 4 years (by 9/1/2008) – third grade, $25

July 13-17, Day Camp

Sunday 1-4 p.m., Monday-Thursday 9 a.m. -2 p.m.

Completed first-fourth grade, $48

• St. John Lutheran Church, 1975 St. John's Drive, (651) 436-6621 or e-mail stjohn@stjohnwoodbury.org

http://stjohnwoodbury.org/VBS2008.htm

Return the registration form to the church office

Monday-Thursday, June 23 - 26, 9 a.m. - noon

Ages 3 (by June 1) – (entering) 6th grade

“Friendship Trek: Jesus, Our Forever Friend,” $10

• Woodbury United Methodist Church, 7465 Steepleview Road, (651) 738-0305

www.woodburyumc.org/family.html

Check out the summer adventures brochure online for info about other camps

Monday-Friday, June 23-27, 9 a.m. -noon

“Beach party - Surfin’ through the Scriptures!”

Age 3 - fifth grade, $50

Monday-Friday, July 14-18, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

Lake Elmo Day Camp: "Handle with Care/Taking Care of Our Planet"

First-fifth grade(as of Fall 2008), $120

• Spirit of Life Bible Church, 690 Commerce Drive, (651) 731-1900

Register online at http://www.SpiritOfLifeBibleChurch.org by Sunday, June 1.

Tuesday-Friday, June 24-27, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

“His Banner Over Me Is …”

Program and picnic at 12:30 p.m. Friday, June 27

K - Grade 6, Free

• Saint Peter Lutheran Church, 880 Neal Ave. S., Afton, (651) 436-3357

www.stpeterafton.org

Contact Shannon Hecksel at shecksel@stpeterafton.org

Monday - Friday, July 7 - 11, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

“Crosswalk” Free Carnival for all ages to kick-off the program on Sat. June 21, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Preschool - eighth grade, Free (lunch included)

• Grace of God Lutheran Church, 2697 Bexley Drive, (for VBS), (651) 730-4900 or e-mail grace@graceofgodlutheran.com

www.graceofgodlutheran.com

Monday - Friday, July 14 - 18, 9 - 11:30 a.m.

“Jerusalem Marketplace”

4 years - sixth grade, $15 per child (suggested donation)

n Guardian Angels, 8260 Hudson Boulevard, Oakdale, (651) 738-2223

http://www.guardian-angels.org/education/childrenyouth/vbs/

Registrations will be closed when full or June 6th whichever comes first.

Monday-Friday, July 28-Aug. 1, 9 a.m.-noon

“God’s Big Backyard”

Ages 4-12, $25

• Woodbury Baptist Church, 6695 Upper Afton Road, (651) 738-7700

www.woodburybaptist.org/

Sunday-Thursday, Aug. 10-14, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

"The Power Lab - Discovering Jesus Miraculous Power"

Each evening will begin at 5:30 pm with a supper.

Age 4 - fifth grade, Free

• Christ Episcopal Church, 7305 Afton Road, (651) 735-8790

www.christchurch-woodbury.org

Download and return forms and fee to the office, registration due Sunday, Aug. 10

Monday-Thursday, Aug. 25-28, 9-11:30 a.m.

Family Night Thursday, Aug. 28, 6-8 p.m.

"Rainforest Adventure"

Age 3 - 10 $25 per child ($50 family maximum)