Vacation Bible School
Here at Calvary Lutheran Church, we have had a Vacation Bible School (VBS) since 1958. Presently it is a week long program for three and a half hours each day. We usually start the program the week after school ends in June. Planning for our VBS starts in March with a VBS preview and once the theme is chosen it is in its planning stages till the opening day. Our program gets rave reviews from parents and children alike. We have even been asked to extend the program! All our staff is made up of volunteers that joyfully give of their time to this program each year. There are teachers for classroom lessons, teacher assistants, a music teacher, gym teacher, drama coordinator and behind the scenes crew, craft coordinators, snack coordinators, video crews, set up and clean up crews, registration coordinator. This program could not be possible without them.
Each year we open the doors to children that are four years old (Pre-K) up to and including 6th grade students. Each day the children see an opening skit, followed by daily lessons, gym time, crafts, music and snacks. Our 6th grade students in the past have gone off campus for a special last year trip. It could be to Eisenhower park, a restaurant for some pizza, or the dinner for some ice cream. Our last day is a huge hit with all the children, we have our "carnival" and the children use their skills at such games as Plinko, fishing, etc. and everyone comes away with a prize. The child's parents, grandparents, or special person is invited the last day as well, for a closing ceremony where the children sing songs that they have learned during the week. The children take home the crafts they have made, a VBS theme T-shirt and music CD, but most important of all, they take home the knowledge that God loves each and every one of them and that He sent His son out of love for us.
There is a daily offering where the money collected goes to children less fortunate. In years past the children had helped a local church destroyed by fire, children of missionaries receive school and church supplies and most recently children affected by hurricane Katrina.
This program is so rewarding. I have watched children start at the Pre-K level, finish 6th grade and come back each year to volunteer to help and even teach or assist in the classroom. If you would like to have the experience of a lifetime, whether to volunteer or have your child attend the program, please feel free to contact me at 794-5265 anytime after 9 a.m. & before 9 p.m. or e-mail me at Lollyksb@AOL.com.
God Bless!
Karen Bivone
VBS Director
516-794-5265
Lollyksb@AOL.com