Have you ever been involved in a summer camp? Have you ever been involved with one summer camp for 10 years? Well, I have, and its been an incredible experience. To start off, most people would equate "Summer Camp" with going far away, staying the night in cabins, roasting marshmallows and lots of fun, outdoor activities. Lucky for me, this summer camp takes place in my own hometown.
Vacation Bible School doesn't really sound like much of a summer camp. In fact, it turns a lot of people off. The camp, built for kids preschool through fifth grade, goes for one week in June from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Nothing too crazy or adventurous, but it has taught me so much about who I am.
Vacation Bible School (or VBS) became a part of my life at a very young age. I went to one of the first camps ever in my town "Sun Canyon River." As a very young girl, I was fascinated with the program. You go with a crew leader to tons of fun, different stations like snack, games and even a science- or craft-based station, all while learning stories from the bible. I continued with this for as many summers as I could (if I wasn't on vacation elsewhere, I would be at VBS). This camp, in my younger years, helped me to see such a positive light in the Christian community. Each adult and crew leader genuinely cares for each child that is involved. Back in the 2000s, when I attended VBS as a student, there honestly weren't copious amounts of children, but now, we have upwards of 300 kids coming to have fun and learn about God, and 80 or more crew leaders coming to serve the community.
As I transitioned into being a crew leader in middle school, I found that the coordinators of the event truly wanted me, even as young as I was, to have total responsibility. They do not do anything for you besides support you and love on you. You have to learn how to lead, problem solve and make important connections with kids who really do just need love. These were keys to building who I am today in fully fledged college form. I loved being able to use this camp to get involved with so many different communities at once. I was able to get involved with a church community, a worship community (since I helped lead dances and songs on stage), my county's community as a whole and the children's community. It has opened so many opportunities for me from being able to work as a leader and organizer for after VBS care, sing on stage for real church services and help kids realize that they are worth the love that they receive from everyone.
From themes about crocodiles, to the wild west, from climbing Mount Everest to sailing the high seas, Vacation Bible School has taken me not only on a journey through many different stories and themes, but on a journey, helping me realize the true potential I hold as a leader, worshipper and believer in Christ.
