Children react with amazement during VBS at New Palestine United Methodist Church.
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They explored ocean depths, lush jungles, forest campsites and rocky beaches.
Some played basketball, or waved pompoms, or built with wood.
The settings and the activities were different as 15 area churches offered Vacation Bible School this summer. But there was a common goal among them for children to learn more about God.
“Our theme was ‘Blaze a Trail,’ where we learned how to ‘blaze a trail with Jesus,’” wrote Seth Eagleson, family pastor at The Fountain in Fountaintown. “Meaning we talked about what it looks like to have a relationship with Jesus.”
The last of the local VBSs wrapped up this week. In these photos from area congregations, we share highlights from the summer.
Children play with a parachute during the July 15-19 Vacation Bible School at New Palestine United Methodist Church.
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Bri King helps children with crafts during Brandywine Community Church’s VBS in June.
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Vanilla wafers form a clam-like treat during VBS at Brookville Road Community Church, where the theme was “Scuba: Diving Into Friendship with God.”
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New Palestine United Methodist Church’s VBS had “Camp Firelight” as its theme.
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Children in VBS at The Fountain could choose to participate in basketball, soccer or cheerleading during a portion of the time. Among those coaching a group of young cheerleaders are Audrey VanDyke (black and gold skirt) and Lilly Stoddard (black leggings).
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Palm trees help set the scene for children participating in VBS at Hancock Reformed Baptist Church in late June. The theme was “The Great Jungle Journey: An Epic Cruise from Genesis to Revelation.”
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Travis Jones leads song motions during VBS at Apostolic Pentecostal Church, where the theme was “5 Knights with Jesus.”
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“Campers” pose amid the scenery at Mohawk United Methodist Church’s VBS.
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Dave Dodd and Don Christians leading a woodworking station, where children made their own balance boards, at Outlook Christian Church’s “Choose Your Own Adventure Week.”
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Children at Outlook Christian Church could choose a certain track, such as sports, STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) or art. Here, Amber and Hudson Stults play volleyball with children in the sports track.
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A group participates in the music portion of the evening at Brandywine Community Church’s VBS in June.
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Josh Stamper cools VBS participants with water at Brandywine Community Church.
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Ethan Davis, pastor of children’s ministry at Brandywine Community Church, talks with children during VBS. The theme was “Start the Party: Celebrate the Good News.”
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Children gather for singing during the first night of VBS at Brookville Road Community Church.
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A VBS participant at The Fountain takes advantage of the “post-game interview” photo station.
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Children at The Fountain had a “basketball” snack on one night of VBS, taping a backboard onto their cups and having cheeseballs to shoot into the cup.
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Seth Eagleson (right), family pastor at The Fountain, welcomes VBS worship leaders (from left) Gracie Theobald, Anna Osborne and Audrey VanDyke to the stage.
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A tiger-print tablecloth reinforces the jungle theme during snack time at Hancock Reformed Baptist Church’s VBS.
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Children at Mohawk United Methodist Church take in the puppet show.
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A portion of Mohawk United Methodist Church’s VBS took place outside at the church shelter house.
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Children react with amazement during VBS at New Palestine United Methodist Church.
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Kade Rogers (left) and Mathew Carlton wave pool noodles as they greet VBS children at The Fountain.
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Erin Fosnot helps lead the rocket station of the STEM track at Outlook Christian Church.
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Takema Austin (left) and Laura Reysz lead a small group huddle at the end of an evening at Outlook Christian Church.
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Nathan and Kayla Turner portray a king and queen during VBS at Apostolic Pentecostal Church.
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VBS at Apostolic Pentecostal Church took place July 15-19.
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Kim Masters (left, with glasses) and Delores Nelson help children with crafts at Apostolic Pentecostal Church.
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DON’T SEE YOUR CHURCH?
You can still share photos from your church’s Vacation Bible School. Send email to [email protected] with “VBS photos” in the subject line. Include a description of who’s in the photo and what’s taking place.
