Summer is filled with so many memory-making moments. These are the days when kids learn to ride bikes, go to the beach, and enjoy the freedom that comes with summer. For me as a kid, summer also included some big faith milestones like mission trips and youth gatherings, and smaller ones, like attending Vacation Bible School.

I have often said that I’m one of the biggest fans of VBS. I loved going as a kid, and then later in high school, getting to teach the grade school Bible story with my mom. I love being a leader and watching children who were once participants become group leaders of their own. I love watching my kids get excited about God and make memories together. I love that VBS is a place where you can see God at work in the hearts of children! 

As amazing as VBS is for all ages, there can be a season where it loses some of its charm. For me this season came near the end of elementary school. I still loved playing the games and seeing how the leaders told the Bible story in creative ways, but I was also the tall fifth grader standing next to the second grader and feeling a little awkward. I loved VBS, but felt too old to attend and too young to be a leader. At Immanuel, we recognize this let fourth and fifth grade students be junior guides; but at my home church there was no such option.

This year our Immanuel VBS will look a little different. We have restrictions on the number of kids in attendance and the activities we can do. This opened an opportunity for us to do something new for the fourth and fifth grade students called Bible Camp. Elementary school students are in this season were they are confident, competitive, and excited to grow in their faith. Bible Camp gives them the space to be that and engage to in the Bible in a way that recognizes how these students are growing in their faith and their understanding of the Bible. 

This summer I hope you get time to rest, laugh, and make lots of memories; and I hope that Bible Camp can be one of them.

Kari Larsen

Biggest VBS fan and Director of Family Ministry

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