Some Christian groups are counting on tradition and others are planning innovations, but all have the same goal – bringing the Christian message to youngsters across the territory this summer.
In Grove Place, on St. Croix, the Central Seventh Day Adventists are hosting the Central Vacation Bible School, as it has for the last 40 years. The St. Thomas Reformed Church will continue the church day-camp at Magens Bay it has hosted for the last 30 years. And YWAM, Youth With a Mission, in Estate Diamond on St. Croix, has resurrected King’s Kids, an over-night camp that was started in the 1990s.
Volunteers are hoping to teach youngsters how to become responsible and caring citizens through Biblical teachings.
At Central VBS, the theme and focus this summer is on the dangers of alcohol use. Pastor Wilmot James said children need to know at a young age the dangers of drugs and alcohol.
“We want to make an impact on the children,” James said. “We do a graduation ceremony, and it is usually an emotional time.
“We are happy to provide this service,” he said. “It is our role in the community to serve. We want to help children become responsible citizens.” He added the students get one-on-one training on values and morals and how to get along with others.
The Central VBS is running from July 7 to 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. It is open to the public at the Multi Purpose Center in Grove Place. To register, call 692-2437.
Sandy Smith, administrative assistant at St. Thomas Reformed Church, said its program draws church kids as well as non-members. The camp for children ages 5 to 12 is limited to 60 and there is a fee. Smith said the church provides a loving environment offering recreation, arts, crafts, music, Bible study and more. The Reformed Church Summer Camp runs the month of July from 8:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. To register, call 776-8255.
YWAM is an international movement of Christians from all denominations dedicated to serving Jesus in more than 60 nations with a full-time, self-supported staff of nearly 16,000 worldwide. For 23 years, youths from all over the globe have come to St. Croix to minister, train, evangelize and do outreach in the community. They partner with local ministers, churches and organizations. St Croix Christian Church has been a big supporter of YWAM.
The mission is in the 300-year-old Estate Diamond Ruby plantation great house on five acres behind the Kmart appliance store. There is a beautiful in-ground pool, picnic area, baseball/soccer field and ruins to explore on the estate. VBS students from the general public, ages 8 to 18, sleep-over at the two-week camp held Jul. 22 to Aug. 4. The students do service work projects at Herbert Grigg Home and Flamboyant Gardens (senior citizens housing) and Queen Louise Home.
Thomas Vandehey, staff member at WYAM, said they play basketball with local kids and use sports to talk about what God does in their lives.
“We give Biblically sound teachings to build character,” Vandehey said. “And we teach the discipline of prayer.” Call Vandehey at 513-2024 to find out more about Kings’ Kids.
A traditional VBS is held at the Nazareth Lutheran Church in Cruz Bay on St. John for first through sixth-graders. Ruth Frett, church member and volunteer, said VBS has been held off and on through the years so it didn’t conflict with other churches’ schedules. The students do traditional Bible school projects like Bible memory, singing, skits, arts and crafts and physical fitness.
Frett said VBS is open to everyone and all denominations. The session is free with snacks and lunch provided. Call 776-6731 for more information and to register.
