Each summer, more than 200 children flood into First Presbyterian Church for a week of fun, friendship, and foundational biblical lessons. Vacation Bible School, this year running from June 8-12, is one of the church’s largest community endeavor, relying on volunteers to make the week possible.
Volunteers range from mothers of children attending VBS to older adults who have been involved for years to youth who grew up attending VBS. The week requires more than 100 volunteers.
“Vacation Bible School would not be possible without our incredible volunteers,” says Anna Butler, Director of Children’s Ministries. “We could not safely host 200 plus children without the more than 100 volunteers.”
“From the volunteers who run a station each year and know exactly where and what they will be doing to the newest teenage volunteers who bring the energy and excitement, our volunteers are so needed and appreciated,” she continues.
“I started volunteering the second year my oldest started at VBS,” says Abby Rodda, FPC member and member of the preaching team. “As a parent I had seen how much fun the experience was for the kids and I wanted to help make it happen! Grace is now 20, so it’s probably been 15 years since I started volunteering.”
“As a volunteer, it’s so amazing to share God’s love with kids who may have never experienced it before and to teach biblical truths in a really fun way as the kids come back year after a year,” Rodda continues. “Giving the kids a fun and enriching experience at church can make a world of difference in their lives. Being even a small part of that at VBS makes it all worth it.”
Cali Byers, one of FPC’s youth volunteers, says, “I decided to volunteer because I loved going to VBS my whole childhood, and I remembered how fun it was and how I created special bonds with people.”
“I’m in 7th grade, so last year was my first year as a volunteer, and I am looking forward to this year,” Byers says. “I got the chance to watch all the kids making the same memories I made.”
Each year, approximately 50 youth volunteer for the week-long event.
“I’ve volunteered the past two years at VBS. I work with our youngest kids, the four and five year olds,” says Margaret Block, FPC member. “I participated in many years of VBS growing up, and I wanted to help kids have the same kind of fun, engaging, memorable experience that I had.”
“I love getting to dance, sing, craft, and bring God’s word to life with the kids. Seeing them learn about who God is and the love he has for them is so fun. Watching the quiet, shy kid on day one, sing and dance their heart out in praise on day five is such a gift. It always reminds me to have faith like a child,” Block continues.
“I decided to volunteer after VBS had such a large positive impact on me from grades two through six,” says Tanner Hamer, FPC member and Audio Visual Production Specialist. “I volunteered as a crew leader for three years, and I am now working for the church and will be running the tech for VBS.”
“Being a volunteer for VBS taught me so many things. I learned how to lead, handle crazy situations as they came up, manage 15 kids at a time, how to keep a large group safe and having fun for a week, how to work with parents, how to learn kids and their names quickly, how to disciple and teach kids about Jesus in the Bible (even when they were soaked from games), and how to grow connection and community with everyone I become involved with there,” says Hamer.
Several of FPC’s annual VBS volunteers have been serving in this capacity for years. One of those members is Kim Bowers, FPC member. Children through the years remember Bowers and her commitment to dressing up each day of VBS.
“I’ve been volunteering as the games leader since 1999! I was very pregnant,” Bowers shares. “Last year, I finally passed the ‘whistle’ (attention getter I blew at every game) and instead was a group leader with the 4th and 5th graders.”
Bowers continues, “I loved playing with the kids in Games, but the best part, as 50 kids came by every 20 minutes, was connecting with that one child. They heard their name, and maybe it was the first time they heard Jesus’ name. You could see their eyes light up!”
“Some of those kids have families of their own now and bring them to VBS to meet Jesus, too. I can’t think of a better legacy to be part of, and it’s why I come back to volunteer year after year, regardless of where I am serving,” says Bowers. “VBS is just a great way to show the love of Jesus to our next generation.”
“You may think, ‘oh, it’s only five days. What can I possibly do that’s worthwhile?’ God can take even that one day and change a child’s heart,” Bowers says. “Say yes to that one day and watch him work – it’s the most rewarding thing you’ll do all summer. I promise. I’ve seen it!”
FPC’s Vacation Bible School will be held June 8-12, and children’s registration is open. Volunteer registration is also open.