Vacation Bible School: All Aboard for This Year’s “Rocky Railway” Program

It’s almost time to get on board for Vacation Bible School, where our youngsters will have days filled with fun as they learn all about God’s love for them.

“Rocky Railway — Jesus’ Power Pulls Us Through” is the theme for this year’s Vacation Bible School program, set for the last two weeks in July, with sessions starting July 19 and July 26. Children who are rising Pre-K students and 4 years old by Sept. 1 up to rising fifth-graders are eligible to attend.

Although in past years, children from other parishes have been allowed to attend, COVID-19 issues may not permit that this year. Children attending will have their temperatures taken each day and parents will be asked to sign off verifying their child has not been exposed to the virus.

“It’s really my favorite week of the year!” says Mary Harden, Family Faith Formation Coordinator. “The kids have so much fun. We’re so laid back! They have 15 hours of good, Catholic-information fun. They do a lot of singing and dancing, we have skits, games, the Saint of the Day, and healthy snacks.”

Not only do the activities follow the program’s theme, but the snacks served are prepared according to the lessons of each day, as well.

“It’s pretty healthy stuff!” Mary says.

Each of the different activity stations presents a lesson that is geared toward learning about God and our Catholic faith. Bible verses are cited throughout the day so the youngsters absorb the messages.

“In the morning, I greet them and remind them what we did the day before,” Mary says. “At the end of each day, we go over what they learned. A lot of little hands go up!”

Activities for the week also take place at home, when the youngsters perform chores and help their parents to earn M&Ms. At the end of the week, the candies are totaled and the child makes a corresponding donation to a particular charity. Although the charity has not yet been chosen, past donations have gone to the Children’s Home in Rock Hill or the Fort Mill Care Center’s food pantry.

Volunteers are needed and can be middle school students on up. High school students may also earn service hours for Confirmation. Safe Environment training is required.

“We try to have three adults in each group, and then we fill in with high school and middle school kids,” Mary says.

The middle school volunteers usually choose to work the snack stations.

“The high school students come back to volunteer when they’re in college because they have so much fun,” Mary says.

Volunteer signups began in April. The fee to attend is $20 per child. If you would like more information about registering a child to attend, or to volunteer, please call the parish office at 803-548-7282.