Vacation Bible Schools Harvest New Converts

Christian parables often involve images of fishing or tending a garden to symbolize bringing others into the faith.

This summer, church volunteers are planting a lot of seed in the hearts of children at dozens of vacation Bible schools throughout Ventura County in the hope of one day harvesting bushels of new converts.

But before then, the churches that stage these combination day camp and Sunday school class are happy with the one or two new families that join their congregations.

Scores of children--from 3-year-old preschoolers to 10-year-old fifth-graders--were mesmerized one morning last week when a puppet representing John the Baptist popped out of an elaborate time machine built in the pulpit area of the sanctuary at United Methodist Church in Thousand Oaks.

The puppet told the children they can know God by knowing Jesus Christ, who was described as a loving, kind and powerful person who came to earth to live among people and performed many miracles--controlling the weather by calming a storm, walking on water and feeding a multitude of people with only a few fish and loaves of bread.

Then other puppets--including Zot the robot, which looked a lot like a bucket covered with foil--were used to recount the story of Christ, who remains a great teacher and friend for believers.

These children were being guided through a journey to the “Sonzone,” a make-believe place in outer space that was crafted by dozens of church volunteers who collectively spent hundreds of hours designing a safe place where youngsters can learn about Christ through crafts, music, food and games.

“Most of the 80 children coming to our vacation Bible school are not members of our church,” said Connie Jones, who organized the weeklong program.

Such strong attendance is the result of two forces coming together, Jones said. Parents are seeking a place to occupy their children during the summer and church volunteers want to nurture godliness in children.

“Our world would be so different if every child understood how very special they are and feel good inside--there would be no violence, no drugs,” said Jones, United Methodist’s pastor of spiritual maturity.

Instilling such self-worth into every child is a big task. So, Jones said she finds joy in reaching whomever she can. Even if only one child’s life is changed, that is enough, she said.

“If we can expose children to the presence of God and let them know that Jesus loves them and he’s always there for them, we are successful,” she said.

Fewer suicides, less hopelessness and children who grow up to be responsible adults. That is all Jones said she is after, which she understands is no small feat. That is why she and the vacation Bible school organizers will begin planning for next year the moment this summer’s program is over.

Jones said her church usually picks up one or two new member families as a result of a summer program. Those picking up and dropping off their children get to meet other parents who share the same values and will sometimes feel inclined to continue their child’s religious training.

Jones said she hopes to someday organize all vacation Bible schools in the city so they can hold their programs during a different week of the summer, making it possible for a child to be taught Christian values every week until school resumed, she said.

Many say the traditional emphasis on morality and good citizenship is what makes Bible school a popular alternative to more recreation-minded summer camps.

“I sent my son to vacation Bible school so he can learn about God and to learn good morals,” said Jose Gomez Bonito of Thousand Oaks. “At first he didn’t want to go, but he gave it a try and now he loves it and looks forward to going back every day.”

Six-year-old Joey Gomez Bonito said he quickly became a fan of the program at United Methodist.

“I like going, because I like that they have music about God and Jesus. And I like the puppet show,” he said.

“I brought my grandson Chad to vacation Bible school because I went to vacation Bible school when I was young,” Eleanor Kennington said. “I knew he would enjoy it and learn Bible stories.”

Some vacation Bible school programs are free. At United Methodist, the cost is about $15 per child, which included a T-shirt and classes from 9 a.m. to noon.

Other faiths have similar programs for children.

The Chabad of Simi Valley, for instance, offers Gan Israel, a four-week youth camp for anyone interested in learning more about Judaism. Gan is Hebrew for garden. From 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. youngsters age 6 to 12 are kept busy with arts, crafts, games and other activities. The cost is $100 a week.

“Kids come out with a good feeling about Judaism,” Rabbi Nosson Gurary said.

At Simi Hills Christian Church in Simi Valley, Pastor Kevin Dieckilman is helping spread the good news to youths from first through 12th grades all summer. There are 35 kids enrolled and the church hopes to reach at least 100 for its “Off the Map” program that includes visits to fun places one day each week.

The youngsters have already visited Disneyland and are scheduled to go to Malibu, the Hurricane Harbor water park and Catalina Island and take part in bike rides, beach parties and view an IMAX movie. The field trips begin with a devotional and have Gospel teaching provided by youth coaches throughout the day. Costs for field trips range from about $10 to $30 depending on the day’s destination, Dieckilman said.

“Our church’s mission is to build families in Christ. We are hoping to bring 50 new families into our church through this program,” he said.

At First Christian Church in Ventura, nearly a third of the 60 youths expected to enroll in its one-week vacation Bible school are not church members, the Rev. Don Dewey said.

“Vacation Bible school gives us an opportunity to reach out in the community by providing a safe and fun place for kids to gather and learn about God’s love,” Dewey said.

The program will run from 9 a.m. to noon July 31 through Aug. 4. The cost is $15 per person, which includes a T-shirt and visor.

Ellen Pearson, a volunteer at First United Methodist Church in Ventura, said running a vacation Bible school is a big job and requires preparation and volunteers. So her church is teaming with College United Methodist in Ventura to ensure sufficient resources.

While kids are making banners, “stained glass” art out of tissue paper and necklaces out of old magazines, they will also be learning about Christ, she said.

And participating families that are looking for a church may find one, she said.

“Vacation Bible school provides an ideal way for people to find out if a church is right for them,” Pearson said.