VBS is more than just Popsicle-stick crafts

By Patrick Johnston

Published: June 27, 2008

Ah, the joys of summertime. School is out, the temperatures are up and the big fireworks show is next weekend. That must mean it’s time for Vacation Bible School.
Hundreds – even thousands – of Eufaula-area youth enjoy VBS every year. And why shouldn’t they? It’s one of the most fun weeks of the year.
If you, your children or grandchildren haven’t attended a VBS lately – especially those in the Eufaula area – then you’re missing out on a treat. Quite honestly, it’s much cooler than when I was a child. And I’m only 30.
We ran a couple of snapshots this week on our Faith and Spirit page of VBS events at First United Methodist and First Baptist churches. The kids at FUMC enjoyed a beach party including water events to end their VBS last week. That’s tough to top.
And I know First Baptist had a jam-up VBS. First Baptist members always put on a great program for the hundreds of youth that attend. The beautiful sanctuary was amazingly transformed into a tropical island that makes those locales on “Survivor” look boring.
This sports-loving scribe decided to take part in VBS, er Sports Camp, festivities at my church, Parkview Baptist, this week. It’s been a blast, even though I’ve lost about 10 pounds in sweat.
Approximately 150 youth from preschool to sixth grade enjoyed games such as volleyball, soccer and basketball. I’m coaching soccer, which in itself is a miracle.
I don’t understand soccer. I’ve argued with former Tribune intern and EHS soccer player Eric Betts for years about the legitimacy of soccer. Every time I see my nephew, who is soccer fanatic in Kentucky, I always give him a hard time. But for the sake of the kids, I put my hat in to coach soccer. For two hours every day, I taught soccer drills and helped officiate a soccer game. The irony is that many of the kids – especially those who play rec league soccer – know more about the game than I do. Fortunately, I’ve been around enough coaches to know how to scream real loud and sound somewhat authoritative. I even had one youth tell me I sounded like a real coach. The kids had fun. And yes, I have grown to appreciate the sport in the last week. I officiated a scoreless game this week, and it was actually exciting to watch.
But back to VBS. There are other great Bible schools to mention. St. John AME is concluding VBS today. It’s always a big one that’s well-organized and fun for all participants. Lake City has a really good one this week, too. Other churches in the county, such as Mount Moriah AME, Calvary Baptist and Clio Baptist, have also hosted VBS events that drew dozens of kids.
I’m glad our local churches are committed to VBS. Not only do they provide local kids with something fun to do during the summer, but these kids are also learning morals and values that will serve them well in life.
Here is a quick example that could benefit us all. I was helping officiate a soccer game Monday between first and second graders when one child became mad because he had been pushed to the ground by an opposing player. Before I could console this upset child, one sharp young lady reminded her teammate and everybody else standing in the huddle that they’re supposed to be friends to everybody on the field – even the opposing players.