The bottom line on Bible camps
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JANESVILLE — For many folks, the words "vacation" and "Bible school" don't go together.
But most of those folks are older than 40 or belong to a church that believes in the "grim and grouchy" method of evangelization.
Nowadays, vacation Bible schools and camps blend the right amount of Jesus with the right amount of fun, so kids want to return the next summer.
Want some solid testimony? Many of the sessions at Camp Gray, a Catholic camp in Lake Delton, are full. Sessions at Lutherdale, the camp run by the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, are filling fast, too.
But parents still have plenty of choices, especially for day programs. Parents who've never sent their kids to a vacation Bible school or camp might have a few questions, such as:
Q: My kids don't really know much about Jesus. Should I still send them?
A: Worried some smarty pants kid will show up your tykes in the Bible verse contest? Not to worry. Bible camps and schools stick with the basics.
Here's an example: The theme for this summer's vacation Bible school at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, Janesville, is "Dive In," said the Rev. Arden Wentzel, staff minister and teacher.
"The lessons are going to center around the life of Christ," Wentzel said.
Those stories help the unchurched—or rarely churched—learn about the life of Jesus. For all kids, the stories reinforce positive character traits.
"The whole purpose is to hear about Jesus and his words," said Kevin Proeber, St. Matthew's School principal.
Wentzel echoed those sentiments, adding, "We want them to understand God's plan of salvation."
Q: Do camps and Bible schools take kids from outside their own denominations?
A: Yes.
"We have kids from all walks of life, said Terry Michel, camp coordinator for Camp Wakonda, the Seventh Day Baptist Camp located just outside of Milton. "Some of our kids invite their friends to camp."
The church's Web site, www.miltonsdb.org, says the camp features "Bible-centered teaching with an interdenominational emphasis" and strives to "establish good habits of Christian living."
The goal isn't to create converts from one Christian denomination to another but to bring kids into closer relationships with Christ.
"We are an evangelical Christian church," Michel said. "Our mission is to teach the Bible."
That said, parents should feel free to call camp or school organizers with questions, or check out the churches' Web sites.
Q: What do kids do at camp? Sit around and pray?
A: Yes, praying is involved. But so are all the other traditional camp activities: Swimming, crafts, games, sports and hikes.
At Camp Wakonda, campers start their days with a teaching session. Then they might break up into small groups for discussion or activities related to the lessons. Afternoons might be spent doing leadership or teamwork activities, and there's always plenty of time for volleyball, basketball, games, and walks through the woods.
Once or twice a week, campers go to the Fort Atkinson Aquatic Center.
Older kids might be involved in a community service project, as well.
At vacation Bible schools, kids usually have a lesson in the morning, make crafts or participate in activities related to the lesson, play together, eat lunch and go home. It's not a complicated formula, but it works.
Q: How much will this cost?
A: It depends. Camp prices range from $100 to $500 a week.
Vacation Bible schools are offered for free or for a very small fee.
Q: What else will my kids get from camp?
A: Time away from cell phones, television, video games and all the other distractions modern life has created. In other words, kids have time to play.
"It's going back to the basics," Michel said. "When you have all those distractions taken away, kids have a blast."
Q: When should I sign up my kid?
A: As soon as possible. If you're not connected with a faith community, call local churches to see what's offered.
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