Faith, fun and friendship at Tavistock Bible Chapel Vacation Bible School

Children enjoy parachute games during Vacation Bible School at Tavistock Bible Chapel during the week of July 13-17. Contributed photo

By Diane Danen

Children spent the week of July 13-17 learning about faith while making crafts, playing games and building friendships at Tavistock Bible Chapel.

The Vacation Bible School (VBS) program welcomed 30 children, ages five to 12, and was led entirely by volunteers from Tavistock Bible Chapel, along with several volunteers from Tavistock Missionary Church. The program is offered free of charge and supported by Tavistock Bible Chapel.

"VBS is just a joy each year," said Matt Williams of Tavistock Bible Chapel. "Everything is run and supported by the Tavistock Bible Chapel. Everything is free for the kids and families. This is one way we want to give back to the community."

Vacation Bible School has been a summer tradition at Tavistock Bible Chapel for decades, and Williams said one of the greatest rewards is seeing former participants return as volunteers.

"We've even had a couple of helpers this year who attended the program as children," he said.

For Williams, one of the highlights each year is watching churches and community members work together.

"One of the most rewarding things each year is the joy of working together as people from the community and the local church family," he said. "We really do enjoy each other's company."

Williams expressed his appreciation to the volunteers from both Tavistock Bible Chapel and Tavistock Missionary Church, as well as the families who participated and helped make the week a success.

Throughout the week, children took part in Bible lessons, singing, memory verse activities, crafts, snacks and outdoor games. Organizers took extra precautions by limiting outdoor time and planning activities in the shade due to the poor air quality and hot temperatures.

This year's theme for Vacation Bible School was based on the story of Joshua, which echoes the Bible's central message that salvation comes by faith alone. Throughout the week, children explored stories that highlighted Joshua's faith, with each lesson demonstrating God's guidance in ways that may seem "crazy" from a human perspective.

"Who has ever heard of stepping into a raging river, or facing scary, tall giants or circling a fortress?" said Williams. "But we learned that as we accept 'crazy' messages in faith, God can do miraculous wonders!"

The daily activities reinforced the theme. Songs reflected the importance of faith, while many of the crafts and snacks were inspired by camping since Joshua camped along his journey.

"The children really enjoy the crafts," Williams said. "That is always a big hit."

The children also embraced the memory verse challenge, with many earning prizes for learning passages from the Book of Joshua.

Williams noted that many of the children who attend are not part of the church's regular congregation.

"Most of the kids are from outside of our congregation, so it is great to meet others within the community and build those connections," he said.

The week concluded with a slideshow for parents highlighting the activities and memories from the week.

"On the final day, we play a slideshow for the parents to show them what we have been up to. The kids watch too, and they love seeing themselves. It's so rewarding to see their smiles," said Williams.

Beyond the games and crafts, Williams hopes the children leave with something lasting.

"We love the people of Tavistock. We love the children of Tavistock," he said. "We want them to know they can have a friend in Jesus. Kids today are dealing with so much stress and anxiety. We believe these Bible stories aren't just for adults. They can give children peace and hope for the future."

For more information about Tavistock Bible Chapel, visit tavistockbc.org.