Summer Fun For The Young

School’s almost out for summer, and many churches in the community invite children to attend their vacation Bible schools. These Bible-based week-long programs feature themed curriculum and related activities.

Here's a roundup of area churches that are offering activities this summer:

First Baptist Church of Land O’ Lakes, 5105 School Road, will host “Rev It Up! Full Throttle for God” from 9 a.m. to noon, June 20-24, for potty-trained children age 4 through the sixth grade.

Activities will include Bible stories, singing, arts and crafts, skits, contests, puppet shows, moonwalks, and snack time. There is no cost to attend.

First Baptist Church has been hosting VBS for more than 25 years.  Past years have seen between 500 and 600 children in attendance, while more than 170 adults volunteer to facilitate the program.

Classes are divided according to grade level with 10 to 16 children, one teacher, and two adult helpers per class.

VBS attendees will perform a program for parents at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 24.

There is no early registration; parents must register children from 8:15-8:45 a.m. on June 20.

The church will also offer “The Truth Alive,” a unique five-day program for students in grades seven through 12, from 9 a.m. to noon, June 20-24.  This program is free and includes exciting team competitions, big ball battles, tube tag, and more.

For information about either program, call 813-996-2651 or go online at fbclol.org.

Myrtle Lake Baptist Church, 2017 Reigler Road, will host “Big Apple Adventure: Where Faith and Life Connect” from 8:30 a.m. to noon, June 13-17, for children who have completed kindergarten through sixth grade.

Activities include outdoor recreation, arts and crafts, Bible study, singing, and snack time. There is no cost to attend.

Participants will perform during the end-of-the-week celebration at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 17.

Myrtle Lake Baptist has been hosting VBS for more than 7 years, with 175- 200 children in attendance last year. Classes are divided by age and are supervised by three teachers.

The church will also offer a co-ed flag football camp for kids from noon to 5 p.m. during the week of VBS. The cost for the camp is $60, which includes a lunch each day.

For information about either program or to register by phone, call 813-949-5516, ext. 100, or register online at myrtlelake.org. There is no deadline to register; open registration will continue during the week of VBS.

Harvester United Methodist Church, 2432 Collier Parkway, also offers VBS each year, but they are currently full for the 2011 program and taking names for a waiting list.

Their program, “Panda Mania—Where God Is Wild About You,” is from 9 a.m. to noon, June 13-17, for children age 4 through the fifth grade.

The cost is $20 for the first child and $15 for each additional child.

For information or to be put on the waiting list, call 813-948-2311.