Children across the Treasure Valley took a walk through Avalanche Ranch, held at Caldwell Church July 16–20. The Avalanche Ranch Vacation Bible School program provided fun, memorable Bible-learning activities for more than 60 kids. Each day the kids sang songs, played team-building games, enjoyed snacks, and took on the daily challenge to let God's love grow in their hearts and homes. They also experienced exciting Bible adventures by listening to the Bible lesson for the day, collecting Bible Memory Buddies to remind them of God's Word and creating Bible Point Crafts that they could take home. In addition to the Bible crafts, the children built and painted full-size birdhouses.
"We had an average of 58 children per day," says Holly Russell, co-director, "and we included a salvation message in every lesson to help lead kids to Jesus." Because of that message, several non-Adventist families attended our special VBS Sabbath service.
During our graduation ceremony Friday evening, 54 students received their graduation certificate along with the book Beanie: The Horse That Wasn't a Horse by Heather Grovet. "The kids were so excited!" says teacher Lorinda Bisso.
The children not only learned about God's love, but they also had the opportunity to take part in a worldwide mission project called Operation Kid-to-Kid. For this project, the children made 72 soft Prayer Bears. These bears will be distributed to children in Nicaragua on a upcoming mission trip with Pacific Press Publishing Association.
Children learned that God is real, with us, strong, in charge and awesome. Everyone who attended and participated learned more about God's love. Jessica, one of the students, said, "I never want VBS to end. I wish it would last forever!"
Barbara Herbel teaches the Bible lesson for the day.
Sandi Bowman reflects on the skit video.
During the craft time, John Bryson and Jacob Bindernagel help the kids assemble 63 birdhouses.
These kids listen attentively to the Bible adventure lessons.
John Bryson helping assemble a birdhouse.
