An ongoing need at Christ Church United in Lowell (CCU), and in Lowell in general, is for high quality, enriching, full-day summer program opportunities. Many of the families that attend CCU and who live in the general vicinity of the church are lower-income, working families. The summer months can be especially difficult for finding child care and feeding children 3 times a day, instead of only dinner like during the school year.
CCU filled this need for one week this summer. We were able to enroll and serve over 50 children (with a wait-list of 10!), ages 3-13 years, during our Vacation Bible School (VBS) week. Children attended our free program from 8am-5pm (preschoolers from 8am-12noon) and received breakfast, lunch, and snacks while in our care. Each day, all children were able to participate in music, art, drama, cooking, science, water play, and outdoor recreation. Over 20 adult members of our congregation also participated in this week long event through volunteering their time and talents with the children. Our staff/child ratio was 1/10, not including the extra hands from our adult and teen volunteers. We were also able to successfully serve and include 11 children who have special needs in our VBS program this year.
We served 26 children from our congregation and 29 from the local neighborhood. Last year, no children from our neighborhood attended this enriching opportunity. We successfully reached out to our community. We were able to purchase a large water slide, which made it possible to host a “Slide into VBS” water play/ice cream social for the neighborhood children and families in June. Fifty families and children attended the “Slide into VBS” event and 25 children enrolled in the summer program as a result. CCU is excited to see our VBS program grow and fill a crucial need in Lowell. This year, we were able to extend our hours in response to working families’ need for full-day care. We were also able to hire staff to make our ratios appropriate to serve children with special needs, such as Bipolar Disorder, ADHD and Mental Retardation. CCU met the needs of an at-risk population of children and families in Lowell through their participation in our VBS summer program. Please view this video slideshow documenting our VBS week with the children.
Throughout planning for VBS (Which began in January), I was worried about a lot of things. All of which had to do with having “enough”.
At first, I was worried about not having enough campers. Then, when we became overbooked, I worried we would not have enough volunteers. When the volunteers came rolling in, that we wouldn’t have enough food. Finally the night before VBS, when all of the logistics had been worked out, I worried that there just would not be “enough”. Enough patience, enough attention, enough love to serve this many kids from all of these different situations and circumstances.
Although I was nervous I also had an amazing sense of calm. I knew, somehow, everything would work out because the theme that resonated throughout the VBS experience was that God is always more than enough. Every time we got into a pinch with volunteers, someone came walking through the door. When we ran out of snacks, someone always volunteered to bring us some more. When a camper needed something extra, there was always someone there to give it to them. When a member of the team needed some support, another member of the team could step in and handle it. God was truly with us in a way that is indescribable in words.
It was also obvious that God was not only with us (the team), but also with each of the kids. I loved seeing their faces light up as they danced and sang. It was amazing to see the kids creative juices flowing with each art project and their smiling face during the games and water play. The words and actions of the VBS campers hold a very special place in my heart, as each one of them is such an inspiration. There inquisitive nature and their love of God made it easy to get up and go to “work” every morning.
This week has convinced me, (if I didn’t already realize this already) that God is working and has amazing plans for CCU. I am blessed to have the opportunity to be involved in such a beautiful program, and blessed to be involved with a church that has the courage and dedication to support it.
In Christ’s Love,
Jenn
CCU Children and Youth Programs Director
[...] CCU was filled with important programs and opportunities for growth. Our witness to God, through VBS, ChristCare, and VisionQuest, was life-giving to all who were involved. There were many (too many [...]
[...] to God for this time of new beginnings. I have had a fruitful and relaxing summer. July brought Vacation Bible School, ChristCare, and the near conclusion of our VisionQuest. August began with the Pan Mass Challenge [...]