Those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer are also days when children have an opportunity to develop their relationship with God. Between church camps, Vacation Bible School, Child Evangelism Fellowship 5-Day Clubs and other programs, kids can learn a lot about God.
The 4-14 Window
The 4-14 Window is a phrase sometimes used to describe the time when a person is most open to learning about God. It’s also the time most critical to human development. This is the time between the ages of four and 14. The phrase is attributed to evangelist Luis Bush, who is also known for the 10-40 window, a phrase that describes the part of the globe most without the gospel.
Church Camp
Many churches have camps for children to attend, either denominationally supported or connected in some other way, because it has long been recognized that summer church camps can have a major spiritual impact. The camp may not necessarily be on a lake, but such a location sure helps with recreational activities. Madison has a great camp almost within city limits, Lake Waubesa Bible Camp.
The camp has been operating for over 65 years.
VBS
Vacation Bible School (VBS) was a staple of church summer programming for many years and is still offered by some churches. Several publishers supply VBS curricula and themes every year. The theme for Standard Publishing’s 2011 VBS is “Inside Out and Upside Down on Main Street.” Other VBS sources include Group Publishing, Gospel Light, Cokesbury (United Methodist), and Lifeway (Southern Baptist).
5-Day Clubs
Last year the gospel message was shared at 45 different 5-Day Clubs in the Madison area by 18 volunteer Child Evangelism Fellowship Summer Missionaries. Madison’s Child Evangelism Fellowship is now scheduling 5-Day Clubs for 2011.
“Wherever kids are, that is where the clubs will be,” CEF’s June newsletter reports. “Each club runs about two hours. Your job as a hostess is to recruit the kids and provide a snack for the kids after club.” To schedule a club for your neighborhood, call 608-242-4002.
CFK
Camps, VBS, and 5-Day Clubs typically last for about, well, five days. But there are longer schedules of summer activities available through certain Christian daycare facilities. Campus for Kids at City Church (4905 E. Buckeye Rd.) is this year offering more flexible scheduling so that parents can choose the weeks they want their kids to participate. More information available at the CFK website or by calling 608-221-1529.
Even if your church does not have a Church Camp or VBS, or if you’re not able to participate for scheduling reasons, you can still have a backyard 5-Day Club and invite neighbor kids. Call CEF to schedule: 608-242-4002.