Maranatha Christian Reformed Church in Holland, Mich., has given the traditional Vacation Bible School model a twist with its own four-night summer program called Praise Days, running since 2013.
Offered for children who are entering the first through sixth grades, Praise Days gives an opportunity to learn new things and discover God-given creative gifts and talents alongside skilled adults in their congregation.
Children get to choose one project station to try out each night from Monday through Wednesday. They attend a large-group opening worship and teaching time, then go to their respective project stations where they undertake an age-appropriate project with adult guidance. On the final night of the program, participants have the opportunity to display or demonstrate their creation.
Project stations for past Praise Days have included sewing, engineering, Lego construction, circuitry, baking, ballet, woodworking, Taekwondo, drumming, and painting.
Tapping into the gifts and talents of volunteers was a big part of developing Praise Days, as the church sought a creative alternative to the typical Vacation Bible School experience 14 years ago.
“Allowing volunteers to teach and lead students in something they're passionate about is something that has always been special about Praise Days,” said Sheila Schippers, one of the program’s organizers.
A high volunteer-to-student ratio gives volunteers an opportunity to develop deeper, more intentional relationships with participants, Schippers said.
About 75 kids attended last year’s Praise Days, with a mix of kids who attend Maranatha CRC and those who live in the surrounding Maplewood neighborhood of Holland who typically hear about it by word of mouth.
Maranatha pastor Matt Stob calls Praise Days “a joy-enhancing week for our entire congregation.”
“Not only do the kids look forward to this week each year and engage the worship and craft times with enthusiasm, the many student and adult volunteers who come together to make Praise Days happen enjoy being together for the week and working together to host our version of VBS,” Stob said. “As the kids discover more and more of the wonder of God and his creation, the volunteers also enjoy the satisfaction of using their gifts to contribute to something that, year-after-year, proves to be much greater than the sum of its parts."
About the Author
Greg Chandler is a freelance news correspondent for The Banner. He lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan.