About Vacation Bible Camp
Before there was VBS, Methodists in America participated in camp meetings. At the beginning of the 19th century, Methodist preachers in England and America were increasingly engaging in field preaching as a means of meeting people where they were. On the American frontier, these gatherings turned into camp meetings, often run by Methodists.
A typical camp meeting lasted 8 to 10 days, sometimes longer. Families would pitch a tent on the grounds and attend preaching, Bible studies, and class meetings throughout the day and sometimes long into the night.
It is from these meetings that vacation Bible school was born. By the early 1900s, the camp meeting model was expanded, and summer camps were offered to children and youth of all different congregations.
This year at First Methodist, we are going to reclaim some of our Wesleyan/Methodist heritage by offering Vacation Bible Camp. Each camp will connect with the Olympics under the theme “Going for the Gold.”
This summer we will offer 2 camps:
JULY 1 – 3
8:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Registration Open Now
West Campus:
In partnership with our Quillian Center, children 5 – 12 will be able to attend 3 full days of Camp Quillian, where their specialty focus will be VBS. In addition to the recreation opportunity of Camp Quillian, participants gets to enjoy Bible stories, crafts, and music. Participants will be able to experience the fullness of what Camp Quillian has to offer at a reduced rate, as the funds from Family Ministry will be used to subsidize the cost.
Camp is from 8 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. each day July 1 – 3. Cost for the week: $45 for the 1st child, $25 for the 2nd child, $10 for 3rd and 4th children.
JULY 29 – AUG. 2
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Registration Open Now
Downtown Campus:
Our Downtown Vacation Bible Camp will offer a unique, full-day camp experience. Children 5-12 will enjoy games, Bible stories, songs, crafts, snacks, music and all sorts of excitement! The afternoons will include an on-campus experience or an off-site field trip. Each day will expand on our “Going for the Gold” theme.
Camp is from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. each day July 29th – August 2nd. Cost for the week: $75 for 1st child, $65 for 2nd child, $50 for 3rd and 4th children.
We need volunteers to make this week successful! We will find a place where your gifts and talents shine. Youth may begin volunteering once they are 13 years old. Background checks are required for all volunteers 18+ years of age.
**There are a variety of different volunteer opportunities and time commitments.
Scholarships
We don’t want cost to stop any child from coming to VBC. If cost is an issue please reach out to Eric Pugh.
If you would like to help support the program, donations can be made here.