By Angela Pometto
Herald Staff Writer
(From the issue of 8/5/04)

Lava Lava Island’s volcano overflowed with love at Vacation Bible School at St. John the Apostle Parish in Leesburg last week. Nearly 150 kids participated in the program with 75 teens, parents and grandparents on staff.

The Bible school program uses visual and hands-on activities and music that the kids love, said Kathie Fridley, director of religious education. Every 20 minutes, the activity changes, so even the most hyper-active child is kept engaged. The activities include "Hot Bible Adventures," "Crater Crafts," "Tropical Treats," "Jungle Gym Games" and "Island Prayer Excursion." During each activity, the leaders discuss how each event relates to the day’s Bible passage, said Fridley.

Thursday’s lesson focused on the story of Jesus’ crucifixion. The children took an imaginary trip to a Jerusalem prison where they were convicted of small venial sins, but were saved by Jesus who washed away their sins. They played a unique form of tag where the "sharks" attacked the "fish" with water bottles. The fish could be saved if an adult leader rescued them with a life-saver tube. As the kids yelled "Save me!" the connection to the "Jesus Saves" theme became evident. For the craft, they made "sip-saver" water bottle holders, and their treats were bagels decorated like lifeguard equipment. They also gathered for prayers of sorrow and forgiveness.

"The kids respond," said Mary Jane Chismar, an adult leader. "They are participating not just observing." Chismar also noted that the experience is good for the teen volunteers, who get a taste of teaching.

Maria Powell traveled from North Carolina to volunteer and spend time with her grandson. She thoroughly enjoyed the experience. At home, her grandson proved that he learned the Bible songs by singing them to Powell and her husband.

"It’s good when they get it," said Diane Bree, an adult leader. She believes that the students learn more in this active and fun environment. When asked to help at Mass with adults, the kids are nervous and hesitant, Bree said. But at Vacation Bible School, they "get up and volunteer."

According to Bree, St. John Church is at an overflow stage, and they are hoping to build a new church that will hold their growing numbers. When families come to Mass on Sundays, the parish center is crowded. "It’s good for the kids to have this space to themselves," she said.

Fridley said that they usually schedule events for the last week in July to avoid any bad weather. "This is my 22nd year with Bible camp and the first year it’s rained," she said. The cloudy skies finally cleared up by Thursday, though, to make for a summer-friendly end to the week.