In life, everyone faces intimidating challenges and difficult
times. The campers at the Rocky Railroad Vacation Bible School, held this week in
Burke Hall at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington, are no exception.
On the first day of camp, July 12, 28 children sat in a circle
and shared the hardships they have faced. One girl said learning new things was
tough. One boy lamented he was “living with no brothers.” But throughout the
day, camp leaders reminded them that “Jesus’ power helps us do hard things.”
The cathedral’s camp is one of the Vacation Bible Schools being
held in the diocese this summer. The morning activities reinforced the message.
To remind campers to rely on God, the children did trust falls — leaning back
to be caught by a fellow camper. They watched a video of a boy who prayed to
God for confidence and then successfully karate chopped a board in half. They
heard the Bible story of Ananias, who was scared to visit Saul of Tarsus, but
obeyed God’s command anyway. When Ananias laid his hands on Saul, scales fell
from Saul’s eyes and he became the Christian better known as St. Paul.
Campers also played games, had dance breaks and made a craft.
Many activities were train-themed. The entrance of the hall was decorated with
paper railroad tracks leading to kid-sized cardboard rail cars, complete with
white tissue-paper smoke billowing from a smokestack. Volunteers often prompted
the campers to mime pulling a train whistle while shouting, “Trust Jesus!”
Faith Stocker said she likes seeing her friends and participating
in the activities. “I had fun doing everything,” she said. “I can’t wait to
come back tomorrow.”
