Many area churches were forced to cancel their Vacation Bible School (VBS) summer programs this year due to Covid-19 concerns, but that decision was something that stuck in the mind of Peggy Berger, faith formation coordinator for St. Marcus Catholic Church in Clear Lake. 

“It was killing me to not do VBS,” said Berger.

She had been involved in many VBS efforts in the past and although her program was canceled in June, she was looking for a way to offer an option for families.  What started as a discussion with a friend who attends Faith Lutheran Church in Becker ended up as a three church effort to offer a self-paced, Bible-based adventure held outdoors for students Pre-k to 5th grade.  South Santiago Lutheran Church joined the planning and the program was offered on the campus of Faith Lutheran last week, from Sunday through Thursday evenings.

Each church community sponsored a tented area that related to the theme of “Rocky Railway”, the original motif for St. Marcus’ 2020 program.

Crafts, Music and Bible Stories were the three areas, while there were also games and a snack station for students to enjoy.

Families were allowed to go through the stations at their own pace, which were physically distanced on the church grounds.  Volunteers from each church were on hand to help at each stop.

Staff wore masks at the stations and they were also provided for the attendees who desired to wear one but had forgotten their own.

Berger estimates that 60 children per night took advantage of the opportunity.

“We’re hoping it will help get them excited for next year,” said Berger.