Though many of Carson City's children are out of school for the summer, vacation bible schools are just beginning.
With themes varying from outer space to underwater adventures to racing, each are designed to pique a child's interest in learning about the Bible, its relation to Jesus Christ and how they can be an important part of it.
Children will also learn who told each story they read about, how the person became a disciple for Christ, where they traveled, how they shared the word of God and how each one of them can be better Christians by continuing a Christian way of life.
"The kids will be looking at God's promises, God's power, God's plan, God's presence and God's provision," said Nancy Kochsmeier, director of children's education at First Presbyterian Church.
"We have some secret special guests coming in the evenings. We have the Bible lessons, chef's squid (not really seafood) snacks, and fishy frolic games. They will start and end each evening at the deserted island for singing, sort of like a jamboree kind of thing. Singing and dancing just for fun.
"We have a very dedicated staff that is having a ball just trying to get ready. I think we're having as much fun as the kids."
The following area churches are offering Vacation Bible Schools. Each are listed with ages, fees and special events.
-Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 1837 Mountain St.; July 24-28, fee $5 per child (first two) $1 each child thereafter; ages 4 years through fifth-grade; "Outback Adventure" is the theme. Special ice cream social July 23 at 6:30 p.m. Call 882-5252.
-Carson City Christian Fellowship, 3691 Research Way, No. 111; June 19-23, 9 a.m. to noon for ages 6-12, no fee; themed around "Veggietales," the book series, on morals and values. Call 883-5215.
-Carson Valley Church of the Nazarene, 1788 Pinenut Road, Gardnerville; Aug. 21-25, 6-8:30 p.m. for ages 4 through sixth-grade; no fee; theme is "Vacation Bible School, Where Every Child is a Champion." Special service Aug. 27 at 10 a.m. Call 782-4498.
-Carson Valley Community Church, 3616 N. Sunridge Dr., Carson City; July 10-14, 9-11:30 a.m. for ages 4 through sixth grade; no fee; theme is "Son Zone." Call 267-3020.
-Dayton Valley Community Church, meets at Dayton Intermediate School; Summer Extravaganza June 17-18; Saturday at 6:30 p.m. Fiorino and Friends, a magic and special effects show and at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, both at Dayton Intermediate School; no fee. June 25 at 10:30 a.m. is a special family ministry with Don Dartt and live contemporary Christian music, plus ventriloquist for the children. July 2 at 10:30 a.m. will feature Dr. Jay Jeffers speaking on family issues. July 9 at 10:30 a.m. is a live concert with Ransomed, a Christian contemporary group from Point Loma Nazarene University, Calif. Call 246-7167.
-First Baptist Church, 1750 Mountain St., Carson City; July 16-21 for ages kindergarten through sixth grade 6:30-8 p.m.; no fee; theme is "Good News, Ocean Odyssey." Second VBS Aug. 14-18 for grades 7-12 from 7-8:30 p.m.; no fee; theme is "Marooned." Call 882-1851.
First Christian Church, 326 E. John St., Carson City; June 19-23 for ages nursery school through sixth grade, 6:30-8:30 p.m.; no fee; theme is "In the Race with Jesus Road Rally 2000." Call 883-4836.
-First Presbyterian Church, 110 N. Nevada St.; June 19-23, two sessions; for children four and 5-year-olds, 5:30-7 p.m.; children entering first grade through sixth grade 5:30-8:15 p.m. (dinner not included); $10 per child ($18 maximum per family); theme is "Ocean Odyssey - Diving into God's Faithfulness." Call 882-1032.
-First United Methodist Church, 412 W. Musser St.; July 10-14 for ages four through sixth grade, 9 a.m. to noon; $15 donation requested (registration accepted until 8:30 a.m. July 10); theme is "2000 Ark Avenue - God's Great Get-Together." Call 882-1436.
-The Fountainhead Carson City Foursquare Church, 3690 Highway 395, south Carson City; July 17-21 for ages three years through fifth grade, 8:30 a.m. to noon; no fee, must be registered with Alyse (call church office); theme is "Veggietown, Building Citizens for God's Kingdom." Call 267-4488.
-Good Shepherd Wesleyan Church, 1575 Railroad Dr.; June 19-23, ages through four through those entering eighth grade, 6-8:30 p.m.; no fee; theme is "Road Rally 2000 - In the Race with Jesus." Closing program June 25 at 6:30 p.m. Call 885-8299.
-High Sierra Fellowship, 1516 Highway 395 "E" in Haas Center, Gardnerville; dates to be determined, call church office, 782-7486.
-New Beginnings Christian Church, 145 Esmeralda, Washoe Valley; July 17-21 for ages five through 14, from 6:30-8:30 p.m.; no fee; theme is "Training Champions for God." Special Sunday service at 10:30 a.m., July 23. Call 849-3932.
-New Hope Baptist Church, 1891 E. Long St., Carson City; Aug. 7-11 for ages three through sixth grade, 6:30-8:30 p.m.; no fee; theme is "Ocean Odyssey." Call 841-2919.
-Smith Valley Community United Methodist Church, 44 Rivers Road, Smith; Aug. 7-11, for ages of those entering first grade into sixth grade, from 9-11:30 a.m.; no fee; theme is "Can-do Kids." Call (775) 465-2452.
-St. Paul's Lutheran Family (ELCA), 1201 N. Saliman Road; July 17-21 for ages three to 12, 5:45-8:15 p.m.; no fee; theme is "2000 Ark Avenue - Noah's Ark." Call 882-3020.
