Children, youth and volunteers plan a fun week at Vacation Bible Adventure and Youth Basketball Clinic

Children from throughout Shoreline and neighboring communities will learn about different wild animals during Vacation Bible Adventures at Berean Bible Church next week. Over 100 children come from throughout the community with the balance of some 40 from the church family.

Over 90 volunteers help throughout the week doing a variety of tasks. Volunteers come from throughout Shoreline, the eastside, Seattle, Edmonds, Lynnwood and as far as Everett and Marysville.

“Our volunteers are dedicated to helping each child feel special, regardless of what role they are serving in,” stated Suzy Bates, director of the annual VBA program. 

“We have workers who provide snacks, help children do crafts or woodworking projects, play outdoor and indoor games, lead science and other hands-on activities. Some have administrative roles, but most are directly involved with sharing God's love with the children and providing encouragement,” Bates added.

Berean has offered VBA since the late 1960s at the church now celebrating its 55th year of serving the Shoreline area at the same location. Many of the volunteers are charter members of the church or have served since their youth when they, too, participated in the early years of VBA.

Two couples, Jerry and Sandie Johnson, along with Dave and Sharon Amundsen, have probably volunteered at VBA the most years.

Sandie has helped in the crafts for different age groups. “I want the kids to have a good time, doing the games and crafts,” she said. “It’s always a rewarding experience.” 

The Johnsons and Amundsens are long-time volunteers

“I’ve done everything from teaching how to build a fire and cook something to helping organize and obtain the materials used in various projects, including construction of the water blasters,” Jerry stated with enthusiasm. He has taught children to clean fish, build outdoor rain shelters, assemble woodworking kits and led many, many outdoor games. 

“We try to make the games and activities relate to the theme of each year’s Vacation Bible Adventure. It’s wonderful to see the kids learn and develop friendships,” he continued. “I love the opportunity to help the kids” he added.

“Our congregation is dedicated to providing spiritual encouragement to children from our community,” added Bates. “The congregation volunteers not just during a week of VBA each summer but during our Wednesday evening children's club programs during the school year.”

The Vacation Bible Adventure begins next Monday, July 22 until Friday, July 26, 2019 and runs from 9:00am through noon. They are still taking registrations, so go here for a registration form or contact Suzy Bates at Berean Bible Church at 206-363-1466 or e-mail office@berean-shoreline.org for more information.

The church is located at 2345 N 185th at 1st Ave NE diagonally across from the Shoreline Center.

--Text by Bob Junell
--Photos by Jennifer Kauppila and John Bates