Learning Scripture through fun activities
This year's program, themed "Crocodile Dock," allowed for the Bible school students to learn in several interactive ways. Crews of children rotated through five different stations: Sing and Play Swamp with opening songs, Bible Bayou with a re-enacted story from the Scriptures, Crawfish Crafts and Missions, Gator Games and Firefly Finale with a recap of the day's lesson from church Pastor Greg Hoenes.

"The goal is in one of those modalities that the message will get to them that God loves them and God is here with them," said Naomi Smith, co-director of Seventh-day's vacation Bible school. "That's really why we do it, we want children to learn to embrace the love of God just the way we have."

A group of about 40 volunteers led the children through the stations.

Bible school co-director Janice Hinkle's voice could be heard from behind a cardboard fort filled with a crew of children participating in a Passover simulation.

"They had to get their stuff and leave the land (of Egypt) as far as possible, in case pharaoh changed his mind and sent his soldiers after them," Hinkle said.

The group of kids came crawling out of the pseudo-home as they acted out their hasty departure from Egypt.

"And God did what he said he'd do on that Passover night, because God always does what he says he'll do," Hinkle said.

To which the group replied, "Fear not."

The Passover lesson stuck out in the mind of 6-year-old Madison Westbrook, of Valencia.

"The most exciting part is when I'm in this house and we painted this fake blood on the door," Madison said. "We pretended like the angel of (death) came over the house. It had to happen, but I learned God is with you and he'll keep his promise."

At the Crawfish Crafts and Missions station, the kids stuffed felt turtles with cotton and special notes for children in disaster.

Before the three-hour-long evening ended, they met together to dance to music videos and sing, "I will not be afraid, I will not be swamped with fear, because God is always, always, yeah, always here."

Biblical literacy and volunteer rewards
Vacation Bible school is a program hosted by many churches year after year.

Hoenes sees the importance in teaching children the basic stories of the Bible, which he believes are no longer known by many children.

"Biblical literacy is declining in our culture," he said. "People used to going to church are less aware of the stories that used to be known."

From the incomparable faith of Daniel, to the work ethic of Joseph - if children hear these stories again and again, they can retain them and recognize them later on, Hoenes said.

Volunteer crew leader, Chris Rave, of Saugus, said "Many times, leaders ask the kids if they remember what they learned throughout the week, and they do.

"It sticks in their brains," Rave said.

The 21-year-old volunteer has helped with the program for a few years.

"I like seeing the kids at first all confused and after the week, they become close-knit and open up with each other," he said. "They get a good experience overall."

Smith said besides seeing their pastor "look like Huck Finn," with his straw hat on, the major reward of the week is sharing about God's love with the kids.

"I enjoy seeing them active and excited," Smith said. "I enjoy being able to share the love of God in a really fun, active way."