Schools seem to be ending earlier this year, and it won’t be long until parents hear that dreaded lament: “There’s nothing to do. I’m bored!” Of course, this is an exaggeration, but the following list of activities may add some welcome variety to any student’s summer.
Gilroy
• Gilroy Presbyterian Church is offering a summer day camp, “Turn It Up,” in two sessions: 1) June 17-21 from 9 a.m. to noon for children ages 3 to entering kindergarten. The cost is $60. 2) June 24-28 for first through sixth graders from 9 a.m. to 12:30. The cost is $65. Participants will take a journey through the Bible as they discover being part of “God’s big story when they turn up the power of God’s love in their lives.” Details: (408) 842-3000; register online at www.gilroypres.org.
• Good Shepherd Lutheran Church is offering “The Little Vines Summer Camps” for children ages 3 to 5 in two sessions: June 4-22 and July 9 -Aug. 1, both from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays. The cost is $280 per session. Activities include review of numbers, letters, shapes, plus science experiments, outdoor activities, and kid-friendly cooking projects. Call 408) 842-2713 or see www.goodshepherdgilroy.org.
• The Foothills Church will present “Savior of Us” on June 17-21 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Children from kindergarten through fifth grade will meet characters from the “Wizard of Oz” while playing games, doing crafts and lab experiments, and enjoying snacks. A mission activity will partner with an orphanage in Mexico. There is no charge to attend. Call (408) 848-3100 or see www.thefoothillschurch.org.
• Gilroy First Baptist Church will host “Colossal Coaster World” on July 8 through 12 from 9 a.m. to noon. Invited are students entering first through sixth grades; they will enjoy music, Bible study, crafts, recreation, and snacks at no cost. Especially welcome are children who have never attended Vacation Bible School before. Call (408) 847-6000; register online at www.fbcgilroy.org/#/event-registration.
• South Valley Community Church will present “Son West Round Up” on Aug.12 -16 from 8:30 a.m. to noon, plus a family “hoe down” Friday evening. Kindergartners through fifth graders are invited; the cost is $20 per child (family maximum of $60.) Participants will enjoy crafts, outdoor games, Bible lessons, snacks, and music. Call (408) 848-2363 or see www.svccgilroy.com.
Morgan Hill
• The Morgan Hill United Methodist Church will host “VBS World Tour” on June 10-14 from 5 to 8 p.m. for children ages 5 through 12. Participants will visit different countries, hear Bible stories, sing, make crafts, enjoy snacks, and play games. The cost is $10 per child. Call 408-779-4044 or see www.mhumc.org.
• St. John’s Episcopal Church is offering “Vacation Bible School” from June 17-21 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Children in kindergarten through fifth grade will enjoy puppet shows, Bible stories, crafts, singing, and a light meal. Friday will feature a puppet show performance for parents. The cost is $20 per child. Also, St. John’s Preschool will be offering sports, theme, and daily drop-in camps throughout the summer, as well as a “Kindergarten Jump Start.” Call 408-782-9994 or see www.stjohndivinemorganhill.org.
• Advent Lutheran Church will present “Christian Music Theatre” in four sessions: June 24-29, July 8-13, July 29-Aug. 3, Aug. 5-10 for kindergartners through 9th graders. Participants will be involved in drama, music, choreographed movement, and art from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., plus a Friday evening rehearsal and Saturday performance of an original play. The cost is $250 for the first child, with discounts for siblings. Call (408) 779-3551 or see www.advent-lutheran.org.
• West Hills Community Church hosts “Kingdom Chronicles” on July 29-August 2 from 9 a.m. to noon for children entering kindergarten through sixth grade. There will be crafts, games, snacks, and music with a Middle Ages theme. Cost is $10 per child. Call (408) 779-0697 or see www.Westhills.org.
Hollister
• Hollister Seventh Day Adventist Church will present “The Investigation Station” from June 10-15 from 6 to 8 p.m. for children ages 5 through 13. Participants will study God’s creation with creative visits to Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon while enjoying crafts, games, snacks, and writing activities. There is no charge to attend. Call (831) 637-5506 or see www.hollistersdachurch.org.
• St. Luke’s Episcopal Church will present “We Can Be Heroes: Old Testament Heroes & Heroines.” Participants will engage biblical stories through colorful felt-board retelling, song, movement, prayer, games, and crafts. The cost is $25 for the first child, $20 per sibling. Call (408) 354-2195 or see hollisterepiscopal.com.
• Hollister Presbyterian Church will host “Kingdom Rocks” from July 29-Aug. 2 from 9 a.m. to noon for preschool and elementary students. Participants will visit different stations to do play outdoor games, hear Bible stories, engage in crafts and experiments, and watch videos. The cost is $35 per child; family discounts are available. Call 831-214-6425 or see www.fpchollister.org.
