Two weeks ago, the annual Vacation Bible School camp was held at St. Benedict’s Church. More than 200 youths and young adults from various schools in Hollister from preschool to high school students participated in the camp. I had a chance to participate as a member of the camera crew. Whether they were campers, teen leaders or station leaders, everyone joined in the fun activities going on throughout the entire week. The theme of the program was Kingdom Rock, which was reminiscent of the times of kings, queens and knights in shining armor. Every day the campers learned various ways to “Stand Strong” in difficult situations, which was the sub-theme of the program.
“St. Benedict’s Vacation Bible School has been a successfuål program for the last 13 years” said Jeanmarie Centeno, director of the program.
Some local residents of Hollister may wonder, “What is so great about another church camp?” Saul Martinez, 13, had the perfect answer to this question.
“Besides learning about our faith, everyone learns more about each other and how they can become better people in our community,” said Martinez, who was part of the camera crew with me this year at VBS.
As all the children participated in the arts and crafts, song singing and water games, the station leaders taught them how to follow directions as well as how to work as a team.
“The kids really enjoyed playing lion tag and sponge pass,” explained Julian Perez, 16, who was the leader of the water games station. “They got a chance to make new friends, get soaking wet and have a great time.”
Perez has been helping out with the program for six years and continues to come back because he “enjoys seeing the kids grow in their faith, and learning about the importance of reaching out to the community.”
Every year at VBS, the children participate in two large service projects. For the first, they collected canned goods for Fishes and Loaves, which provides food for the poor in our community. Then for the second, they put together toiletry bags to be given to St. Vincent De Paul thrift shop. SVDP is an outreach ministry that sells used clothing and small household items to those who can pay. It also offers the same clothing and items free of charge to those who need it.
“We teach the kids that they have responsibilities in this world that change as they grow up,” Centeno said. “No matter what, we have a responsibility to the community at large to make a positive contribution to that community and the world around us.”
The kids also enjoy the fun activities.
“Bible camp makes learning fun with the different songs we sing and stories we listen to. It is also fun to make new friends and reconnect with our old ones every summer too,” shared the San Miguel sisters Sarah, 11, and Jessica, 10.
Martinez, Perez and the San Miguel sisters all agreed that the camp makes them better people each time they attend and they cannot wait for next year.
“I really enjoy being with the kids every year,” Centeno said. “VBS is a lot of work but it is well worth it, especially when I can see the results of each VBS throughout the year. When learning is fun, the kids respond.”
