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Community Corner

News from the Pews: Vacation Bible School

Area churches provide themed Bible schools and camps for school-aged children

If you are looking for a meaningful way for your children to participate in some summer fun, check out the list of churches in and near Royal Oak that will be hosting Vacation Bible School as well as some camps. Some programs are in the evening and  churches are hosting activities for the parents and, too.

VBS is a great way to learn about religion, keep the kids busy during the summer and meet new friends.

JUNE

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, Troy and Warren campuses

When: June 20-24 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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Suggested ages: Children entering first through fifth grade for Kreative Kids Day Camp

Cost: $45 per child.

More information: Call to register (248) 549-4420 or visit www.woodsidebible.org

1314 Northwood Blvd., Royal Oak

When: June 27-July 1 from 9 a.m. to noon

Suggested ages: 4 years old through those completing fifth grade

Cost: $30 for the first child; $45/two children; $60/three or more children.

More information: Children and adults will be going on a Prayer Safari to find new ways to understand and remember the Lord's Prayer. Organizers says the kids will learn that God listens, God provides, God forgives, God protects, and God rules!

Call the church to register at (248) 288-4220 or visit www.fccro.org

4000 Normandy Rd., Royal Oak

When: June 27-July 1 from 9:30 a.m. to noon plus a Family Fun night on June 30.

Suggested ages: preschool through seventh grade

Cost: A free-will offering will be collected.

More information: Join in the “Gold Rush – Discovering the Rock of Ages.” Call to register (248) 549-5452 or visit www.emmanuelbethel.org.

814 N. Campbell, Royal Oak

When: June 27-June 30 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Suggested ages: 3 years through fifth grade

More information: This year's theme is Backstage with the Bible. Call (248) 548-3111 or register online at goodshepherdro.org.

JULY 

, 26998 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak

When: July 11-15 from 9 a.m. to noon

Suggested ages: Those entering kindergarten through fifth grade.

Cost: $10 per child

More information: Shake It Up Café, featuring Bible stories, games, crafts and more. Call (248) 546-1255 or register online at www.stjohnro.org

, 320 W. Seventh St., Royal Oak

When: July 11-14 from 6-7:30 p.m.

Suggested ages: ages 4 through elementary school

Cost: Fees for dinner and the four-day program are $8 for adults, $12 for one attending child and $8 per additional sibling or guest. Fees are payable to R.O.F.U.M. Registration and payment are due at the church office by June 30.

More information: The camp theme for children includes lessons, songs and games and a program for parents, “Lessons for Christian Parenting.”

Call (248) 541-4100 or visit www.rofum.org or www.rethinkchurch.org.

Ascension of Christ Lutheran Church, 16935 14 Mile Rd., Beverly Hills

When: July 11-14 from 6-8:15 p.m. - dinner at 5 p.m., program 6-8:15 p.m.

Suggested ages: Ages 4-11 (completed sixth grade)

Cost: Suggested donation of $5 per child or $15 per family

More information: The program, “Inside Out and Upside Down on Main Street,” will explore stories Jesus told about everyday people in everyday situations. For more information or to register, visit www.VacationBibleSchool.com/ascensionofchrist

Greenfield Presbyterian Church, 2312 Greenfield Rd., Berkley

When: July 1-15 from 9 a.m. to noon

Suggested ages: kindergarten through fifth grade (fall 2011)

Cost: Suggested donation of $15 per child or $25 per family maximum

More information: In the Shake It Up Cafe, kids carry out God's recipe for fun and faithful living. Included will be crafts, goofy games, silly science experiments, yummy snacks and spirited singing.

Register at (248) 544-1800 ext. 25 or www.greenfieldchurch.com

, 202 E. Fifth St., Royal Oak

When: July 18-22 from 9-11:30 a.m.

Suggested ages: Children from preschool to eighth grade

Cost: $10 per child with a maximum of $30 per family

More information: Fun music from Captive Free will inspire teaching and energetic playtime. Payment/registration for VBS can be made to the church office or online at www.worshipdowntown.org/vbs/index.php. (248) 541-0613.

Berkley First United Methodist Church, 2820 W. 12 Mile Rd., Berkley

When: July 24- July 28 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Cost: No fee to attend

More information: In the Shake It Up Café, kids carry out God's recipe, which includes Bible fun, crafts, hands-on mission work, food science and music.

Register by calling Chris Schulte at (248) 399-3698 or online www.cokesburyvbs.com/shake-it-up-cafe/BerkleyFirstVBS.

Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church749 W. 14 Mile Rd., Clawson

When: July 25-29 from 6-8:30 p.m.

Suggested ages: 3 years through sixth grade

More information: To register for Son Rock Kids Camp, call (248) 435-8025 or visit  www.trinityevclawson.org.

320 W. Seventh St., Royal Oak

Choir camp at

When: July 24-31 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Suggested ages: Grades 3-12 (next fall)

Cost: $250

More information: Kids and adult volunteers enjoy swimming, boating, crafting, disc golfing, worshipping, laughing and, of course, singing. Our week begins at worship July 24 and ends with the grand finale, Camp Sunday, on July 31. Call (248) 541-4100 or visit www.rofum.org.

Prince of Glory Lutheran Church1357 W. 14 Mile Rd., Madison Heights

When: July 25- 29 from 9:30 a.m. to noon

Cost: Free

Suggested ages: ages 3 years (with one year of preschool) through sixth grade.

More information: Bible Heroes Bible Camp will be taking a closer look at several Bible heroes, including David and Goliath, Joseph and Esther. There will be skits, music, Bible study, science, crafts and recreation. A light lunch will be served at noon for the participants and their families. Call (248) 588-4652 or register online at www.princeofglory.org/biblecamp.

AUGUST

Cana Lutheran Church, 2119 Catalpa, Berkley

When: Aug. 1-5 from 9 a.m. to noon

More information: This year’s camp theme is “Sun Surf.”  Call (248) 543-0767 or visit www.canaelca.org.

529 Hendrie Blvd., Royal Oak

When: Aug. 1-5 from 9 a.m. to noon

Suggested ages: Those who have turned 3 years by September 2010 through finishing the fifth grade

Cost: $10 per child and one bottle of 100 percent juice

More information: The theme is “Changing the Church: The Reformation to Today. “Early registration recommended by calling the church office at (248) 541-0108 or visit www.fpcro.org.

Celtic Cross Presbyterian Church, 11451 E. 10 Mile Rd., Warren

When: Aug. 1-5 from 6-8 p.m.

Suggested ages: preschool through elementary

Cost: free

More information: This year’s theme is “The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything:  A Veggietales VBS!” Call to register (586) 757-7832 or visit www.celticcross.org.

3620 Rochester Rd., Royal Oak

When: Aug. 15- 19 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Suggested ages: Preschool through sixth grade

More information: The theme is “Pandamania: Where God is Wild About You!” Included will be games, snacks, Bible adventures, movies and more.  Call to register (248) 588-6272 or visit www.woodlawn.org.

1717 W. 13 Mile Rd., Royal Oak

When: Aug. 22-29 from 5:30-8 p.m.

Cost: free

More information: Call (248) 288-3230 or visit www.starrchurch.org.

Is your vacation Bible school missing from this list? If you would like your church's events to be considered for inclusion in the weekly News from the Pews, email Lynne Cobb at write.lynne@gmail.com.

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