Barbara Lawlor, Nederland.  For the past 45 years, the three churches of Nederland have formed a symbiotic relationship of offering local children a chance to worship for one week during the summer.

The kids also have a chance to socialize outside and perform for their parents at the end of the session.

Pat Gibney of Calvary Chapel and Jeanette Smith of St. Rita were two of the original founders of the program and they still play a part in its success. They, however, are only too happy to turn the curriculum and leadership over to younger, more energetic people. They find it enjoyable to supply the string cheese and grapes for snacks.

This year, the campers learned about the covenant of the holy communion in which they experienced their connectedness through Christ, reflected on the power of shared meals in community and discovered the roots of Christian communion in scripture.

The theme of the summer comes from John 15:5. “I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.”

Arts and crafts reflecting these beliefs were led by the counselors from the Presbyterian Highlands Ranch Retreat Summer: Alyssa Wieber, Ella Gibbons and James Butts. The Nederland VBS was their fourth group this summer, having already been to Denver, Tabernash and Sterling.

The one-week session involved learning about the last supper, what it means to be at the table, sharing food and communicating. An average of 21 children showed up for the morning camp.

At the end of the morning, just before leaving, the children sang and danced, giving voice to what they learned during the morning.