Children sing at the 2006 Fiesta Vacation bible School at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hermiston.

By TAMMY MALGESINI

The Hermiston Herald

With area schools getting ready to close their doors for the summer, a number of churches already have plans for Vacation Bible Schools. Here are details about some of the fun-filled activities and programs scheduled:

Hermiston Church of the Nazarene

“Outrigger Island” is the theme for this year’s program. It will be from 6-8:30 p.m. June 9-13, at 1520 W. Orchard Extension.

It’s open to children from age 4 through fifth grade.

“It’s Vacation Bible School like you’ve never experienced before,” said organizers.

Set sail for Outrigger Island and come to the church for a week of nonstop action. Children will learn how to live God’s unshakable truth by exploring four Bible truths God is real, Jesus is God’s son, Jesus is the only way and the Bible is God’s word.

By the end of the week, children will have learned what it means to know, speak and live the truth, organizers said.

Children will hear Bible stories, create crafts, recite motivating music while creating and eating snacks at the Snack Cabana and playing games at Recreation Reef.

Call 567-3677 for more information.

New Hope Community Church

Discovering the miraculous power of Jesus is the goal during the church’s Vacation Bible School.

The “Power Lab” will run from 9 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. June 23-26 at the church, 1350 S. Highway 395.

“It’s a science-based theme with fun and exciting experiments,” said Dorothy Smith, children’s director.

The children will be learning songs and there will be crafts, games and snacks.

The program is free, however music CDs will be available for $7.

It’s geared for all children going into kindergarten through fifth grade. People can pre-register their children by picking up a form at the church or go to www.newhopeon395.com. Call 567-8441 for more information.

First Christian Church

The planning committee for the church’s Vacation Bible School still is finalizing the details, but the theme will be “Cosmic City.”

It will be from 9 a.m. to noon July 7-11 and is open to preschool children from 3 years old through sixth grade.

The church is at 775 W. Highland Ave. Call 567-3013 for more information.

Bethlehem Lutheran Church

Luther Haven Ministries of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, is coordinating the church’s day camp Vacation Bible School.

“The Trek” will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 21-25 at 515 S.W. Seventh St.

The program is for children entering kindergarten through sixth grade.

Jan Schulz, co-director of the event, said it’s a different type of program than the church has offered.

“We think it’s going to be a real high-energy experience,” she said.

Luther Haven Ministries will send four college-age counselors to conduct the day camp. It will include Bible studies, crafts, devotions and music.

There is a $5 pre-registration fee, which is due by July 12. Children also need to bring a sack lunch. Call 567-6811 for more information.