Vacation Bible School 2023

Detail of Shadyside Presbyterian Church’s “Digital Mosaic,” illustrated by Mark Bender. All rights reserved by Shadyside Presbyterian Church.
Something Fishy: Fish Tales in the Bible

Details

Vacation Bible School:
Monday through Friday
June 19 through 23
9:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Closing Celebration:
Friday, June 23
12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

Click Here to Register Your Child

Click Here to Be a Youth Volunteer

Purpose

To create a Christian community and devote our time to fun, Bible study, love, and service. This year, our theme will explore the foretelling and birth of Jesus.

Who Can Attend

Participants should be children ages four to eight years. Older children and youth are needed to serve as junior and senior counselors. Applications are available online and through the Children’s Ministry office. (Parents may enroll their child here. Youth volunteers may sign up to help here.)

Families who are not members of Shadyside Presbyterian Church are encouraged to participate. Our VBS curriculum is non-denominational Christian. Other traditions enrich our understanding of ourselves.

Tuition

Tuition is $60 per child, or $100 per family, for the week; financial aid is available. Class size will be limited to twelve students, and we likely will have two groups of four-five-year-olds. The total enrollment is limited to sixty students (five groups of twelve). There is no fee for junior and senior counselors.

Wear Comfortable Clothes

The children will play outdoors, if possible, or indoors daily. They should dress for relaxed games and playground play. They also will be enjoying some messy crafts.

Friday Closing Celebration

On Friday, June 23, the last day of VBS, at 12:30 p.m. we will celebrate our week together with a program in the Sanctuary, followed by an outdoor reception. All members of the church family are welcome to join us for this joyful celebration.

COVID-19 Precautions

For the well-being of our congregation and our community, Shadyside Presbyterian Church has established health and safety precautions to minimize risk for those attending our gatherings, especially those most vulnerable among us, including children. To better prepare you for what to expect during your visit, you may learn more by reading our current worship precautions on the church website: www.shadysidepres.org/covid-19/current. Conditions may change by the time VBS occurs, and, therefore, our response as a community may be different at that time. Please feel free to contact the church office should you have any questions.

Volunteer Opportunities for 3rd-12th Grade Graduates and Adults

Junior and Senior Counselors

If you are too old to enroll as a camper in VBS, we need you. Please apply as junior and senior counselors here. You will work under the direction of church staff and adult volunteers. You will have special training to prepare you for your specific leadership role. Getting to know our counselors is always the children’s favorite part of Vacation Bible School.

Family Participation

Families are requested to choose one or more of the following to help facilitate the success of our program:

  • prepare craft materials and decor in advance of VBS
  • lead a craft or activity center daily (or on specific days during the week)
  • set up for Friday’s closing celebration
  • help with arrival on Monday and Tuesday mornings

We need your help whether you have only one hour or a whole week to give. Please share as much time as you can.

Questions or concerns?
Ellen L. Allston
412.682.4300, ext. 119
eallston@shadysidepres.org