An engaging program blending religious education with diverse afternoon activities is set to take place next week at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Fort Dodge. This initiative merges a Vacation Bible School experience in the mornings with an afternoon camp, offering children a chance to explore faith-based teachings alongside hands-on learning experiences such as cooking, local history, and more. Organized by Lynn Meyer, the event promises to be both educational and entertaining for students from kindergarten through fifth grade.

The morning sessions will focus on "Rescue Story," a theme celebrating community helpers and biblical tales of salvation. Participants will delve into Old and New Testament narratives while learning about real-life heroes like firefighters, police officers, and medical professionals. Running from 9 a.m. to noon daily, this portion of the schedule is entirely free.

In the afternoons, children can enjoy a variety of interactive workshops and activities. For a modest fee of $10 covering the entire week, attendees will participate in creative pursuits ranging from crafting homemade salsa under the guidance of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach to exploring nature with Community Orchard. Additional collaborators include Smitty’s Lawn and Landscape, the Fort Museum and Frontier Village, and even martial arts instruction courtesy of Faiferlick Tae Kwon Do. These partnerships highlight the church's commitment to fostering meaningful connections within the local community.

Meyer emphasizes the importance of these programs, noting that they provide a secure environment where children can deepen their understanding of God’s love while forming new friendships. Parents have the flexibility to enroll their kids either online via stpaulfd.org or in person starting Monday morning at the church located at 400 S. 13th St.

This unique blend of spiritual enrichment and practical skills aims to inspire young minds and strengthen ties between the congregation and surrounding neighborhoods. Through collaboration with numerous community organizations, St. Paul Lutheran Church continues its mission of nurturing future generations.