PERU -- For one week in August, children get to experience outer space -- where they belong to shuttles and travel to stations for orbital observation and astro bistro.
This may sound like a week in space camp, but it's actually the Galactic Blast Vacation Bible School, which was held at Peru Community Church for children from preschool to sixth grade.
The youths are assigned to groups named after actual space shuttles while they go to six space-themed stations that teach the Bible, music, arts and crafts and science. There is also a gym and snack station.
LIVING THEIR FAITH
"This is a low-pressure way for children to live their faith," said Deanna Cyde, a volunteer from Rochester who decided to accompany her grandchildren at the camp by becoming its nurse and T-shirt vendor.
Cyde said she spends the summer in the area and enjoys the Bible School because she gets time with the kids.
"It's good that they're exposed to a whole variety of different Christians," she said.
GROWING NUMBERS
Lana Knight, co-director of Christian education at the church, said the week-long school is an annual event, but the theme is new.
"Last year, the theme was camp. This year, it is outer space," she said.
Knight said that preparation for the Bible School began back in January, when she got the Galactic Blast theme from a publishing company.
According to Knight, the school's theme is not the only thing that has changed since she took over.
"Two years ago, we had 80 to 90 kids, then last year we had 115 kids. This year, we have roughly 141 kids ... It's pretty wild."
With so many children, Knight is happy the Bible School had so many helpers.
"We have 71 volunteers this year, and it takes that many."
The volunteers -- teenagers, parents, teachers and others -- are like the camp's counselors and are assigned to different jobs.
'HAPPY KIDS'
Knight's son Corey has been a volunteer for eight years. This year, his job was to be a "shuttle pilot," leading a group from station to station.
"It really changes every day," he said. "You never know what is going to happen."
Corey said he thinks the school is well organized and enjoys the kids because they're funny.
"It's great seeing all the happy kids and to teach them new things."
Corey said many of the volunteers were former campers who decided to come back and help out.
Fourteen-year-old Lilly Sullivan is one of the Bible School's younger volunteers.
"I think it's a really fun thing to do."
She has younger sisters enrolled in the Bible School. However, she said, it's not just the campers who are the ones who walk away with an education.
"I learned definitely how to get along with people better. If anyone plans on volunteering, they should do this."
GRATITUDE
Knight doesn't let the helpers walk away empty handed.
"We have a kickoff party the night before it begins for the volunteers only. We personally give out door prizes, we have pizza, and it's a way for volunteers to bond and support their fellow workers."
Knight said the church also gives out gift cards to the volunteers as a thank-you.
BIG SUCCESS
Though the Bible School is held at the Protestant Peru Community Church, Peru's St. Augustine's Roman Catholic Church also participates with the Bible School.
"This is open to all community members, not just members of this church," said Knight.
Although this year's Bible School was the first for Sister Brian Marie Latour, she is no stranger to children and education, having served as principal of Seton Academy and St. John's Academy.
"It's fun, and the people here are just wonderful," she said. "I've done this before in other parishes. This is probably the most successful program I've ever seen."
FROGS AND CRAFTS
When Bonnie St. Cyr heard about the Bible School, she decided to enroll her 3-year-old son in the program, making it the first time he was completely separated from his mother. "He did great. He had a bit of a meltdown the other day, but now he seems to be assimilating well," St. Cyr said.
She said the program helped get her son into "preschool mode."
"It's a great experience for both of us," she said.
The children did seem to be enjoying themselves.
"It's fun, and I get to do arts and crafts," said Deirdre O'Callahan, 6, who said this is her second year with the school.
She said she also enjoys learning about science and the Bible. Recreation is another of her favorite activities, particularly duck duck goose.
Four-year-old Grace Bant said she also likes science because they got to catch frogs.
She spoke very highly of the volunteers and their helpfulness.
"They are awesome. They are nice and fun."
