North Canton Vacation Bible School Roundup

Including staples of crafts, music, Bible stories and snacks, the typical vacation Bible school attracts families to churches, and churches use that time to reach out to the community in meaningful ways. 

North Canton Patch decided to take a closer look at that church-community connection and ? Here’s what we found out: 

PandaMania is a big event

Filled with Bible learning kids can “see, hear, touch and even taste,” PandaMania has the aim of helping faith to “flow into real life,” said Sharon Harper, whose church, , is one of the churches hosting PandaMania this summer.

FUMC’s VBS is from 9:30-11 a.m July 18-22. Kids going into fifth and sixth grades will have their own “PandaMania Survivor Challenge.” Visit Faith’s VBS site or its church site.

Can’t wait until mid-July?  will host its VBS from 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. July 11-15. Alison Blondheim invites parents or grandparents to register their children here or to stop into the church lobby for a registration form (office hours are 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday through Friday). Each family will receive a music CD upon registration.

“We would really love for you to come and join the fun,” Blondheim said. 

"Inside Out and Upside Down on Main Street"

If PandaMania sounds crazy, try “Inside Out and Upside Down on Main Street.” You’ll see signs around town from at least three churches attempting that feat.

in North Canton will host “Inside Out,” a week that's likely the kick-off of the summer VBS season, from 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. June 12-15.

Coordinator Jodi VanGorder touts The Chapel’s VBS as “outstanding" and a "stellar program for your child to attend.”

VanGorder said her planning committee works hard to make the program top notch, from its decorating team with its “creative, over-the-top decorations" (the bigger the better) to the talented musicians who lead the kids in worship. Not to mention the small-group leaders who “put much time and effort into getting to know each child" and the "fun and often very wet games" the kids enjoy. 

“Our teachers spend a lot of time creating and setting the scene for the lessons each night,” VanGorder said. “The Chapel is dedicated to not only making sure that children have an amazing time, but also that God is glorified in every single thing we do. We are dedicated to touching those who do not yet know about our glorious Savior, Jesus Christ, and helping our community.”  

Two local churches are combining forces to turn “Inside Out” on Main Street. and Little Flower offer VBS for ages 4 through fifth grade at St. Paul Church. Kids will experience singing, dancing and crafts while they learn about faith and Jesus' work. All children receive a bright T-shirt and are promised “loads of fun” from June 20-24.

For more information, contact the parish office at 330-499-2201.

Editor's Note: Did your North Canton vacation Bible school not make it into this story? Email North Canton Patch Editor Morgan.Day@patch.com so it's included in a roundup of VBS programs that will come out in the coming weeks.