VBS serves 140+ children

By Kathy Thomson

The Albany Ministerial Alliance sponsored Vacation Bible School began this summer’s “Wild” and “Amazing Encounters with Jesus” on Sunday, Aug. 3  and wrapped up the annual event on Wednesday, Aug. 7 with a “Family Night” program in the First Baptist Church sanctuary followed by food, games, and a bounce house at the Bank Park.

Over 140 children and 40 to 50 workers attended the first evening, according to organizer Ginger Bumguardner.

“Every class was full,” said event organizer Ginger Bumguardner. 

Members of the Alliance experimented with an evening schedule this year to see if it would affect participation levels.

“We had a lot more men volunteer than in the past,” Bumguardner said. “We were also joined by others who work during the day. Some of them said that they had always wanted to help with VBS, but this was the first time they were able to do so.”

Transportation for children was provided from several pick up and drop off locations around Albany to VBS.

“We had kids show up to ride all of the buses,” said Bumguardner, “but we still had room for more riders on each of the routes.”