Vacation Bible School programs offered by area churches provide fun-filled activities and Christian education to hundreds of children during the summer.

A long-standing tradition, the VBS of today uses appealing theme-based materials, updated musical styles and snacks to provide an enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

I have very pleasant memories of my own Vacation Bible School participation in the 1950s.

In those days, nearly all of the children in Schnecksville and Neffs went to Bible School at Union Church, Neffs.

The programs were especially appealing to us, as there were very few other activities available for young children.

We did not have nursery school, pre-school, or even kindergarten, and school was a time to be quiet and studious.

So the easier-going atmosphere of Bible School was much appreciated.

The last day of school was usually a Friday, and VBS started the following Monday morning and lasted for two weeks.

We gathered in the church for opening ceremonies each day. I remember sitting among rows of children with the sun streaming through the stained glass windows.

Mrs. Elsie Moyer played a large role in the Bible school morning service. Each day she had us recite the verses from I Corinthians:13, the great passage about charity or love.

I never forgot that scripture.

The Rev. Willard Weida, Lutheran pastor, and the Rev. Robert J. Urffer, from the Reformed side (later became United Church of Christ), took turns speaking to us.

Then we proceeded to a room downstairs where we received leaflets with Bible stories and had simple crafts and pictures to color.

High school girls assisted the teacher, and I remember them helping us while humming a popular song of the time, “You, You, You.”

We were the first wave of baby boomers, and the room was filled.

Years later Mrs. Leona Schuler, a VBS teacher, recalled feeling nervous about having so many children crowded in a basement room.

The church addition which provided lots of new space had not yet been built.

We ended the morning outside with Mrs. Lucy Snyder leading us in musical games and activities such as London Bridge and Six Little Ducks.

Mrs. Snyder was good-natured, and we had a good time with her.

The last day of Bible School we went outside for treats--a Dixie cup of ice cream and a small carton of orange drink.

That was the only day we had any refreshments.

I continued going to VBS until I was old enough to become a helper, and later a teacher.

Then, as now, VBS provide a pleasant, memorable summer church experience for children.