It's hard to believe that summer is reaching its mid-point. Two local churches are offering Vacation Bible Schools to provide children safe, alternative ways to spend endless, summer days.

According to the Web encyclopedia, Wikepedia, the origins of Vacation Bible School can be traced back to Hopedale, Illinois in 1894. Sunday School teacher D. T. Miles felt she was limited by time constraints in teaching the Bible to children. She started a daily Bible school to teach children during the summer. The first Bible school enrolled forty students and lasted four weeks.

Christ United Methodist Church

3598 Pennsylvania Ave.

July 26 - 30

6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

"Crocodile Dock" is the theme for this year's VBS and offers Bible stories, dramas, crafts, music and outside play. Children are invited to visit "the swamp" for games and lessons about God.

Oakland Presbyterian Church

Wylie Ridge Road

August 10 - 14

6 to 8:30 p.m.

Ages 3 and Up

This year's VBS theme is "Children of the Bible."

Gerrie Walker is the VBS?Director.

For information call (304) 748-7129.

The list of available community Vacation Bible Schools will appear in this space every Friday throughout the summer. To submit information, e-mail lwinkler@weirtondailytimes.com.