BANGALORE: Come summer, all are busy chalking out plans to conduct camps with a difference. Many summer camps offer attractive packages, including sports, adventure, cultural, spiritual and so on. But, here is a Christian ministry which is now celebrating 60 years of conducting such camps. Started in 1952, it stands tall in conducting camps. For many, this Vacation Bible School (VBS) camp is an important event as it is a platform for their wards to get real life values. During its 60 years of journey, it has gifted many value-based leaders from various walks of life. It teaches children about contemporary issues like relationship, sex, attitude and many more depending on their age group. Speaking to City Express, the national director Sam Selwine says: “I find peace of mind through this service. I find satisfaction in this for children.” The camp is for 10 days from 8 am to 12 noon.There are special days observed like the third day being day of cleanliness and beauty. On this day, children have to keep their class and surroundings clean. They should be neatly dressed and can decorate the class to get good marks. From the fifth day, they start practising for the final day programme. The sixth day is the day of inspection. Generally on this day, a group of three eminent personalities visit the classrooms and check the workbook, songs, cleanliness and other elements in the classroom.Eighth day is the love feast Day. This means, children, teachers and volunteers bring food from homes and share among themselves. This is unique feature of the VBS. On the concluding day, children will present whatever they learnt during the 10 days in the form of dances, action songs, skits and dramas. Scripture Union State Secretary John Phillips Anchan says, “To have uniqueness in the teaching across the country, we trains these directors and teachers. It is a moment of joy to be amongst children as they are innocent.”The Hudson Memorial Church started conducting this camp in 1972, says Ivy Christopher. As many as 200 students, including non-Christians, are taking part in the camp. Presbyter-in-charge, Rev V P Ashwal says, “It is a proud event to conduct in our church. Children here will be taught well and get to know each other. This camp makes children an asset to society.”Director and Reverand Raju Medagoppa says,”Since the children are here for 10 days, we can keep a track of them and we can guide them in what they lack.” In this church, the camp started on May 2 and will end on May 13.
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