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Overcast Campers discover their faith in Wantagh
School was barely out and children were back to learning, as Christ Lutheran Church hosted its annual summer vacation Bible school from June 29 to July 3.
But there were no spelling tests or multiplication tables. Instead there were Bible stories and messages of faith and friendship. The theme for the week was “Camp Discovery,” and the message was “We love because God first loved us.” Each day over the weeklong program had a different focus.
With a tent and all, the altar of the Wantagh church was set up to look like a campsite. Children rotated through different activities include Bible study, arts and crafts, music, games and snack. About 30 children took part in the program, along with about two dozen teen and adult volunteers.
The Rev. Martin Nale, pastor the church, said the program has been in existence for decades, and has always been held the first week after the school year ends. “We do it because it’s hopefully before everything starts up for the summer and people go away,” he said.
Nale said that the campers were a mix of children from the church, the nursery school and other congregations. All were welcome to attend, he said.
“We hope they learn some basic truths about God,” he said, “and get some fellowship with each other.”
Many of Nale’s staff of volunteers came through the program themselves as campers, including the Cangelosi brothers, of Wantagh. Anthony, 19, and Jonathan, 16, both helped out. They have fond memories of their days as young children attending vacation Bible school.
The brothers also wanted to give back to their church. “The kids are just so fun to be with,” Jonathan said. “They’re unique.” He added that being a volunteer with the program has given him valuable leadership experience.
Anthony, who attends the University of Pittsburgh, said he looks forward to the program every summer. He wanted to ensure that the children had fun and wanted to be a good role model. “I hope that they get a sense that there’s a community in the church,” he said. “There’s people to look up to.”
Stephanie Perota, 16, of Seaford, was volunteering for the second straight year. She helped out with the crafts and games.
“I like to interact with the little kids,” she said. “It just makes me feel better about myself. I like to see them happy.”
On the second-to-last day of camp, the children gathered on the altar and sang several songs for their parents. They spent the week working with Nancy Gephardt, the longtime music coordinator for the program and a former Wantagh teacher.
“They like to perform. They like to show off for their parents,” she said of the children, adding that she loved their energy and enthusiasm.
Gephardt says she selected song that related to the theme. Her goal was to give children an appreciation for music.
Doris Gannon, a former Wantagh resident who now lives in Florida, used to direct vacation Bible school, and stopped by to visit. She talked about the importance of having a good, responsible staff, who can foster a balance between fun and learning.
“I’ve always loved the program,” she said. “I think it’s very good for the community.”
