Fox Valley vacation Bible schools

Crossways Day Camp: Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 340 Grand Blvd. in Elgin, offers a Day Camp from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, June 15 to Thursday, June 18, and 9 a.m. to noon Friday, June 19. Bring a sack lunch each day, except Friday. The program is for children finishing first through sixth grade. The fee is $30. Thurs evening is Family Night with a program followed by an ice cream social. Parents may register from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays to Thursdays, before camp, or the first day of camp at 9 a.m. For details, call the church office at (847) 741-8434.

Community UMC: Are you looking to "rock-the-dock" this summer? Then you'll want to visit "Crocodile Dock" from 9 to 11:45 a.m. June 22-26 at Community United Methodist Church, 400 W. Spring St., South Elgin. It is for youth, age 3 to entering sixth grade; preschoolers must be potty trained, no pull-ups. Join the "Crocodile Dock" buddies Flash, Jacques le Croc, Belle, Blossom, Tucker and special guest "Skeeter" each day at: Swamp Stomp, Crawfish Crafts; Dockside Drive-In, Snack Shack; Bible Bayou, Spotlight Drama; Gator Games, Firefly Finale. On Thursday, June 28, attendees and their parents are invited to worship through music, recognition, fellowship and refreshments. Parents looking for an activity for children that will offer a safe, fun and educational event will find that Crocodile Dock will encourage children to be active and kind, and help them in developing a relationship with Jesus. Space is limited to 50 participants (participation fee of $5 per child which includes a preprinted T-shirt). Registration forms are available at the church or register online at www.groupvbs.com/webtoybox/myvbs/secumcvbs2009. For details, call the church at (847) 931-0563.

St. John Lutheran: St. John's Lutheran Church and School, 300 Jefferson St. in Algonquin, is already accepting registration for this summer's vacation Bible school. The theme this year is "The Crocodile Dock - Where Fearless Kids Shine God's Light." The sessions will be from 9 a.m. to noon Monday, June 22, through Friday, June 26. All children age 3 to students who have completed fifth grade can "come and take a romp through the Swamp." Registration forms are available through St. John's church office at (847) 658-9300.

First Congregational: First Congregational Church of Dundee, 900 S. Eighth St. in West Dundee, invites children age 3 to fifth grade to "Crocodile Dock," a vacation Bible school from 9:30 a.m. to noon Monday, June 22, to Friday, June 26. Each day children will be a part of Bible adventures that they can see, hear, touch and even taste. Crawfish Crafts, team building Gator Games, Bible songs in the Swamp Stomp, a daily visit with Chadder at the Dockside Drive-In and treats at the Snack Shack are the bayou activities at Crocodile Dock. School-age kids should sign up for the grade they are currently completing. To register, visit www.groupvbs.com/webtoybox/myvbs/fccdundee, click on the Participant Registration link on the menu at the left of the screen. The registration deadline is Wednesday, June 17. The cost is $30 per child or $70 for families of three or more. Kids will receive a collection of five Bible Buddies, a Crocodile Dock T-shirt and one Sing and Play Swamp Stomp Music CD per family. Parents can go to the Web site and check the volunteer box on the registration form and complete a volunteer registration form as well. Nursery care is available for children 2 and younger while you volunteer. For details, call (847) 426-2161, ext. 204, or visit www.fccdundee.com.

Ridgefield Crystal Lake Presbyterian: Ridgefield Crystal Lake Presbyterian Church invites all children to go to the "EDGE" this summer for vacation Bible school. "Camp EDGE: Experience and Discover God Everywhere," is an extreme adventure camp taking kids on Bible treks. The program will be from 9 a.m. to noon June 22-26 at Ridgefield Crystal Lake Presbyterian Church, 8505 Church St. in Crystal Lake. Each Bible trek is supported with science activities, music, songs, crafts, recreation, games, and snacks. To attend, call Denise or Jodi at (815) 459-1132 or visit www.rclpc.org.

Congregational Church of Algonquin: The Congregational Church of Algonquin, 109 Washington St., hosts the vacation Bible school "Camp EDGE" from 9 to 11:45 a.m. July 27-31. They are inviting all children age 3 to having finished fifth grade to be a part of "Camp EDGE" "Experience + Discover God Everywhere!" Extreme Bible treks will introduce them to Bible characters who have experienced and discovered God in many ways. Kids will learn an EDGE Pledge with each story. Your children will extend their learning through every activity: making their own special memories at the Art Apex, singing new music at Music Max, experiencing science activities at Exploration Ridge, participating in recreational activities at the Rex Plex, and enjoying snacks at the Snack Express. For details, call (847) 658-5308.