The campers are amazed by the story they are hearing. Once again the Cathedral of the Incarnation's lawns were turned into Jerusalem City when children ages four to nine attended Vacation Bible School. This year had an international flair with one of the leaders visiting from Spain and two of the campers visiting from Haiti. The participants were divided into five tribes of Israel called Judah, Reuben, Gad, Asher and Naphtali. Each tribe had a tent where they met each day. Among the activities the children participated in were brick making with mud and straw and baking bread each day. This year's focus was about caring for the environment. The children raised money to buy a tree to replace some of those lost to age on the Cathedral grounds. The tree will be planted this fall.

The Vacation Bible School shared some of the songs they learned with the congregation at the 10:00 Mass on Sunday August 27. The church service was followed by a Festival Celebration with the children of The Vacation Bible School and their families. Due to inclement weather, the Festival was held in the Mercer School of Theology. First the children performed in the Chapel of the Good Shepherd. Then the children provided tours of the Holy Land where they lived and worked for the week and displayed the work they had done. Finally the parents and children participated together in Camel Races, Chariot Races, Desert Relays, an Olive Eating Contest, a Shofar Horn Blowing Contest and a Sardine Eating Contest for adults only. All the children agreed that they had wonderful experience learning first hand about Old Testament times.

The Asher Tribe

The Moody family, Matthew, Dina and Lindsay, traversing the Holy Land Emily Moody enjoying a spin around Jerusalem City on a pony. Laura Utrero getting ready to meet with the Gad tribe. The petting zoo came for a visit bringing animals that lived in the Holy Land. The Judah Tribe including Chloe Pitkoff, Eddie Ostuni, Genny Halka, Keith Dusling, Ashley Brier, Robert Romenelli, William Romenelli , Valerie Pournazari and Chris Halka enjoy some "down" time. Jennifer and Robbie LeSueur fed the goats. RuthAnn Collins, Director of Christian Formation, helping some of the campers pet the chicken. The Gad Tribe along with their tribe leaders just chilling out from spending a hot day in Jerusalem City. Some of the parent volunteers taking a short break. The Naphtali Tribe with their tribe leader Olivia Omage. Christina Dilluvio, Camp Director, enjoying some time with the campers. Helen "Granny" Fearn helps out with snack time. The Reuben Tribe with their tribe leader Luna Mishoe.