FAIRFAX, Va. (June 4, 2008) – The Anglican District of Virginia (ADV) is busily preparing for numerous Vacation Bible Schools and camps that will be held throughout the region for preschool to middle school aged kids. Most of ADV’s 21 parishes will have special programs for children this summer.

According to ADV vice-chairman Jim Oakes, “The summer programs within ADV get to the heart of what our churches are all about. The importance of raising young children to be future leaders for Christ and His church cannot be overstated.”

As part of the themed ADV Bible schools that will be offered this summer, kids will be blasting off into space, setting sail as pirates on the open sea, taking a ride at an amusement park and traveling back to 33 AD. Most of the Vacation Bible Schools will take place on weekday mornings for one week where kids will be exposed to Bible studies, crafts, games, music, plays, charity projects, and even water and amusement park fun at one church.
 
In addition to Vacation Bible School, ADV churches are also offering other programs for kids. Church of the Word in Gainesville, Va., offers camps for aspiring young artists and musicians along with a camp for preschoolers heading to kindergarten in the fall. Church of the Epiphany in Herndon, Va., will offer Camp Kid Serve, a program for kindergarten through fifth graders that is focused on outreach projects. This will be the second year for the camp that focuses on practical tasks like providing food and clothes for those in need as children learn about service to others. Church of the Apostles is offering two worship arts camps, one at which older children will learn how to put a worship service together.
 
“Our countless volunteers deserve extra thanks for all the hours that will go into making our summer programs a success. While Vacation Bible Schools and church camps are an excellent opportunity for kids within our churches, our doors are open to all children. We hope to see even more new faces this year,” Oakes concluded.

The Anglican District of Virginia (www.anglicandistrictofvirginia.org) is an association of Anglican congregations in Virginia.  Its members are in full communion with constituent members of the Anglican Communion through its affiliation with the Convocation of Anglicans in North America (CANA), a missionary branch of the Church of Nigeria and other Anglican Archbishops.  ADV members are a part of the worldwide Anglican Communion, a community of 77 million people.  ADV is dedicated to fulfilling Christ’s Great Commission to make disciples while actively serving in three main capacities: International Ministries, Evangelism, and Strengthening Families and Community.  ADV is currently comprised of 21 member congregations.
 
For more information on local church programs or to schedule an interview, please contact Megan Franko (ext. 148) or Caitlin Bozell (ext. 119) at (703) 683-5004.