WESTFIELD-The Rev. Daniel S. Pacholec is “excited” about sharing a virtual “Vacation Bible Experience” for families this summer.
“Here at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church our VBE Team has done something this year I didn’t think possible,” said Pacholec, who serves as pastor. “They captured the spirit of our Bible Camp for all our children to experience.”
The virtual program is titled “Rocky Railway – Jesus’ Power Pulls Us Through,” which features messages children will learn each day that has proven to be more relevant than ever in this time of the coronavirus pandemic – through life’s ups and downs, Jesus’ power pulls us through, according to the company’s website.
“To my knowledge we are the only one, or one of the few churches in our area, who have been able to do this with VBE this year,” said Pacholec.Pacholec said the program is geared toward Christian families with children ages four to those entering Grade 5 in the fall, who want to give their children a fun experience based on faith.
“Any denomination can participate,” said Pacholec. “This year with the pandemic most churches cannot hold their annual camps, but we wanted to try to put something together ‘online’ that children could enjoy at home – with brothers or sisters or parents.”
Pacholec added he is encouraging parents to register children soon since the program begins July 27.
“Even if you have children or grandchildren out of the area, we can even mail you the bag with everything you need,” said Pacholec. “Don’t miss out on this great opportunity for our kids.”
Pacholec also noted that families from other churches, or in another city or town, can also participate.
“When I was a kid I used to watch shows like “Romper Room,” “Bozo the Clown,” “Ranger Andy,” “Captain Kangaroo,” “The Admiral and Swabby,” and yes, even “Sesame Street” on TV,” said Pacholec.
Pacholec reminisced how he would stand or sit in the front of the television set and sing along with the show or act out whatever was happening during the show.
“So watching on TV can be almost as much fun as being there,” he said. “I don’t want anyone to miss out on this great experience, which will be made available on a special link on YouTube, to those who register.”
The registration fee is $10 per child for a maximum of $20 per family, and includes a starter bag of goodies and items for each of the five days of camp, as well as a DVD with all the songs from the camp that children can keep and listen to throughout the year.
Families interested in more information or to register can call the parish office at (413) 562-3450 and leave a message with name and telephone number, and someone will return the call. Participants will be able to pick up their packets during a socially distanced, drive-through process at the parish center during the week of July 20.
“After July 31, the YouTube videos of the Rocky Railway Camp will remain online and available to view for those who registered, for the next three weeks of August, so that families that are vacationing or away, can watch the videos at their convenience,” said Pacholec.
Pacholec noted that many families may have had their church religious education programs interrupted this spring, and may be seeking “fun, religious activities” for their children this summer in the safety of their homes.
“Many churches may have not resumed weekly services,” he said, adding, “and families by participating in some religious programming, can help keep children involved with their faith.”
Pacholec said through this structured offering of faith-filled adventure, “Children can sing and dance along with the videos.”
