Westside has a 'safari' for kids

Westside Family Fellowship's vacation Bible school students were treated to a safari experience.

Students were greeted with jungle wall paintings and jungle-themed activities.

Vacation Bible School ran from Monday through Friday last week. The school is for grades K-6. Jungle-themed activities were created for the students.

Activities ranged from creating jungle-print nametags, making wind chimes, learning Bible-based stories, snacks, a lot of singing and games.

"We hold our school in the evening hours because it's much cooler for everyone," Miller said. "Friday evening, June 21 [was] Family Night, when the children will show their parents all the activities they've done for the week." Each child brought siblings to Friday night's program, where dinner was served and a reptile show was available.

"This is our 15th annual Vacation Bible School," Children's Pastor Olivia Miller said. "Everyone is so excited to see their school friends during the summer months."

Miller said that on Monday, grades K-4 would be making jungle-themed name tags

"Some classes will be making wood chimes," Miller added. "The volunteers and children love all the different activities."

She described the classrooms upstairs and said that they are dedicated to the children's ministry.

She stated that when you walk upstairs, all the rooms have been decorated in different real-life displays, such as a grocery store, movie theater or a pet store. "The kids love these different areas," she said.

Miller has been involved with Westside Family Fellowship her entire life. "I've been a member for 30 years," she said.

Miller also said that several teachers from the local schools help out during the session.

One of the young leaders is 9-year-old Arianna Bernal, who leads younger children in song. When asked what she liked best about vacation Bible school, she replied, "It's fun singing and dancing. I love to learn about Jesus. We can pray about our feelings and whatever we want to."

Near the end of the evening's activities, Bernal jumped on stage and began leading the younger children in songs while dancing.