Young participants in Dysart Community Vacation Bible School (VBS) dance and sing on the grounds of Zion Lutheran Church with the help of VBS volunteers. Dysart’s VBS program took place July 20-23 this year and experienced record turnout with 72 children aged PK-5 registered. Submitted photo.

Dysart Community Vacation Bible School (VBS) experienced record turnout this year — a whopping 72 kids aged preschool to fifth grade spent the evenings of July 20-23 on the grounds of Zion Lutheran Church enjoying fellowship, Bible lessons, songs, and outdoor games.

Zion and Dysart United Methodist Church alternate hosting VBS each year.

Kathleen Alpers has been Zion’s secretary for ten years — prior to that she was the church’s treasurer for 20 years — and said the church has never before experienced such high turnout that she can recall.

“We usually have around 50 [participants]. We did not anticipate such a high number. We even had to turn people away because of [a lack of] supplies,” Alpers said.

In years past, parents could walk-in register their children during the first night but VBS organizers were unable to accept registrations that way this year, according to Cassidy Schemmel with Zion Lutheran Church’s education committee.

Participants in this year’s Dysart Community Vacation Bible School (VBS) work on a crafting project in Zion Lutheran Church’s fellowship hall during an evening in late July. Submitted photo.

“Zion was very surprised at the amount of kids that attended,” Schemmel said via an email interview. “We had originally planned on 60. So to say that we surpassed our expectations, is an understatement.

“There were many families that we had to turn down, and not because of not wanting to have them attend, but due to the amount of supplies and food that was ordered and prepared.”

Alpers believes part of the reason for the high turnout has to do with the weariness many have experienced due to the pandemic.

“Kids didn’t have anything for so long because of COVID,” Alpers said.

Schemmel believes the high turnout was also due to the generosity of the Dysart community.

“There are kind, generous, and good people in our community,” Schemmel said. “We anticipate that next year will be just as successful.”

A total of 34 volunteers — mostly parents and grandparents — helped make VBS a success this year. In addition to Schemmel and Alpers, those spearheading the committee included Jen Alpers, Trisha Beckering, Kerry Blackburn, Amy Kriz, and Erin Reed.

“[We] would like to thank all that supported the event, “Schemmel said. “Many people gave of their time, donated food and/or provided monetary assistance to ensure that VBS was a great experience for Dysart’s children.”

“It was so great to see kids having fun,” Alpers said.

“We have a group of young [volunteers] who have done a wonderful job. The future of our church is in good hands.”