Attendance never dropped below 100 kids and went as high as 114 on Thursday, making for a successful and busy Vacation Bible School at Escalon Christian Reformed Church.

Theme for the June 10 through 14 VBS was “Roar – Life is Wild, God is Good” and attendees got to take part in a number of activities each day, along with participating in special dress up days.

Tuesday was wacky/mismatch day, Wednesday was sports day, Thursday was hero day, where kids and leaders dressed up as those they look up to, and Friday was the ‘Roar’ theme day, with safari attire recommended.

“We have lot of younger ones,” VBS director Heidi Veldstra said of the age groups this year, with the highest attendance coming in the kindergarten/first and second/third grade groups.

They also raised money this year for World Vision and a program called “Operation Kid-to-Kid” with donations helping provide for necessities for a mother and child for the first 1,000 days of the baby’s life.

“Every $10 gives care for the first 1,000 days,” Veldstra said of the money going to Zambia.

Kids brought in donations throughout the week and by Friday, the total amounted to $430.

“That was enough to help 43 moms and their new babies for the first two years of the baby’s life,” noted Veldstra, with funds helping to monitor the child’s growth and nutrition, provide vitamin A to prevent blindness and reduce the risk of illnesses, community health workers to visit pregnant women and provide them information and help, and education for moms and dads on the food and nutrition their children need.

“Ten dollars goes a long way,” Veldstra added.

Each day for the VBS attendees included an opening song and worship time, followed by crafts, Bible stories, sports, snacks and more. They wrapped up with a closing program and barbecue lunch for family and friends on Friday.

Monday’s attendance was 105, Tuesday 111, Wednesday 104, Thursday 114 and 113 on Friday.

“It was such a fun week,” Veldstra said.