First Lutheran Church marks 25 years of free summer program

First Lutheran Church will host its 25th annual Vacation Bible School July 6-10, offering a free week-long summer program that has evolved from a modest morning session into a full-day community resource.

When the church first launched VBS in 2000, the program ran from 9 a.m. to noon. That changed when local parents—none of whom were church members—asked if their children could stay longer. The church responded by adding afternoon activities including lunch, art, science and games, extending the day until 3 p.m. for grades K-6.

“Over the years the program grew; all along participants have come from a wide variety of cultural and religious backgrounds,” said Pastor Tom Maehl.

Before COVID-19, the program was “bursting at the seams,” according to Maehl. After pausing for several years during the pandemic, the church is now rebuilding enrollment.

This year’s “Snowball Mountain Challenge” program will serve children from pre-K through sixth grade. Pre-K students attend from 10 a.m. to noon, while older children participate from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Instead of charging fees, the church invites participating families to donate art supplies. Children in the program then assemble these materials into art kits that are distributed to all incoming families at Waltham Family School each September.

Registration is available here. For more information, email firstlutheranvbs@gmail.com.

First Lutheran Church is located at 6 Eddy St., Waltham.