Southwest Community Church goes all out when it comes to vacation Bible school.

The Indian Wells church — one of the largest in the Coachella Valley — has staged a summer program, like the one starting Monday called Summer Spectacular, for 20 years.

It takes about 40 men one week to build the props, which rival a Broadway stage. About 400 volunteers are needed for the weeklong summer camp, where about 1,000 children from across the valley will participate and learn how to blend faith and fun.

This year's theme is “Transformers.” As such, the stage transforms from a typical living room with couches and tables to a mad scientist's laboratory filled with electrical gadgets.

“It's going to be a very lively place,” said Kathleen Spillman, director of elementary ministries at Southwest Community Church. “They're dancing, moving and singing. It's fun.”

With school out for the summer, churches across the valley are preparing for vacation Bible school.

While not all summer programs are as elaborate as the one at Southwest Community Church, they all provide a place for children to strengthen their faith, hang out with friends and stay busy.

“It's too hot to play outside. Parents are looking for something for kids to do. They want it to be decent and quality.

“I think that's why vacation Bible schools are so popular,” said Diana Miller, director of children's ministries at Palm Desert Community Presbyterian Church.

Miller's summer program is called “Crocodile Dock: Where Fearless Kids Shine God's Light.”

“We do a pretty elaborate scene in our sanctuary,” she said. “We have a cabin, dock and boat.”

Children don't have to be a member of the church or of a certain faith to participate in most church programs.

Bermuda Dunes resident Cyndy Leslie no longer attends Southwest Community Church, but signed up her two young children for Summer Spectacular after several years of skipping it.

She said they're looking forward to seeing their friends.

“They're excited. They know Transformers. Who doesn't like Transformers?” Leslie said.

Each day begins in the main auditorium where dramas are performed on stage with a musical performance by Christian singer/songwriter Rob Biagi who specializes in children and family music.

After the morning performances, the kids disperse to different “villages” where they take part in story time, recreation, snacks and teachings.

They end the day back in the auditorium with more music and videos.

“We want to create an environment where kids want to come back,” said Brett Humphrey, executive pastor of children's ministries at Southwest Community Church.

Children attending that summer program are also asked to bring quarters each day to raise at least $10,000 for The Narrow Door, a local charity that provides everything from food to home repairs for labor camps.

At Palm Desert Community Presbyterian Church, one Bible story is taught each day and incorporates a video elements, crafts, games and even snacks into the teachings.

For example, if the students are learning about Moses and the burning bush, they may eat fruit with cheese that reminds them of a burning bush.

“All kids learn different,” said Miller.

Summer Bible programs

Shepherd of the Valley UMC, 45-501 Deglet Noor St., Indio; Studio to Go Vacation Bible School; 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday; July 6-9; 4 to 12 years old; free; info (760) 347-1046.

Palm Desert Community Presbyterian Church, 47-321 Highway 74, Palm Desert; “Crocodile Dock: Where Fearless Kids Shine God’s Light”; 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; June 15 -19; $10 per child; $15 for 2; $25 for three or more in same family; info (760) 346-8195.

Trinity Baptist Church, 44-550 Monroe St., Indio; SonRock Kid's Camp Vacation Bible School; information (760) 347-0604.
Mountain View Church, 79-733 Country Club Drive ; Boomerang Express; 6 to 9:30 p.m; July 13 -17; pre-school through sixth-grade; information (760) 834-5663.

The Bridge Calvary Chapel, 32-611 Date Palm Drive, Cathedral City; Vacation Bible School with Mr. J and the Kidpossible band; 5:30 to 9p.m.; July 28-31: ages 5 through fifth grade; free; info (760) 324-8281.

Community Southwest Church, 77-701 Fred Waring Drive; Summer Spectacular; 9 to 11:45 a.m.; June 15-19; 5-years old to fifth grade; $25 per child; information (760) 200-2000 Ext. 2275.

St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church, 47-535 Highway 74, Palm Desert; Mission God Possible; 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ; June 22-26; pre-kindergarten to fifth-grade; $25 per child with discount for multiple children; information (760) 346-2697 Ext. 147.

Don’t see your program? Send an e-mail to localnews@thedesertsun.com or call Community Editor James Folmer at (760) 778-4625.

Xochitl Peña covers Indio and Coachella for The Desert Sun. She can be reached at Xochitl.Pena@thedesertsun.com or at (760) 360-1340.