MESSY CAMP
CELEBRATING MESSY CAMP 2026!
by Jamie Jones, Family Ministries Coordinator
From July 2 – 31, 2026, our church was filled with laughter, learning, and lots of messy fun as we welcomed 48 campers to Messy Camp! Throughout the week, campers discovered what it means to grow in the Fruits of the Spirit—Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control. Each day, they experienced Bible stories through interactive storytelling, played exciting games, created meaningful crafts, sang joyful songs, and explored hands-on science activities that connected faith with curiosity and discovery. From building colorful density towers and making kindness flowers to designing egg-drop creations and watching Coke and Mentos erupt, every activity reminded us that God helps each of us grow in unique and wonderful ways.
One of the most meaningful parts of the week was learning about our mission partner, Westside Food Bank. Campers discovered how a community can work together to care for neighbors experiencing food insecurity and learned that even small acts of generosity can make a big difference.
We are thrilled to share that our campers have already raised $2,488 for Westside Food Bank! Through lemonade, popsicle, ice cream, and watermelon stands, going door to door, asking relatives and friends for support, and even completing extra chores at home, our campers put their faith into action. It was inspiring to watch them take initiative, serve with compassion, and discover that they can make a real difference in the lives of others. Even more exciting, many of our campers are continuing their fundraising efforts and are still hosting lemonade stands to support this important ministry.
Messy Camp would not have been possible without our incredible team of 16 counselors and volunteers. Every counselor is a member of our church family or one of the amazing youth from our youth group. Their enthusiasm, kindness, patience, and leadership created a welcoming environment where every camper could learn, grow, and have fun.
Thank you to everyone who prayed for Messy Camp, donated supplies, volunteered, and supported our campers throughout the week. Your encouragement helped make this ministry a wonderful success.
We are grateful for the ways God continues to work through the children and families of our church, and we can’t wait to see what this year brings!
(Click on images to read )
CELEBRATING MESSY CAMP 2025!
by Jamie Jones, Family Ministries Coordinator
We’re excited to share what a joyful and impactful week we had at Messy Camp 2025! This year’s camp (formerly known as Vacation Bible School) brought together children ages 4-10 for a faith-filled week of stories, songs, science, service, and of course plenty of mess as we explored God’s Wild World!
Each day of Messy Camp was filled with fun, learning, and faith in action. On Monday, we kicked off with Noah’s Ark where the campers made animal masks, built habitats, and were introduced to our mission partner, Heifer International. Tuesday took us into Jonah and the Big Fish, with themed crafts, a messy digestive system science demo, a water relay, and lessons on how Heifer helps families around the world. On Wednesday, we explored Daniel in the Lions’ Den through a lion’s den obstacle course, lion crafts, sensory science activities, and discussions on global hunger and nutrition. Thursday focused on Elijah and the Ravens, featuring birdhouse building, a beak simulation, and a reading of Lulu and the Hunger Monster. We wrapped up on Friday with the Parable of the Lost Sheep, celebrating God’s love through games, a sheep rescue STEM challenge, and bracelet making.
This year, our Mission Project focused on Heifer International, a global organization dedicated to ending hunger and poverty by providing livestock and training to families in need. Throughout the week, our campers learned how goats, chickens, pigs, cows, and other animals help build sustainable futures and they took action.
Each group thoughtfully chose animals to sponsor, and we were blown away by their generosity. From lemonade stands and snack sales to chore money and asking friends and neighbors, the kids got creative and gave from the heart. In total, Messy Camp raised over $2,200—including four anonymous donations totaling $750 toward the purchase of a cow, a goat, and 5 flocks of chickens! Here’s what each group accomplished:
- Cub Crew (ages 4–5) raised $200.85 to buy 10 flocks of ducks.
- Eagle Squad (ages 5–7) raised $439.77 to buy a goat, a sheep, 2 flocks of chickens, and a flock of ducks.
- Wolf Pack (ages 7–10) raised $837.15 to buy a cow, a goat, a pig, and 4 flocks of chickens.
It’s truly inspiring to see what our youngest members can accomplish when they come together in service and faith. Their kindness, teamwork, and hearts for giving were a powerful witness to God’s love in action.
A huge thank-you goes to our incredible team of adult and youth counselors who brought energy, care, and leadership each day. And thank you, church family, for your continued prayers, support, and generosity. Messy Camp wouldn’t be possible without you.
Messy Camp (formerly known as Vacation Bible School/Camp), is a one week summer program for children in grades K through 5th grade. The week is full of fun and games, music and movement, scripture stories and crafts, science and mission projects. All of this within the context of exploring our beautiful and messy world together, and learning ways we can make our community and world a better place. Messy Camp is open to all! The program is run by the generous hearts of our church members, under the guidance of Tricia Guerrero (Pastoral Associate) and Jamie Jones (Family Ministries Coordinator). We hope you will plan to join us for the adventure!
Looking back at Messy Camp 2024:
November 2024: Read “Messy Camp: A Celebration of Faith, Science, and Curiosity,” by Jamie Jones, Family Ministries Coordinator
The Presbyterian Association on Science, Technology and the Christian Faith (PASTCF) asked Jamie Jones to write about her experience leading Messy Camp last summer. READ ARTICLE HERE
August 2024: Listen to the NPR interview with Tricia Guerrero and Jamie Jones about Messy Camp!
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CHILDREN AND FAMILY EMAIL LIST
