Tree Top Critters are invite children to participate in Rainforest Adventure Vacation Bible School co-sponsored by Bethany Union Community and Bethlehem Lutheran Churches  at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 9401 S. Oakley, July 7 through 11, 9 a.m. to noon.

 

Rainforest Adventure will emphasize learning to be caretakers of God’s Beautiful Creation. While participating in stories, games, songs and crafts, children will have opportunities to share, give, grow, love and praise God – the heart of VBS.

For more information or to register, call Bethany Union, 773-779-0123, or Bethlehem Lutheran, 773-445-7558.

 

"Beach Party: Surfin' Through the Scriptures" is theme for Vacation Bible School at Morgan Park United Methodist Church, 11030 S. Longwood Dr. Children three years old through 8th grade are invited to attend from 9 to 1 p.m. daily, July 14 to 18. Each day's "surf" consists of a Bible story, crafts, games, missions, snacks and music to support the daily teaching.

Children will visit an exciting beach where they will learn the basics of surfing, ride the wave of God's love, and go home with a new "Beach B-Attitude." Daily themes are Be Obedient, Be Kind, Be Forgiving, Be Bold and Be-lieve. For information or registration, call the church office, 773-238-2600.

 

Set sail for Outrigger Island, the theme for Vacation Bible School at St. Paul’s Bible Church, 1960 W. 94^th St. During a week of nonstop action, children age 4_through age 12 will explore five Bible truths -- God is real, Jesus is God’s son, Jesus is the only way, the Bible is God’s word, and my actions show what I believe. Children will hear Bible stories, participate in cool crafts, motivating music, eat snacks at the snack shack, and play games at Recreation Reef.

 

Vacation Bible School will be offered July 28 through Aug. 1, 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., and is free. For registration information call Eleanor, 773-779-7387, or the church, 773-238-4368.

 

Trinity United Methodist Church, 9848 S. Winchester, invites children to an “electrifying" Vacation Bible School entitled Power Lab, July 28 through Aug. 1, 9 to 11:30 a.m. Suggested donation is $10 per child. Register at www.trinitymethodistofbeverly.org. 

 

The Chicago Public Library’s 2008 Summer Reading Program, Read Green, Live Green!, will encourage the enjoyment of books and reading as well as conservation and the environment. Best of all, the Summer Reading Program is free and offered locally at the Beverly, Walker and Mount Greenwood branch libraries through Aug. 2.

 

Children are invited to join the Summer Reading Program by reading and reporting on books. Picture book readers and emerging readers (those being read aloud to) who complete 25 books, and children reading chapter books who complete 10 books will receive a t-shirt with the program logo. Also, readers and their families will be invited to attend Reader’s Night at the Garfield Park Conservatory in August. 

 

The following are some of the exciting children’s programs and performances that will be available at the Beverly Branch Library, 2121 W. 95th St.

smART Spaces! Join the Chicago Children’s Museum in a hands-on art workshop where children re-shape, re-build, and re-invent everyday objects with exciting and surprising results. Through creative movement, children will bend, stretch, and reach their way into new shapes and forms, learning that even their bodies can be transformed into something new! It’s a playful way to explore the big ideas of re-using and re-cycling. Children ages 5 and up; registration required. Tues., July 8, 3 to 4 p.m.  

 

All Aboard the Green Express at CPL. Hop on board this high-energy, imaginative and fun-filled musical ride with award-winning children’s musician James Coffey. Participants will learn about nature and conservation in this educational and musical program. Children of all ages. Thurs., July 17, 2 to 3 p.m.

 

Mad Science: The Dirt on Garbage. Become a junior environmental engineer and investigate how garbage effects the environment and learn what we all can do to make it better! Examine different materials and how they decompose, see how a landfill works, and doesn’t work. Create environmental art. Children of all ages. Wed., July 23, 2 to 3 p.m.

Our Bountiful Earth with World Music Company. Join musician Candy Heitner as she explores our bountiful earth through stories, songs, and group activities. Children of all ages.  Thurs., July 24, 2 to 3 p.m.

 

Mayor Daley’s Bicycle Ambassadors. One way to reduce pollution is to ride your bike instead of driving. Join in the fun as the City of Chicago’s bicycling education specialists teach bike safety through fun-filled games and activitiesChildren ages 5 and up. Mon., July 28, 3 to 4 p.m.

 

Professor Marvel’s Flea Circus and Magic Show. During the late 1800s, flea circuses were all the rage across Europe and America. Experience the fun and laughter as Professor Marvel brings back to the days of the traveling medicine show and flea circus. Children ages 5 and up. Wed., July 30, 4 to 5 p.m.