A few weeks ago my daughter had the best time at First Baptist’s Vacation Bible School. She went with a friend while my son was attending the VBS at our church (Raleigh Court Presbyterian.) Both children complained at the start of the summer – they said, “Mom – VBS is for babies!” But I just gave them the four word answer that leaves no room for discussion (“We are doing this.”) and so away we went! My son complained the first day as he walked through the door but I didn’t hear a thing afterwards because he had such a good time. My daughter was amazed by her VBS experience and now she says she wants to be a Baptist.
It seems a lot of Vacation Bible Schools happen in early June but you can always find them going on throughout the summer if you look. The activities are wonderful and there are always new friendships born since the programs reach out into the community at large and not just within the church walls. One very important factor, especially in this day and age, is that these camps are almost always free.
In summers past, as well as this one (when my kids appeared to be too old), I have underestimated the power of VBS. They still love it and it is as entertaining as any expensive camp I might send them to, but most importantly it teaches them the things they need to know to become the people God intended them be. The typical VBS is for elementary age children but once you are too old to participate in the activities you can become a youth helper – my son thought his youth helper was the coolest guy ever!
I really believe in these programs and encourage everyone to take advantage of these wonderful jewels that are available in our community for your children. Summer is indeed too short in many ways but for us moms it can be very long in others . . . Everyone wins with VBS! This fun snack recipe can be used in any Western themed VBS or on a camping trip with your church, friends or family.
1/2 C. Light Corn Syrup
1 C. Brown Sugar
1/2 C. Butter, Melted
2 Tsp Vanilla
3 C. Quick Cooking Oats
1 1/2 C. Fruit, Seed & Nut Trail Mix
3/4 C. Mini Chocolate Chips
Large Pretzel Rods
Additions might be: shredded coconut, M&Ms, marshmallows, etc.
-Preheat oven to 350 degrees
-In a large bowl mix corn syrup, brown sugar, butter and vanilla until well blended.
-Stir in oats. Add trail mix and chocolate chips. Stir in additional goodies 1/4 C. at a time, making sure that the mix is still sticky enough to mold around the sticks.
*Marshmallows are not recommended for the granola sticks but may be added if you are going to cut the granola into bars.
-Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
-Measure out 1/2 C. of granola and shape into a log. Starting from the bottom of the log, stick the pretzel into the granola, shaping it around the pretzel. Do not worry about the shape because you will be reshaping it after it bakes. Fill the baking sheet side by side with 5 granola pretzel rods. Make sure you leave ample room between each one.
-Bake for 14-15 minutes or until light brown. Do not panic when you see that the granola has melted away from the pretzel rod. Once the sticks have baked for the required time, removed the tray from the oven and working quickly with two knives simply mold and shape the granola back around the pretzel sticks. As the granola cools, it will harden around the pretzel stick.
-This recipe makes about 10 granola sticks depending on how much granola mix you measure out for each pretzel rod.
By Leigh Sackett [email protected]