Seeds of Faith, A Week of Joy

“It’s a unique take on Vacation Bible School, away from a scripted program.” That is how Meaghan Thomas, Summer Arts Camp Director, describes Summer Arts Camp, the annual collaboration between St. Andrew’s On-the-Sound Episcopal Church and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.

Rather than relying on a prepackaged curriculum, the week is shaped by the gifts of deeply committed adults from both churches who give their time, creativity, patience, and prayerful care to create a joyful place where children can grow in faith.

For Caroline Johnson, our Children and Youth Coordinator, the week was a beautiful reminder that faith is often formed through simple, embodied acts: singing together, making art, playing games, praying, laughing, and being known.

This year’s theme, “Let Your Garden Grow,” invited children to discover that faith, like a garden, is nurtured over time. Each day centered on a different part of that growth, from planting seeds to tending the garden through prayer and care. Through Scripture, music, movement, art, games, and worship, children explored what it means to grow in Christlike love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

The theme came to life in a visible way just outside the church. Months ago, children planted sunflower seeds during Lent. By the week of camp, those small seeds had grown into towering blooms. The timing felt almost too perfect. The children stood in front of the flowers for a group photograph, surrounded by the very growth they had helped begin. It was a quiet reminder that God is always at work beneath the surface, often long before we can see what is taking root.

Each day followed a joyful rhythm. Children learned music with Brendan Connor of St. Paul’s, including a beautiful and challenging hymn that they learned with remarkable confidence. They created art, played field games, practiced movement and rhythm, gathered for worship, and spent time with friends from St. Andrew’s, St. Paul’s, and the wider community.

Caroline noted that one of the most meaningful parts of the week was watching people of all ages find their place. Artists guided children through creative projects. Snack volunteers prepared themed treats, including dirt pudding cups and strawberry ladybugs, that quickly became daily highlights. Youth helpers served in every area of camp. Clergy led worship, songs, and morning gatherings, giving children a chance to see their priests not only at the altar, but also laughing, singing, and joining in the life of the week.

For Caroline, one of the greatest blessings was the partnership between the two congregations.

“What strikes me most is the partnership between our two churches,” Caroline reflected. “Watching children from different places come together is such a joy. But it’s just as meaningful to see adults serving side by side with the same love and purpose. Together, we’re able to create an experience that will stay with these children long after the week is over.”

That shared spirit was visible everywhere. The week felt less like a program being delivered and more like a community being formed. Adults and children sang together, danced together, played together, and prayed together. In that kind of environment, children learn something important about church. They learn that church is not simply a place where people sit quietly on Sunday mornings. It is a living body, a family of faith, where every person has something to offer and every gift can become a doorway to grace.

On Friday, families gathered in the church for a closing celebration. Children shared their songs, their artwork, and their joy. Parents cheered. Children waved from the front. For a few moments, the whole church seemed to become what we hope it always is: a place where the young are cherished, the adults are invested, and God’s love is made visible in community.

Perhaps the simplest summary of the week came from one young camper who said, “This was my favorite summer camp!!!”

Summer Arts Camp is possible because people say yes. As we look toward next year, we hope even more members of St. Andrew’s will consider being part of this joyful ministry. You do not have to be a musician, artist, teacher, or theologian to make a difference. You only need a willing heart, a welcoming presence, and a gift you are willing to share.

In the kingdom of God, small seeds matter. A song, a snack, a craft, a game, a smile, or a few hours of your time can become part of something much larger than you imagined. Come help us plant seeds of faith next year, and watch what God will grow.

Please enjoy our Arts Camp 2026 Photo Gallery