A summer camp adventure with God

Moody County parents looking for a fun summer adventure for their kids might look no further than an upcoming Bible Camp in Flandreau. Hosted by Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and open to all, Camp Firelight, this year’s theme for Moody County Bible School, promises a week of faith-filled adventures.
The beloved summer bible camp has been steadily growing each year, attracting more than 100 kids from preschool to 4th grade. Close to that number have registered already and there is plenty of room for more, but organizers want to make sure local families are aware of a few changes this year, including the camp dates.
The camp has traditionally run later in the summer, but an overwhelming number of parents surveyed (70%) asked that the program be moved earlier in the summer, so it currently is only weeks away.
This year’s camp runs June 24th to 28th from 9 am to noon at Our Savior’s Lutheran in Flandreau. The date change was made primarily to accommodate schedules and ensure that children can participate in both Camp Firelight and other summer activities, including Missoula Children’s Theatre, without conflict.

Activities include interactive lessons, outdoor games, and creative crafts.
Organizers say that the goal is to create lasting memories while growing children’s relationship with Jesus. This year’s theme verse, from Psalm 56:3 – “Whenever I’m afraid, I put my trust in you,” underscores the camp’s focus on building courage and trust in God’s love among its participants.
“I want them to make memories as they learn about Jesus and grow in their relationship with Him. Kids will connect with each lesson in their own way. Maybe it will be singing the songs. Maybe it will be the science center. Maybe it will be the games outside at the recreation center. Maybe it will be the crafts!,” said Malerie Yeaton.
What additionally sets Camp Firelight apart — volunteers and campers from various churches and backgrounds come together to create an environment of unity and support. Organizers actually changed the name of the program this year from Flandreau Area VBS to Moody County VBS as a result.
“Last year, Colman Lutheran Church joined us,” said Yeaton. “Many of their kids attended and some adults helped out as volunteers. Pastor Dell helped teach a Bible lesson. Megan Fritz was and still is on the Planning Team. Organic conversations just happened and we realized it’s best to call our event Moody County VBS rather than Flandreau Community VBS. After all, we fall under the “umbrella” of the Moody County Ministerial Association. The pastors assist us and lead us to ensure that the event is done well. Other churches that have supported us include Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Flandreau United Methodist Church, The Rescue Church, Messiah Lutheran Church, 2nd Presbyterian Church, Trent Baptist Church, and more!”
In addition to the fun the children have, the camp also has a tradition of giving back to the broader community through a service-based project each year. 2024 will have children rallying behind Weekend Fuel, a program dedicated to providing meals for food-insecure children. Creative fundraising initiatives, like “coins into a collection kayak,” will allow campers the opportunity to support the program in their own unique way.
Families are encouraged to mark their calendars for June 24th to 28th and join the Camp Firelight community for a week of faith, fun, and fellowship. For more information, call (605) 730-2519 or log onto https://moodycounty.mycokesburyvbs.com/.