Many congregations are running Vacation Bible School programs this summer. If your congregation is conducting a VBS, send the information to jdela@episcopalswfl.org.

Bonita Springs, Aug. 16-20: 9 a.m. to noon for children ages 4-10 at St. Mary's Episcopal Church. “High Seas Expedition” allows children to float in the waters of God's love and experience the word of God through daily Bible stories, songs, drama, games, crafts and more. Registration is $5 for the entire week and requested on or before Aug.1. Scholarships are available, and late registrations will be accepted at no charge based on space availability. High school students over the age of 14, college students and adults are invited to volunteer. Training will be provided at no charge. Call (239) 992-4343 to register or e-mail Helen MacCallum or Carol Wilde.

Clearwater, July 26-30: 9 a.m. to noon at the Episcopal Church of the Good Samaritan. Children will need to bring their bagged lunch. The cost is $25. Call the church to reserve a spot at (727) 461-1717.

Fort Myers, Aug 10-12: 9 a.m. to noon with a family cookout on Thursday at 12:30 p.m. at St. Hilary’s, 5011 McGregor Blvd. in Fort Myers. The theme is “Hero Headquarters” where kids will meet unlikely Bible heroes whose small acts were used by God to do wonderful things. Cost is $20 per child with a $50 maximum per family. For more information or to register online visit www.sainthilarysyouth.org or call the church office at (239) 936-1000.

Sarasota, July 19-23: 9 a.m. to noon. St. Wilfred’s Episcopal Church, 3773 Wilkinson Rd. in Sarasota hosts Son Rock Vacation Bible School. For children 5 years old to 5th grade. Cost is $20 for one child or $35 for a family. Children will be taught life lessons in decision making, respect of others and handling difficulties faced in life. The Bible is our foundation and guidebook to answering life’s tough questions. Deposit required at registration. Register by July 2 by calling (941) 924-7436.

Sarasota, July 26-30: 9 a.m. to noon (church will be open at 8:30 for any early arrivals). St. Margaret of Scotland Church, 8700 State Road 72 (Clark Road) in Sarasota embarks on a mission through space, on a cosmic adventure praising God -- The Galactic Blast. Cost is $15 per child with a $30 cap for a family of 2 or more. Register online at www.stmargaretsarasota.org or call the church office at (941) 925-2525.

Sarasota, Aug. 16-20: 9:30 a.m. to noon. The Church of Redeemer, 222 S. Palm Ave. in Sarasota, presents “Windows to Jesus -- The Birth through the Baptism of Jesus Christ” with a “Sundaes on Sunday” family celebration at 9 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 22. For children 4 years old to 5th grade. Space is limited; registration is required by calling the church at (941) 955-4263. Activities include a community outreach project. For information visit www.redeemersarasota.org/vbs_2010.html

Lakewood Ranch (Sarasota/Bradenton), Aug. 9-13: 9 a.m. to noon. St. Mary Magdalene, 11315 Palmbrush Trail, presents “Galactic Blast,” where kids experience a cosmic adventure praising God. For information or to register, visit www.stmmag.com or call (941) 751-5048.

Ruskin and Sun City Center, Aug. 2-6: St. John the Divine Episcopal Church is offering two separate Vacation Bible School programs. “High Seas Expedition,” for young children 4-10 will be held at the Ruskin Campus, 705 9th Street, S.E., from 5:45-8:45 p.m. A program for youth entering 6th grade and higher will be held at the Sun City Center Campus, 1015 E. Del Webb Boulevard, from 6-8:30 p.m. Both programs begin with dinner and feature Bible-learning, crafts, music, games, and a mission project. There is no charge to attend. Please call (813) 645-1521 for information or to register.

St. Petersburg, Aug. 2-6: 9 a.m. to noon. St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 738 Pinellas Point Drive S. in St. Petersburg, presents "Baobab Blast," a vacation Bible camp for elementary school-aged children. The camp is free. Contact the church at (727) 866-2187 or stmatthews@tampabay.rr.com.

Tampa, July 12-16: 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at St. Clements's Episcopal Church, 706 West 113th St, in Tampa. "Here Comes Treble" a 5-day music camp for kids ages 4-11, Campers will experience drums, hand bells, and songs from other cultures. Games and crafts will be included. Children are asked to bring a brown bag lunch but snacks and beverages will be provided. The fee for the campus $40 per child with some scholarships available. On Friday evening at 7:00 p.m. parents, family and friends are invited to a grogram the songs and activities learned during the week.

Tampa, Aug. 2-6: 9 a.m. to noon. St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 13312 Cain Road in Tampa, presents "Egypt: Joseph’s Journey from Prison to Palace," Vacation Bible School for children ages 4-13. The cost is $35, and $25 for each additional child per family. Contact the church at (813) 962-3089 or office@stmarkstampa.org.

Tampa, Aug. 9-13: Drop-off at 8:45 a.m. and pickup at 1 p.m. for ages 5-11 at St. James House of Prayer, 2708 N. Central Ave. Please put the following items in the scoop from St. James House of Prayer. The theme for this year is "God's Mighty Works." We are also looking for an organist, choir director. All interested persons should call the church at (813) 223-6090 or send an e-mail to the rector at rector@sjhoptpa.org.