DAPHNE, Ala. — Christ the King Catholic Church held its annual Vacation Bible School June 20-24. Close to 200 children and 100 adult and teen volunteers participated in this year’s program that was directed by parishioner Alyssa Morisani. 

In addition to offering faith learning, fellowship, and fun, a primary focus of each year’s program is participation in a specially chosen outreach project. This year, campers, volunteers and their families were asked to donate nonperishable food, appliances and other such household goods to aid those whose lives were devastated by the recent tornados in northern Alabama.

Monetary donations were also requested and a special collection was taken during the closing VBS Mass. Campers themselves took an active role in raising money by collecting pledges and then participating in a special “jump rope for tornado victims” activity during the games portion of the event’s last day.

Organizers said that “an amazing $832.24 was collected and we are thrilled to be able to bring this money along with the food and household donations to those in our state who have suffered such loss and devastation.”

This year’s curriculum, “Cool Kingdom Party: Mary Leads Me Closer to Jesus,” offered campers the opportunity to learn about Jesus through religious teachings and a variety of music, games, crafts and snacks. Fifth- and sixth-grade campers participated in off-campus field trips to further their faith experience as well as nurture their desire to become involved in service within the community.

Throughout the week they visited Archangel Radio — WNGL 1410 — a Catholic radio station in Fairhope, the Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Mobile, and the Baldwin County location of Catholic Social Services in Robertsdale.

At the close of the event, campers and volunteers joined with their families and friends for a special VBS Mass celebrated by Christ the King’s pastor, Rev. Matthew, J. O’Connor assisted by Rev. Ronald Gajettan, the parish’s parochial vicar. A pizza party followed in the parish hall.

Plans for next year’s program, “A Wildnerness Adventure through the Sacraments: Jesus in my Heart VBS,” are already underway and registration has been set for March and April 2012.