September 17, 2025

By Mary Beth Bracy, consecrated virgin
Contributing Writer

Holy Cross Parish’s youth were taken to “The Great Outdoors” with a Vacation Bible School (VBS) that included everything from Camp Capernaum to Eagle Summit and Moose Ridge with music, a campfire, a trail camera for exploration and activities galore.

The VBS was held at St. John’s Church in Plattsburgh from August 5 to 9 for Pre-k to fifth graders.

Desiree Kirk, director of Religious Education for the parish, noted that “I have never seen happier kids. There is a little girl that attended Mass but didn’t feel connected; every year since she was four, she begs for VBS.

Everyone is welcome and equal. The games we play, the stories we read, kids are not alone, and the families celebrate.”

“At first two kids were in tears, but they loved the science and Bible reenactment,” Kirk continued. “Youth are wanting to volunteer and make this come alive. They plan their vacations around it because they are so excited. Parents are stepping up; it’s a true parish event. We have so much support. It is a great reflection of our parish. I’m so grateful, beyond touched.”

There were six different stations: Wild Bible Adventures with waterfalls and a surprise appearance from a gladiator; a Saint of the Day with focuses such as learning what a tabernacle and scapular are; a God-sighting wall, where kids leave comments about where they saw God daily; Sticky Scriptures, reflecting on the Gospel of Matthew, Bible pictures to color, and choose which way to go adventures; the Imagination Station Expedition, with a walk through Igloo, snow, compasses and magnets, science projects and activities with choices; Glacier Games, differentiated by groups, with special challenges to earn prizes like frozen t-shirts.

Mike Gallagher ran the Sticky Adventures station with John Higgins, who is going into sixth grade. Gallagher shared that kids come “in on (the ground floor and learn) how to reference Scripture, (and) apply it to their life.” Higgins added, “Kids always seem to have fun. The game always has something about Scripture.”

Along with catechists, 14 student volunteers from Seton assisted at VBS this year. “(It is a) hands down dedicated group, 100% pouring out their hearts with joy in the teaching of the Catholic faith,” shared Gallagher, who initially became involved in catechesis when he brought his son. “They needed someone to volunteer. I absolutely loved it. It’s a mini-vocation in its own right. This is an amazing parish and has given so much to me.”

Melita Mercier has assisted with VBS at the parish for 15 years.

“It’s a family thing,” she said. “My daughter (Louisa) helped for many years, it’s a fun thing. The kids look forward to it every year. It’s a nice week to come back after we haven’t had religious education for a while and regroup. Desiree goes over-the-top with decorations. It’s great for kids to have; (there is an) opportunity for other camps but they can all come here, share the same faith and talk about Jesus. It is a lot of work, but the rewards are well worth it.”

Another parishioner, Margaret Caldon, has been helping with VBS for 20 years.

“Kids are so excited,” she said.

Assisting on the Tundra Treats Snack Crew, Caldon noted the specially themed goodies including paw print cookies with a spiritual message about how when we feel “paw-erless” to make our mark Jesus can give us the “paw-er.”

Mary Barber, who also assisted on the Snack Crew, shared that she enjoys helping since she is retired.

“It gets me active in seeing kids out and about,” she said. “I get involved in other programs. It’s wonderful here.”

Additionally, Daisy Robertin, who also aided with the Snack Crew, reflected on how beautiful it was that “Father Jose (Kaniyankunnel John, HGN) was coming daily and speaking to groups of kids. Kids know what priests do, (this way they) see them not just at Mass but as a person going around and talking.”

VBS is held during the same week each year, so families can mark their calendars for the next great adventure.