Service and songs at St. Frances

The Rev. Vincent Schifano led campers in prayer at St. Frances de Chantal’s annual vacation Bible school last week.

Andrew Hackmack/Herald

JoAnn Edelman helped her daughter, Nicolette, 6, with her craft.

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Each day’s program began with songs under the tent, led by Music Director Lisa Fucarino, left.

Andrew Hackmack/Herald

Arts and crafts director Michele Patti, left, with Matthew, 7, and Kim Rackley.

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“Bigs” James Lucey, 12, left, Robbie Spiteri, 12, center, and Dylan Reich, 11, all of Wantagh, helped make VBS souvenir ornaments for all of their “littles.”

Andrew Hackmack/Herald

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Children got to explore their faith and have some fun with friends as St. Frances de Chantal Church hosted its annual vacation Bible school earlier this month. About 400 kids participated in the two-week program.

The morning program kicked off on Aug. 3 and ran for five days, then was repeated again the following week. Director Susan Vaccaro said that because of the demand, it is necessary to split the program into two weeks to avoid it begin too crowded. “We want the kids to get the most out of the experience,” she said, “so it’s nicer with small groups.”

The children, referred to as “littles,” had plenty of guidance. In addition to the their teachers, young adult volunteers from the parish, or “bigs,” were assigned to each group.

Alicia Bartolotta, 12, a student at Wantagh Middle School, was a “big” for the second year. She went through vacation Bible school herself as a child. “It’s really fun,” she said. “I really like taking care of children.”

Alicia said that her primary responsibilities were ensuring that the children were happy, safe and having fun, as well as grasping the daily lessons.

Each day started and ended under the tent in the school parking lot with song and prayer. This year’s theme was “G-Force: God’s Love in Action,” which was chosen because of the corresponding music.

“Music is always the first priority, because that’s what gets the children motivated,” said Nancy Fucarino, of Wantagh, the program’s music director. “Music has been the heart and soul of this program.”

Vacation Bible school ended with a Friday night performance for parents and community members of the songs children learned throughout each week.

Joanna Valvo, 10, said music time in the tent was her favorite activity each day. She has been coming to the program each summer for several years. “It teaches us more about God and how we can help others,” she said. “It’s important to help others because some people are not fortunate enough to have what we have.”

Community service was a big focus this year. Vaccaro, Fucarino and other leaders wanted to teach the children just how to put God’s love into action. One group of children wrote letters to soldiers or people in need, such as a sick relative.