CHRISSY OHLINGER / Special to the PVT Kaylee Reynolds rolls out flat bread during the Pahrump Valley United Methodist Church Bible School. Advertisement

Most of us remember Bible school as being a less-than-exciting activity.

This summer, however, 28 youngsters in Pahrump had an innovative religious and educational experience at the Pahrump Valley United Methodist church.

Kids used words like "excellent," "really fun," "great," and "the best camp ever," to describe the program that was offered July 14-18.

Ten-year-old Andrew Hind said, "It was fantastic mostly every single time I was here."

The weeklong summer vacation Bible school is not new at the Methodist church; but this year's theme was a big hit.

Volunteers re-created a Jerusalem marketplace to teach kids about the historical context of the Bible. "We wanted to teach about Jesus and wanted to give them a feel about what it was like in Jesus' time -- the thens and nows," says volunteer tribe leader Allen Foshee about the marketplace.

The kids were divided into four tribes based on and named for the 12 tribes of Israel. Upon signing up, they were assigned to Asher, Judah, Issachar or Joseph.

Each group included different aged children, ranging from 4 to 12. Much like a modern family, older kids were encouraged to help younger kids in the group.

"As they worked more and more together, they became a real tribe like a family by the end of the week," says Lianna Wood, Joseph tribe leader.

Using hay bales and borrowed sheets, two rows of stalls were arranged in the meeting room to house a carpentry shop, wooden tops, a flat-bread bakery, a spice shop, jewelry making, weaving loom and a few modern craft activities.

All of the volunteers in the marketplace wore shawls and robes.

The Jerusalem theme and experience wasn't limited to the marketplace. Kids spent time in the chapel converted to synagogue learning how the Jewish people worshipped during the time of Jesus.

Older kids could play historic games like checkers or do puzzles in the hall while younger children had playground time. A weeklong skit re-enacted Jesus' life based on the New Testament.

At the beginning and end of each day kids met with their tribal leaders. In the morning they talked about what the kids were going to do and see that day and tell stories. In the afternoon the time was used to re-cap the experiences they had and answer questions.

Jacky Spear, volunteer and coordinator for the summer program, was very pleased with the enthusiasm that was sparked by the theme chosen this year. In the past, other themes like last year's "Up, Up, and Away" were good but didn't generate interest like the Jerusalem marketplace.

She believes that next year the vacation Bible school committee will continue the same theme, further expounding upon it.

She hopes to have historical marketplace characters like beggars, Roman soldiers and a tax collector interact with the children. A live donkey for Jesus to ride is a possibility.

Activities that were not so popular, like weaving (which was apparently too complicated for many of the younger attendees), will be replaced with different crafts.

Although not as many children attended the Bible school as Spear and volunteers would have hoped, many children attended other Bible schools or Christian camps that were running concurrently. Spear and Foshee both were happy to know that there were many Christian activities available for community kids.

They hope to attract 50 kids next year.

Next year's program will run at about the same time in mid-July. Notice will be listed in the in-brief section of the Pahrump Valley Times and fliers will be posted around town.