First Bradenton, Better Together to host free Vacation Bible School summer camp July 11-15 for kids in Bradenton

Better Together, a nonprofit dedicated to helping families in crisis and preventing the need for foster care, is partnering with First Bradenton to host a summer camp from Monday, July 11 through Friday, July 15, serving children across Manatee and Sarasota counties.

The Vacation Bible School (VBS) program features a “Spark Studios” theme, where kids can spark their imagination and kick creativity into high gear as they learn that God’s creativity didn’t stop in Genesis. With a Spark Studios curriculum of “Created in Christ, Designed for God’s Purpose,” kids will see that they are God’s workmanship and learn to use their talents to bring glory to him. Each day will feature songs, videos, live skits, lessons and small group activities, including crafts, music and recreation.

“This time of year can be especially challenging for parents who must navigate child care and other activities for their children while they are out of school for the summer,” said Megan Rose, CEO of Better Together. “We are excited to help families along their journey by providing children with a fun, educational experience while also allowing time for parents and guardians to catch up, run errands and take care of other daily necessities.”

The VBS program will be held Monday, July 11 through Friday, July 15 from 6 to 9 p.m. at First Bradenton, located at 1306 Manatee Ave. W. in Bradenton. The camp is open to children who have completed grades kindergarten through fifth. There is no cost to attend, however, children must be registered in advance.

To register, visit BetterTogetherUS.org/VBS-Registration or call 239-470-2733.

ABOUT BETTER TOGETHER

Better Together is a nonprofit organization that helps parents going through a hard time keep their kids out of foster care, find work and address the root causes of their struggle so that they can reunite as a family with the tools and support system to thrive. A privately funded and professionally supported organization, Better Together is made up of volunteers who believe helping people help themselves is the best way to restore dignity and bring families together. Through the Better Families program, families are offered a preventive alternative to foster care while they get the help they need. To date, the program has kept 98% of children served out of foster care. The Better Jobs program was created to address the 76% of families that come to Better Together because of economic hardship tied to unemployment. In addition to community job fairs, the program offers job seekers coaching, guidance, support and encouragement through local church partners. For more information, visit BetterTogetherUS.org.