Temperatures may have soared into the upper-90s, but kids at the Everest VBS managed to have a pretty cool week at the Escalon Christian Reformed Church.

The summer VBS program was hosted from July 13 through 17 and brought together kids from throughout the community from 9 a.m. to noon each day. Starting with a ‘base camp’ singing and Bible story time, children then traveled with their assigned ‘crew’ to the various VBS stations. Those included Bible expeditions, kid-vid cinema, cool crafts, glacier games and snack time, called mountaintop treats.

This year’s theme was Conquering Challenges with God’s Mighty Power and VBS attendees worked on a mission project for the people of Nepal, where Mount Everest is located. Several earthquakes have hit that country this year, organizers of the VBS said, so the mission work was to collect money to help the people of Nepal rebuild their homes and businesses.

The VBS also included special dress up days: Tuesday was crazy dress up and bring a friend day, with sports day on Wednesday. Thursday was favorite color day and Friday was theme day, with kids attending in mountain climber/hiker gear. Friday also included a closing program by the VBS kids for parents and friends, followed by a hot dog lunch in the church fellowship hall.