Are you looking for some interesting places to take your child this summer? We have been planning some fun events here at the church and researching places for you to take your family this summer to create some fun memories!
One thing we have going on right here at First Church is, of course, Sunday School! At 9:45, we will have Sunday school every Sunday, including games, bible lessons, and crafts for your child's age group. We also have VBS! VBS is for potty trained 3-year-olds through 3rd graders and Day Camp for completed 4th-5th graders! June 10th-13th from 9:00-12:00 and VBS Sunday on June 16th at 9:45! We are excited to bring "Camp Firelight" and have a fantastic week. We will have so much fun with crafts, snacks, games, music, and diving into Psalm 56:3: "Whenever I'm afraid, I put my trust in you." Every day of VBS, your child will travel to different stations with their age group and do an activity geared toward that age group. Day Camp for our 4th and 5th graders is June 10th - 13th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Thursday! We will also be diving into Psalm 56:3, and we will be taking some adventures. Day Camp will head to the Amazeum for a fun adventure day on Monday! Day Camp will show their strength as we head to Ozark Climbing Gym on Tuesday. We will have a blast at Lokomotion on Wednesday. Then, finally, on Thursday, we have a service project at First Church before heading to a pool party to celebrate the end of Day Camp! We serve, swim, eat, enjoy inflatables, and more! You do not want to miss this exciting and action-packed week!
In July, we will have a promotion on Sunday, July 14th, as we welcome the upcoming kindergarten class into the children's ministry and send our rising 6th graders to Youth. To welcome our new Kindergarten class, we will have a "Welcome to First Children Water Day" on July 17th, with more details to come. We hope you will come out and celebrate as we promote our new grades!
As our church gears up for an exciting summer filled with enriching activities for kids and families, we're also thrilled to highlight the abundant opportunities available across Northwest Arkansas. Our Associate Family Minister, Mrs. Melissa Tripod, has researched some opportunities for you!
GET OUTSIDE!
The area has so many parks that it would be hard to visit them all. Here are three of my recommendations:
-Shaw Park, Springdale: "Shaw Family Family is a 120-acre open space park opened in April 2021 featuring 3 miles of paved trails, 4 Tennis courts, three playgrounds, two pavilions, a Splash Pad area, and a dog park". This park has something for everyone. (https://springdale.recdesk.com/Community/Facility/Detail?facilityId=113)
Coler Mountain Bike Reserve, Bentonville: Coler offers miles of trails for hiking and biking alongside a paved greenway running through the middle. During your visit, stop and admire the art installations and grab a drink from Airship Coffee. Looking for more options? Sign up for one of their many classes and camps! (https://www.peelcompton.org/visit-coler/)
-Lake Atalanta, Rogers: "The latest updates do not disappoint those who enjoy connecting to nature. You can now stroll a new paved trail that circles the lake. A new boardwalk stretches out over the water with "bump out" areas for fishing. The renovated stream is great for cooling off. New playground structures offer plenty of adventure while a serenity garden offers, well, serenity. There are 10 miles of hiking and off-road mountain biking trails for all skill levels." (https://www.destinationrogers.com/get-inspired/articles/lake-atalanta-features-improved-trails-and-facilities/)
STAY INSIDE!
Looking to beat the heat or make a rainy day fun? Check out these places:
-Amazeum, Bentonville: This facility boasts 50,000 square feet of exhibits and hands-on fun. Create a masterpiece with paints, explore the water play area, visit the homestead, and much more! They also offer classes and have special events throughout the year. Children 2 and under are free! (www.amazeum.org)
-Young Chefs Academy, Rogers: The staff at Young Chefs offers unique experiences for children to explore their culinary interests, sample fabulous flavors, and make friends! They offer summer camps from June to August. (https://rogersar.youngchefsacademy.com/culinary-camps)
-Fayetteville Public Library, Fayetteville: If you haven't visited yet, make sure to add it to your list! "We have many free programs, services, and resources for children aged 0 to 12 and their caregivers. Kids can take home a craft kit, attend story times, get homework help, and, as always, check out books!" The event calendar includes various activities, including music, theatre, and storytime options. (https://www.faylib.org/youth-and-family-1097)
SNACK TIME!
My favorite part of an outing is choosing a place for a snack! Have you tried these places?
-Trash Creamery, Bentonville/Rogers: Choose one of their exciting combos or make your own - either way, you won't be disappointed! This ice cream shop has tons of fun and flavor in the ice cream and the atmosphere. (https://www.trashicecream.com/)
-Briar Rose Bakery, Farmington: From cakes and pastries to sandwiches and shakes, this was a great find! You'll be charmed even before you step inside. The outdoor seating will make this a great summertime treat.
-Food Trucks! The food truck scene is no stranger to NWA and is only getting bigger! If you haven't ventured out to 8th Street Market in Bentonville, the Boardwalk in Springdale, or one of the many other choices - you are missing out!
There is always something to do, and summer is a great time to explore. Enjoy!
Associate Family Minister
We hope you and your family have a safe and adventurous summer! Please feel free to contact me with any questions and be on the lookout for more summer fun information soon!