Editor's note: This story was updated to correct attribution of a comment about Bethel AME to Rev. Yolanda Whiten. It's a familiar summer scene at local Christian churches: kids laughing, playing, singing, crafting and learning about the Bible and God in fun and creative ways.

Zion Lutheran Church hosted a "High Seas Expedition" for children from age 3 through fifth grade. Zion's website describes its Vacation Bible School as "a week long annual summer event designed to help children learn about the Bible, celebrate Jesus' good news and enjoy Christian fellowship." 

As their mission project for the week, kids collected toys for the children of Haiti.

The Vacation Bible school theme at Bethel AME Church was "Step up and Go Green for Jesus." According to Rev. Yolanda Whiten, Bethel wants to make sure children have a great time making friends in the church community. 

Children planted a community garden as one of their hands-on projects. On Friday, the church hosted a free barbecue lunch for children from the Ann Arbor Community Center. On Saturday, the church hosted an "Amazing Give-Away" of clean, workable and functional household items to people in need.

Is your church hosting a Vacation Bible School camp this summer? You can list it on our Events Calendar by emailing the details to calendar@annarbor.com or share a story on our Community Wall. If you'd like to share photos with your community wall story, send an email to pamstout@annarbor.com.

Pam Stout coordinates Faith and Home & Garden coverage for AnnArbor.com. She can be reached at pamstout@annarbor.com.