Join us for Faith in the Wild:

Vacation Bible School for Outsiders

August 11-14, 2025

Four days of environmentally-focused fun and theology, perfect for children entering kindergarten through 4th grade!

Free registration ends August 1.

Faith in the Wild is an environmentally-focused Vacation Bible School program inspiring children to explore their place and relationships in creation. Through imaginative Bible storytelling and outdoor, immersive study of trees, water, birds, bugs and conservation, children will uncover elements of wildness and rootedness within and how experiences of wilderness can help us cultivate a deep and lasting connection with God.

Our daily routine will includes a gathering/centering activity focused on a particular scriptural passage and storybook; ecological expeditions to the Clark Street Beach Bird Sanctuary and Lake Michigan; special guests from the Evanston Ecology Center and Evanston Public Library; multi-sensory activities and service opportunities; healthy snacks and lunch; and a ritual sending with live music. All designed to spread and share a love of the natural world! Open and free to all but best suited for children entering kindergarten through 4th grade.

Join us in person August 11-14 from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. for four sessions, including:

Gathering and Sending Rituals
Play-Based Readings of Bible Stories
Multi-Sensory Activities & Action-Oriented Service Opportunities
Cooperative Games & Memorable Music
Healthy and Complimentary Snacks and Lunch
Takeaways to Continue Savoring and Stewarding God's Creation

Important Details:

Each session will take place at and around First United Methodist Church of Evanston. Parents, guardians and/or caregivers are responsible for checking in and signing out from First Church's Church Street entrance at the program's start and end time. Only named individuals on file are permitted to sign out unless prior communication has occurred with Director of Children's Ministry, Colin McDonald.

No fee is required to attend!

Registration Information

Child's Name

Child's Age

Grade (Fall 2024)

Address

Parent/Guardian Name

Parent/Guardian Address

Parent/Guardian Email

Parent/Guardian Cell Number

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Additional Parent/Guardian Name

Additional Parent/Guardian Address

Additional Parent/Guardian Email

Additional Parent/Guardian Cell Phone Number

Emergency Contact Name

Emergency Contact Phone Number

Emergency Contact Email

Relationship to You

Names of any parents/guardians and/or caretakers permitted to pick up your child not listed above

Contact Cell Phone Number for above

Relationship to You

Is there any additional information that would be important for the VBS staff to know?

Medical Information

All children who participate in any Children's Ministry programming, whether within the church building or at events which may be held offsite, must have a completed Master Medical Form on file prior to their attendance at any such event.

If there are any changes to the below information before the start of Vacation Bible School, please complete a new form and/or notify Colin McDonald at [email protected].

Master Medical Form

CARE PROVIDER INFORMATION

Name of Pediatrician/Family Physician

Physician's Phone Number

Physician's Address

Medical/Hospital Insurance Carrier

Insurance Carrier Address

Insurance Carrier Phone

Insurance Policy #

Insurance Group #

Allergies and Other Medical Conditions

The following information must be filled in by the parent/guardian. The intent of this information is to provide our staff with background to provide appropriate care. Any changes should be communicated with us as updates are necessary.

List all known allergies to food, medication, or other allergens. Describe the reaction and management of the reaction.

Please also list and explain any medical conditions of which staff should be aware.

Allergies

Other Medical Condiions

MEDICAL CONSENT

I grant permission for my child to receive any emergency medical treatment and/or transportation for medical/hospital treatment while participating in classes, worship activities, fellowship groups, camps, and other programs with First United Methodist Church, 516 Church Street, Evanston, IL 60201, (847)864-6181.

Participant's Name

Parent/Guardian Name

Date

Social Media Release

First United Methodist Church of Evanston, IL will use photographs and/or videos of and quotations from our children in our print publications, website and social media pages. These photos, videos and quotations are never associated with the full name of the child. Photos, videos, and quotes are used solely to promote and support our ministry.

Yes, I/We Agree with this Statement
No, I/We Do Not Agreement with this Statement

Almost done. Where should we send the confirmation?

Name

Mobile Phone Number

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