June 22 - Some churches employ new methods for vacation Bible school

Today's summer-based schools are more akin to day camp than Sunday school, with churches using elaborate props, electronics and themed curricula that can be bought from church denominations or publishers.

The materials make it easier for church officials to plan the events and provide lessons that connect to the religious concepts they want to emphasize, church youth directors say.

"I like to say it's not your mom and dad's VBS," said Patty Weaver, children's minister at The Hills. "We believe that God's word is so powerful that if we make it culturally relevant then it will really penetrate the heart of the child. It just needs to speak to their world today. We need to make sure we're telling it in a way that connects with children."

"Boys and girls nowadays are either involved in electronics or athletics, and so boys and girls don't want to come to church and just sit down and have a Bible story told to them," Eudaley said. "They want to really be a part of what they're learning."

At the end of each night, families crowded pews in the auditorium to watch a 42-member cast in "Noah: God Keeps His Promises," a musical written by a church member with lyrics set to songs by contemporary artists such as Lady Gaga.