- December 5, 2025
Seven-year-old Masen Bustamante and his brother nine-year-old Marcus Bustamante liked being at Adventure Camp because every day they got to do something different. Photo by Michele Meyers
Liam Conway (center) ran with his friends as they played 'Infection' at Adventure Camp. Photo by Michele Meyers
Every day the campers were taught a different scripture. Bible stories were part of the lesson plan at Adventure Camp. Photo by Michele Meyers
Carmen Craig needed a little help stitching her DJ Cupcake toy at the Adventure Camp craft station. Photo by Michele Meyers
Reece Robinson got a little help from her mom Kristin Robinson at the craft station. Photo by Michele Meyers
Reece Robinson put together her DJ Cupcake at the craft station. Photo by Michele Meyers
Madi Opalewski took off her blindfold after attempting to guess the lollipop flavors. Photo by Michele Meyers
Mason Grounds prepared his yarn before he stitched his DJ Cupcake toy together. Photo by Michele Meyers
Mason Grounds lifted his blindfold after guessing the flavor of the lollipop. Photo by Michele Meyers
Lollipop taster Eva Kenney declared she is the walrus. Photo by Michele Meyers
Seabreeze High School volunteers Nolan O'Brien and Sophia Thomas posed for a photo after they helped the kids during the lollipop tasting session. "They look up to me," Thomas said. "They like me better." Photo by Michele Meyers
Kayden Lawler and volunteer Lisa Stacy. 81 volunteers and staff participated at First United Methodist's Adventure Camp. Photo by Michele Meyers
Carmen Craig correctly guessed the lollipop flavors at the science station during Adventure Camp. Photo by Michele Meyers
Abigail Jiloty posed with DJ Cupcake in the sanctuary at Adventure Camp. Photo by Michele Meyers
Volunteer Hunter Byers tried her tastebuds out on the lollipop flavor guessing. Photo by Michele Meyers
Erin Hunter talked with a camper in the sanctuary before the next group arrived for the music portion of camp. Photo by Michele Meyers
Campers watched as Erin Hunter showed she still has some "hops." Photo by Michele Meyers
Eva Kenney showed off her DJ Cupcake toy she made at the craft station of Adventure Camp. Photo by Michele Meyers
As the Food Truck Party music video played, Erin Hunter and the campers danced. Photo by Michele Meyers
Abigail Jiloty and Eva Kenney. Photo by Michele Meyers
Big thumbs up from Elijah Kendall, Callahan Rinyu and Emma Stowers. Photo by Michele Meyers
Callahan Rinyu. Photo by Michele Meyers
Caitlin Bookwalter and Hannah Stowers. Photo by Michele Meyers
Leader Erin Hunter did a little breakdancing as the Food Truck Party music played. Photo by Michele Meyers
Cody Lawler waited for the results of the lollipop tasting during the science section of the Adventure Camp. Photo by Michele Meyers
Carmen Craig, Reece Robinson, Abigail Jiloty and Eva Kenney danced to the Food Truck Party music at the First Methodist Adventure Camp. Photo by Michele Meyers
Campers raised money for 11-year-old Isaias. If they raised exactly $400, they could put a pie in Caitlin Bookwalter's face.If they raised over $402, they could pie Pastor Scott Smith's face. Photo by Michele Meyers
The campers raised over $402 which meant a pie in Pastor Scott Smith's face. Photo by Michele Meyers
The campers raised over $402 which meant a pie in Pastor Scott Smith's face. Photo by Michele Meyers
Emily Hunter and Caitlin Bookwalter. Photo by Michele Meyers
It’s not just a camp, it’s an adventure.
The Food Truck Party rolled into the First United Methodist Church on June 20 to jumpstart a week of fun at the annual Adventure Camp. Children ranging in age from preschool through fifth grade got a chance to learn in a positive environment while they participated in five different activity stations including outdoor games, Bible stories, crafts, science and music.
Food Truck Party is part of the United Methodist Church’s vacation bible school curriculum provided by Cokesbury, the church’s publishing house. The theme is chosen by the church and the agency then provides guides and virtual workshops to assist them in producing an extensive VBS experience.
Caitlin Bookwalter, director of Family Ministries, has been in ministry since 2008. She was hired by First United’s pastor, Scott Smith after she graduated from the Duke Divinity School with a master’s degree in Christian practice. She begins planning for the adventure camp in January every year.
“I have felt called (to ministry) since seventh grade and have loved it ever since,” she said. “Weeks like this are the highlight of my year. One of our main goals is to help the children discover hope and deepen their faith as we demonstrate love to them.”
Bookwalter relies on support from her staff and volunteers to bring the camp to fruition. This year, 81 adults and youths worked for two weeks prior to the event and during the week of camp. With 100 children enrolled and an average daily attendance of 90 campers, the manpower was necessary to keep the schedule flowing smoothly and the campers safe.
“We are above average when it comes to the number of kids enrolled in VBS,” she said. “The nation’s average is 55-60 kids. First United has been known for their VBS for a long time.”
The campers were also encouraged to raise money for Compassion International, through which the church sponsors Isaias, an 11-year-old boy who lives in the Dominican Republic. By Wednesday morning, they had raised $523.30 and hoped to raise $1,000 by the end of camp. All proceeds will go directly to Isaias and his family.
Tomoka Elementary School kindergarten teacher, Kristin Robinson, volunteers at the event every year. This week was very special for her because both of her children and niece attended, her mom volunteered and her husband is the church’s operations manager.
“I love children and I love volunteering,” she said. “This is another way for me to give back during the summer.”
Mascot DJ Cupcake and the Food Truck Party music created an environment of fun and revelry in the church’s sanctuary. Bookwalter believes that in today’s world, kids just need to be able to be kids.
“I feel like it gives them hope that even if they are not attending church, they will remember the church they went to,” she said. “We want them to know Jesus loves them. Go home with some fun music — some Bible stories. Kids just need to have fun.”
