NATCHEZ — Christmas in July isn’t that rare of a term but Christmas in May is practically unheard of. That is unless you attended Vacation Bible School at Highland Baptist Church this week. Highland is just one of many area churches planning vacation Bible school events for area children.

Highland Baptist Church’s vacation Bible school director Stephanie McCall said the theme may seem a little out of place considering the heat outside but that only reinforces the importance of studying the Christmas story all year round.

“We want to teach the kids that Christmas is about more than Santa Claus and that it isn’t just about opening presents in December. Christmas is something that should be celebrated year round.”

Since many children will attend more than one vacation Bible school, McCall started picking a theme individual to Highland Baptist instead of using a kit that can be ordered. McCall said the idea to plan a special theme started about five years ago and has led to some extra work, but the volunteers are always up for the challenge.

“It is a lot of hard work to put together an individually themed Bible school but everyone uses the gifts God gave them and it all comes together in the end,” McCall said. “It is worth the work when you see the difference you are making to the children year after year.”

And while it may have been snowing at Highland Baptist Church, sunscreen and beach towels will be needed for children attending vacation Bible school at First Baptist Church in Vidalia. The theme for their VBS is Outrigger Island and uses an Hawaiian theme to teach children to “count on God’s truth in a world of shifting sand.”

Amanda Wilson, co-director for vacation Bible school at First Baptist, said she chose this theme because the theme was so crucial for children in today’s world.

“Kids will learn the stability God provides,” she said. “They will learn to stand firm in a world that tries to throw so many negative things at them.”

But she also knew that the materials provided for Outrigger Island would be fun and entertaining for the children. The games, songs and crafts are tropical in nature and work together to reinforce the theme — Know the truth. Speak the truth. Live the truth.

“We have always used Lifeway material because we know the material is comprehensive and offers a variety of activities that the kids will enjoy,” she said.

First Baptist’s vacation Bible school will begin with a kick off party at 6:30 on Wednesday night with classes from 8:30 until 11:30 a.m. June 9 through 13. Classes will be available for children ages 4 through fifth grade. Registration is open until June 9.

Greater New Zion Baptist Church in Natchez is offering a vacation Bible school beginning on Monday but has a little bit of a different spin than some other churches. They will be offering classes for adults at the same time as the children’s classes.

All participants, no matter the age, will be focused on the theme “Digging for God’s Truth with Dino Detective, however the material will be presented in an age appropriate manner, organizers said.

“The material deals with the first part of the Bible going all the way back to Adam and Eve,” said Dorothy Sanders, director for vacation Bible school. “We will be using the same material for all the ages but will present it in a way that the different ages can understand.

Sanders also said that parents or older church members will be able to reinforce the lessons learned by the children after the week is over.

Greater New Zion chose its theme as a way of planting a foundation for Bible study.

“These lessons teach what God did to create the world and how long it took and what everyone can do by knowing the Bible,” Sanders said. “Every time you read the Bible you learn something new so it is important to continue to read it.

Registration for Bible school at Greater New Zion Baptist Church is Monday.