Now that summer vacation has begun, children are faced with the daunting task of keeping busy.

Many churches in the area offer Vacation Bible School to help fill that need and reach out to children in the community.

"Once school is out they're always looking for something to do," said Linda Stivers, child ministries director at the First Church of the Nazarene in Ironton. "(Vacation Bible School is) something to do."

Dennis Strawn, pastor at First Baptist Church in Ironton, said he often has children telling him they wish school was not out.

"They get bored," he said. "It's a good week for them to have some fun … and for us to let them know God loves them."

In the process of helping children beat boredom, the churches get to interact with them.

"We see it as an outreach tool for children in the community," Stivers said."It's also one of those things kids look forward to."

She said they will even invite friends who are just as excited to attend.

The programs keep children entertained with crafts, projects and music while teaching Bible lessons.

"It's a summer time program for intensive Bible study," said Agnes Heaberlin, VBS director at Central Christian Church. "It gives us an intense time of working with children as soon as they get out of school."

She said this is also a way to introduce children to a church who might not attend one, then help them if they are interested in joining.

Vacation Bible School occurs at different churches throughout the summer and is open to children of all ages in the communities.

"If we can give them three hours in the morning of Bible study and one-on-one, whether it is being a friend or them associating with others, then we're satisfied," Heaberlin said.