If you’re in that phase of summer planning where you’re trying to find things that keep your kids engaged and fit into your schedule, this is one to take a look at.
First Roanoke is offering two separate camp experiences this summer—one in June and one in July—and they work really well together. You can sign up for one or both, depending on what your family needs.
Illumination Station Vacation Bible School kicks things off in June with a half-day program that’s easy to plug into your week. It’s designed for younger kids through elementary age and has that mix of music, movement, and hands-on fun that keeps things from feeling repetitive.
Kids move through their mornings with group activities, crafts, and games, all tied together with a creative “light” theme that changes the feel of each day just enough to keep them interested.
It’s the kind of program where kids come home a little tired—in a good way—and actually excited to go back the next day.
- June 15–19
- 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Preschool – 5th grade
- Free to attend
Fast forward a few weeks, and the First Kids Skills Camp brings a completely different energy.
This one is a full-day camp, and it’s built around giving kids the chance to try a little bit of everything. Instead of choosing just one focus, kids pick six different skills and rotate through them over three days.
It’s a great fit for kids who like variety or aren’t quite sure what they’re “into” yet.
What makes this camp stand out
This is where things really get fun. The range of activities is what sets this camp apart—you’re not locked into just sports or just arts. Kids get a mix of both, plus a few options that you don’t usually see offered at the same camp.
They might start their day with basketball or soccer, move into something like cooking or science, and then end up building a project, learning media skills, or trying out music. There’s even woodworking and car care, which tends to be a big hit with kids who like to work with their hands.
Some of the skill options include:
- Sports like basketball, soccer, and Tae Kwon Do
- Creative outlets like painting, sewing, and arts & crafts
- Hands-on experiences like woodworking and car care
- STEM-style learning with science lab
- Performance and media with music and “lights, camera, action”
And the way the day is structured really works. Kids rotate through three skills in the morning and three in the afternoon, with each session lasting about 40 minutes. It keeps things moving so they don’t get bored, but also gives them enough time to actually try and learn something new.
Skills Camp
- July 13–15
- 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Kindergarten – 5th grade (completed)
- $99 (includes lunch, snacks, and a t-shirt)
Everything is handled. Supplies are included, lunch is covered, snacks are built in, and the days are organized in a way that keeps kids moving without feeling chaotic.
Leaders for each skill are experienced and prepared, which makes a difference—especially with a camp that covers so many different activities.
And beyond the fun, there’s also a layer of character-building woven in. Kids spend time learning about Elijah and what it looks like to handle the ups and downs of life, in a way that’s relatable without feeling heavy.
Why these two weeks work so well together
What’s nice about these is that they don’t compete with each other—they complement each other.
The June VBS is a lighter, shorter commitment and a great way to ease into summer. The July Skills Camp is more immersive and gives kids a chance to really dive into new interests.
If you’re trying to space things out and keep your kids from getting bored mid-summer, this is a pretty easy way to cover two different weeks with something meaningful.
If you’re still filling in your calendar, both of these are worth a spot—especially since one is completely free and the other packs a lot into just three days.
