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The Rev. Ben Sprankle stood on a stage during the first night of the First Baptist Church’s vacation Bible school dressed like a cowboy.

He swung his hands in the air, like he was lassoing a cow.

“God is real,” he shouted. “Wah-hoo!”

More than 100 people, most of which were Island children, sat in the sanctuary. They wore cowboy hats, vests and even carried toy ponies to match the theme of this year’s vacation Bible school. For the next week, Island children would be spending their nights at Avalanche Ranch.

Monday marked the first day of the church’s annual vacation Bible school. About 90 students, in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade, were enrolled the first night, according to Dena Hatt, the congregation’s children’s minister.

“This is a high energy, high impact way to reach kids,” said Aaron Lundquist, an assistant pastor at the church. “It’s a complete week of going through the study of God’s word.”

First Baptist’s camp is the last vacation Bible school on the island, Lundquist said. As in years past, the camp is held in the evening to allow for more participation among parents and children, he said.

“(This camp) is focused on the children,” Hatt said. “We really do focus on the child here.”

Children spend time learning songs and making crafts, all the while learning Biblical verses.

“The message is always the same, we just teach it on different levels,” Hatt said.

Amanda Willems sat in the arts and craft room Monday night making a small sack for the plastic animals she was given. In the background, as the 10-year-old patiently colored the white fabric bag, a counselor told the story of Rehab and the Israelite spies that kept her and her family safe.

“It’s fun here,” Amanda said. “We get to learn about God.”

Kristi Willems, a camp counselor, said she enjoys working with a different group of children each year. Willems said she has been helping out at the camp since her daughter, Amanda, began attending.

“Its wonderful to see all of the Island kids here, and its our hope that we see them at our other events,” Willems said.

More than half of the children enrolled in the camp do not attend the church, Hatt said.

The church’s vacation Bible school runs through Friday, when children will be able to purchase prizes with their Avalanche bucks.