Where Science Meets Scripture
– “Science Camp” at New Bridge Church, Winterset
In place of a traditional VBS, New Bridge Church in Winterset has hosted a unique “Science Camp” for the past few summers, an outreach to all kids in the Winterset community. “We wanted to do something a bit different,” said Pastor Jay Safford, “and use something big in our culture as an opportunity to teach kids about God. We wanted to counter the idea that science and the Bible are at odds and give kids hands-on experiences showing how science affirms the Bible, and the Bible affirms scientific discovery.”
Kids Explore God’s World and Word
Apologists sometimes talk about God revealing Himself through “two books”: His Word and His World. Science Camp explores both, helping kids see how a rational, ordered universe points to God as our loving Creator.
The camp runs three evenings for two hours. Each night kicks off with music, memory verses, and goofy skits, featuring the bumbling Dr. Doofenshmirtz and his helpful assistant, who highlights the connection between each day’s science concept and God’s truth. The upbeat worship time includes songs with motions, led by student volunteers from the church’s youth group.
Gospel Lessons from the Lab
This year’s theme was physics, how the laws of the universe reflect God’s nature. The key verse was Romans 10:9: “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”
After large group time, kids rotated through activity stations. Every station was hands-on, fun, and built around a spiritual application. Even snack time connected back to the lesson.
“This year we were really encouraged with the turnout,” said Pastor Jay. “We had over 50% more kids than last year and 75% were from the community, not our church making it a really effective outreach.”
Now they are turning their attention to following up with the families. The church sent home information about weekend services and fall kids programs. Pastor Jay and the team are hopeful that the seeds planted during Science Camp will grow into lasting relationships and gospel opportunities. And to end the week with a bang, literally, each child got to launch their own rocket skyward, a hands-on reminder that discovering God’s truth is both powerful and exciting.
