Morning Star Vacation Church School

Thirty-six years ago, there was a need to establish a summer program for children who would otherwise be unsupervised during the day due to the closing of school, lack of structured programs in the community and working parents. Rev. Dr. Samuel Ray set a precedent for other churches in the city when he implemented a six-week summer program-Vacation Church School. Through the years a holistic approach has been used to meet the needs of the child and fine-tune it to coincide with the "No Child Left Behind" Act. Christian Literature, cultural enrichment activities, reading, language arts, math, music and weekly trips are stressed and used to encourage reinforcement of academic skills taught during the school year. Another component of the program is anti-drug and gun violence. Students of Vacation Church school will less likely be involved in crime, substance abuse and gang activity.

In 2004, we became a certified camp because of the number of students who attend. Therefore, we follow the guidelines set by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

Initially Morning Star Baptist Church of Christ provided a hot breakfast and lunch for the students. The City of Baltimore now provides breakfast and lunch, which consists mainly of cereal and sandwiches.

Most expenses are underwritten by the Church. Our program is considered free because the students pay a nominal fee - less than twenty dollars for the entire summer.

The Vacation Church School Director is Sis. Betty Gordon and the Assistant Director is Sis. Clementine Toppins. The faculty consists of Sis. Mary Carter, Sis. Edna Hitchcock and Bro. Jonathan Ray who also serves as musician.

The hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday from June (after the closing of school) thru the first week in August.

Request More Info

Please contact the Morning Star Baptist Church of Christ Business Office for more information or send an email office@msbcoc.com.

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