Parkwood United Methodist, 5123 Revere Road, is breaking out of the VBS box and offering summer day camps instead in partnership with various groups and individuals.

The goal is to offer a full summer of camps to the community at low cost, said the Rev. Bob Kretzu, pastor.

CAMP E.D.G.E.: June 22-26, 9 a.m. to noon. Rising kindergarten through grade 5, $20 per child with scholarships available. This is an extreme adventure camp where kids experience and discover God everywhere. It is an action-packed expedition that teaches kids their strength comes from God. The director is Dianne Mitchell. To register, e-mail DMitchell10@gmail.com.

OCEAN EXPLORERS CAMP: July 6-10, 9 a.m. to noon. Rising second grade through rising sixth grade, $100 first child, $75 each additional child with scholarships available.

If your child wonders about which creatures in "Finding Nemo" or "Spongebob Squarepants" exist in the real world, then this is the camp for them. Campers will experiment with water, build plankton toys, study fish, explore interactions between sea creatures and learn about how to better protect the environment. Director is Lauren Madden, a doctoral student in Science Education at N.C. State University. To register, e-mail lomadden@gmail.com.

SPANISH IMMERSION CAMP: July 20-24, 8:30 a.m. through 1 p.m., ages 5-10, $50 per child. Campers will sing, play and have fun learning about Jesus in Spanish. Director is Dr. Nora Herrera-Olivieri, 599-5955. To register- e-mail noraherreraolivieri@yahoo.com.

THE PLANTING PATCH CAMP: Aug. 3-7, 8 a.m. to noon, ages 5-8, cost $60 per child. Campers will learn about various types of plants and gardens. They will do lots of "dirty" work as well as some fun science experiments to explore gardening in all its elements. Snacks provided. Director is Pachis Hartwick. To register, e-mail pop@verizon.net.