CRANBERRY TWP — Beginning in June, many churches will host vacation Bible school for youths in Butler County.

In most cases, churches purchase the curriculums, adding their own creative touches to themes like "Son Quest Rainforest," "Praise Party" and "Hero Headquarters."

Although each results in a unique experience for children who attend, one church is gaining notice through its one-of-a-kind programs.

Since 2004, Discovery Christian Church has offered a KidQuest camp in North Boundary Park, using existing shelters and erecting tents to house an array of activities. Designed primarily for grade school children, that camp has evolved from its original 100 youths to about 300 last year.

To expand its reach, the church last year began to offer a similar three-day camp for preschoolers.

"Last year we had about 170 preschoolers," said Stacie Salva, children and family minister at the nondenominational church where her husband Toney is lead pastor.

"We just wanted to offer something that's different than all the other churches," Salva said.

"We just keep a different theme every year and keep it very creative."

Last year's "Big Top" circus theme featured performances by Pittsburgh's Zany Umbrella Circus and various jugglers. The previous year's "Rock Solid" event included a climbing wall. A "Rescue 911" theme featured a visit from a local medical helicopter, a canine demonstration and local fire trucks available for boarding.

The church's praise band plays music, and youths are outfitted with matching T-shirts. Giant inflatables also are part of the events.

Theme for this year's camps is "The Great Science Experiment." The preschool event is set for 10 a.m. to noon June 2 through 4. Children in kindergarten through sixth grade will attend camp from 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 4 through 6.

As part of the curriculum, youths will learn about famous scientists who believed in God. Those include Joseph Lister, the father of modern surgery and the founder of antiseptic methods and sterilization; Michael Faraday, who discovered electromagnetic energy; and Johannes Kepler, the father of astronomy and planetary rotation.

The events also will feature science-themed crafts and experiments, an exhibition performed by the Carnegie Science Center and interactive science demonstrations from Michigan-based Mobile Ed Productions.

In addition, the preschool camp will feature an appearance by Sid the Science Kid of PBS.

Salva said the camps are designed and run by about 130 church volunteers, all who have undergone background clearances.

The church has worship sites at the Regional Learning Alliance in Cranberry and in Pittsburgh's South Side.

Salva said although the church's Cranberry congregation ranges between 500 and 600 members, only 30 percent of KidQuest participants attend Discovery Christian Church.

Amy Redilla of Cranberry Township is among the nonmembers who return to the program each year.

"My daughter has gone four years, and my son has gone three years," said Redilla, 38, explaining how 9-year-old Julia and 6-year-old Justin anticipate the camp and discuss the experience long afterward.

Initially unfamiliar with the church, Redilla said she scrutinized the park set-up the first year to feel comfortable with safety and security. A color-coded bracelet designating small group affiliation and laminated ID cards used as part of the end-of-the-day pick-up process set her mind at ease.

As part of attending, youths receive music CDs in advance to familiarize themselves with original songs they will sing. They also receive a DVD afterward with video clips from the program.

"My kids love it. They wait by the mailbox for them," Redilla said.

Redilla said she also is impressed by the details that reflect each year's theme.

"Snacks aren't your usual gold fish crackers and apple juice," she said, noting how gelatin topped with Swedish fish reflected one year's "Big Splash" theme. A nautical craft activity and counselors with squirt guns added continuity.

That same year, 10-year-old Brennan Boutelle recalls activities like changing into his swimsuit to be showered with water and learning to surf on simulated waves.

"It taught you how to keep your balance like a real surf board," said Brennan, explaining how the simulator advanced to higher levels for those able to stay on.

"The crafts were really fun," he added. "I actually still have some of my crafts."

Although Brennan's family moved to Connecticut in 2008, his mother Patty planned a return visit to Cranberry Township around last year's KidQuest dates.

"We were coming back to visit and trying to figure out a time for us to go," Patty Boutelle said. "My oldest son said 'Can we go back to that camp?' ... It actually worked out," she said.

As a result, Brennan and his younger brothers Tanner, 7, and Logan, 5, all participated in last year's camp.

Due to a pending move, the family is opting out this year.

"I begged my mom," Brennan said of his efforts to return to KidQuest.

"We are relocating to Arizona," Patty said. "We are not going to participate, but I'm actually (disappointed) that we are not going."

<B>WHAT: </B>Lil' KidQuest "The Great Science Experiment" camp for children 3 years old through pre-kindergarten<B>WHEN: 10 a.m. to noon June 2 through 4<B>WHERE:</B> North Boundary Park, Cranberry Township<B>COST:</B> $21<B>INFO: </B>Registration is necessary. Download a form at http://www.discovertogether.com and mail to Discovery Christian Church, P.O. Box 1964, Cranberry Township, PA 16066 along with payment.For more information, call the church at 724-779-1010.<B>WHAT: </B>KidQuest "The Great Science Experiment" camp for children in kindergarten through sixth grade<B>WHEN: </B>9 a.m. to noon Aug. 4 through 6<B>WHERE:</B> North Boundary Park, Cranberry Township<B>COST: </B>$40<B>INFO: </B>Registration is necessary. Download a form at http://www.discovertogether.com and mail to Discovery Christian Church, P.O. Box 1964, Cranberry Township, PA 16066 along with payment. For information, call 724-779-1010.