On paper, Vacation Bible School may not stand a chance against Xbox when it comes to vying for kids' summer time.

But area churches have armed themselves by incorporating sports and themes ranging from Gold Rush to a "Big Apple Adventure" to draw youngsters.

And keeping VBS free is a rock during tough economic times, especially when youth camps can easily run $200 a week and more.

Dalton Gardens Church of Christ last year moved to a "Bible Sports Camp" format as opposed to a traditional VBS and attendance has rebounded as a result, said Michael Lewis, the church's senior minister.

"When we were running a traditional VBS, we'd be lucky if we'd get close to 100 kids," Lewis said. "This year we're expecting to double that."

About 125 youth attended the event last year in its first year. The program, which starts on Monday, offers basketball, soccer and cheerleading led by local high school athletes and adults.

"We've found it to be a real winner," Lewis said. "We do our classes in the form of a 'pep talk.'"

The theme is "Go the Distance."

"Every kid can be a winner if they're on God's team," Lewis said.

Lewis said the church will likely stick with the format for several years until the program needs a new direction again.

"We're making some investments (by purchasing equipment)," he said. "For now, this is working great for us."

Lewis said kids like the sports theme because it's fast-paced.

"There's no time to get bored," he said.

Other churches, including Pleasant View Church in Post Falls, hold prepared themed programs of interest to youth. Several, including Pleasant View, are using the Gold Rush program, decorating their buildings like the Old West.

The program is a guide to help kids as they go prospecting through life, Pastor Drew Foster said.

"Jesus is the rock of ages," Foster said. "There is real gold and there's fool's gold. There's the real truth and what some people say is the truth. We need to know the real truth."

Foster said churches are also targeting elementary students more today rather than a broader group because they typically haven't dove into the technology age much.

"Most junior high students already have a cell phone," he said. "Let's face it - it's tough to present an Old West theme to a junior higher who would rather be Facebooking."

But rather than pass on older students, churches encourage them to help run the VBS programs.

"It's their first ministry opportunity to get involved in the lives of other people," Foster said. "The kids who don't participate in the VBS are the ones putting it on."

Foster said his church is spending about $1,000 for the five-day program, which includes prizes, snacks, the curriculum and a barbecue on Sunday for the families and kids. The congregation uses volunteers to run the programs and set up and prepare the props.

"It's an easy way to invite your neighbors," he said. "It is completely worth the cost. There's so many influences in the world that we've got to get to the kids before the devil does. This may be the only opportunity to explain the gospel message of Jesus Christ to some of them."

Foster said that, despite a deluge of activities offered to youth today, VBS programs still serve a valuable purpose.

"It's not just kids looking for something to do," he said. "More and more parents, even if they don't attend church, are begging to have something of spiritual value for their kids. They want to give their children a spiritual heritage."

Vacation Bible School programs scheduled

Here are some of the upcoming Vacation Bible School programs:

• "Bible Sports Camp," a different kind of VBS will be held at the Dalton Gardens Church of Christ Monday through Wednesday, from 9 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. for ages 4-12.

It combines sports activities with the Bible principles of teamwork, integrity, endurance and good citizenship. The event is free, but space is limited. Call 772-0541 to pre-register.

Participants can focus on cheerleading, basketball or soccer coached by area high school athletes and adults. All activities are at the Dalton Gardens fields at 6439 North Fourth.

• Hayden Lake Seventh-day Adventist Church, 12940 N. Government Way, will hold a free AcroVBS Monday through Aug. 5 from 6-8 p.m. Kids will learn acrobatic reenacting of Bible stories. Information: Sara, (509) 301-0953

• Faith Bible Church, 1220 N. Idaho Road, Post Falls, will hold a free VBS Monday through Aug. 5 from 6-8:15 p.m. for kids age 3 through the sixth grade. The theme will be "Answers in Genesis: Gold Rush Adventure."

Registration forms can be downloaded at www.fellowshipbiblepostfalls.org. Information: 623-8487, pkmca@roadrunner.com

• Fellowship Bible Church, 1220 N. Idaho, Post Falls, will hold a free "Gold Rush VBS" Monday through Aug. 5 from 6-8 p.m. for age 3 through the sixth grade.

The registration form is at www.fellowshipbiblepostfalls.org. Information: 457-9345

• Trinity Lutheran Church, 812 N. 5th St., Coeur d'Alene, will host a free morning camp for kids entering grades K-5 Aug. 8-12 from 9 a.m.-noon each day.

The camp will be staffed by Lutherhaven Camp leaders and church volunteers. The theme is Splish Splash.

Pre-registration is being held at the church. People can also register on Monday, Aug. 8 at 8:30 a.m. Information: 664-5743

• A Big Apple Adventure VBS for ages 3-12 will be held Aug. 14-19 at 6 p.m. at NorthStar Church, 1604 W. Lee Court, Coeur d'Alene, in the building next to Sower Book Store. Information: 765-4600, email@northstarchurch.us.