VBS for teenagers in Athens

ATHENS - Churches are spiffing up their vacation Bible school programs to attract older children who prefer extreme sports over more traditional activities such as making crafts and singing hymns. <br> <br> Some churches invite older kids back to Bible school as apprentice teachers. Others plan camping trips and Braves-game outings to draw the preteen set. <br> <br> Union Baptist Church in Athens and other Baptist churches have put together a college-style week of Bible school on the University of Georgia campus. <br> <br> Called Youthaversity, the evening meetings at the Baptist Student Union mix study classes with ultimate Frisbee and volleyball. <br> <br> The plan sounds cool for Brittany Beard, a 16-year-old student at Madison County High School. Beard says she wouldn&#39;t attend a traditional vacation Bible school but is interested in learning about college -- and God -- while having fun on campus. <br> <br> Rebecca Kerr, coordinator of ministries for Holy Cross Lutheran Church, says the special trips are designed to keep children involved in the church past the age of frilly socks and Easter bonnets. <br> <br> She said, ``It&#39;s important to remember that parents are the number one indicator in whether or not a child will continue in a life of faith. When parents are in church regularly, children are more likely to attend as well.&#39;&#39;