In Cold Spring, a town littered with churches of various denominations, one may sometimes wonder about each congregation’s impact on the community. Who attends and supports these churches? Better yet, who is supported by these churches? In a small village where public and religious institutions often overlap in social and civic service, the outreach of churches like Our Lady of Loretto, the local Catholic church, extend far beyond their weekly masses. Loretto and other local churches offer the Cold Spring community, specifically Haldane students, opportunities for service, mentorship, and connection.
Community service is a central component of programs at Our Lady of Loretto, rooted in values such as compassion, empathy, and generosity. These initiatives, such as Loretto’s Vacation Bible School summer program, create a space for students to support and engage with their community in ways that differ from the structure of a traditional classroom.
Loretto’s VBS is designed to incorporate child-friendly art, music, games, and STEM activities that teach campers, aged 4-11, the history and pillars of the Roman Catholic faith.
A defining feature of VBS is the involvement of student volunteers. Each year, local teens, ranging from rising seventh graders to high school seniors, take on leadership roles within the program. This upcoming year, 16 teen volunteers will help guide approximately 30 campers through daily activities and lessons.
The responsibilities of student volunteers go beyond simple supervision. Acting as mentors, they assist in teaching, lead group activities, and support and connect with younger participants throughout the day. Volunteer VBS Coordinator Amanda Brier remarked, “The intergenerational friendships formed are one of the most valuable parts of our program and the overall VBS community”.
Though some students may initially volunteer at VBS to fulfill National Honor Society or confirmation service requirements, their motivations often change. Brier said that many teens return year after year by choice, and 14 out of the 16 counselors are returning volunteers. Experiences such as helping a child feel included, offering encouragement, or simply being looked up to can reshape how students view this form of service, not as a requirement, but as a fulfillment.
Returning counselor Christine Junjulas, who is a junior at Haldane, said, “I love volunteering at VBS, it’s great for connecting myself with the community. I get to meet so many new people and help kids have fun at camp. The church is so welcoming and gives students great opportunities for service and volunteerism”.
Participation in service activities offered by the church encourages students to become more engaged members of the Cold Spring community, carrying lessons of empathy and responsibility into their everyday lives. Whether it’s helping someone in need, volunteering elsewhere, or supporting peers, these actions reflect the influence of their experiences at VBS.
“The core of VBS is bringing the basics of faith, hope, and love to those involved”, Lucia Grandetti, Coordinator of Religious Education for Our Lady of Loretto Church, said. “That spirit is carried out into the community through our volunteers. Service is such a big part of not just VBS, but the Religious Ed. program and our entire parish”.
While church programs like VBS are rooted in faith-based service, their impact is not limited to those who are religious. The emphasis on values such as kindness, curiosity, and inclusion allows them to resonate with a wide range of students, including those at Haldane who may have diverse perspectives and beliefs.
“I think our teens are motivated by the multifaceted experience: the fun, the games, the expression that comes with designing sets and taking part in learning about ancient history”, said Brier, “But I think the deeper reason is that they become friends and part of something bigger than themselves. They experience selflessness, and come back because they recognize authentic human meaning in that”.
