BUCYRUS — The King’s Kids Afterschool Program begins Sept. 20 at the Bucyrus United Methodist Church administration building at 216 Hopley Ave. and will have two teachers leading the program.

During the summer, the Church Association of Bible Instruction (CABI Board) in Crawford County began the search for a teacher but ended up with two.

“They were each so great for the program, we made the decision to hire both of them,” board vice president Sharon Hahn said of the decision to hire elementary school teacher Kim Christman and retired Bucyrus City Schools teacher Bob Laipply.

The program is open to all students in first through fifth grades and is offered every Friday that the Bucyrus City Schools are in session.

“The Bucyrus School District has an afterschool program that is offered Monday through Thursday, so our program fills the void on Fridays,” Laipply said.

Christman said the program offers a safe, fun place for children with a Christian message.

“Bob or I will walk over to the Bucyrus Elementary to pick up the kids signed up for the program,” Christman said.

Laipply said students from Wynford and Colonel Crawford will need transportation to and from the program which runs on Fridays from 3:20 p.m. to 5 p.m.

“We will have four volunteers to help out at each session who have been vetted to ensure they are fine to be around the children,” Laipply said.

He said a snack is provided through the volunteers and donations while the program is funded through fundraisers hosted by the seven churches that are part of CABI.

“The kids will have a bathroom break and wash their hands before their snack, and we will do a prayer,” Laipply said. “We will have music and fun, educational activities through the Answers Bible Curriculum for the kids to do throughout each session.”

Christman said the kids will learn Bible verses and learn about topics, such as making good decisions and morality.

“We will do games and crafts that are educational in nature,” Christman said. “The main goals of the program are for the kids to be safe afterschool and to learn about Christ’s love.”

Hahn said the program is open to 28 children this year and registration currently is underway.

“We are always in need of volunteers for the program, which can include high school students who will also be vetted before they can help out,” Hahn said.

Donations are needed and include items such as bottled water, paper and craft supplies.

To register a child for the program that lasts 30 Fridays throughout the school year, call Bob Laipply at 419-569-2709. For more information, visit the King’s Kids Facebook page.