This summer, it’s time to learn about the Bible — and it’s also time to have fun.

That’s exactly what the First United Methodist Church in Washington is getting ready to do with its preschool summer camp. Each camp is a four-day adventure from 9 a.m. to noon filled with arts and crafts, games, music and a biblical lesson.

A new director is taking the reins of the program this year: Angela Haltigan, a Chocowinity resident, joined the First United Methodist Church community in 2008. She was an assistant to 3-year-olds at the church for seven years before taking about a year-and-a-half hiatus. Haltigan recently returned to the church as the new preschool director.

“I just stepped in for this year about 10 days ago. It’s quite challenging. … But I’ve come to find it’s working out well. Everything is happening for a reason,” Haltigan said.

To Haltigan, that reason may very well be to lead children in this summer’s preschool camp. While Haltigan has run some of the camps before as a teacher, this is her first time trying her hand at director.

“Being on the opposite side, I feel like I want to be in the classroom helping as well. I’ve already told the teachers that I hope they don’t mind if I get in there and help the kids paint and sing songs with them. That’s where my heart is at — watching children’s faces when they learn and have fun,” Haltigan said.

Preschool camp can be beneficial to both the children and the parents. Haltigan said it was an easy decision to put her own children through preschool because she knew it gave her children a chance to learn and have fun in a Christian atmosphere.

“When the children’s parents are at home, work or errands, they can have a peace of mind in knowing their child is in a Christian-based setting, being loved and taught,” Haltigan said.

All children ages 1 year old and walking, up to rising kindergartners can attend. The camp kicks off on July 10 with the first program, “The Great Outdoors.” The second program, “Make a Joyful Noise,” starts on July 13. The final program, “Science Fun,” starts on Aug. 7. All activities are based on the camp’s theme.

Registration for summer camp is available at First United Methodist Church’s website.