The Kluk family with their 2014 VBS Adventure Ride trailer. Not pictured: Ryan Kluk.

The 2014 edition of Vacation Bible School for Kids Street Children’s Ministry already is in the books but one family already is thinking ahead to 2015.

That’s Steve Kluk, his wife, Wendy, and their children Leeann, Ryan, and Tyler. They’re the family behind the VBS adventure ride that circles the parking lot each year, one week in July.

It all began when Tim Gerber, executive pastor for children and ministries, asked Steve to create a covered wagon for the Saddle Ridge Ranch Vacation Bible School back in 2010.

“We started decorating the trailer and it grew from there to a ride with a matching theme,” Steve said.

Added Wendy, “We suggested calling it an ‘Adventure Ride’ last year since we can’t use hay due to allergies and the fire marshal. Mr. Tim liked that idea, too.

“We love to see the expressions on the children’s faces and to hear their comments when they see it and ride around the church. The kids are so excited when they see it that they want their picture taken with it.”

The Kluks start brainstorming months before Vacation Bible School—kicking ideas around as soon as Gerber gives them the year’s VBS theme. “We then pray about it and trust that God will provide the idea that needs to be created,” Wendy says. “This year was a combination of several different ideas.”

The “Jungle Jaunt” trailer cover they built featured an elephant, giraffe and other animals and a host of other details. Actual construction can take a week or more. Triad member Wayne Welch provides his trailer to the Kluks for use the Saturday before VBS so they can begin assembly that day.

They try to have it in the parking lot by Tuesday or Wednesday. This year, the decorated trailer was pulled by a tractor owned by Triad member Tiny Simpson. The ride also is part of the “special events” for the Triad Baptist Christian Academy Preschool during VBS week.

“Mr. Tim has the ride on the schedule long before we even start building,” Steve says.

Although the family builds something different each year, one thing is constant: all pitch in.

“If you’re a Kluk, you’re doing something,” Wendy says. “This year was our favorite project so far. We enjoy that that do it as a family, and everyone has a part. Steve builds, everyone paints, Leann and Wendy do the detail painting, and everyone has a hand adding the finishing touches.

“This year and last year, Kylie and Maura Perkins helped as well,” Steve adds. “It’s definitely something we look forward to.”