T-L Photo/JENNIFER COMPSTON-STROUGH

ABOVE: Youngsters in kindergarten through sixth grade are invited to “explore mountains of fun” while finding the “True North” by “trusting in Jesus in a wild world” as vacation Bible school programs launch across the area. One of the first opened Tuesday evening at First Baptist Church in Martins Ferry, where sessions featuring snacks, crafts and games will be held 6-8 p.m. today and Thursday with a closing event during church services on Sunday, followed by a cookout. Here, Abby Smigle, left, and Champ Bandyk, both of Martins Ferry, perform a skit to open the program.