Children enjoy rain forest adventures in Chapel VBS program

  • Published
  • By Lee Anne Hensley
  • Hilltop Times correspondent
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah --  Last week, the Base Chapel transformed into a rain forest oasis during the evenings as it hosted its annual Vacation Bible School camp Aug. 2-6. The projected date for next year's VBS is Aug. 1 through Aug. 5.

This year's VBS theme was "SonQuest Rainforest" and the newly renovated chapel, as well as the Chapel Annex, were decorated with tropical sets while children attended tropical-themed activities and classes.

Open to children ages 3-14 years old and available to any family with base access, the Chapel Religious Education staff and volunteers offered songs, games, Bible stories, crafts and snacks each weeknight from 6 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. The free event culminated with a concert and family dinner Friday evening to allow the children to demonstrate choreographed songs they learned throughout the week.

"It was cute," said Staff Sgt. Jeannie Liedtke, of the 75th Logistics Readiness Squadron, of the Friday night concert. Her 7-year-old son, DeSean, attended the weeknight events and according to his part-time caregiver, Connie Delamater of the 75th Force Support Squadron, the lessons resonated with him.

"When we drove home from Thursday night's activity, DeSean pointed to the sunset and said, 'Look, it's God!' So the lessons got through to him," said Delamater.

"The program teaches children about the importance of knowing God and having a relationship with Him," said Wing Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Kenneth Crooks, 75th Air Base Wing. "It gives children a spiritual basis for the values their parents are teaching them. It also helps them create friendships with other children and families who share the same values and build upon their support network."

Although the program is coordinated by the Base Chapel's Protestant and Catholic communities, the VBS curriculum is non-denominational, said AWANA Program Coordinator Ann Price. "Vicki Preston, the Catholic Elementary Religious Education Coordinator ... organized this program for many years and this year we are a combined effort."

Price reported that a record number of children registered for this year's VBS program. "We had 160 children registered" with more than 45 adult volunteers along with 30+ teen volunteers. and more than 160 children attended."

Price attributed the success to the work of the VBS volunteers. "The volunteers are the only way a program like this can run. The volunteers this year helped decorate, teach, do crafts, plan games, make snacks and coordinate music. We had an outstanding group of volunteers and we could not ask for a better year at VBS."