Education, fun come together for Vacation Bible School attendees

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Terri Barriere
  • 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs office
They excitedly jumped up and down the dimly lit room waving neon colored glow sticks in the air, yelling and chanting, completely focused on the performer. But these tiny tots weren't there to see a concert; they're the latest attendees of Holloman's Vacation Bible School. 

Today wraps up the week-long program hosted annually by the base chapel intended to teach young children about Jesus and the Bible in a child-friendly atmosphere. Day-to-day activities consist of games, crafts, bible study, theater, snack time and singing. 

A main point is chosen from the Bible each day and all the day's activities center around that topic. 

"Vacation Bible School is an opportunity for kids to come learn about Jesus in a fun way," said Ms. Andrea Gates, Protestant religious education coordinator. 

Vacation Bible School is held every year during the first week of June. The program is open to children in kindergarten through fifth grade. 

"The children who attend VBS don't have to be a certain religion," said Ms. Gates. "Everyone is welcomed ... we don't want to offend anyone or leave anyone out."
Nearly 100 children came from throughout the Holloman community to take part in VBS, regardless of denomination. 

According to Ms. Gates, though 75 percent of the attendees had some kind of religious background quite of few them had none at all. 

Whether the children showed up with an extensive knowledge of Jesus and the Bible, or none at all, the result was the same. 

"It's rewarding to see the children's faces light up and see them getting excited about the Bible," said Ms. Jennifer Bruegger, Wild Bible Adventures teacher and story teller, who said she likes to act out the lessons to make the stories come to life. "When you act them out, they remember; they remember, and then they go home and tell their parents what they've learned." 

Ms. Bruegger said she's taught VBS in the past, and believes it adds a good spiritual element over the summer. 

"It's a break from staying in the house watching TV or playing video games," she said. "It's a lot of work but I go home charged. They're really into it and it gets me into it as well, I have a lot of fun." 

Ms. Bruegger's Wild Bible Adventures is a favorite with the kids. 

"Bible time adventures is my favorite part of VBS," said Alexis Humphries, 9. "I enjoy learning about God and I'm learning a lot. I'm sad that's it's almost over because I'm having a lot of fun." 

Michael Mora, 11, was excited about his time spent at VBS, and said he most enjoyed arts and crafts time, when he was able to make a birdfeeder, stuffed animal and picture frame. 

"I would definitely like to come to Vacation Bible School next year," he said. 

For more information about VBS or other chapel programs, contact the base chapel at 572-7213.