Holloman Base Chapel hosts VBS

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Anthony M. Ward
  • 49th Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Approximately 135 children attended the Holloman Base Chapel Vacation Bible School, which took place July 30 - August 3.

VBS was open to children varying from grades Kindergarten through sixth grade from both Catholic and Protestant religious backgrounds as well as children of the same age who were interested in participating.

"We're mixing both Protestant and Catholic communities and having fun together without worrying about our religious difference and we're able to just celebrate what's going on," said Laura Richard, Holloman Base Chapel Protestant parish coordinator and Protestant religious coordinator

During the school, the kids were able to participate in various activities such as arts and crafts, games, movies, snacks, an imagination center where they were able to paint ping-pong balls and watch them float over a fan and hairdryer, as well as experiment with vinegar and baking soda.

"There's a little something for everyone here," Lori Armstrong, Holloman Base Chapel Catholic religious coordinator. "I think that it's good for the kids to have a good Christian environment where they can just have fun and not exactly worry about believing in God or people criticizing them for praying. We're all praying together and we're able to just be united in that sense."

The Holloman Base Chapel has been holding a VBS for over 10 years now, said Armstrong.

"We do this every year," said Richard. "We do this to let the base know that we are here and that we care about them. We've had quite the turnout this year and it's been a big success."

Much effort went in to ensuring the success of the Vacation Bible School from various sources.

"We had about 70 to 75 volunteers, over half of whom were active duty servicemembers," said Armstrong. We also had help from CE [49th Civil Engineer Squadron] who donated tents, set them up, and provided them with air conditioning."

Physical labor was not the only help needed to make the VBS a reality.

"We had a budget we were able to use to help fund the program," said Richard. The money used was from the Chapel Tithes and Offerings fund, which is donated money to the church so the community really does support not only the school, but also the Chapel."

For more information on the Holloman Base Chapel or its Vacation Bible School, call 572-7211 or visit the Holloman AFB Chapel Facebook page.

To view a complete photo slideshow of the event, click here.