FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- The Fairchild Air Force Base Chapel virtually hosted their annual Vacation Bible School for Airmen and their families on base to participate within their homes June 22-26.
VBS is an annual event hosted by the base chapel, full of activities and games for Fairchild youth to learn more about the stories of the bible; this year’s theme builds spiritual resiliency through the “Power of Jesus”.
“During VBS our participants get to interact with others who are also learning more about the bible,” said Christina Lang, 92nd Air Refueling Wing Chapel Protestant religious education coordinator. “VBS is ecumenical, so there is no specific religion, or way of thinking, focused on outside of learning the stories of the bible through fun activities.”
Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic, VBS resorted to going virtual and sending YouTube videos outlining activities and learning points to participating military families. Families who were the most engaged received recognition as the “Family of the Day”, and would later receive prizes for their participation in the activities.
“VBS is way of connecting the community spiritually, and not having the kids here was one of our biggest challenges,” said Kortne Wagaman, 92nd ARW Chapel Catholic religious education coordinator. “Despite not being able to personally interact with the groups, we were successful in finding creative ways for the families to participate and engage in the activities.”
This year’s VBS had over 80 participants with youth ranging from kindergarten to sixth grade. Although this number was less than the 100 participants from the previous year, the base chapel was able to connect the Fairchild community and strengthen spiritual resilience amongst the Airmen’s families across the installation.
“Vacation Bible School enhances the spiritual resiliency of Airmen and their families, who we are here to support,” said Maj. John Ritter, 92nd ARW deputy chaplain. “Building up Airmen and their families through a program of religious education helps boost and maintain that spiritual resiliency needed to continue the mission.”
For more information on future events hosted by the base chapel, call 509-247-2264.