Naval Base Kitsap (NBK) Bangor chapel hosted a summer Vacation Bible School (VBS) for children July 13-July 17.
This year’s theme was “Power Lab,” which included many different pictures of chemistry bottles and scientific formulas
and was the subject of many of their activities throughout week.
“Power Lab is a way for children to discover and learn about different Bible stories through various hands-on activities,” said
Sandy Logston, VBS. “Children’s minds are like sponges, and they are learning as well as having a great time.”
She said this year’s Power Lab was successful because of all the people who came and volunteered their time to make this event
happen.
More than 45 children, ranging from 5 to 12 years old, participated in arts and crafts projects, musical activities and classroom
lessons. The participants also got a chance to create their own snacks with different kinds of fruits and candies.
“This is a fantastic program, and this event provides children something special to do during the summer,” said Lt. Cmdr. Brian
Haley, NBK Bangor chaplain. “This also gives the community an opportunity to come together as a team.”
Each day’s activities started with all of the children participating in fun songs and observing short skits played by volunteers.
On the last day, children dressed up in white lab suits and wore goggles to feel like scientists. Each child received a Power
Lab work book and a bag filled with stickers, science tubes and balloons.
“It’s great to see people come together,” said Haley. “Many of the military children move around so much and they have to make
new friends all over again. This is a place where they can meet new people and feel accepted.”
The different age groups were then split up and either worked on arts and crafts projects, such as painting sun catchers, creating
desserts as well as worked on Bible lessons.
“This is a family fun activity and it keeps children doing something positive and productive,” said Machinist’s Mate 1st Class (SS)
Eric Courtney, Trident Training Facility (TTF). “My family and I used to go to the vacation Bible school in Norfolk, Va., and we were
happy they had it here, too. This gives children a chance to learn something new and get familiarized with the church.”
“This event helps promote religious education to children,” said Machinist’s Mate 1st Class (SS) Rick Logston. “It’s a good time for
the whole family, and by providing different experiment activities children are more eager to learn about the Bible.”