MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- More than 100 Iwakuni children spent part of their summer participating in Vacation Bible School at the Station Chapel, where they got a chance to worship, make crafts and meet new friends during the weeklong activity.
"Splish-Splash Bible Bash was our theme this year," said Carol Nash, Protestant Religious Education director. "The classes and games we played pertained to stories from the Old Testament involving water."
In addition to learning the different stories and characters from the Bible, the children also take away new experiences and friendships from the time spent at VBS.
"It's a great environment for these kids to meet each other," said Heidi Hayes, Catholic Religious Education director. "Faces are constantly changing on the station and Vacation Bible School is a place where the children can meet the people they'll be going to school with."
The Bible school not only gave the children an opportunity to meet one another, but the parents aboard the station as well, noted Nash.
"As the week went on more and more parents saw how much fun their kids were having and they would stay and help," said Nash.
According to Hayes, the success of VBS is the result of a tremendous team effort.
"It really is a community effort," said Hayes. "It would be a real challenge without the help we get from parents and volunteers."
Hayes and Nash also said they hope what the children learn at VBS is something they will carry with them throughout their lifetime.
"They're learning how to communicate and work together, and I think it helps them to develop more respect for others," said Nash. "This week gets them comfortable with their teachers, and hopefully they'll learn how to have fun while learning throughout the year."
The children who participated in VBS this year were already thinking ahead to next year as the week winded down.
"This is my second time at Bible school," said Samuel Sherck, 8, VBS participant. "Last year we built a castle in one of the rooms and this year we played a lot of games."
Every child seemed to have a different favorite part of VBS.
"Singing is my favorite part," said Catherine Erwin, 6, VBS participant. "We sing every morning and before we leave."
If you would like more information about registering your child for Station Chapel activities, or if you'd like to volunteer, call 253-5218.