Courtesy photoChildren and volunteers gather for a group photo during the “Wilderness Escape” Vacation Bible Study program, which ran July 28-Aug. 1.
“Wilderness Escape” was the theme of Fort Irwin’s Summer Vacation Bible School program, July 28-Aug. 1.
Hosted by the Religious Support Office, and under the direction of the National Training Center and Fort Irwin Chaplain (Col.) Terry McBride, more than 250 children participated in this year’s program.
“We couldn’t have done this without our great volunteers here at Fort Irwin,” McBride said. “More than 100 volunteers worked on this project – many of them for months prior, behind the scenes. Our volunteer director, Ms. Rhonda Kimura, put countless hours in this project, leading the effort for us. The success of this program is attributed to her and those she led.”
During the five-day program, daily attendance averaged 234 children, preschool through sixth grade. Approximately 75 to 86 volunteers were on hand each day leading the program. Total combined attendance for the week was 1,677 children and volunteers.
Each three-hour day included an opening activity, a Bible lesson, crafts, game time, refreshments, and a closing activity. Music was also a key component.