FORT MCPHERSON, Ga. -- A touch of candy and a dab of activities with a sprinkle of special events covered in a religious theme created a recipe for family-friendly fun at the fall festival held Nov. 1, 2008 at Fort McPherson.
The Office of the Garrison Chapel-sponsored festival, Slime Time, was the 19th annual event of its kind hosted by the Fort McPherson and Fort Gillem chapels. This year, the theme tied back into the summer's vacation bible school program, Power Hour.
"It is a fun time for kids to learn more about God's love and reinforce God's love for them," said Donna Craven, Fort McPherson director of religious education. "This gives kids something fun to do at no cost."
Children and their parents were able to have fun in several activities, such as a relay race, basketball shoot and balloon toss. Craft-building stations let children dip into their own creativity and build toys like sand art tubes, snow globes and glow-in-the-dark crosses.
One of the most popular activities was Professor Gizmo's lab, Craven said.
Gizmo, played by Pennie Hendrick, a member of the Fort McPherson protestant chapel service, put on two half-hour interactive shows for children and their parents. During the shows, several science experiments were conducted to the delight of the audience.
Hendrick said the experiments, such as combining household items like vinegar, baking soda, water and dishwashing liquid to create a foam snake or exploding a bag of water by adding dry ice, held the children's attention, more importantly was the interaction between parents and their kids.
"It's good for families to do things together and it's good for parents to be examples with their faith," Hendrick said. "We all need good examples in our lives."
No matter the activity or event, Craven said all activities helped children realize that God loved them.
"Every time they did an activity, they were told God loves them," she said. It also helped children see that religion and fun can go hand in hand, she added.
Maj. Bronte Montgomery, senior military law attorney, Office of the Staff Judge Advocate, U.S. Army Forces Command, said Slime Time was another opportunity for her to get her twin daughters, Skyelar and Solenne, involved in chapel activities. Both girls are already involved in the religious education AWANA program, which helps children to know, love and serve Christ.
For their involvement, each family left with plenty of goodies, including a framed picture of themselves, as well as a full belly, thanks to a taco and snack bar, bags of candy and whatever prizes they may have won from the various games.
"It was a wonderful time," Craven said of the event, in which 105 people participated. "The kids had a lot of fun and the adults did, too."
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