Mount Everest comes to JBM-HH

Children attending Vacation Bible School on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall had the chance to experience Mount Everest July 13-17, and they didn't have to leave the continental United States to do it.

"For me, it's so much fun," said VBS co-director Kathy Pardue.

Fifty-five children enrolled in this year's VBS which had the theme "Mount Everest: Conquering challenges with God's mighty power." The session was held at Memorial Chapel on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base.

"They are reading Bible stories about the different people in the Bible that had challenges," said VBS co-director Penny Staley. 'We're teaching them no matter what happens in life, the good things and the bad things, they can hold on to God's power, and He can help them through those times."

Staley said military kids like those who attended VBS face unique challenges due to their parents' service. They move a lot, change schools and have to make a new set of friends every few years.

"We're trying to teach them no matter what, God is always there for them and they should always hold on to Him," she said.

Twenty-five volunteers from throughout the joint base chapel community ensured the success of the event.

"My volunteers are so wonderful," Staley said. "They take on an idea and run with it. I have the best volunteers ever."

The kids played games, including freeze tag and a water relay. They even had to thaw frozen-shirts.

"It's Mount Everest," said Staley. "Everything has water or ice or cold involved."

Lt. Col. Larry Dabeck, joint base chaplain, said the session provided participants with the building blocks to continue to grow their relationship with God.

"The kids, in their hearts, are connecting this positive, fun environment with a relationship with God," he said.