Vicenza, Italy - More than 130 children in the community escaped to the wilderness July 27-31 for Vacation Bible School.

The annual event took place at the Vicenza Elementary and Middle School with about 90 volunteers that included parents, teens and nine Soldiers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade.

This year's theme event was "Wilderness Escape".

There was a great turnout this year said Linda Davis, VBS director.

"We were expecting fewer children because of summer vacation, but they came and almost all of them stayed for the whole weekly program," Davis said.

The planning of VBS goes back to springtime, when the first meetings and recruiting volunteers took place, according to Davis.

When the time came, volunteers were ready to work.

"For my part, I went to a couple of meetings and then spent an hour each evening reading over the next day's events to prepare for our tent," explained Amy Dales one VBS volunteer.

The children, from five to 11-years-old, were divided in 12 groups called "Tribes". They enjoyed the five-day experience from creating crafts, learning songs, interacting with other participants to learning about life during Moses' time.

"I think the children had a wonderful time," said Dales.

This year, I had two children attending and they were excited each morning to return. All of the children who came to our 'Sandal Tent' were enthusiastic and ready to share their feelings about the Lord."

Dales' nine-year-old daughter Samantha participated in the event and said she had a great time.

"It is so much better than I expected. I thought it would be classes, but it is just fun."

"I am honored to have shared in this experience. Of all the VBS's that I have ever participated in, this is by far the best organized and definitely the most fun. I feel so moved by all the love being shared and the excitement for learning about our Lord," Amy said.

At the end of each day, all participants and volunteers gathered at the VES multi-purpose room for the Grand Finale.

"My favorite part of the day is singing and dancing", said five-year-old Alan Brook, who was at his first Vacation Bible School experience.

"I met many friends and every day it was fun. I'll be back next year," he said at the end of the final day.

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