Hundreds gather for Fort Irwin's Vacation Bible School Fanfare Finale

By Leslie OzawaSeptember 5, 2013

Fort Irwin Vacation Bible School staff and volunteers
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Vacation Bible School students and volunteers perform at VBS Fanfare Finale
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High 5's by Queen of the Castle
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VBS volunteers lead students through dance and song singing routine
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FORT IRWIN, Calif. -- Not quite an army, but a battalion's worth of kindergarteners through

teenagers, parents, spouses, Soldiers and other volunteers made this year's Vacation Bible School at Fort Irwin one of its most memorable in many years.

The morning sessions throughout the week of July 29 involved 231 children and over four hundred parents and volunteers in an ecumenical, Bible-based program that rotated children through four age-appropriate classes: Epic Bible Adventures, Tournament Games, Chadder's Real Theater and Missions, and Imagination Station.

"Kingdom Rock: Where Kids Stand Strong For God," the theme for this year's VBS, was echoed throughout the week through sharing stories and singing and dancing songs, as children learned the importance of love, trust, family and friends. The school included a special focus on the people of India, with students learning words in Hindi, in partnership with the chapel's Operation Kid to Kid program.

An overflow crowd of parents, students, friends, and senior leaders of the Fort Irwin military community gathered for a mid-day Fanfare Finale on Aug. 2. VBS students and volunteers serenaded them with songs, and the chapel later treated all to some BBQ and hotdogs.

"This year's 2013 National Training Center & Fort Irwin Vacation Bible School was a huge success because of our amazing volunteers, and the parents that allowed us to bless their kids," said Chaplain (Col.) Terry L. McBride, National Training Center & Fort Irwin Command Chaplain.

"It was a huge success that enabled the Religious Support Operations Staff to kick off our Religious Support for Fiscal Year 2014. What a blessing to see the whole Community work together in the midst of so many draw downs and furloughs. We have some absolutely wonderful folks here on Fort Irwin and over 1,700 plus attended this great event!"