VICENZA, Italy -- Almost 150 community children experienced "Cave Quest: Following Jesus, The Light of the World" at Vacation Bible School this year.
The annual event took place at the Vicenza Elementary School multipurpose room June 27-30, where children enjoyed four days full of activities thanks to the support of some 60 volunteers, including Soldiers, parents and teens.
The children from six to 11 years old, were divided into ten "Crews" and they created crafts, learned songs and interacted with other participants throughout four stations: Imagination Station; Deep Bible Quest; Kidvid and Games.
Also, children ages four to five participated in age-appropriate activities similar to what the older children were doing.
"It took us five months to prepare for VBS and six days to complete decorations," said Linda Davis, VBS director. "As the director, it makes me feel overcome with joy to have a community come together to serve our younger children in programs like Vacation Bible School."
She was also happy at hearing how excited the children became about the program after going into the multipurpose area and seeing all of the decorations.
"I was excited to hear volunteers speak about how this program ties in with the fears and worries children have when it is time to move, or when mom or dad gets deployed and how they are not alone-- that Jesus is there for us all to cast those fears and worries," explained Davis.
When asked about fears during the closing celebration, Jasmyne Holcomb, 6, said "Jesus gives us courage."
According to U.S. Army Garrison Italy chaplains, Chaplain (Lt. Col.) James Foster and Chaplain (Maj.) Mark Shelton, this year's VBS program went really well and touched many families in the Vicenza Military Community.
"We were excited to see the children experience this annual Chapel summer event," said Foster. "There were so many volunteers dedicated to helping facilitate religious education, with simple lessons from the Bible and faith-based song celebrations. They also decorated the parts of the school to look like a cave requiring the 'Light of the World,'" he added.
Last but not least, volunteers also planned snacks and an energetic, fun-filled day with outside activities, according to Foster.
By tradition, at the end of each day, all participants and volunteers gathered at the VES multipurpose room for the Grand Finale.
"Special thanks to Chaplain (Maj.) Mark Shelton, Linda Davis, Deborah McSwain and so many others that helped make this possible," said Foster while appreciating all the dedication that made this year's program successful.
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