AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar -- Nearly 30 children of Airmen permanently assigned here attended the installation’s second non-denominational Vacation Bible School, May 24-25.
“It really is rare to see a Vacation Bible School offered at a deployed location and it is something my team enjoys putting on for the children who really enjoy and benefit from this program,” said Col. David Buttrick, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing chaplain. “The Command Sponsorship Program gives the Chaplain Corps staff the unique opportunity to provide spiritual programming to families permanently stationed at Al Udeid on top of providing all of the traditional offerings to unaccompanied personnel deployed here.”
This year’s VBS followed a shipwrecked theme where attendees ventured onto a simulated uncharted island where their imaginations were sparked with faith-building fun. Children were put into different groups based on their age and participated in a variety of games, songs, crafts, learning lessons and skits.
According to Buttrick, the two-day program required a group of more than 60 volunteers to plan, set up and execute. That work was clearly appreciated by those in attendance.
“I love how they are actually turning learning into something fun,” said first-time VBS student Anna. “I like the crew that actually set this up and the time they put into making this. It was super!”
The educational event was also an opportunity for parents to have their kids interact with other military children stationed here. For several in attendance, it was their second Al Udeid VBS.
“We were in one of the first groups of families to arrive here as part of the Command Sponsorship Program and it has been a wonderful experience and blessing that my kids can learn about different cultures and different places in the world,” said Bonnie, a military spouse who had five children attending. “My kids attended VBS last year and this really is a great opportunity for all of the different children of personnel assigned here to come together and socialize.”
VBS is one of two yearly activities specifically designed for permanent party members facilitated by Al Udeid chapel staff each year. The other event, held in fall or early winter, is a family retreat that provides attendees with a spiritual weekend geared toward strengthening families and relationships.