Finding a way to have a fun and safe summer can be difficult for today’s youth. Marine Corps Air Station Yuma’s chapel offers just the solution by providing vacation bible school for children of military and civilian government employees.
The program, Son Rise National Park Vacation Bible School, educates children ages 4 to 14 about the scriptures of the bible, Jesus Christ’s life and God while set in the theme of the great outdoors.
Run completely by volunteers, the school is free of charge for all attendees.
“I do this because I want to spread God’s word to the kids,†said Tonya Crespo, the director of religious education.
She helps educate the kids with activities by choosing a special bible story for each day with corresponding arts and crafts, snacks and games.
For the final day of the bible school, the children are given a chance to show what they have learned to their parents. MCAS Yuma’s chapel sees this program as a way to help parents with teaching good values while children are out of school.
“This is for the whole family to have fun together,†said Holly Black, the Music leader and first time volunteer.
Introducing them to the gospel helps prepare them for life as a military child. It also gives them comfort in times when one of there parents may be gone, added Black.
“It’s great to show kids how to use their bible and sing songs,†said LCpl. Mathew Falibene, a volunteer from Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 13. “How to live the right way and make the bible fun to learn.â€
Son Rise National Park Vacation Bible School, in its sixth year, had more than 100 kids participate this month and is looking forward to another positive turnout in the future.
It was a very successful event this year, added Crespo.
With this success, they are expecting to grow and expand their bible study offerings in 2013.
