Little scientists learn big lessons
By Airman 1st Class Dillon White, 341st Space Wing Public Affairs Office
/ Published June 17, 2008
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- More than 60 children from the Catholic and Protestant community in the local area donned their spiritual lab coats for a scientific-themed adventure in this year's "Power Lab" Vacation Bible School at the chapel annex June 9 to 13.
The children were organized in crews ranging from kindergarten to sixth grade with a teenage or adult crew leader in charge, said Linda Bivens, VBS volunteer.
"The theme for this year is the power of Jesus. Children learn that Jesus gives us different values such as being thankful and brave," Mrs. Bivens said. "It's a great program and lots of fun. The kids are laughing and giggling when they get home and they can't wait to come back."
More than 30 chapel youth, Airmen, parents, and retirees volunteered their time to help lead VBS in several different areas, including Hyperspeed Games where children conducted experiments resulting in geyser-like soda eruptions reminding them of how amazing God is, and Bible Blast, where children were taught Bible stories like the crucifixion of Christ.
Each day the children met a new cartoon character who helped them remember the Bible lesson they learned, like Dewd, a surfboard-riding drop of water, and Fizz, a blue test tube with red goggles and gloves.
As the characters, chapel leaders and crews navigated through the chapel annex learning their lessons, they voiced their new-found understanding with boisterous "a-has," mimicking a scientist making a discovery.
Senior Airman Latoya Scott, 341st Missile Maintenance Squadron member and volunteer, worked in the crafts area helping children make things like hacky sacks called "Wacky Sacks," and prayer bracelets, she said.
"I enjoyed volunteering this year because I had an active role in helping the kids have fun," Airman Scott said. "The kids go crazy in crafts."
Chapel youth also took on leadership roles during VBS as crew leaders, taking about six other children through the different stations.
"It's been a great experience for me as a crew leader," said Darrian McManious, chapel youth crew leader. "It's rewarding to me because I get to watch the kids grow close with God, see them smile and have a good time."
Darrian said the crews also learn life lessons by playing games. In one game, the crews protect their crew leaders from water guns by gathering around them in a circle, Darrian said.
"They learned to protect each other, lend a helping hand to those in need and be brave in harsh situations," she said.