Photo By Airman Eli Rose | Students at Vacation Bible School on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, sit and...... read more read more
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The Christian community on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson came together from, June 23 to June 27, to host its annual Vacation Bible School, a faith-based camp for local children designed to strengthen families and foster a deeper sense of community.
The weeklong event transformed Ursa Minor Elementary, located on the JBER Fort Richardson side of the installation, into a themed schoolhouse packed with activities for children and families. From a rope course and a portable planetarium to a baby goat petting zoo, the program offered a variety of engaging experiences centered around Christian values.
Participation exceeded 500 students and volunteers, highlighting the continued popularity and impact of the JBER VBS program. While rooted in Christian teachings, the camp welcomed families of all religious backgrounds to join the festivities.
“As a JBER community, we definitely need events like this,” said Connor Vann, a local high school senior and VBS volunteer. “Giving children and families these experiences — something to remember and cherish — is priceless.”
Each day of Vacation Bible School presented a unique theme designed to illustrate a specific Christian principle. Activities such as limo rides, interactive science exhibits and caring for baby goats were used to reinforce lessons of trust, kindness and compassion.
Children in first through ninth grade were invited to participate in the camp, which focused on providing JBER youth with an enriching and memorable experience.
“I’ve learned a lot to trust people,” said Robert William, a local sixth grader and VBS student. “Trusting people can be hard, but with the ropes course, it shows you can just kinda trust them.”
For many military children, who frequently move and face the challenges of starting over, VBS offers a rare chance to connect with peers in a meaningful way. The shared experiences and supportive environment help them build friendships, create lasting memories and find a sense of belonging.
“Military life involves a lot of changes, which can be tough, especially for our children,” said Tina Wood, a military mother of four and a lead volunteer at VBS. “Having an event where they were the sole focus — making friends, building community and learning about the world from a biblical perspective — is really a special thing.”
| Date Taken: | 07.01.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 07.03.2025 18:55 |
| Story ID: | 518732 |
| Location: | JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, ALASKA, US |
| Hometown: | JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, ALASKA, US |
| Web Views: | 5 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Faith, fun, and friendship: JBER hosts annual Vacation Bible School for families, by Amn Eli Rose, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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