MCRD/ERR PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- The Depot Religious Ministries Center held its annual Vacation Bible School program for Tri-Command children at the RMC July 12-18.
The program afforded children, ages 6-16, the opportunity to learn valuable spiritual information while having fun with their peers through program activities.
"Vacation Bible School functions in a dual capacity," said Capt. Ralph Gibson, RMC Assistant Chief of Staff and chaplain. "[Children] can strengthen their understanding of their religious beliefs by receiving some religious education and also build relationships with other [children] who have religious backgrounds."
Each day of VBS began with an opening assembly at 9 a.m. However, as a convenience for working parents, children could be dropped off as early as 6 a.m. While waiting for the day's activities to begin, children could watch religious or animated videos.
"The early morning drop-off was a big hit with the Depot families," said Petty Officer 1st Class Erick Bennett, RMC Religious Program Specialist. "It was a way for us to keep the [children] safe and occupied, while building a positive church atmosphere for them."
After pledges and songs during the morning assembly, children went to Bible study in their respective age groups, which was a graded program. Afterwards, there was a crafts session and refreshments were served. Morning activities ended at noon each day, but children were invited back for Backyard Bible Study, which began at 6 p.m.
A total of 102 kids attended VBS. The number was slightly higher than in previous years, with attendance usually averaging 85. A group from Liberty Hill Baptist Church, Clanton, Ala., was on hand to help provide the necessary manpower RMC needed to put on the program. The RMC workforce alone is not enough to facilitate the amount of children that attend annually, according to Gibson. A different church comes to VBS every year to help balance out the adult to child ratio.
Before the final day of VBS, the children were treated to a carnival in front of the RMC building. Four different inflatable rides were provided and set up by Jumpin' Jaxx of Beaufort, including two slides and a "Moonbounce." Many games were also coordinated for the children to play for prizes, including a cakewalk, dart throw and ring toss.
"The object of the games was to make every [child] a winner," said Gibson. "We wanted to convey the message that there were no losers among them."
A closing ceremony was held on the final day, which parents were invited to attend. The children sang a song and recited a verse for those in attendance. The children and all who assisted with VBS were more than pleased with its turnout.
"The children's enthusiasm and excitement they displayed each day gave us their stamp of approval on all the activities," said Gibson. "It was obvious that they wanted to be there each day."
With the response from the children so positive, the RMC staff felt they had achieved their underlying goal.
"I think the [children] were able to make a renewed and refreshed commitment to their religious beliefs," said Gibson. "We'd love to have even more next year. I'd like to encourage [children] of any faith to come out."
For more information about VBS or the Backyard Bible Study, call the RMC at 228-2636.