Down by the sea Children head to the Sea of Galilee during Vacation Bible School

Each day began with a group session as the children gathered together in the main room where they participated in an uplifting, motivational and spiritual gathering led by NAS Jax Chaplain (Lt. Cmdr.) Gregg Gillette, who was portrayed as a Messianic Rabbi from the Sea of Galilee. "I try to get them motivated on the day's lesson each morning and then reinforce what they've learned throughout the day during the afternoon session," said Gillette.

From there, the children were split up according to age groups and sent to various places to create such arts and crafts as fish and Egyptian bracelets, to music class to prepare for a presentation for families and

Chaplain (Lt. Cmdr) Gregg Gillette displays his dirt-covered hand to emphasize the lesson of how the disease leprosy was considered "unclean" during earlier times and how people shunned those who had such illnesses.

friends the last day of VBS or to their classrooms to learn their lessons. They also enjoyed a nutritious lunch each day, prepared by the male volunteers who commandeered the kitchen.

"This is really great and I'm having a wonderful time here because there are a lot of activities that we do to help us learn about Jesus. I like making different arts and crafts and the new songs we are singing," said 10-year-old Austin Wigley.

"It's really fun here because we get to do some cool stuff like make bracelets and fish, learn Bible verses, sing new songs and I get to meet some new friends," added 10-year-old Chante Trusty.

Seven-year-old Ashlie Blumer makes an Egyptian bracelet during her arts and crafts class.

This year's theme was Galilee By-The-Sea. "It's a trip back in time to the area near the Sea of Galilee where Jesus would have walked. A lot of our curriculum is based on Hebrew teachings because Jesus was a Jew and this is

something we want to impress on the children since they all have their own ideas on this," said VBS Coordinator Grace Heffner.

"We are teaching them the different aspects of the Jewish life. We had six choices of curriculums to choose from this year. During one of our

Volunteer Helen Donahoe (center), Music Director Connie Rose Seeley and Teen Volunteer Vanessa Pence (right) lead a group of children in some songs in the chapel.

meetings, our coordinators all decided that this was a good choice because it was somewhere we have not gone before."

"The children are getting exposed to a side of their faith that they don't know and really understand. There is Judaism in everything we do as Christians. We draw our heritage from Judaism, it's the well-spring of our faith so we thought we'd give them a little exposure to it during VBS this year," added VBS Volunteer Bill Calvert.

Of course, none of this would be possible without the staunch support of the VBS volunteers. "We have the best and most dedicated volunteers. They give not only their time and energy, but material belongings and financial contributions, as well. Each of them is responsible for setting

Vacation Bible School Teachers Tony Larkin and Melissa Riley discuss one of the lessons with their class participants.

up and decorating their own classrooms. I think it's a competition because they do such a great job," stated Heffner.

"It's a tiring week, but you won't be able to see that in our volunteers. We also have teens volunteering who used to attend VBS here and are now helping out. They are doing everything from kitchen duty, assisting the teachers, arts and crafts, music sessions. They help out in all areas," she continued.

"After we choose a curriculum each year, we determine how many volunteers we need and start recruiting. Once we have our volunteers, they are given a teaching guide and can instruct the students in their own teaching style,'' added Heffner. ''Volunteers do not have to be experienced; we give them all the tools they need, all they have to have is the heart to do this.''

Seven-year-old Jason Camargo carefully colors his fish creation during arts and crafts class.

The week concluded with a special musical presentation by the students for their families and friends in the chapel.

Each year, the program holds a mission project to collect items for an organization that helps others. This year's project was to collect funds and paper products to support the Ronald McDonald House.

Next year's VBS is already being planned. It is held each year in July and is open to ages 5-12. Participants do not have to be members of a congregation here. Volunteers are always needed. If you would like to volunteer as a teacher or in some other capacity, contact Heffner at 542-3051.