VBS 2016 has come and gone, and a great time was had by all at the Surf Shack! We had 33 “surfers” join us to learn about the wonders of God as they sang, danced, played, experimented, and crafted. And none of it would have happened if it weren’t for all the love and support received from our Hazelwood family! You gave your time, money, supplies, decorations, and prayers, all to help spread God’s love and teachings to these wonderful little ones!
Each night began with “Tidal Waves” in the Sanctuary, where Snappy the Crab and the Skipper (expertly played by Ryan Tucker and Laura Rowe) led the children in song and dance, getting everyone geared-up and excited for the evening.
From there, we all headed over to the “Snack Shack” for dinner. Between the volunteers and children, there were over 60 mouths to feed each night. In anticipation of that monumental task, we sent out a call for help in the last edition of the Hazelwood Leaves. A big THANK YOU! to Marianna Gill, Dennis Holmes, Rita Horton, Mary Alice Lanning, Jessica Long, Carolyn McShurley, Larry & Sonja Rees, Leah Ritchie, Tom & Kay Schnuck, and John & Carolyn Starnes for answering our call for help!! Special thanks go out to Tony Rhea, general manager of Applebee’s, who donated 50 slider buns and to Rhea Morgan who bravely headed things up at the “Snack Shack!” What a blessing you all provided!!
With bellies full of yummy and nutritious food, the children split into groups and rotated through the different stations. At the “Story Deck,” Ann Wolfe led the children through a bible story and fun activity. “Creation Cove” was a big hit as Marianna Gill and Larry & Sonja Rees guided little hands with a new craft they got to take home each night. Mary Ann Matchett and Mike McKean wowed at “Discovery Dunes” with cool science experiments. And always a favorite, “Recreation Station” got everyone up and moving with exciting games led by Sam Devroy and Andrew Glaze. Each night ended with everyone back at “Tidal Waves” to wrap up the lessons learned and one last chance to sing and dance together.
Keeping everyone safe each night as they swam between stations were our “Life Guard” youth leaders: Aurora Bennett and her friend Davia Sowder, Adam Glaze, Jaylynn Dunsmore and her friend Paige Tweedy, Brynmar Rees and her friend Soren, Mason & Josh Shoults who also brought their friends Lydia & Melody, and Rachel & Kara Tucker.
We were also blessed to have a great group of additional adult volunteers who were able to help out in various ways throughout the week: Laura Bennett, Rev. Jason, Amy Moudy, Rev. James, Stefanie Petty, Glen Sulanke, and Hannah Thomas. And of course, none of this would have been possible without the fearless leadership of Mariangella Glaze. Her love and dedication are what make all of this possible!
Thanks again to all of the volunteers and to the entire Hazelwood congregation. What a great joy it is to share the love of God with so many children!
