Boot Camp members rise and shine

Barry Byers Posted June 24, 2009 12:00pm Religion

Image: Sarah is never thirsty — Sarah Coleman will never tire of spreading the Word of God thanks to her water canteen filled with the love of Jesus. — Sarah is never thirsty — Sarah Coleman will never tire of spreading the Word of God thanks to her water canteen filled with the love of Jesus. (Barry Byers)

The Central Baptist Church in Italy began its Vacation Bible School Boot Camp Tuesday. There was singing under the cross, marching in the hallways and soldiers everywhere were coloring, decorating canteens and playing games.

The B.O.O.T. CAMP or Biblical Outlook & Outreach Training Camp theme was inspired by Jessica Simon, AKA Sgt. Annie Waire, who was essential in putting this years camp together including organizing the 11 volunteer Staff Sargeants and acquiring theme decorations such as the camo netting hung throughout the church.

The Boot Camp idea coincides with Pastor Todd P. Gray, who pulls from his military background as a U.S. Air Force Captain and plays Sgt. Willgo on stage. The combination of young soldiers armed with bibles was a creative way to spread the Word of God.

The biggest weapon utilized by the Boot Campers are their smiles. Smiles, one smile after another, filled the Central Baptist Church. As a backup plan, Pastor Todd can rely on his angelic singing troops to lift company spirits.

When it comes to the Word of God, the Central Baptist Boot Campers will conquer mountains, swim currents and breach the flanks just to spread the message.

Included in the 68 campers, and in the spirit of reaching out, several kid reinforcements will be deployed daily, by the Italy Daycare base, to attend camp this week as well.

The Boot Camp is June 22-26, from 9:00 a.m until noon, and is for soldiers from 4 years to the 6th grade. Please contact the Central Baptist Church if you have any questions at 972-483-7329.

God is good…and there is no camouflaging that.

B.O.O.T. Camp Began At The Central Baptist Church — Central Baptist Church in Italy started its annual summer camp with the theme being, B.O.O.T. Camp, Biblical Outlook & Outreach Training. (Barry Byers)

Pvt. Hugh Meeh — Brett Kirton excels in his role as Pvt. Hugh Meeh. After doing such a fine job behind the controls in the chapel, Private Hugh Meeh hopes to be promoted to Private Yes You. (Barry Byers)

Worship and song — Boot Campers sing the praises as they get the Word of God out in harmony. (Barry Byers)

Chapel games — Bible Soldiers get some R&R before the next drill. (Barry Byers)

Under the cross — Brian Arnold helps the Prayer Platoon praise the Lord through song. (Barry Byers)

Prayer gear — Prayer Platoon’s prayer gear is on display near the front of the chapel. (Barry Byers)

Melissa Smithey — IHS student Melissa Smithey has this young group of Bible Soldiers at full attention as she helps them with glittering their canteens. (Barry Byers)

Bales and Burke — Volunteer Staff Sargeants, Kaytlyn Bales and Drenda Burke, help these young Bible Soldiers with their crafting duties. (Barry Byers)

Saluting the Lord — These brave Boot Campers volunteer to spread the Word of God. (Barry Byers)

Yes, Jesus! — Pictured left to right: Kort Holley, Jacob Coers and Chase Hyles are eager Bible Soldiers and they’re ready to spread God’s message in an ongoing campaign to reach out to others. (Barry Byers)

Baby B.O.O.T. Camp — Buck Private Ryan Coers tries to earn his stripes the hard way. (Barry Byers)

Circling the troops — This adorable little regiment of Bible Soldierettes try keeping their ribbons in their hair and their laces tied while learning about the Lord. (Barry Byers)

The Color Guard — Campers color pictures of their favorite soldiers during the Central Baptist Church of Italy’s Vacation Bible School Boot Camp. (Barry Byers)