VIP offers teens a positive alternative

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Robert Barnett
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  The classroom continues to fill more every week at Edgren High School here ever since VIP entered onto the scene.

VIP, or Video, Inspiration, and Pizza, sponsored by the base chapel, invites any student from 13 to 18 years old to stop in at the teen center, building 628, to get together with friends and eat for free.

The program began in late January "to try to get students active during the week" and is run by Ms. Jessica Hall, chapel protestant youth coordinator.

"VIP is unique," said Ms. Hall. "We meet is the middle of the week which gives students a break from school pressures and still helps them grow closer to God."

The program continues to grow and about 40 to 45 students regularly participate, explained Ms. Hall.

"VIP meets Wednesday during lunch from 12:35 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.," she said. "We have Christian videos playing while we eat, and then we share encouraging and inspiring words."

"Everyone in that age group is encouraged to attend," she said. "Those who go bring more and more friends and tend to have a lot of fun."

VIP is also having a Youth Lock-In May 9 at Davy Jones Locker from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Parents have to sign a release form before students can attend.

Other programs offered by the chapel include Sunday evening Youth Group, held at the chapel annex in building 154, through April from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Starting the first Sunday in May, the group will meet at the teen center from the same time every Sunday.

For more information, please email Jessica Hall at jesicca.hall@misawa.af.mil