By Ayumi Davis
Fort Hood Public Affairs
FORT HOOD, Texas — More than 200 children participated in the Chapel Sports Camp June 17 at the Main Post Chapel.
The Religious Support Office is hosting the event, brought by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, a nonprofit Christian sports ministry, from June 16 to 19. The camp offers clinics in basketball, cheer and soccer for children entering first through seventh grade, and football and volleyball for those entering fourth through seventh grade.
“… The whole purpose of (the Chapel Sports Camp), from our perspective, is to provide kids the opportunity to develop their athletic skills, but also, at the same time, develop their faith,” said Garrett Northway, director of religious education, RSO.
Andrea Womack, director of the Heart of Texas West FCA, said the nonprofits always love to share what they do.
“We love what the post … offers for us, but we also love the partnership because we couldn’t do what we do without the Religious (Support) Office,” she said. “It’s an incredible team we do things together (with).”
One participant, Kaley Villanueva, 9, has been participating in the soccer clinic and said it is really fun.
“I think I’m doing awesome,” she expressed.
In between receiving mentoring and coaching on sports, the children also learn lessons from the Bible, the theme being “Glory,” Womack said. During snack time, Kaley said she learned about God’s glory.
“I’m learning about God’s glory and how to chase God’s glory, like being kind, and don’t chase my own glory because it could make me selfish and I don’t want that to happen,” Kaley explained.
Events like these are important for free exercise of religion, Northway said.
“… Programs like (the Chapel Sports Camp) enable family members, Soldiers and their children to exercise their faith, to practice their religion,” he said. “We do a number of programs that are of all faiths, but with (the) Fellowship of Christian Athletes, we’re able to put on the sports camp.
“It also provides the opportunity … to enhance the quality of life for Soldiers and their families,” he added.
