Vacation Bible School, commonly referred to as VBS, is a Christian education program conducted by many Protestant churches for children during the summer months. It typically involves a week-long program of religious education which may include Bible stories, songs, crafts, games, and other activities all centered around a particular theme. The purpose of VBS is to teach children the fundamentals of the Christian faith in a fun and memorable way during their summer vacation from school.
The origins of VBS can be traced back to the late 19th century Sunday school movement in England. With industrialization, families were spending less time together leading to a decline in children’s religious education. In response, churches began offering summer activities to continue engaging children. By the early 1900s, American churches adopted the concept creating the earliest vacation Bible schools. The idea quickly spread as churches saw it as an opportunity to reach out to unchurched families. Within a few decades, VBS became a staple across Protestant denominations.
While exact formats may vary, a typical VBS day consists of:
- Opening/Closing Assemblies – Large group times to sing songs, introduce lessons, and build excitement.
- Rotation Stations – Small group activities themed around that day’s lesson including crafts, games, science experiments, snacks, storytelling, and more.
- Bible Lesson – Memorizing a key Bible verse and learning from a Bible story.
Each day at VBS usually follows a central Biblical theme or concept. Some common themes include:
- Creation – God’s creation of the heavens and the earth.
- The Armor of God – Learning about the armor of God and spiritual warfare.
- The Parables of Jesus – Stories Jesus told to illustrate Christian concepts.
- The Heroes of the Bible – Old and New Testament people who demonstrated faith.
- The Miracles of Jesus – Supernatural acts performed by Jesus.
- Fruits of the Spirit – Developing Christ-like attitudes and behaviors.
VBS themes are selected by church leadership and curriculum materials are then developed around that theme. Popular publishers of VBS curriculum include Group, Lifeway, Gospel Light, and Concordia. Churches can purchase these ready-made curriculums or create their own materials aligned to the theme. Beyond publishers, there are now a wealth of online resources to aid churches in planning VBS.
Typical components of the VBS curriculum include:
- Director’s Guide – Instructions for planning VBS and managing volunteers.
- Teacher’s Guides – Detailed lesson plans for each age group.
- Student Workbooks – Handouts and take-home materials for kids.
- Music – CDs/DVDs for learning theme songs.
- Crafts – Instructions and supplies for craft activities.
- Games – Ideas for active games reinforcing the lessons.
- Snacks – Recipes and table decorations.
- Promotional Materials – Posters, flyers, bulletin inserts.
- Decorations – Props and wall hangings to transform church spaces.
VBS is typically offered for kids ages 3-12. Classes are divided by age or grade level with lessons adapted for their developmental level. A church may offer classes for:
- Preschool (ages 3-5)
- Younger Elementary (K-2nd grade)
- Older Elementary (3rd-5th grade)
- Middle School / Teens (6th-12th grade)
There are both paid staff and volunteers that bring VBS to life. At minimum, churches need a VBS director to oversee and coordinate everything. Other key roles include:
- Teachers – Lead each age group through rotations and Bible lessons.
- Assistants – Help teachers with younger kids.
- Station Leaders – Manage the activities at one station like crafts or games.
- Kitchen Staff – Prepare daily snacks.
- Decorating Team – Transform the church into the theme.
- Registration – Sign kids in/out and organize forms.
- Audio/Visual – Manage sound and video needs.
- Nursery – Provide childcare for volunteers’ young children.
Both church members and outside volunteers often fill these roles. Teenage counselors who went through VBS themselves will sometimes serve as assistants. Many parents will volunteer in exchange for their children attending for free. Churches may also recruit volunteers from the community for areas like decorating if they need extra help. Having abundant helpers ensures kids get adequate supervision and meaningful interaction.
Most VBS programs run anywhere from 2 hours up to 6 hours daily for 4-5 days in a row. A weeklong format is most common. The length depends on a church’s resources and goals. Shorter VBS options work well for smaller churches with limited volunteers. Some churches will offer VBS in the evening for a few weeks if facilities or volunteers are constrained during the daytime. While most VBS programs occur during the summer, some churches host VBS weekends or after-school programs during the school year.
VBS is primarily targeted toward children who are members of the church and their friends. However, any children in the community are welcome to attend. Churches promote VBS through:
- Church bulletins, newsletters, and announcements
- Website and social media postings
- Flyers sent home from school
- Yard signs placed around town
- Radio/newspaper/TV advertisements
- Postcards mailed to previous attendees
To register, parents complete a registration form with their contact info, allergies/medical needs, and consent for participation. Many churches now offer online registration to simplify the process. Most VBS programs are free, however a small fee may be charged for snacks or materials.
On an average day at VBS, children start off together at an opening assembly with lively music to get everyone excited. They are broken up into age-level groups and rotate through various stations – usually one for snacks, recreation, crafts, and Bible storytelling. At each station, activities reinforce the main idea for the day. At the end of rotations, everyone reconvenes for a closing with more music and sharing. Take-home materials like coloring sheets help continue the learning at home.
While learning biblical truths is the core goal, VBS also aims to create a fun, meaningful experience for kids. Churches emphasize making VBS active, hands-on, and relational. Activities are chosen to be engaging and tie back to the broader theme. Relationships are built through warm, caring volunteers who invest in each child. VBS strives to be the highlight of a child’s summer.
VBS impacts children in many positive ways. Benefits include:
- Bible instruction presented in age-appropriate, creative ways.
- Exposure to positive role models from the church.
- Developing friendships with other Christian kids.
- Sparking an interest in spiritual things.
- Positive association with the church.
- Practical application of Biblical principles.
- Opportunities to express creativity and have fun.
- Cultivating a heart for service and outreach.
The week-long immersive experience makes VBS particularly impactful. Children are more open to spiritual things outside of the school setting. The focused activities and passionate volunteers captivate their interest. Fun experiences make the lessons stick. For unchurched kids, it provides a comfortable first interaction with church.
Parents see benefits too like affordable childcare and bonding opportunities. Surveys show high satisfaction with most rating their church’s VBS as good to excellent. Many churches consider VBS one of their most effective community outreach tools. Unchurched families get exposed to church and are more open to visiting later on.
Outreach is a major thrust of VBS. Classes gear toward beginners’ knowledge so any child can follow along. Churches encourage members to invite non-church friends. Some churches will canvass neighborhoods to promote and even offer transportation. The welcoming atmosphere aims to plant Gospel seeds and build positive associations. Follow-up after VBS encourages ongoing engagement.
Most Protestant denominations host VBS including:
- Baptist
- Methodist
- Lutheran
- Presbyterian
- Assemblies of God
- Church of God
- Church of Christ
- Nazarene
- Non-denominational / Evangelical
Catholic churches normally do not conduct VBS. However, some will offer a Summer Bible Program with similar aims. Most Orthodox churches also abstain from VBS. Their children receive ongoing religious education through parochial schools. While Protestant in origin, today VBS transcends denominational lines with churches widely utilizing it.
VBS demonstrates the importance Protestant churches place on faith development in children. It cultivates spiritual interest at a young age when kids are open and able to grasp foundational Bible stories. The goal is to lay a groundwork of faith that children can build on later. VBS also kicks off summertime church engagement for families.
The future of VBS faces some challenges but remains strong. Declining volunteerism makes staffing VBS tougher. Competition from summer activities pulls families in many directions. Some churches have seen drops in attendance and shortened formats. However, customized programs like “Backyard Bible Clubs” in homes supplement church VBS. Alternatives like Bible Sports Camps integrate VBS with popular activities. Resource websites continue providing creative ideas to churches so they can tailor VBS towards today’s families. This adaptability will be key to maintaining future relevance.
In summary, Vacation Bible School is an important summer ministry in most Protestant churches that teaches kids Bible stories and Christian values using creative, engaging methods. It began in the late 1800s to extend Sunday School and grew rapidly across denominations. While formats vary, VBS typically has music, crafts, games, snacks and Bible lessons centered around a theme. Curriculum and volunteers make the program come alive. Kids get exposed to the Gospel through relationship-building in an fun environment. Outreach aims to serve both church and community families, creating an open door for future connection. VBS continues adapting to changing cultural trends while remaining an impactful ministry valued by churches and families.