What Is Vacation Bible School?

Writer

Published August 11, 2025

Every summer, all around the world, but though especially in the United States, churches launch their biggest child-based outreach. Vacation Bible School has become an institution, but what is it? Is it just a class? Is it a daycare with some Jesus stuff?

For people who have never been to VBS, there may be some confusion about what it is supposed to be. On a basic level, it is a combination of camp and Sunday School that provides kids with the opportunity to learn, have fun, and make friends. More importantly, they get to learn about Jesus Christ, how He loves them, and to begin an eternal, saving relationship with Him.

What Is Vacation Bible School (VBS)?

Vacation Bible School is a program that serves as an activity for members of the community. Local churches provide a Christian education for kids, usually during the summer vacation period. Most often, Protestant and Evangelical churches host them.

While some churches develop their own themes and curriculum, most churches purchase a kit that has themes, lessons, and preliminary decorations. Some churches often go above and beyond to create an immersive experience for the kids. Themes can range from race cars, to under the sea, to a safari, Bible stories, and more.

In order to make sure the kids have fun, adults go all in, playing characters, decorating the whole church, incorporating music and sound effects, and more. It is an opportunity to encourage kids who attend the church regularly, to reach out to kids who do not go to church, and to get to know the families in the community by extension.

Who Is VBS For?

Vacation Bible School could be modified to serve a variety of ages, but generally, churches aim for kids in elementary school, or kids who haven’t hit the teenage years. It is usually aimed at kids who are old enough to participate without their parents, though sometimes a pre-school version is available, or a nursery for volunteers. Some churches will age up the programming to incorporate teens, though more often than not they will either come up with another summer activity for the youth, or they will have them volunteer to help with VBS.

VBS serves two primary purposes. It provides a fun and engaging way to present the kids who go to the church with the gospel. The other primary purpose is to reach children in the community who do not go to church with the good news of Jesus Christ. In this way, VBS is like an old-fashioned crusade, but for kids. It is a high-energy environment to present kids with the opportunity to hear about the Lord and start a saving relationship with Him.

Under these two primary goals, there are secondary goals that VBS can accomplish for a church. It can attract guests to the church after VBS. The parents may feel more inclined to visit a church if their children had a good time. A common hope is if a child gets saved, an unsaved parent may be willing to visit church and hear the gospel.

Where and When Does VBS Typically Take Place?

Vacation Bible School usually occurs during the summer months. The year before, a church will have picked a week for the following summer to have the next program. Once schools let out in May or June, churches across the community begin their events.

Often, churches will try to make sure they’re not all having their programs at the same time. For some, this will come through direct communication, while others have long-standing understandings with one another. Some churches will find ways to do outreach after VBS, with follow-up activities like sleep-away camps, weekend hang-outs, or unique Sunday afternoon opportunities.

What Are the Main Components of a VBS Program?

Every church has its own components, but there is an overall structure most VBS programs follow. There is usually a theme of the week pointing to Jesus and important Biblical truth like creation, sanctification, or the armor of God.

Parents or guardians drop off their children, registering them in a safe and secure manner. Then they gather in a large space, usually the sanctuary but sometimes the fellowship hall. When everyone is ready, there is an introduction and some singing throughout the opening ceremonies. This is a great time to live out this Scripture truth:

“Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!” (Psalm 95:1-2).

At some point during the openings, there is usually a funny skit which introduces an idea of the day. Every day will have something different tied in with the broader theme, but every lesson usually points the children to Jesus. There is usually a break-out session at this time.

One of the most important parts of VBS is the lesson. Like many school programs, the children usually break out into age-based classes where they receive lessons about the Bible and Jesus, in keeping with the theme and the topic presented in the big gathering. This time is rooted in the verse, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6).

Intermixed within the event are other structured activities like games, arts and crafts, learning songs, memorizing Scripture, and snacks. At the end of the day, the children will usually gather together again and will have a closing activity before being dismissed to join their parents.

How Does VBS Impact Children, Families, and Church Communities?

Vacation Bible School can be an awesome experience for children, many of whom have been stuck at home since school ended. They get to socialize, sometimes win prizes, and have unique experiences. These can also be galvanizing events for the community and neighborhood. Kids who may not know each other get to make new friends.

A church can use this as an opportunity to do outreach as well. Sometimes the children coming to VBS do not come from good homes, and having a safe space where they can come for a period of reprieve can be a real blessing. It can also be a chance to feed children who may not have consistent meals at home.

The most important impact VBS can have is on a child’s relationship with God. For children who may have not heard the gospel yet, they can hear the good news that Jesus loves them. “But Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven’” (Matthew 19:14).

Children can get saved, and better yet, open the door for the rest of the family to come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, too. While there are temporary benefits to Vacation Bible School for individuals, families, and the broader community, the greatest benefit is for all who find salvation.

“And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).

Bethany Verrett is a freelance writer who uses her passion for God, reading, and writing to glorify God. She and her husband have lived all over the country serving their Lord and Savior in ministry. She has a blog on graceandgrowing.com.