VBS
Vacation Bible School Ideas
Before you choose VBS themes, crafts, or activities, you’ll need to pick a schedule and format. Many churches opt for a Monday through Friday schedule, but if you want to get parents involved or need a larger volunteer pool, evenings or weekends may work better. Consider also hosting a VBS kickoff event and/or following up with families after VBS to maximize your impact. For more vacation Bible school ideas, check out ChildrensMinistry.com.
VBS Theme Ideas
VBS theme ideas should be exciting for kids, easy to decorate for, and tie with biblical and spiritual truths. VBS kits from Group Publishing typically fall into two theme categories: contemporary or biblical.
Contemporary themes...
focus on an adventurous setting, such as the Alaskan wilderness or under the sea, and are centered around a single biblical idea or characteristic of God (Jesus is our True North or the ever-flowing love of God).
Biblical themes...
focus on a specific setting or story from scripture, such as Egypt, Nazareth , or the story of Jonah.
Group VBS Curriculum Options
Group offers three great VBS options that are Bible-rich, volunteer-friendly, and tons of fun for kids and leaders alike. Every Group VBS is built on the R.E.A.L. philosophy; programming that is Relational, Experiential, Applicable to real life, and Lifelong. All programs include high-quality worship music, interactive Bible learning, a strong relational focus, and an emphasis on life application.
Easy VBS
A 5-day program in a fun, setting with a Biblical focus.
- Volunteer-friendly and easy-to-lead
- Includes 4 rotating stations where kids do science experiments, play games, and are immersed in Bible stories
- Separate curriculum for preschool and elementary
Point Kids to Jesus, He's Our True North!
Holy Land Adventure
A 5-day program set in Bible times that can be family or crew-based.
- Creates an immersive Bible-times experience with Bible characters, food, and customs.
- Mixed age groups with preschool and elementary
- Brings God’s Word to life
Take kids back to Egypt....Where the Bible Will Come to Life!
Weekend VBS
A budget-friendly 2-day program that’s perfect for smaller churches or churches who are new to VBS.
- Distinct contemporary theme
- Can be used in place of or in addition to week-long VBS programs
- Each station leader preps only 25 minutes of material
Saddle Up for Trailblazin' VBS Fun!
Choosing a VBS Program
VBS can be one of the most impactful events of your ministry season, bringing new kids and families into your church and into the family of God. Choosing the right curriculum ensures that children walk away from VBS week with a better understanding of God’s character and what it means to follow Him.
As a ministry leader, however, you also need to consider church budget, space, and volunteer numbers, so we want to provide some tools to help you make the best possible decision.
Not sure what VBS is best for you? Take our Quiz!
Vacation Bible School Games
Vacation Bible school games will help make your event unforgettable for kids and leaders alike. With Group’s Easy VBS curriculum, one leader is paired with a crew of 5 kids, meaning you can safely and successfully execute games that would be impossible in a traditional children’s ministry classroom. If weather allows, set up your games station outside in a field or the church parking lot to provide extra space.
The best games will help kids remember your Bible point for the day, while keeping the overall experience joyful and fun. When evaluating VBS games (and your broader program), look for possible adaptations for kids with special needs, so no one feels left out.
Vacation Bible School Activities
Other vacation Bible school activities such as worship, small group discussions, Bible memory, and even science experiments can help round out your program and create additional opportunities for interactive learning.
Easy VBS kits from Group Publishing include simple hands-on science experiments in the Imagination Station section of the curriculum, as well as fun, themed worship music that reinforces the Bible point of the day. Kids are also encouraged to share how God is working in their lives with their crew via God Sightings.
Vacation Bible School Materials
Group Publishing kits each come with a comprehensive list of supplies you’ll need for each crew and station, including
- Leader supplies like hand sanitizer, name tags, and markers for writing names,
- Prepackaged snacks or snack ingredients that can be assembled by volunteers,
- Decorations and costumes for Bible story time,
- Game supplies like beanbags and pool noodles,
- And craft materials.
Check in with your volunteers and children’s ministry leaders for other general supplies that might be helpful, like walking ropes for your preschool crews.
