Churches have developed wonderful programs for children during the summer that have become known as vacation bible schools or VBSs. Some programs last one week, others up to one month. They are excellent programs for your children to learn more about the Word of God, develop friendships, and have a lot of fun.
There are many professional companies that produce annual vacation bible school programs, from teaching materials for teachers, to music videos, song CDs, skits, and bible verse memory cards. Each program differs but they usually follow a format. There is typically one simple theme and bible verses are selected that support the theme. For example, a company has as one of its themes this year “Life is Wild – God is Good” with a jungle motif. Another theme is “Athens – Paul’s Dangerous Journey to Share the Truth” with a Greek motif.
The creativity of these programs is amazing. The appeal to children exceptional. No longer do church leaders have to be concerned about creating their own study material and music, as everything is prepared and provided for them to lead a successful vacation bible school.
Importantly, vacation bible school is not a babysitting service. As a lay children’s minister who volunteered as a leader for many VBSs, I was saddened to see that often parents thought of it as that. It is instead a wonderful learning program where children thoroughly enjoy themselves.
If your church sponsors a VBS, please enroll your children in it. If not, research other churches in your community that do. Your children will truly be blessed by participating!
