Summer is finally here, and like many Christian moms, I’m planning out the weeks with hopes for sunshine, rest, and rhythms that keep our family rooted in what matters most – Jesus. One tradition that stands out as a spiritual highlight each year is Vacation Bible School (VBS). It’s colorful, loud (very loud), joy-filled, and absolutely packed with purpose.
This year, I’m not just sending my kids – I’m volunteering at our local VBS, and even my 11-month-old baby is attending alongside us. That’s right! From the youngest to the oldest, VBS is for every child, and I can already see the fruit that’s being planted in my own little ones.
If you’ve even been on the fence about registering your child for Vacation Bible School or maybe you’re wondering if it’s really worth adding to your already busy summer schedule, I’d love to share why I believe every child should experience it – and why I keep coming back year after year.
1. VBS Plants Seeds of Faith That Last a Lifetime
One of the most powerful reasons to send you kids to VBS is the way it plants Scripture and gospel truths deep in their hearts. Through hands-on lessons, daily Bible stories, memory verses, and uplifting music, kids encounter the love of Jesus in a setting tailored just for them.
Even young children – toddlers and babies like my own – begin to absorb the atmosphere of joy and worship. They’re surrounded by truth and love, and that spiritual atmosphere does something deep in their little hearts. As a homeschooling mom rooted in faith, I see VBS as a partner in helping me disciple my kids.
2. Vacation Bible School Builds a Foundation of Biblical Truth
VBS gives kids a clear picture of God’s Word in action. They learn that God created them, loves them, and has a purpose for their lives. In today’s culture, where truth can feel so relative, VBS offers an anchor – a steady place of Biblical truth that kids can hold onto.
The themes are always meaningful and age-appropriate, but deeply theological too. It’s more than just cute crafts and catchy songs (though there’s plenty of that, too!). Kids are learning who God is, what Jesus has done for them, and how they can live as His followers.
3. VBS Strengthens Christian Community
One of my favorite parts of volunteering at VBS is watching kids form new friendships rooted in faith. For many, VBS is their first experience with church community. They get to meet other kids their age who love Jesus, and they see adults – parents, youth leaders, and volunteers like me – modeling what it looks like to serve with joy.
This sense of community reinforces what we teach at home: that faith isn’t something we do alone. We’re part of the body of Christ, and we grow stronger together.
4. It Encourages Joyful, God-Given Creativity
From the moment the doors open each morning, VBS is alive with imagination and wonder. Kids are invited to move, create, sing, act, build, and explore. And every bit of that energy is used to glorify God!
Watching children express themselves – whether in music, art, or storytelling – reminds me how beautifully God made each one of them. VBS gives space for that creativity to flourish while pointing every heart back to the Creator.
5. It’s a Faith-Filled Summer Memory That Sticks
Ask anyone who grew up going to VBS, and they’ll tell you about the songs they still remember or the Bible story that left an impression on their heart. Vacation Bible School creates lifelong memories that tie joy to faith – something we deeply value as Christian parents.
In our home, the songs from VBS stay on repeat long after the week ends. My kids replay skits in the living room and talk about their “team leaders” with stars in their eyes. Even my baby lights up when he hears the theme song. VBS doesn’t just fill a week of summer – it fills hearts for eternity.
A Note From My Mama Heart
As I walk into the church each morning this week to serve and watch my children participate, I feel both humbled and full of joy. I see firsthand the impact that a week of gospel-centered fun can have. I see kids praying for the first time, raising their hands in worship, and discovering the joy of serving others.
And I see mamas – just like you and me – pouring their hearts into creating a space where kids can fall in love with Jesus. It’s beautiful. It’s messy. It’s worth every early morning and every glue stick meltdown.
So if you’re wondering whether VBS is right for your family this year, let me encourage you with this: Yes, it is. It’s not just a summer activity – it’s a faith milestone.
Let’s raise a generation of children who are rooted in Christ, filled with joy, and eager to follow Him. And let’s show them what that looks like – starting with Vacation Bible School.
Ready to Find a VBS Near You?
If you’re feeling encouraged to get your kids involved in Vacation Bible School this summer – but aren’t sure where to start – Family Life has created a simple tool to help you find a VBS near you. Whether you’re new to church or just looking for a local program that fits your family’s schedule, this resource can make the search easy and stress-free.
Click here to search for a local VBS near you using Family Life’s VBS Finder.
Let’s make this summer on where our children grow in faith, community, and joyful memories that last a lifetime.
Need More Encouragement?
If you’re looking for ways to keep your kids rooted in Christ beyond VBS, check out my post: “Raising Kingdom Kids: Teaching Faith in Everyday Moments”. Its full of simple, meaningful ways to weave faith into your family’s daily rhythm.
