Child Development, Curriculum Strategy, Ministry Leadership

Child Development, Curriculum Strategy, Ministry Leadership

VBS 2025 Kits Unpacked: How Orange, Lifeway, Group and More Stack Up

Think Orange Team,
August 29, 2024

With so many VBS programs to choose from, how do you pick the right one? Explore all the options so you can be sure to pick the one that best suits you and your 2025 Vacation Bible School needs.

As the summer of 2024 comes to a close, it’s time for us to start looking ahead to next year’s Vacation Bible School season. With a wide array of VBS kits on the market, each offering its own unique theme, curriculum, and experience, choosing the right one can feel a little overwhelming… But don’t worry! We’re here to help. We’re diving into the top VBS 2025 kits, so you don’t have to.

Whether you’re seeking an adventure-filled journey, a deep theological exploration, or a vibrant community-building experience, this comparison will help you find the perfect kit that aligns with your ministry’s goals and engages your kids in meaningful, faith-building fun. We are obviously biased toward our favorite VBS curriculum – along with the VBS Facebook group, our community of over 20,000 VBS Directors – however, there are plenty of other options to explore. Let’s unpack what each of these programs has to offer so you can make the best choice for your church’s VBS in 2025.

Why use a VBS program kit?

Creating an immersive VBS environment doesn’t have to be hard. Using a complete VBS kit helps VBS leaders effectively facilitate a successful and impactful program for a fraction of the time and effort. Kits make it easy to discover creative ideas for vibrant decorations, snacks, activities, and more. So you can create a visually appealing VBS theme that fits your budget and your team’s capabilities.

VBS programs can also simplify VBS worship sessions. Many kits include albums of catchy, relevant music for joyful and meaningful praise. You’ll be singing these songs all summer!

They also usually include large group teaching guides as well as small group guides and take-home materials that foster meaningful family interactions and intentionally connect families to the VBS lessons.

Kits are a no-brainer for an engaging VBS experience. As VBS director, you just have to find the one that’s right for you and your community.

Inside Look at Orange VBS 2025

Kit Details:

Complete Kit – $229

Age Levels:

Preschool – Preteen

Theme:

Live It Out

Tagline:

Discover how to love like Jesus

Theme Verse:

“I give you a new command. Love one another. You must love one another, just as I have loved you.” John 13:34 NIrV

Program Description:

Live It Out VBS combines the spirit of camp – the camaraderie, the daily activities, and the immersive nature – with meaningful Bible stores, fun worship songs, and engaging small group activities that teach kids how to live out their faith through the best VBS ever. This program integrates child development for preschoolers through preteens and theology to get kids actively involved in building their faith and to create a holistic and engaging experience. This intentional VBS kit includes all the essential tools you need to spark meaningful family discussions at home, reinforce key Biblical truths, and create an impactful and visually engaging VBS experience.

Daily Breakdown:

Day 1

Bible Story: Jesus Washes His Disciples’ Feet

Daily Scripture: John 13:1-17

Bottom Line: Love one another.

Day 2

Bible Story: Little Children are Brought to Jesus

Daily Scripture: Mark 10:13-16

Bottom Line: Be kind to one another.

Day 3 – Forgive one another.

Bible Story: God’s Love for Us

Daily Scripture: 1 John 4:9-12

Day 4

Bible Story: The Lord’s Prayer

Daily Scripture: Matthew 6:9-13

Bottom Line: Pray for one another.

Day 5

Bible Story: The Believers Share Their Lives Together

Daily Scripture: Acts 2:42-47

Bottom Line: Serve one another.

With the Orange VBS program, you also get:

An entire summer strategy in one kit

Two months of Sunday morning curriculum are included with every VBS kit purchase to ensure that your experience doesn’t end after just one week but continues throughout the entire summer.

Inspiration Galore

You can access our Pinterest inspiration page for ideas on creative and vibrant decorations (for any budget size) that vibe with this year’s VBS branding.

Tons of Support

Join the VBS Facebook Group and get access to more than 20,000 VBS directors and the Orange VBS team so you can share ideas, get inspired, and create a memorable VBS experience.

Exploring EasyVBS by Group Publishing

Kit Details:

Ultimate Starter Kit & Digital – $309.99

Theme:

True North

Tagline:

Trusting Jesus in a wild world

Program Description:

Guide kids on the ultimate Alaskan adventure, where northern lights glow over majestic mountains, racing rivers, and glistening glaciers. As kids trek the tundra, they’ll explore how easy it is to lose sight of what’s true in our wild world today. Pointing them toward Jesus, True North VBS shows them that he is a faithful friend we can always trust. He’s our True North!

Daily Breakdown:

Day 1

Bible Story: John Prepares the Way and Baptizes Jesus

Daily Scripture: Matthew 3; 11:1-6

Bible Point: When we wonder, we can trust Jesus.

Day 2

Bible Story: Jesus Teaches about God’s Love for Us

Daily Scripture: Matthew 6:25-33; 18:12-14

Bible Point: When we feel alone, we can trust Jesus.

Day 3

Bible Story: A Roman Officer Trusts Jesus

Daily Scripture: Matthew 8:5-13

Bible Point: When we feel powerless, we can trust Jesus.

Day 4

Bible Story: Jesus Dies and Comes Back to Life

Daily Scripture: Matthew 26:47-28:8

Bible Point: When we need hope, we can trust Jesus.

Day 5

Bible Story: Jesus Gives the Great Commission, and the Holy Spirit Comes

Daily Scripture: Matthew 28:16-20; Acts 2:1-12

Bible Point: When we need help, we can trust Jesus.

Lifeway VBS 2025 Theme Overview

Kit Details:

Directors Kit – $37.99 + Starter Kit & Digital – TBD

Theme:

Magnified!

Tagline:

Discovering the bigness of God in the smallest of things

Theme Verse:

“Proclaim the Lord’s greatness with me; let us exalt His name together.” – Psalm 34:3

Program Description:

Magnified! This Lifeway VBS program will encourage kids to look closely at the details of God’s amazing world and magnify or proclaim God’s greatness. God made us, cares about us, loves us, forgives us, and is faithful to keep all His promises to us. We can praise God together! We were made to magnify God!

Daily Breakdown:

Day 1

Bible Story Title: Jesus and the Children

Daily Scripture: John 1:1-3,12

Today’s Point: God sees me.

Day 2

Bible Story Title: Jesus Calmed the Storm

Daily Scripture: Mark 4:1, 35-41

Today’s Point: God cares about me.

Day 3

Bible Story Title: The Woman at the Well

Daily Scripture: John 4:1-42

Today’s Point: God loves me.

Day 4

Bible Story Title: Jesus and Nicodemus

Daily Scripture: John 3:1-21; 18-20; 1 Corinthians 15:6

Today’s Point: God forgives me.

Day 5

Bible Story Title: Jesus Taught about Worry

Daily Scripture: Matthew 6:25-34

Today’s Point: God keeps His promises.

Unpacking the AnswersVBS 2025 Theme

Kit Details:

Super Starter Kit & Digital – $299

Theme:

Wonder Junction

Tagline:

Marvel at Jesus, live for his glory

Program Description:

Howdy, partners! Welcome to Wonder Junction! There’s no greater joy than to praise the name of the Lord all day long. But how can yer kids do that if they don’t know who Jesus is or what he’s done for them? Here at Wonder Junction, we marvel at Jesus and live for his glory.

Daily Breakdown:

Day 1

Lesson Focus: The baby King’s birth was a wonder. What amazing happenings surrounded it?

Bible Passages: Matthew 1-2; Luke 2

Apologetics Focus: Is Jesus the most important person ever born?

Day 2

Lesson Focus: The young King’s childhood was a wonder. What was he like as a child and teen?

Bible Passages: Luke 2:39-52

Apologetics Focus: Is Jesus God or man – or both?

Day 3

Lesson Focus: The adult King’s ministry years were a wonder. What astonishing things occurred?

Bible Passages: Selections from the book of Mark

Apologetics Focus: How much power does Jesus have?

Day 4

Lesson Focus: The risen King’s death and resurrection were a wonder. How were they like no other?

Bible Passages: Matthew 27-28

Apologetics Focus: Could Jesus experience pain and sadness?

Day 5

Lesson Focus: The return of the King of kings will be a wonder. What should we be doing in the meantime?

Bible Passages: Select verses – Matthew 25:14-30

Apologetics Focus: How will Jesus return?

A Closer Look at Cokesbury VBS 2025

Kit Details:

Ultimate Starter Kit & Digital – $249.99

Theme:

Road Trip

Tagline:

On the go with God

Theme Verse:

“The Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Program Description:

Join us in a fun-filled adventure on the open road, taking all the kids (Travelers) on thrilling journeys to exciting destinations. Led by the Navigator and an adventurous pup Scout, kids will learn that God is always with them. Through engaging stories from the Navigators’ Guide (the Bible), Travelers will delve into timeless tales of faith from the Old and New Testaments. Get ready for twists, turns, and excitement as they face new challenges and find strength in God’s presence on this unforgettable trip!