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Why Vacation Bible School is Important for Summer Programming

Image is of a crayon box that is used as the header image for the blog Why VBS is Important for Summer Programming

Discover why VBS matters for kids’ spiritual growth and how it can transform your summer programming.

For VBS Directors, summer is more than a season of sunshine, vacations, and cookouts—it’s an opportunity to make a lasting spiritual impact on kids and families. As the school year winds down and routines loosen, summer offers a rare window to engage children in a fresh and meaningful way. Vacation Bible School (VBS) has become a cornerstone of summer ministry for many churches, providing a dynamic blend of fun, faith, and community connection. But it’s more than just a program. It’s a mission to help kids encounter Jesus in ways they’ll remember for years to come.

But why is VBS so important? What makes it a vital part of summer programming? At its heart, VBS is about transformation—bringing kids closer to God, strengthening relationships within the church, and reaching out to families in the community. It’s a week that blends laughter, learning, intentional teaching, and memorable experiences. When done well, VBS can spark faith conversations, inspire families to engage with the church, and set the tone for ministry that lasts long after the summer ends. Whether you’re a seasoned VBS leader or considering hosting one for the first time, the impact of this week-long event can’t be overstated. Let’s explore why VBS remains a powerful tool for ministry and how it can make your summer programming unforgettable.

The Power of Summer Engagement

Summer is a unique time for kids. They’re out of their regular routines, they have more free time, and they’re often looking for connection and excitement. This makes summer the perfect season for ministry. With fewer school commitments and more flexibility in their schedules, summer is a time when kids are more open to discovering God’s love and deepening their connection with others in their church community.

Why Summer Engagement Matters

  1. Keep Faith Front and Center: During the school year, kids are often busy with academics, extracurriculars, and family commitments. Summer provides a window where you can focus on their spiritual growth without competing with the school calendar.
  2. Build Relationships: Summer programming like VBS creates opportunities for kids to bond with their peers and leaders. These relationships can grow into long-term discipleship connections.
  3. Reach the Community: VBS is one of the most outreach-friendly events a church can host. It’s an open door for families who may not otherwise attend church to step into your community and experience the love of Jesus.
  4. Set the Tone for the School Year: A great VBS can ignite excitement and momentum for your ministry that carries into the school year. It’s a time to cast vision, build trust, and inspire families to stay connected long after summer ends.

Why VBS Works

Vacation Bible School holds a special place in the hearts of many, and for good reason. It’s a unique blend of high-energy fun and faith-focused teaching that resonates with kids and parents alike. What sets VBS apart is its ability to connect with children in ways that are both engaging and spiritually enriching.

Focused Time to Teach the Gospel


In just a few days, VBS gives you the chance to dive deep into God’s Word and help kids understand how it applies to their lives. This concentrated discipleship, wrapped in an engaging format, provides an opportunity for kids to explore faith in ways that stick with them. With carefully planned lessons and activities, kids are immersed in Scripture that speaks to their everyday lives. The focused time allows for intentional conversations about faith, helping kids develop a deeper personal relationship with Jesus. 

Memorable Experiences


From themed decorations to interactive storytelling, VBS creates experiences that stay with kids long after the week is over. These memories can serve as spiritual anchors as they grow in their faith. Each day at VBS offers something new and exciting, from singing praise songs to participating in hands-on activities that reinforce the Bible lessons. The creativity and energy infused into every part of the experience help kids connect emotionally and spiritually with what they are learning. As they look back on VBS, their experiences—whether making a craft, participating in games, or hearing a story—become a lasting part of their faith journey, giving them touch points to recall God’s truths as they grow.

Whole-Family Impact


Vacation bible school doesn’t just reach kids; it often engages their entire family. Whether through parent nights, take-home resources, or follow-up events, VBS can open doors for ongoing ministry and encourage families to grow together spiritually. The connections made at VBS often extend beyond the event itself, helping to strengthen family relationships and provide a foundation for faith discussions at home. Involving parents in VBS activities creates a shared spiritual experience that fosters a sense of community and commitment to church life. Parents can also use the resources provided to continue the conversations, making VBS an event that has a ripple effect throughout the entire family’s faith journey.

Volunteer Empowerment


Planning and running a VBS activates your congregation to serve together. It’s an opportunity for people to use their gifts, build relationships, and grow as leaders. Many volunteers report that VBS is one of the most rewarding parts of their year. Whether they are leading small groups, coordinating activities, or helping with logistics, volunteers find joy in seeing kids grow spiritually and in the bonds they form with others serving alongside them. VBS offers a chance for volunteers to step into new roles and experience the joy of ministry in a fun, fast-paced environment. It strengthens the church body as a whole, encouraging both personal and collective growth while providing a meaningful outlet for people to serve their community.

Why Kids Need Vacation Bible School

If you’re considering whether to invest time and energy into a VBS this year, think about the bigger picture. VBS is about more than fun activities and catchy songs. It meets critical needs in the lives of kids and their families.

  • A Safe Place to Belong: Today’s kids are often bombarded by messages from the media, technology, and peer culture. VBS creates a sanctuary where they can be themselves, feel valued, and experience God’s unconditional love.
  • A Space to Encounter Jesus: For some kids, VBS may be their first introduction to Jesus. For others, it’s a time to go deeper in their faith. Either way, it’s a launching point for a lifetime of spiritual growth.
  • A Connection to Community: Today’s kids are more connected digitally but often more isolated socially. VBS creates a space where they can feel seen, valued, and loved.
  • A Platform for Teaching Purpose: VBS teaches kids that they have a role to play in God’s story. Through lessons, activities, and service projects, they learn that their lives matter and that they can make a difference in the world.

Why Your Leadership Matters

As a VBS Director, you have a unique opportunity to influence not just kids but entire families this summer. Your vision, planning, and leadership make it possible for children to encounter God in meaningful ways. When you cast a compelling vision for your team and church, you rally a community around a shared purpose—helping kids live out their faith.

Consider these outcomes:

  • Encouraging First Steps of Faith: VBS is often where children make their first decisions to follow Jesus. Your leadership creates the environment for these life-changing moments.
  • Equipping Families: VBS doesn’t just impact kids; it equips parents with tools to continue faith conversations at home.
  • Inspiring Volunteers: Many volunteers discover their passion for ministry during VBS. Your leadership can help them see their role in God’s story.
  • Leaving a Legacy: The work you do as a VBS Director has a ripple effect that extends far beyond the week of VBS. You’re shaping the spiritual lives of kids and creating memories they’ll carry for a lifetime.

Why VBS Matters More Than Ever

In today’s world, kids face unique challenges, from navigating technology to dealing with societal pressures. VBS offers them a sanctuary—a place where they can unplug, connect with others, and grow in their faith. It’s an opportunity to show them that the church is a place where they belong and where their lives can be transformed by the love of Jesus.

As you plan your summer programming, remember the eternal impact you’re making. VBS isn’t just an event; it’s a mission. And through your leadership, kids will discover what it means to Live It Out—to love like Jesus and carry that love into the world.

Why Live It Out VBS

We believe that every VBS should inspire kids to take what they learn and live it out in their everyday lives. That’s the heartbeat of our Live It Out VBS theme. This year’s program is designed to:

  • Encourage kids to discover how God’s love transforms their relationships and their world.
  • Equip leaders with easy-to-use resources that save time and reduce stress.
  • Engage families through intentional take-home pieces that extend the VBS experience.

Want to learn more about Live It Out? Explore samples of the curriculum here.

Making the Most of Your Summer

Vacation bible school isn’t just a program—it’s a ministry tool that helps you connect with kids, families, and your community. It’s an opportunity to share the gospel, build relationships, and set the stage for spiritual growth all year long.

So, whether you’re a seasoned VBS Director or considering hosting your first one, know this: what you’re doing matters. You’re creating moments that kids will carry with them for a lifetime, and you’re building a legacy of faith that will ripple through your community.

Ready to get started? Head to OrangeVBS.com and begin planning your Live It Out VBS today. Let’s make this summer unforgettable!Looking for additional resources? We’ve put together a VBS Director’s Hub full of expert tools, free resources, and support just for you. Check out our VBS Pinterest board for inspiration and ideas, and our Orange VBS Facebook Group is the perfect place to connect with other leaders.

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