Vacation Bible School | A Stepping Stone In Faith

By Kelly Rodamer

Sweet Owen Contributor

About 130 years ago, D.T. Miles, a schoolteacher and Sunday school teacher in Hopedale, Illinois, saw a need for focused Bible instruction during the summer months. Miles created a four-week summer school, considered the first known Vacation Bible School (VBS), and enrolled 40 children who were taught Bible stories and songs, played games, and did crafts related to the stories.

The success of Miles’ VBS inspired summer schools throughout the country. By the early 1920s, the VBS curriculum was being mass-produced, and individual churches became the primary hosts of the programs rather than neighborhood community centers.

Today, thousands of churches across the United States host Vacation Bible Schools, which focus on building a firm foundation in Jesus through story, song, play, and crafts. A natural extension of regular children’s programming, VBS emphasizes being kid-friendly.

“Church is often a difficult obstacle for many families; it requires self-control and preplanning to make it through services — sometimes a lot of snacks,” said Ben Courtney of Lighthouse Church. “VBS is the one time of the year where it’s kid-centered. The kids get to take over and learn in a truly authentic way.”

While overlapping summer sports, family vacations, and even other Vacation Bible Schools can’t be avoided entirely, many VBS coordinators do their best to consider community calendars when planning.

“We do our best to plan around other community events and then provide kids with fundamental beliefs and refer them to churches local to them to be further discipled,” said Cara Wilson of Pleasant Home Baptist Church.

Vacation Bible School is more than a place to send children for a few hours during long summer days; it’s a safe space to express interest in their faith, ask questions and learn alongside their friends. At VBS, children and adults engage in hands-on learning that brings Bible stories to life.

“Jesus is for everyone, no matter their age or knowledge,” said Jennifer Cull of Monterey Baptist.

Most VBS events take place in the heart of summer, but planning begins much earlier. Once dates, times, and a theme are set, VBS coordinators rely on teams to help with planning and execution — and to live through the exhausting, joy-filled week together.

“Volunteers are tired, but always glad they jumped in. It is beautiful to watch the body of Christ work together using all different gifts to make VBS work,” said Kiley Blair of First Baptist Owenton. “There is no unimportant task during VBS week or the weeks of preparation leading up to it.”

For many, the most essential goal is ensuring that every person who steps foot into VBS encounters Jesus.

“VBS creates a strong spiritual foundation, builds relationships, and equips children with tools to sustain their faith throughout their lives,” said Stacy Lily of Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church.

Many other coordinators echoed her sentiment — sharing the good news of Jesus is at the center of VBS.

“The most glorious day is the moment you see that child you were teaching at VBS accept Christ. That never gets old,” said Danielle Greenwell of Richland Baptist.

“It is our hope that we can provide a strong faith-based foundation with the light and love of Jesus as solid rocks to all who attend VBS,” said Pat Beverly of Owenton First Christian Church.

Learning about Jesus and growing in faith doesn’t end as summer fades into fall. Many churches that host VBS also offer children’s programming on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings throughout the year. VBS is an opportunity to become acquainted with the church staff, the congregation, and the tenets of faith that form the church’s foundation.

Each VBS coordinator who responded to this article stressed the importance of helping families connect with a church community so their faith can continue to grow.

Vacation Bible School is far more than a few hours of fun, games, and friendship. It’s a place where seeds of faith are planted and nurtured. Movement, stories, crafts, and snacks are all part of a carefully curated week explicitly designed with kids in mind. At VBS, Jesus is front and center, and all who come are on equal footing.

From a neighborhood summer school of 40 children to a nationwide effort reaching millions, VBS continues to inspire children and adults alike to seek Jesus.

In Owen County, parents and caregivers have over a dozen options for VBS this summer. Check out Sweet Owen’s Facebook page for locations near you! We hope this helps families connect with a local church. Some churches may require pre-registration.