When you hear the words Vacation Bible School, you probably have one of two thoughts. You either remember VBS from childhood or you're not sure what I'm talking about.

I remember years as a child attending VBS with friends from Lone Oak GB Church and friends from school. We always had lots of laughs, there were all kinds of fun crafts, interesting Bible stories, and my favorite - snack time (even if the Kool-Aid was watered down)! Now as an adult, I remember helping with VBS as a volunteer. I was never a teacher, but I loved helping with the AV needs and watching the kids in the final program.

These days, many churches feel pressure to move away from VBS in search of something new or different to set themselves apart. The main purposes of VBS - to minister to children in the church, create outreach to the surrounding communities, and to create evangelism opportunities, are still relevant and important to the mission of the local church.

We'd love to help you find the best VBS materials. Just give us a call at (573) 686-6011 and speak with Ponda, our literature coordinator. And don't forget, we're offering 10% OFF if you order your VBS materials by April 1st!

Todd Luke
General Manager
Stinson Press

So what are some reasons why VBS is still important to my church?

(adapted from "4 Reasons VBS Is Important to the Local Church" by Rhonda VanCleave - Lifeway)

1. VBS is Dependable
   VBS has been around for over 95 years in more than 25,000 churches and served over 3 million people (SBC - Lifeway.com)
   It's a short-term event with long-lasting results.
   In a typical five-day event, you can pull out all the stops and create an unforgettable experience. Research shows connections made during VBS result in salvations, discovery of church prospects, and potential workers for other ongoing children's programs. It is not uncommon for a leader to volunteer to help for "just one week of VBS," and feel God's tug on his or her heart to work with kids permanently.
2. VBS Creates Memories
   Just like my childhood memories from Lone Oak, VBS is a special event that creates memories that help lock Bible truths in a child's heart and mind for a lifetime.
   Birthday parties and other special events have themes that use creativity to evoke feelings of excitement. Games, food, decorations and fun all link together in a total package. VBS does the same thing. When we connect with kids through this ministry, the biblical truths that permeate all aspects of VBS also connect with their hearts and minds.
3. VBS Is an Opportunity to Share the Gospel
   VBS is an intentional evangelistic opportunity.
   The biblical content built into the curriculum lays foundational truths that help kids understand who Jesus is and why they need a personal Savior. The relationships you develop with kids and their families can provide many opportunities to not only show the love of Jesus but to share the truth of the gospel.
4. VBS is Fully Customizable
   VBS is what you make it.
   Whether you provide an on-campus experience that encourages your church kids to bring their friends or an off-campus, community-centered Backyard Kids Club, the purpose of sharing the good news about Jesus is the same.
   VBS is the resource. The name you choose can be your own! You can call it VBS, Kids' Week, Fun Zone or any event name of your choice. Kids will come to love and talk about the events that excite them, engage them, and help them know that God and the people at your church really care about them.

VBS is an opportunity to ignite the imagination of your church, involve volunteers for a specific "doable" commitment and connect with the kids in your church and community.

The methods you use will create memories
The message you share will change lives.

Make your VBS the mane event!

This epic African adventure engages the whole herd. At Roar, kids explore God’s goodness and celebrate a ferocious faith that powers them through this wild life.

Ultimate Starter Kits Include:
The Ultimate Director Go-To Guide contains everything you need to plan a successful program, recruit and train volunteers, publicize your program, and follow up with families after the big event.
Station Leader Manuals provide easy instructions for specific roles at your Roar VBS. Each manual includes an overview of each day’s Bible content, historical backgrounds, step-by-step directions for each activity, and guided discussion questions.
Helpful DVDs and CDs feature training resources, clip art, and marketing tools that make it easy to inspire and educate your church body. The Decorating Places DVD gives you detailed instructions to create your Roar setting—and the Sing & Play DVD will have your kids in celebration mode all week long.

Student Resources, including ALL-NEW Bible Memory Buddies, Roar Some More Bible Book and Imagination Station samples, will keep kids talking about Roar throughout their VBS experience and long after they leave your church event.

Escape to Athens With Paul!

Imagine leaving a life of privilege and power to face angry mobs, painful imprisonment, and chain-breaking earthquakes—all to spread the life-changing truth of God’s love. Learn the jaw-dropping story of the Apostle Paul…straight from Paul himself! In an ancient “anything goes” culture, Paul will inspire kids to share the truth of God’s immeasurable love today!

Starter Kits Include:
The Ultimate Director Go-To Guide contains everything you need to plan a successful program, recruit and train volunteers, publicize your program, and follow up with families after the big event.
Leader Manuals provide easy instructions for specific roles at your Athens VBS. Each manual includes an overview of each day’s Bible content, historical backgrounds, step-by-step directions for each activity, and guided discussion questions.
Helpful DVDs and CDs feature training resources, clip art and marketing tools that make it easy to inspire and educate your church body. The Decorating Places DVD gives you detailed instructions to create your Athens setting—and the Celebration MusicDVD will have your kids in celebration mode all week long.

Student Resources, including Bible Memory Makers and Marketplace samples, will keep kids talking about Athens throughout their VBS experience and long after they leave your church event.

Create a stampede of fun at VBS this summer!

Saddle up for a trailblazing weekend of fun! Kids’ll kick up their heels at Yee-Haw VBS as they stampede through the wild frontier and celebrate God’s greatest gift of all—Jesus!

Starter Kits Include:
Director Manual contains everything you need to plan a successful program, recruit and train volunteers, publicize your program, and follow up with families after the big event.
Leader Manuals provide easy instructions for specific roles at your Yee-Haw VBS. Each manual includes an overview of each day’s Bible content, historical backgrounds, step-by-step directions for each activity, and guided discussion questions.
Helpful DVDs and CDs feature training resources that make it easy to inspire and educate your church body.

Student Resources, including the Bible Memory Buddy, will keep kids talking about Yee-Haw throughout their VBS experience and long after they leave your church event.