3 Non-Traditional Ways to Set Your VBS Schedule

You get the why behind VBS; you know it’s worth it. You know how; but do you know when to host your VBS? What schedule works best for your ministry? Lifeway Kids has resources to help you plan, prep, and execute an incredible VBS.

While VBS has traditionally been a 5-day-a-week event, it is flexible enough to work with any kind of schedule! Some churches are moving away from the traditional five-day Vacation Bible School (VBS) model and exploring non-traditional schedules to accommodate families and volunteers. One popular alternative is a weekend VBS, where all activities are condensed into a Friday-Saturday or Saturday-Sunday format. This schedule allows busy families to participate without committing to a full week and makes it easier for volunteers with limited availability.

Other options include a Sunday-Thursday program or an evening only program. Evening VBS programs are another growing trend, designed to accommodate working parents who may struggle with daytime commitments. By adapting the traditional VBS structure, churches can engage more families, reach different age groups, and create a schedule that works best for their congregation’s unique needs.

If your tried-and-true schedule is no longer working, why not give one of these ideas a try?

How about starting with a Sunday kick-off, then four weekdays of VBS?

Simply shift over Day 1 to Sunday! Begin VBS on Sunday evening and finish up with the last day on Thursday. This abbreviated schedule ensures that your ministry doesn’t miss a day of incredible content.

Could more church members be available to volunteer if VBS was in the evening?

Some churches find that hosting VBS at night works better for busy families in the summer. Often, younger volunteers and men are available in the evening. Make it a full-family experience by offering Student VBS for teens in the evenings as well.

What about an all-weekend VBS?

If a weeklong event is too much to handle, try a weekend VBS. Select some of the crafts, recreation, and music ideas from the rotation leader guides to incorporate into Bible study. Use the following example to map out your VBS Weekend.