Vacation Bible School (or Daily Bible School, or a summer opportunity for kids by a myriad of names) was the direct result of adults who saw kids who needed to know about Jesus and the life-changing truths in God’s Word. You may have heard of Virginia Hawes who, in 1898, recognized this need of kids on the East Side of New York City. She also realized that many of the kids who needed to know about God would never trek across town to a church building. So, she found space to meet with them in their neighborhood; a beer parlor that was available during the day. Virginia saw it as an opportunity and a summer effort to teach kids about Jesus began.
Fast forward to 1997, Lifeway (then the Baptist Sunday School Board) celebrated its 75th year of producing VBS helps with the introduction of a brand-new format for Vacation Bible School resources. This new format included a theme (The Wild and Wonderful Good News Stampede: Telling Others about Jesus); rotation sites for music, missions, crafts, recreation, and snacks; a catchy way to learn how to respond to the gospel (“The ABCs of Becoming a Christian”); custom music written specifically for the theme; video with daily drama segments; and even a VBS musical.
We reached out to our VBS users to see what their favorite themes have been as we anticipate the announcement of the 2026 theme! Stay tuned on our Facebook for our announcement on June 3!
“Journey off the Map! It has a special meaning for me at Bethlehem Baptist Church because our sanctuary burned down on Saturday after VBS ended. We felt like then we were on a journey off the map.” – Leisa S.H., Bethlehem Baptist Church
“As a kid I remember the Olympics theme from the mid 90s (Go for the Goal). The Olympic torch ran through our small town that summer. So that was really cool. As an adult leading VBS I catch myself singing twist and turns all the time.” Lisa F., Edna Baptist Church
“Saddle Ridge Ranch, people still talk about that one.” Laura G.L., Beulah Baptist Church of Holmes County
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“I’m new! Only my second year. I really liked Breaker Rock Beach, but I think this year’s, Magnified, is awesome! I can’t wait to find out what next year’s theme will be!” – Annette S., First Baptist Church, Timpson, TX
“Agency D3 and Journey Off the Map we’re my favorites. I still have the music in my head. I loved the music, the theme was fun to decorate for, loved the videos everyday.” – Brianna H., First Baptist Church Highfill
Warning: We’re Only One Generation Away
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