Vacation Bible School (VBS) gives children an opportunity to explore Bible stories, develop friendships and learn more about their faith in a relaxed and enjoyable environment. However, anyone who has spent time working with groups of children will know that keeping everyone interested and involved can sometimes be a challenge, particularly when there are different ages, abilities and personalities to consider.
The key is finding ways to make learning enjoyable without losing sight of what you’re trying to teach. Whether you’re organising a church holiday club, helping with Sunday school or planning a Vacation Bible School programme, there are plenty of simple ways to bring Bible stories to life and encourage children to get involved.
Understanding How Children Learn
One of the first things to consider when planning Vacation Bible School activities is that children don’t all learn or respond to teaching in the same way. Some will happily listen to a story and ask questions afterwards, while others find it easier to concentrate when they have something practical to do or can move around.
You may have come across the idea that children fall into particular learning-style categories, such as visual, auditory or kinaesthetic learners. Although children certainly have their own preferences, research hasn’t found convincing evidence that matching teaching to a fixed learning style improves learning. A more useful approach is to offer a variety of activities so that children have different opportunities to understand and explore what they’re being taught.
For example, rather than simply reading the story of Noah’s Ark, you could follow it with a craft activity, an animal-matching game or a discussion about how Noah and his family might have felt. Combining storytelling with practical activities gives children opportunities to revisit the same ideas in different ways, which can help them understand and remember what they’ve learned.
It’s also worth remembering that children develop at different rates, and factors such as confidence, attention, language skills and sensory needs can influence how comfortable they feel taking part. A little flexibility when planning activities can make a considerable difference.
Interactive and Experiential Activities
Another way to make VBS more fun for children is to incorporate activities that reinforce biblical learnings through play and interaction. Leverage technology to develop interactive Bible lessons that can help capture the interest of young learners.
Many teachers find that digital games are a great way to keep kids focused. A simple online biblegame can help children remember key stories from scripture. These activities are easy to use because they do not require any downloads or sign-ups. Children can play them directly in a web browser during class. This makes it easy for volunteers to set up the activity quickly on a tablet or phone.
Digital activities can be particularly useful when you want to introduce a little variety into the day, although there’s no need to rely on technology for every lesson. Traditional games, quizzes and group challenges can be equally enjoyable, especially when children have been sitting and listening for a while.
A Bible-themed treasure hunt, for instance, could involve children searching for clues relating to a story they’ve recently explored. Alternatively, you could divide them into small teams for a quiz, encouraging them to work together rather than making the activity overly competitive.
For those planning a programme from scratch, resources from Group’s Vacation Bible School collection may provide additional inspiration, while Lifeway’s Bible studies offer further materials to explore.
Whatever activities you choose, it’s important that children feel able to join in without worrying about getting something wrong. The purpose is to encourage curiosity and enjoyment, rather than making learning feel like another school test.
Incorporating Arts and Creativity
Creative activities are another lovely way to help children connect with Bible stories, particularly when they have an opportunity to make something they can take home afterwards. Crafts, drawing, storytelling and role-playing can all encourage children to think about what they’ve learned while allowing them to use their imagination.
You don’t need to spend a fortune on craft supplies, either. Paper, cardboard, colouring pencils and a few recycled materials can be used for all sorts of projects, from making animal masks for Noah’s Ark to creating colourful coats inspired by the story of Joseph.
If you’re looking for inspiration, there are plenty of fun and easy art projects to do at home with children that could be adapted for a Bible school setting.
Role-playing can work particularly well with older children, who may enjoy acting out familiar stories using simple costumes and props. You could divide them into small groups, allow them time to plan their scenes and then invite them to perform for one another.
However, it’s important not to assume that every child will enjoy performing in front of a group. Some may prefer creating props, helping with costumes or watching their friends take part. Giving children a choice of how they contribute can help them feel included without putting them under pressure.
It’s also worth allowing children a little creative freedom rather than expecting every finished project to look exactly the same. After all, the enjoyment often comes from making something themselves, not producing a perfect result.
Building a Supportive Environment
Creating a welcoming and supportive atmosphere is just as important as planning enjoyable activities. Children are much more likely to participate when they feel comfortable with the adults around them and know that they will be treated with kindness and respect.
For children attending Vacation Bible School for the first time, walking into a room full of unfamiliar faces can feel quite daunting. Taking a few minutes to introduce them to the group, explain what will happen during the session and help them settle in can make the experience much more enjoyable.
It’s also important to recognise that some children may need a little extra support. Those with autism, ADHD, sensory sensitivities or anxiety might find busy group activities, loud music or unexpected changes particularly challenging. Offering a quieter space, explaining activities in advance and allowing children to take breaks when needed are relatively simple adjustments that can help them feel more comfortable.
Speaking with parents and carers beforehand can also be useful, particularly if a child has additional needs or requires specific support to participate safely.
Before the programme begins, make sure volunteers understand the activities, the expectations around behaviour and the safeguarding arrangements. Having a consistent approach helps everyone work together and ensures children know who they can turn to if they need help.
Above all, try to create an environment where children feel comfortable asking questions, sharing their thoughts and developing friendships. Learning about faith isn’t simply about remembering Bible stories; it can also provide opportunities to explore kindness, compassion and the importance of treating others well.
These are values that can continue to be part of family life long after Vacation Bible School has finished, as explored in our article about spiritual lessons every parent should pass on to their children.
Final Thoughts
Making Vacation Bible School enjoyable and meaningful doesn’t have to involve expensive equipment or an elaborate programme. A thoughtful mixture of storytelling, games, creative activities and opportunities for children to spend time together can make learning far more engaging.
Perhaps most importantly, children need to feel that they belong. When they’re encouraged to participate at their own pace, given opportunities to explore their ideas and supported by adults who genuinely want them to enjoy the experience, Vacation Bible School can become something they look forward to attending.
And if they leave having made new friends, enjoyed themselves and discovered something meaningful about their faith, that’s a positive outcome for everyone involved.