Everybody has a why that drives them. Your “Why” is a statement of purpose that describes why you do the work you do. So why do the work of hosting a VBS this summer?
Putting on a Vacation Bible School can be a lot of work. But before you quit reading this post simply because I’m telling you the hard truth that you may be trying to avoid (hard work), allow me to share some of the incredible benefits of 'why' VBS should be part of your summer plans. It won’t be long before you start to automatically associate your best summer memories with a week spent at your parish VBS.
Why #1: VBS reaches out to kids who don’t normally go to Church
It’s pretty incredible. Once you put the word out that you’re hosting a summer camp at your church, you won't believe the variety of people who register. Now of course you’ll get your little band of faithful followers who show up to every youth group, adoration night, and used-book sale, but you’ll also find that VBS attracts a whole new crowd as well. This is the opportunity for the not-too-far-fallen away Catholics to have a renewed encounter with the Church. After all, it doesn’t take too much commitment to drop your kids off for a morning of fun and games. Little do they know that their children are getting taught the Catholic faith in a way that could start to transform their life and family.
Why #2: It Catechizes the parents and leaders as well as the kids
Everyone knows that the best way to learn something is to teach it. The activities and lessons may be geared towards the kids, but I guarantee that the leaders won’t be immune to the simple and captivating truth of the Gospel that they find woven throughout the program. And if the teachings aren’t enough to get you, then there’s always the catchy music that has the potential to get stuck in your head long after the VBS is over… (Just a friendly warning)
Either way, VBS is by no means limited to the kids.
Why #3: Vacation Bible School Helps kids develop a personal relationship with Jesus
Every one of us needs to have a personal relationship with our Lord, Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, it’s a phrase that seems to have become a Catholic dinosaur, but I believe it’s time to dig it up and put it out on display for all to see. Don’t we want our children to really know Jesus? It’s so important that we give kids the opportunity to experience the faith as something alive and exciting.
VBS can do that. It makes the Sacraments, the Eucharist, the Saints, Mary, Prayer, the Scriptures and the Church something more real and accessible. Ignite the faith at a young age and get to watch your kids transform into saints in training.
Why #4: It Builds Christian Community
Isn’t this the goal of every parish? We all want it. Who doesn’t dream about being a part of a vibrant Christian community? So if it’s something we all dream about, then why aren’t more people intentionally making time to build it? Here’s your chance. Don’t say your parish is dead when you know that there’s something you could do about it. VBS is a fantastic way to bring together people of all ages in a way that’s fun and interactive. There’s nothing like a week of VBS to bring everybody together.
Why #5: VBS is one of the most important things you’ll do all summer
Once you get past the crazy planning stages (which aren’t even that crazy if you’ve got a solid team), then the rest of it is actually super fun. We hear countless stories of people who finish their VBS already looking forward to the next one. Give the kids (and adults) in your parish something to look forward to this summer. Let them make some exciting memories in the Church. Don’t be afraid. Go! Host that VBS, and I guarantee it’ll be something your kids will still be talking about for years to come.
So there… you have no excuse. Why not host a VBS in your parish.
If you’re looking for a solid Catholic program to use, here are 10 reasons why you should choose a Cat.Chat VBS program.
Ready to look at our VBS programs? Please click here to investigate our 6 newly revised VBS programs.
Feel free to comment if you think of any more reasons to add to this list. And don’t hesitate to let us know if you have any questions or concerns (we also wouldn’t be opposed to some positive feedback). You can always email us at or leave us a note in the comment section below. We’d love to hear from you.
