How to Plan VBS – Tips, Ideas, Daily Schedule

In most churches, Vacation Bible School is their largest summer. It typically takes the form of a day camp including games, crafts, bible lessons, and other activities. This page offers planning help for your church based VBS.

#1 Pick Your Curriculum

• Browse our coverage of VBS 2020 Themes
• Read our how-to article about choosing a VBS Theme
• Don’t miss our 100% Free Vacation Bible School curriculum

#2 Get Organized

• Set the dates and schedule. Them post them far and wide (SAVE THE DATE)
• Establish the budget, overall and for each rotation. Read our guide for doing VBS on a small budget
• Most curriculum programs come with a planning guide and even resources for director training. If you need a checklist, start with our basic 9 steps on how to plan a VBS.
• If you are a new director, make sure to read our 10 Tips for VBS Directors

#3 Build Your Team

More advice for staffing your Vacation Bible School

• How to find volunteers for VBS
• Our post about training Teen VBS volunteers
• Don’t forget spiritual preparation

#4 Promote Your VBS

Kids love Vacation Bible School – but sometimes family calendars get crowded. Make sure you get the message out early and often so parents have lots of chances to save the date.

• 4 ways to promote your Vacation Bible School
• Printable VBS invitation flyer for kids

#5 Lead & Train Your Team

• Vacation Bible School Pledges for Opening Assembly
• VBS Games – 29 Awesome ideas to make recreation fun
• 8 VBS Game Ideas for Preschoolers
• Tips for Bible School Crafts
• Remind them the 10 reasons why VBS still matters

#6 VBS Follow Up

• sample VBS follow-up letter
• 4 essential tasks for after VBS
• more follow-up advice
• Printable forms for VBS evaluation

Bonus Ideas for Planning VBS

• For a brief history of Vacation Bible School, check out this page on Wikipedia.
• See our 2019 Children’s Ministry Statistics about the importance of kids evangelism