Create your own Vacation Bible School Program
Engage your entire parish community with Vacation Bible School (VBS)! From leaders and organizers to teen volunteers and participants, VBS offers a unique opportunity for intergenerational connection, shared faith experiences, and joyful outreach.
While premade kits are a convenient way to get started with Vacation Bible School, anyone can build community, develop leadership, and teach meaningful lessons with a do-it-yourself model!
Creating your own Vacation Bible School program means that you can customize it to meet the unique needs of your parish. Not only is this method cost-effective, but designing a custom VBS program gives you the creative freedom to explore the best ways to engage both leaders and participants.
Starting a program from scratch can seem overwhelming, but below you’ll find a simple structure that will help you make the most of your own Vacation Bible School program.
A Vacation Bible School Program Based on The Catholic Children's Bible
Follow these simple steps to lay the groundwork for a fun and faith-filled VBS adventure using The Catholic Children’s Bible.
First, begin by selecting a Featured Story from The Catholic Children’s Bible for each day of the week. All of the Featured Stories are found on pages 7–11 of The Catholic Children’s Bible.
The Reading Plans (found on page 2000) offer a good place to start on choosing Featured Stories. Each Reading Plan includes eight Featured Stories that follow a common theme.
The sample schedule below highlights a morning program where the children are arranged into small groups that rotate between three stations. Stations could include core Bible lesson, craft, songs, games, etc.
Sample program schedule
8:30–9:00 a.m.
Drop-off activity
9:00 a.m.
Welcome and opening prayer
9:20–9:50 a.m
Session 1
9:50–10:00 a.m.
Rotate the groups
10:00–10:30 a.m
Session 2
10:30–10:50 a.m.
Snack time for everyone
10:50–11:00 a.m
Rotate the groups
11:00–11:30 a.m.
Session 3
11:30–11:40 a.m
Reconvene as a large group
11:40–12:00 p.m.
Wrap-up and closing prayer
Involve Families in your Vacation Bible School Program
Recruit family members to volunteer throughout the week and get creative using the strengths and talents everyone has to offer!
Consider sending a note or email home each day to build trust and a relationship with families.
Bring the families together on the final day to celebrate Mass, have a picnic, or another large-group activity.
