10 Reasons you should sign up your kids for VBS

Read this featured blog post by Sean Terry

10 Reasons you should sign up your kids for VBS

BY SEAN TERRY | august 2, 2021

It might be hard to believe, but 20 YEARS LATER I can still remember my time as a child at VBS. We’ve been doing this for a long time! So if you are still on the fence about signing your kids up this year, I have created a list of reasons why you will not regret it.

#1 Create positive, lasting memories that revolve around the things of God

One of my most vivid and fond childhood memories is running around the CCC parking lot, blasting other kids with super soakers on a perfect summer day. In the process, I learned to associate the things of God and His church with a genuinely good experience. I will admit sometimes I thought church was boring, but what kid hasn’t! VBS helps build a foundation in children that following God can be adventurous. Years later, as a staff member at that same church, it still sticks with me that God knew me even as a little boy, and had an exciting plan for my life.


#2 Learning about God takes a village, and a community creates belonging

The Lord knows our kids personally and individually. However, being amongst God’s people leads to a much bigger purpose than any one of us could find on our own! Everyone wants to feel like they are part of a tribe, and VBS gives kids a great chance to find their place in the family of God. Just like Golf is played with 14 different clubs, our volunteers all bring their unique giftings to help kids know Jesus. We know that each child has a special role in the kingdom, and want to help them find theirs.


#3 Personal relationships = time spent together

Plain and simple. There isn’t any other way around it: if our kids are going to get connected and form life-giving relationships, they need to spend quality time with each other. As Proverbs 17:17 says, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” The friends we make and spend the most time with tend to determine the direction of our life, so it is in your child’s best interest to make some great friends this summer in the safety of VBS.


#4 Gain experiences that can be shared with others

When I was getting picked up after VBS we usually told our parents all about our day on the car ride home. Everything we learned got reinforced because we were able to process it back with someone else. Ideas become stronger when we repeat them. When you have the chance to ask your child about their experience, remember that you are helping them cement it more into their heart and giving them a chance to share the Word of God with others, whether that be among their friends, family, or school!


#5 Kids are always learning, even if we think they aren’t

The Word of God is often compared to a seed placed in the ground. And when that seed takes root in our hearts, it will produce the fruit of the Spirit abundantly in our life. But did you know that some fruit trees can take a decade to start bearing fruit? Transformation can take time, but God’s word does not return void! The good news is that the earlier kids are taught about who they are in Jesus Christ, the sooner they will be able to use that knowledge to follow him on their own. 


#6 Scripture promises it is worth it!

Proverbs 22:6 says, “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” Bringing your child to VBS is a long term investment. We know that the God we serve is faithful to complete the work that He begins in us. It is our hope that our kids all grow up to love and serve the Lord with their whole hearts, and we carefully plan our VBS experience to guide them towards doing just that.


#7 Emotions don’t have to control them

If there is something a child will always hold the world record for, it is throwing a tantrum. But cut them some slack, they haven’t learned how to control their emotions yet! This year, we are focusing on teaching that Jesus wants to help us control our emotions, before they can control us. This is a critical topic that will set our children up for success in facing the difficulties that this world will throw at them.


#8 Get proactive about facing the lies in today’s culture

Some of the more unfortunate lies that many are coming to believe today is that “if I feel it, it must be true” and “what is true for you, might not be true for me.” God's word is truth, and it has always been under attack from those that don’t know Him. We want to equip and prepare your kids to know the difference between what is true and what is a lie because John 17:17 says that the truth of God’s word sanctifies us. VBS is going to give our kids the tools they need to not be corrupted by culture.


#9 Play is important too

Even when our kids are having fun it can be for the glory of God! That’s why VBS will have games, dramas, crafts, and interactive teachings that will engage and bring them joy. Summer is the perfect time to get outside and play, so why not give your child three days of a jam-packed vacation prepared just for them?


#10 So you remember to join us for the Summer Extravaganza!

All these reasons and more can apply to the parents as well! Right in the middle of VBS is our biggest annual church wide event, which is designed to give everyone a place to spend time with their community, eat some great food, and have some fun. So don’t miss out! Try to make a special effort to bring out the whole family to our Summer Extravaganza on August 8 starting at 6PM. You will not regret it!