When you ask people what they think of VBS, some might say it's something for kids to do during the summer months or it's child care at the church for a week. As VBS leaders, we know that although there may be some truth behind that, it doesn’t change the fact that summer VBS makes a huge impact on a child’s faith life, especially if a child isn’t being raised with faith in the home.
VBS is making a difference in the lives of kids all over the world, and it's something that every child should have the chance to be a part of.
Here are five reasons why kids need Catholic VBS in their life.
1. VBS connects kids to their faith in the summer months.
If kids go to religion class or are part of a parish faith formation program, it’s typically something that happens during the school year. For kids, this creates an automatic link between faith and school. Faith can’t just be relegated to another class subject, but something that belongs in every part of life, even the summer!
2. VBS provides the kids with role models to look up to.
Imagine being a kid and having a room full of youth and adults who are invested in your faith life. It makes a huge impact on kids to see teenagers, young adults, parents, and grandparents who are engaged in their faith. The kids look up to their leaders and learn so much from them!
3. VBS is a consistent touchpoint with the church.
Many kids aren’t going to Mass on a regular basis, if ever. VBS is a place where they can connect to the church and start to feel comfortable and familiar with it. Without this touchpoint, kids are often left feeling awkward or out of place when they enter a church or faith-filled environment. VBS creates a connection that they will remember for the rest of their life.
4. VBS helps ground them in important Catholic truths.
VBS incorporates faith teachings with music, games, snacks and crafts so that the Catholic faith can become even more integrated into everyday life. Even if kids have heard the lessons before, it presents them in a new way so that they can become more familiar with it.
5. VBS shows that faith can be fun and exciting!
The Catholic Faith is something vibrant and alive and worth getting excited about. Kids need to see that being Catholic is not boring! As leaders, we have the opportunity to witness the radiant joy that comes from living a life committed to Christ.
Whether this is your first time running a VBS or you’ve been hosting it in your parish for years, our totally Catholic programs make it super easy! Give the kids in your community the chance to grow closer to Jesus
You can check out our 6 Catholic VBS themes here.
