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Sarah Titus

After having been homeless twice and losing everything I cared about in this world, I've learned that nothing can stop the heart truly on fire for God.

VBS Themes That Starts with A – Z


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Pre-made VBS themes can be EX-PEN-sive! A church can easily spend thousands of dollars to put one together.

We definitely don’t want that!!! We want to save your church money. ❤️

If you’re looking to save money, or maybe you just want to have a super unique program, this is your go-to spot for all ideas VBS! 

There are over 80 themes to choose from (!!!!), chockfull of ideas, songs to use, crafts and activities, ideas for decorations, snack ideas to go along with the theme, leader costume ideas for skits and plays, Bible verse ideas to use as your main tagline for your program, and tons more! 

The themes are below, but first, here’s some craft and activity ideas that work with all the themes…

Crafts / Activities For All Themes:

  • Big huge blow-up ball with volleyball net
  • Nerf tag (nerf guns, kids hide behind big cardboard boxes)
  • Puppet show
  • Kicking bill blow up beach balls to roll them down a bowling alley to knock down pins
  • Bean bag toss
  • Prayer Journal (purchase once and make copies for all kids!)
  • Caps/hats that they can have all their friends sign with Sharpie or markers
  • Obstacle courses
  • 1 person holds each corner of a moving blanket and run with the kid inside the moving blanket across a slick-type floor and slide them or have them hang on and slide them
  • Ring toss
  • Any carnival-type games
  • Create a Bible verse on large sheets of paper, cut them into words, and have the kids put together the words or use these as crafts
  • Draw on and cut pieces of cardboard to make a puzzle to have kids put together
  • Playdough, slime, etc.
  • Whip cream eating contests (can’t use your hands)
  • Small water balloons fight
  • Sack race (use big black garbage bags)
  • Paint piggy banks to say, “Jesus Saves”
  • VBS Bucks (black and white to save money on printing; purchase once and make as many copies as you want!)
  • Decorate wood crosses
  • Create a rainbow
  • Christian roll the dice game
  • Giant slip and slide
  • Paint a giant mural on paper
  • Christian hot potato game
  • Sensory bins/tables
  • Fuse beads crafts
  • Create place mats
  • Relay races with batons or kids scooters

And some fun Christian kids songs that will work for all themes too…

Songs For All Themes:

To make songs fun, add some dancing and hand motions to them!

VBS Themes That Starts with A – Z

With all the VBS themes to choose from, you’ll never run out of fresh, faith-filled ideas that kids will cherish for-EVER! 💖 Whether you’re planning on a budget or going all out, there’s something here for every church to make Jesus come real to kids in a fun and unforgettable way. 😊

Imagine knights in shining armor learning about faith, pirates hunting for God’s treasure, or kids exploring a lush jungle in search of Eden. You’ll find TONS of inspiration to make this year’s VBS your best one yet! 🎉

And be sure to check some other great resources to help you plan things out! 🥳

Here’s all the theme’s information to help you put on an AH-mazing Vacation Bible School service this year!!!

• VBS themes that starts with A 

1) Adventure Island (island, ocean)

  • Main Theme Verses: Micah 7:19, Psalm 46:1-3
  • Decorations: blue lights, green and blue streamers and white balloons, large whale balloon, coral reef rock decorations, large pearls/oysters, greenery/plants, seashells, driftwood, sand, rocks, inflatable sea animals, fish nets, ocean-themed posters
  • Crafts / Activities: tie-dye shirts teal blue and green with foam brushes, kids color ocean themes on ceramic or wood coasters, jellyfish streamers, message in a bottle (decorate bottles, put a note about Jesus in there), lessons about Jonah / creation / Noah’s Ark / being fishers of men, make mini terrariums, color seashells, paper plate jellyfish, foam fish picture frames, sea animal masks, “Fishers of Men” fishing game
  • Snack Ideas: Goldfish crackers, blue jello with ocean-themed candy inside, blue and green popsicles
  • Leader Costume Ideas: walrus, pirate, lobster, captain of a ship, turtle, sailors, scuba divers

2) Arctic Adventure (arctic animals)

  • Main Theme Verses: Leviticus 11:17 (owl), Psalms 102:6 (owl), Matthew 8:20 (fox), Jonah (big fish/whale), Isaiah 11:6 (leopard, wolf)
  • Decorations: white and blue balloons, silver streamers, cotton batting for snow, igloo made of plastic milk jugs or cardboard, cardboard or inflatable polar bears, penguins, seals, and arctic foxes, blue LED lights, snowflake cutouts, “frozen” trees made of white-painted branches and fairy lights, iceberg photo booth with snowy props
  • Crafts / Activities: snow globes with jars and mini arctic animals, penguin footprint art, marshmallow igloos on paper plates, blue and white glitter slime with snowflake confetti, decorate foam snowflakes, ice excavation with frozen toys, arctic animal masks
  • Snack Ideas: powdered donut “snowballs,” chocolate-dipped “polar bear paw” cookies, cheese cubes and pretzel stick igloos, blue raspberry ice pops, snowflake-shaped mini sandwiches, white chocolate-dipped pretzel rods
  • Leader Costume Ideas: polar bear, penguin, snow queen or king, seal, walrus, arctic fox

3) Armor of God (armor, knights)

  • Main Theme Verses: Ephesians 6:10-18, Matthew 6:33
  • Decorations: shields, castles, green topiaries, pretend swords and shields, brick walls and buildings, shrubs, lion statues, pillars, columns, old tuscany-type pots, medieval banners (Exodus 17:15), royal thrones
  • Crafts / Activities: coloring the letter of their name in medieval-type font with fun background, make paper shields, decorate mini capes, teachings about King Jesus, King David, King Solomon, Queen Esther, paper crowns, dragon egg hunt, knights training obstacle course, dragon puppet show
  • Snack Ideas: shield-shaped sugar cookies decorated with icing crosses or emblems, “sword” skewers with grapes, cheese cubes, and cherry tomatoes, crown-shaped sandwiches using cookie cutters, golden popcorn in mini chalice-style cups, pretzel “swords” dipped in white chocolate with sprinkles, “castle bricks” made from graham crackers and peanut butter or icing, “dragon eggs” using green grapes or chocolate-covered almonds, mini meat pies or sausage rolls, fruit goblets with berries and whipped cream, knight’s trail mix with M&Ms, pretzel swords, cereal, and dried fruit in parchment cones, fruit “jewels”
  • Leader Costume Ideas: king outfits, prince outfits, queen outfits, princess outfits, ballroom dresses for girls, dragon, jester

• VBS themes that starts with B 

1) Blaze a Trail (explorer)

  • Main Theme Verses: Matthew 7:7
  • Decorations: faux campfire with orange and red tissue flames, trail signs and wooden arrows, backpacks and lanterns, binoculars and walking sticks, footprint decals, artificial trees and greenery, tents, compass props, trailhead welcome arch, map and trail station signs
  • Crafts / Activities: decorate wooden trail signs with names and Bible messages, make explorer journals from paper bags and twine, decorate walking sticks with paint and feathers, compass craft using paper plates and brads, glow stick scavenger hunt with scripture clues, leaf rubbing art, DIY trail mix bags
  • Snack Ideas: trail mix with cereal, pretzels and dried fruit, campfire pretzel rods dipped in orange/red icing, s’mores cereal bars, teddy grahams on chocolate frosting trails, lemonade or fruit punch in canteen cups
  • Leader Costume Ideas: park ranger, explorer with boots and compass, scout leader with badges, trail guide with map and whistle, adventurer with safari hat and binoculars

• VBS themes that starts with C 

1) Camp Edge (camping)

  • Main Theme Verses: Matthew 7:7
  • Decorations: trees/foliage, camping tents, lanterns, rocks, shrubs, camping chairs, bonfires, trees/foliage lights on walls, dark auditorium lit up with lights (have kids hold lights, etc.), patio lights, tree stumps, pretend shovels, caves, flashlights, compasses, trail signs with Bible verses, hanging stars and moons for night sky effect, backpacks and hiking gear on display, faux animal tracks on the floor
  • Crafts / Activities: painting river rocks, create kaleidoscopes, decorate mini lanterns or flashlights, make nature journals, build bird feeders with craft sticks, leaf rubbing art, DIY compass crafts, friendship bracelets or paracord survival bracelets, camp badge sticker sheets with faith milestones
  • Snack Ideas: s’mores, hot dogs, trail mix with chocolate chips and dried fruit, “bug bites” (celery with peanut butter and raisins), campfire cupcakes with pretzel “logs” and orange/red frosting, popcorn in mess tins, canteen-style water bottles with fruit-infused water
  • Leader Costume Ideas: explorers with flashlight headlamps on their heads, girl scout outfit, any animal costume (tiger, bear, etc.), park ranger with hat and vest, camper with backpack and walking stick, firefly costume with glow sticks, wilderness survival guide with map and whistle

2) Carnival Celebration (carnival)

  • Main Theme Verses: Philippians 4:4, 1 Corinthians 10:31
  • Decorations: red and white striped tents, colorful bunting and streamers, balloons in primary colors, popcorn boxes and carnival signs, DIY ticket booths, fairy lights, clown props, circus animal cutouts, ring toss and game stations, bright tablecloths and banners
  • Crafts / Activities: decorate clown hats or masks, make paper plate carnival wheels, DIY juggling balls with rice and balloons, create puppet theatres and sock puppets, design your own tickets or banners, carnival ring toss or bean bag games, face painting station
  • Snack Ideas: popcorn in striped bags, cotton candy, mini corndogs, caramel apples, pretzel sticks, rainbow cupcakes, lemonade in carnival cups
  • Leader Costume Ideas: ringmaster, clown, circus performer, popcorn vendor, balloon artist, strongman, juggler

3) Changemakers (coins, treasure)

  • Main Theme Verses: 2 Corinthians 5:17
  • Decorations: giant coins with Bible verses, treasure chests overflowing with gold coins and gems, gold and silver streamers, “X marks the spot” floor decals, pirate maps and scrolls, treasure maps on the walls, shimmery fabric for treasure piles, bags of coins, scales of justice or balance scales, jars labeled “Give,” “Save,” “Share,” banners that say “You’re God’s Treasure” or “Make a Change for Jesus”
  • Crafts / Activities: decorate coin purses or mini treasure chests, make your own coins with clay or cardboard, design “kingdom currency” with values like love, kindness, truth, generosity, create beaded bracelets with gold and silver tones, treasure map coloring pages, make giving jars with Bible verse labels, Bible coin toss game
  • Snack Ideas: chocolate gold coins, “treasure mix” (M&Ms, raisins, gold cereal, mini marshmallows), jewel-coloured jelly beans in mini treasure chests, golden cupcakes with edible glitter, coin-shaped sugar cookies, fruit rings on candy necklaces, “buried treasure” pudding cups with cookie crumb dirt and gummy gems
  • Leader Costume Ideas: pirate captain with treasure map, banker with vest and coin pouch, treasure hunter or explorer with satchel and compass, royal treasurer with a crown and scroll, merchant with apron and scales, superhero “Changemaker” with cape and coin logo

4) Chosen (any theme)

  • Main Theme Verses: 1 Peter 2:9
  • Decorations: any
  • Crafts / Activities: any
  • Snack Ideas: any
  • Leader Costume Ideas: any

5) Constructing God’s Kingdom (construction workers)

  • Main Theme Verses: Nehemiah building the wall (Nehemiah 1:1-7:73)
  • Decorations: caution tape, traffic cones, yellow and black streamers, cardboard bricks and building blocks, construction signs, toy tools and toolboxes, safety vests hanging on walls, construction helmets, scaffolding-style displays, “Under Construction” banners
  • Crafts / Activities: build with mini bricks or sugar cubes and icing, decorate foam construction hats, make toolbelt crafts with paper or felt, paint wooden tool shapes, hammer golf tees into foam blocks, LEGO building challenges, design a blueprint with rulers and crayons
  • Snack Ideas: cheese stick “beams,” pretzel rod “nails,” graham cracker bricks with frosting mortar, traffic light brownies with red/yellow/green M&Ms, “dirt” cups with crushed Oreos and gummy worms, apple slices with peanut butter and mini marshmallows
  • Leader Costume Ideas: construction worker with hard hat and vest, safety inspector with clipboard, architect with blueprints and glasses, builder in overalls with toy tools, road crew member with stop/go sign

6) Cosmic Crusade (astronauts)

  • Main Theme Verses: Psalm 19:1
  • Decorations: space ships (inside decorations and things like rocket ships), space car, hanging planets and stars, glow-in-the-dark space objects, astronaut helmet on moon
  • Crafts / Activities: memorize coloring mix up cards (purchase once, make copies, and use for every student in your VBS program!), painting space, planets, stars on navy blue construction paper, navy blue t-shirts, popsicle sticks art boards, make small galaxy jars with sand, painting solar systems/outer space pictures, lessons on creation and how big God is, create kaleidoscopes, make galaxy slime, make rocket ships out of toilet paper rolls, make telescopes out of toilet paper rolls
  • Snack Ideas: cupcakes with crushed Oreos on top (solar system debris), foods cut into stars or circles (for planets), rocket pops, treats wrapped in tinfoil to signify moon rocks, banana chips, cosmic brownies (brownies with stars on them), rocket sandwiches
  • Leader Costume Ideas: astronaut suits, planets outfits, stars outfits, space explorers

7) C.R.E.W (any theme; Christ redeemed everyone willingly)

  • Main Theme Verses: any
  • Decorations: any
  • Crafts / Activities: any
  • Snack Ideas: any
  • Leader Costume Ideas: any

• VBS themes that starts with D 

1) Detective Mystery (detectives, clues)

  • Main Theme Verses: Matthew 7:7
  • Decorations: magnifying glasses, fingerprint posters, caution tape, red string clue boards, “Top Secret” file folders, invisible ink messages, trench coats and hats on display, evidence markers, spy glasses, dark curtains and dim lighting for a mystery vibe
  • Crafts / Activities: make detective badges, decorate magnifying glasses with stickers and glitter, invisible ink messages with lemon juice, fingerprint art, create clue notebooks, scavenger hunts with Bible clues, crack-the-code puzzles, secret message decoding
  • Snack Ideas: magnifying glass cookies (round cookies with a handle), clue trail mix with mystery ingredients, “spy juice” in black cups, fingerprint sugar cookies, mini sandwiches cut in puzzle piece shapes, chocolate coins or “evidence” treats in plastic bags
  • Leader Costume Ideas: detective with trench coat and fedora, spy with sunglasses and earpiece, secret agent in black suit, forensics expert with gloves and clipboard, inspector with magnifying glass, mystery book character like Sherlock Holmes or Nancy Drew

2) Dinosaur Discovery (dinosaurs)

  • Main Theme Verses: Job 40:15-24
  • Decorations: jungle vines and leaves, inflatable or cardboard dinosaurs, dinosaur footprints on the floor, faux rocks and volcanoes, “dig site” signs, brown and green streamers, palm trees, ferns, dinosaur eggs, bones and fossils made from foam or paper mâché
  • Crafts / Activities: make dino hats or masks, paint mini dinosaur figurines, create fossil imprints with clay and toy bones, DIY paper plate dinosaurs, dinosaur egg bath bombs, excavation dig with sand and buried “bones,” dinosaur footprint painting with toy dinos, animal charades, animal masks 
  • Snack Ideas: dinosaur-shaped cookies, “dino eggs” made of Rice Krispies treats, green slime pudding with gummy dinos, fossil sandwiches (cut into bone shapes), pretzel stick “bones,” trail mix in mini excavation pails
  • Leader Costume Ideas: palaeontologist with hat and tools, dinosaur onesie or tail and hoodie, explorer with binoculars and cargo vest, safari guide, Jurassic Park-style scientist, ranger with a walkie-talkie and clipboard

3) Doers of the Word (any theme)

  • Main Theme Verses: James 1:22
  • Decorations: any
  • Crafts / Activities: any
  • Snack Ideas: any
  • Leader Costume Ideas: any

• VBS themes that starts with E 

1) Eden Adventure (garden of Eden; imagine walking with God in the garden of Eden, jungle)

  • Main Theme Verses: Garden of Eden (Genesis 2-3)
  • Decorations: palm trees, tiki lamps/torches, plants/foliage, palm leaves, parrots, maps, jungle animals (tiger, jaguar, lion, giraffe, gorilla, monkey, elephant, sloth, snake, toucan, parrot, bear, hippo, eagle, bat, crocodile, monkey), rocks, spider webs, lanterns, jungle/foliage lights on walls, pretend swamp
  • Crafts / Activities: Paint maps on the top of cardboard boxes then rearrange them and have kids put the map together, VBS Bucks (purchase once and make as many copies as you want!), animal charades, paint river rocks, paper plate lions, animal masks, decorate safari hats, animal puzzles, make apple paper plates
  • Snack Ideas: animal crackers, animal cookies, gummy worms, bananas, pineapples, cheese popcorn
  • Leader Costume Ideas: jungle/safari outfits, explorers

2) Escape (escape the world)

  • Main Theme Verses: James 4:4
  • Decorations: maze walls or escape room-style clues, arrows and locked doors, keys and chains with Bible verse tags, clocks/timers, hidden messages with invisible ink, travel posters with “Heaven is Our Destination,” footprints leading to the cross, “EXIT” signs pointing to Jesus, dramatic lighting, dark corners with glowing scripture verses, mystery boxes and suitcases, locks and puzzle props
  • Crafts / Activities: create “keys to God’s kingdom” with paper or foam, decorate mini lock boxes or treasure chests, make invisible ink messages with lemon juice, build a paper maze and trace the escape route, decode Bible verse puzzles, fingerprint cross crafts, write down “worldly distractions” and symbolically tear them up or throw them away
  • Snack Ideas: key-shaped cookies, “maze mix” trail mix in mystery bags, clue cupcakes with gummy question marks, escape room “energy bars” (granola bars), lock-and-key pretzels (twists and stick shapes), dark chocolate and marshmallow “light in the darkness” cups, escape hatch fruit cups with hidden berries under yogurt
  • Leader Costume Ideas: escape room guide with clipboard and stopwatch, detective with magnifying glass and trench coat, adventurer with satchel and map, key master with ring of keys and robe, angel with signpost and glowing props, traveler with backpack and compass

3) Exalt! (any theme; anything that lifts God up)

  • Main Theme Verses: any
  • Decorations: any
  • Crafts / Activities: any 
  • Snack Ideas: any
  • Leader Costume Ideas: any

• VBS themes that starts with F 

1) Fishers of Men (fishing)

  • Main Theme Verses: Matthew 4:19
  • Decorations: fishing nets, blue and green streamers for water, inflatable or cut–out fish, oars and fishing poles, wooden crates and tackle boxes, bobbers and lures hanging from the ceiling, “Gone Fishing” signs, seaweed made from green crepe paper, boat backdrop, lighthouse cutout
  • Crafts / Activities: decorate foam fish, make fishing poles with sticks, yarn, and magnets, create paper plate aquariums, fish-themed scratch art, colour-in fishing scenes, “catch a verse” magnet fishing game, make fish keychains with beads and pipe cleaners
  • Snack Ideas: Goldfish crackers, blue Jello cups with gummy fish, pretzel rod fishing poles with fruit string bait, Swedish Fish trail mix, boat-shaped fruit bowls, “pond punch” with blue sports drink and lemon-lime soda
  • Leader Costume Ideas: fisherman with vest and hat, captain of a fishing boat, scuba diver, lifeguard, sailor

2) Focus (any theme)

  • Main Theme Verses: any
  • Decorations: any
  • Crafts / Activities: any 
  • Snack Ideas: any
  • Leader Costume Ideas: any

3) Fortress Finders (castles; God is my fortress)

  • Main Theme Verses: Psalm 18:2
  • Decorations: shields, castles, green topiaries, pretend swords, banners, brick walls and buildings, shrubs, lion statues, pillars, columns, old tuscany-type pots
  • Crafts / Activities: coloring the letter of their name in medieval-type font with fun background, make paper shields, decorate mini capes, lessons about King Jesus, King David, King Solomon, Queen Esther, paper crowns
  • Snack Ideas: castle crackers with cheese cubes, “shield” cookies (sugar cookies shaped like shields with icing designs), fruit kabob swords with grapes, melon, and strawberries on skewers, “crown” sandwiches cut with crown-shaped cutters, golden popcorn in chalice-style cups, pretzel rod “scepters” dipped in chocolate and sprinkles, mini meat pies or veggie pastries (medieval-style snacks), graham cracker “castle walls” with frosting and candy blocks, dragon eggs (grapes or chocolate-covered almonds), royal punch (fruit juice with a splash of sparkling water)
  • Leader Costume Ideas: king outfits, prince outfits, queen outfits, princess outfits, ballroom dresses for girls 

4) Found! (prodigal son or magnifying glass)

  • Main Theme Verses: Matthew 7:7
  • Decorations: magnifying glasses, fingerprint posters, caution tape, red string clue boards, “Top Secret” file folders, invisible ink messages, trench coats and hats on display, evidence markers, spy glasses, dark curtains and dim lighting for a mystery vibe
  • Crafts / Activities: make detective badges, decorate magnifying glasses with stickers and glitter, invisible ink messages with lemon juice, fingerprint art, create clue notebooks, scavenger hunts with Bible clues, crack-the-code puzzles, secret message decoding
  • Snack Ideas: magnifying glass cookies (round cookies with a handle), clue trail mix with mystery ingredients, “spy juice” in black cups, fingerprint sugar cookies, mini sandwiches cut in puzzle piece shapes, chocolate coins or “evidence” treats in plastic bags
  • Leader Costume Ideas: detective with trench coat and fedora, spy with sunglasses and earpiece, secret agent in black suit, forensics expert with gloves and clipboard, inspector with magnifying glass, mystery book character like Sherlock Holmes or Nancy Drew

5) F.R.O.G. (F-Fully, R=Rely, O=On, G=God; rainforest or safari theme)

  • Main Theme Verses: Garden of Eden (Genesis 2-3)
  • Decorations: palm trees, tiki lamps/torches, plants/foliage, palm leaves, rocks, spider webs, lanterns, jungle/foliage lights on walls, pretend swamp, frogs
  • Crafts / Activities: Paint maps on the top of cardboard boxes then rearrange them and have kids put the map together, VBS Bucks (purchase once and make as many copies as you want!), paper plate lions, animal masks, paint river rocks, animal charades, decorate safari hats, animal puzzles, make apple paper plates
  • Snack Ideas: animal crackers, animal cookies, gummy worms, bananas, pineapples, cheese popcorn
  • Leader Costume Ideas: jungle/safari outfits, explorers, frog costumes

6) Fun Factory (machines, factories, robots)

  • Main Theme Verses: 2 Chronicles 26:15
  • Decorations: Lego buildings and forts, cardboard robots, metallic streamers and foil backdrops, gears and cogs cut from cardboard or foam, caution tape and tool signs, conveyor belt displays, colorful lights, buttons and switches made from craft supplies, hanging wires and tubes
  • Crafts / Activities: build your own mini robot with boxes and craft bits, create with Legos, decorate foam gears, make paper circuit cards (with LED stickers), DIY robot masks or hats, design your own invention with recycled materials, play “code the robot” movement games
  • Snack Ideas: “nuts and bolts” trail mix with cereal and pretzels, robot Rice Krispies treats with candy eyes, gear-shaped cookies, juice boxes wrapped in foil to look like robots, apple slices with marshmallow “bolts,” cheese cubes stacked like machines
  • Leader Costume Ideas: robot with cardboard body and dryer vent arms, mad scientist with lab coat and goggles, mechanic with overalls and tool belt, factory worker with gloves and cap, inventor with clipboard and wild hair

• VBS themes that starts with G 

1) Galaxy Universe (galaxy, God’s hand, creation; space)

  • Main Theme Verses: Psalm 19:1
  • Decorations: space ships (inside decorations and things like rocket ships), space car, hanging planets and stars, glow-in-the-dark space objects, astronaut helmet on moon
  • Crafts / Activities: memorize coloring mix up cards (purchase once, make copies, and use for every student in your VBS program!), painting space, planets, stars on navy blue construction paper, lessons on creation and how big God is, navy blue t-shirts, popsicle sticks art boards, make small galaxy jars with sand, painting solar systems/outer space pictures, create kaleidoscopes, make galaxy slime, make rocket ships out of toilet paper rolls, make telescopes out of toilet paper rolls
  • Snack Ideas: cupcakes with crushed Oreos on top (solar system debris), foods cut into stars or circles (for planets), rocket pops, treats wrapped in tinfoil to signify moon rocks, banana chips, cosmic brownies (brownies with stars on them), rocket sandwiches
  • Leader Costume Ideas: astronaut suits, planets outfits, stars outfits, space explorers

2) Game On (sports)

  • Main Theme Verses: 2 Timothy 2:5, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
  • Decorations: pennant banners, inflatable sports balls, goal posts, turf-style rugs, scoreboard backdrops, bleacher seating areas, team flags, streamers in team colours, whistles and medals, giant foam fingers, locker room props, “Jesus Is My Coach” signs, water coolers
  • Crafts / Activities: decorate megaphones, sports wreath (take pictures of football, baseball, soccer ball, basketball, etc. and make a wreath out of it), color foam fingers saying Jesus is #1, create team pennants with Bible verses, design sports jerseys with fabric markers, make mini trophies with paper cups and foil, paint team signs and banners, “verse relay” game with memory verse puzzles
  • Snack Ideas: mini soft pretzels, fruit skewers with toothpick flags, popcorn in paper cones, cheese cubes and grapes on toothpicks (team snacks), football-shaped brownies, Gatorade or fruit punch in sports bottles, “trail mix locker packs” in zip bags
  • Leader Costume Ideas: referee with black-and-white stripes, coach with whistle and cap, athlete in team jersey and face paint, cheerleader with pom-poms, mascot costume, announcer with microphone and clipboard, team medic with armband and first aid kit

3) The Great Exploration (space, astronauts, galaxy)

  • Main Theme Verses: Psalm 19:1
  • Decorations: space ships (inside decorations and things like rocket ships), space car, hanging planets and stars, glow-in-the-dark space objects, astronaut helmet on moon
  • Crafts / Activities: memorize coloring mix up cards (purchase once, make copies, and use for every student in your VBS program!), painting space, planets, stars on navy blue construction paper, lessons on creation and how big God is, navy blue t-shirts, popsicle sticks art boards, make small galaxy jars with sand, painting solar systems/outer space pictures, create kaleidoscopes, make galaxy slime, make rocket ships out of toilet paper rolls, make telescopes out of toilet paper rolls
  • Snack Ideas: cupcakes with crushed Oreos on top (solar system debris), foods cut into stars or circles (for planets), rocket pops, treats wrapped in tinfoil to signify moon rocks, banana chips, cosmic brownies (brownies with stars on them), rocket sandwiches
  • Leader Costume Ideas: astronaut suits, planets outfits, stars outfits, space explorers

4) Great Outer Space (space, astronauts, galaxy)

  • Main Theme Verses: Psalm 19:1
  • Decorations: space ships (inside decorations and things like rocket ships), space car, hanging planets and stars, glow-in-the-dark space objects, astronaut helmet on moon
  • Crafts / Activities: memorize coloring mix up cards (purchase once, make copies, and use for every student in your VBS program!), painting space, planets, stars on navy blue construction paper, lessons on creation and how big God is, navy blue t-shirts, popsicle sticks art boards, make small galaxy jars with sand, painting solar systems/outer space pictures, create kaleidoscopes, make galaxy slime, make rocket ships out of toilet paper rolls, make telescopes out of toilet paper rolls
  • Snack Ideas: cupcakes with crushed Oreos on top (solar system debris), foods cut into stars or circles (for planets), rocket pops, treats wrapped in tinfoil to signify moon rocks, banana chips, cosmic brownies (brownies with stars on them), rocket sandwiches
  • Leader Costume Ideas: astronaut suits, planets outfits, stars outfits, space explorers

5) Grow with Me (gardening, planting seeds)

  • Main Theme Verses: 2 Corinthians 5:17
  • Decorations: flower pots and watering cans, artificial grass mats, picket fences, butterflies and ladybugs, hanging paper flowers and vines, gardening tools, wheelbarrows, seed packets strung as garland, sun and cloud cutouts, large paper trees, planter boxes with faux veggies, anything Springtime related
  • Crafts / Activities: memorize coloring mix up cards or mustard seed activity cards (purchase once, make copies, and use for every student in your VBS program!), decorate mini terracotta pots, plant seeds in soil cups to take home, make paper plate sunflowers, handprint flower art, paint rocks as garden markers, create “fruit of the spirit” garden signs, assemble garden journals with stickers and stamps
  • Snack Ideas: dirt cups with crushed Oreos and gummy worms, flower-shaped fruit kabobs, veggie sticks with hummus in mini pots, butterfly snack bags (snack mix in a clothespin-decorated bag), sunflower seed granola bars, “garden patch” Jello cups with candy carrots
  • Leader Costume Ideas: gardener with apron and gloves, farmer with overalls and straw hat, sunflower or veggie costume, bee or butterfly outfit, raincoat and wellies, scarecrow with flannel shirt and hay accessories

• VBS themes that starts with H 

1) Heroes of Faith (Bible characters)

  • Main Theme Verses: Esther, Moses, David, Abraham, other Bible characters
  • Decorations: superhero comic–style posters of Bible characters (e.g., “Daniel the Lion Tamer,” “Esther the Brave”), cardboard cityscapes, capes and masks with Bible verse logos, stars with names of faith heroes, banners that say “Faith is Our Superpower,” shield props, spotlights, clouds and lightning bolts with encouraging words, a “Hall of Faith” walk with verses from Hebrews 11
  • Crafts / Activities: Superhero memory game (purchase once and make as many copies as you want!), create Bible hero trading cards, decorate superhero capes with faith words (brave, obedient, kind), make wristbands or cuffs with character traits, build shields of faith with cardboard and markers, colour hero masks, match Bible heroes to their “superpower” (like faith, obedience, courage), make scrolls with memory verses
  • Snack Ideas: shield-shaped cookies, “power-up” fruit skewers, mini sandwiches shaped like stars, popcorn in comic book-style bags, juice boxes with superhero labels, chocolate coins with “faith treasures” stickers, pretzel rods dipped in coloured chocolate as “faith sticks,” cupcakes with hero toppers
  • Leader Costume Ideas: Bible character outfits (Moses with staff, Esther with crown, David with slingshot), superhero versions of Bible heroes with capes and props, robe and sandals with themed accessories, armour of God costume, comic book narrator with clipboard and speech bubbles

• VBS themes that starts with I 

1) In Search of the Savior (cameraman/camerawoman, newscrew)

  • Main Theme Verses: Matthew 7:7
  • Decorations: news desk setup with microphones and logo backdrop, camera props made from cardboard boxes, “Breaking News” banners, press passes and ID tags, stage lights or spotlights, TV screens or monitors, world map backdrops, live reporting signs, newsroom clocks showing different time zones
  • Crafts / Activities: make press badges with names and roles, decorate microphones using paper towel tubes and foil, create “Breaking News” headline posters with Bible story summaries, film short skits reenacting Bible stories, journal-style reporter notebooks, build cardboard TVs and interview booths
  • Snack Ideas: microphone cake pops, “camera lens” Oreos, popcorn in press-themed cups, fruit kabobs arranged like news cables, juice boxes with news station labels
  • Leader Costume Ideas: cameraman or camerawoman with headset and camera prop, field reporter with notepad and press badge, news anchor in blazer and tie, producer with clipboard and stopwatch, weather reporter with map

2) Incredible Race (journey, traveling the world)

  • Main Theme Verses: Matthew 7:7
  • Decorations: world maps and globes, passport and boarding pass props, international flags hanging around the room, suitcase and travel bag displays, directional signposts pointing to global cities, airplane cutouts, inflatables shaped like famous landmarks (Eiffel Tower, pyramids, etc.), vintage travel posters, bunting in country colors
  • Crafts / Activities: make “passports” and stamp them at each station, decorate travel luggage tags, create country flags with paper and markers, design postcards from around the world, make paper airplanes and hold a flying contest, world puzzle races, assemble mini globes or hot air balloons from paper crafts
  • Snack Ideas: “around the world” snack sampler (e.g., tortilla chips for Mexico, fortune cookies for China, croissants for France), fruit sushi, globe cake pops, international trail mix, mini pretzels, animal crackers in “suitcase” boxes, lemonade or “jet fuel” juice pouches
  • Leader Costume Ideas: world traveller with camera and sunhat, flight attendant, pilot, explorer with binoculars and map, tour guide with clipboard and badge, costumes from different cultures (tasteful and respectful), race bibs and running gear

3) Into the Deep (ocean, submarine)

  • Main Theme Verses: Micah 7:19, Psalm 46:1-3
  • Decorations: blue lights, green and blue streamers and white balloons, large whale balloon, coral reef rock decorations, large pearls/oysters, greenery/plants, seashells, driftwood, sand, rocks, fish nets, inflatable sea animals, ocean-themed posters
  • Crafts / Activities: tie-dye shirts teal blue and green with foam brushes, kids color ocean themes on ceramic or wood coasters, jellyfish streamers, message in a bottle (decorate bottles, put a note about Jesus in there), make mini terrariums, lessons about Jonah / creation / Noah’s Ark / being fishers of men, color seashells, paper plate jellyfish, foam fish picture frame, sea animal masks, “Fishers of Men” fishing game
  • Snack Ideas: Goldfish crackers, blue Jello with ocean-themed candy inside, blue and green popsicles
  • Leader Costume Ideas: walrus, pirate, lobster, captain of a ship, turtle, sailors, scuba divers

4) Island Adventure (island, ocean animals)

  • Main Theme Verses: Micah 7:19, Psalm 46:1-3
  • Decorations: blue lights, green and blue streamers and white balloons, large whale balloon, coral reef rock decorations, large pearls/oysters, greenery/plants, seashells, driftwood, sand, rocks, inflatable sea animals, ocean-themed posters
  • Crafts / Activities: tie-dye shirts teal blue and green with foam brushes, kids color ocean themes on ceramic or wood coasters, jellyfish streamers, message in a bottle (decorate bottles, put a note about Jesus in there), make mini terrariums, lessons about Jonah / creation / Noah’s Ark / being fishers of men, color seashells, paper plate jellyfish, foam fish picture frames, sea animal masks, “Fishers of Men” fishing game
  • Snack Ideas: Goldfish crackers, blue jello with ocean-themed candy inside, blue and green popsicles
  • Leader Costume Ideas: walrus, pirate, lobster, captain of a ship, turtle, sailors

• VBS themes that starts with J 

1) Jungle Journey (jungle animals)

  • Main Theme Verses: Garden of Eden (Genesis 2-3)
  • Decorations: palm trees, tiki lamps/torches, plants/foliage, palm leaves, parrots, maps, jungle animals (tiger, jaguar, lion, giraffe, gorilla, monkey, elephant, sloth, snake, toucan, parrot, bear, hippo, eagle, bat, crocodile, monkey), rocks, spider webs, lanterns, jungle/foliage lights on walls, pretend swamp
  • Crafts / Activities: Paint maps on the top of cardboard boxes then rearrange them and have kids put the map together, VBS Bucks (purchase once and make as many copies as you want!) painting river rocks, animal charades, paper plate lions, animal masks, decorate safari hats, animal puzzles, make apple paper plates
  • Snack Ideas: animal crackers, animal cookies, gummy worms, bananas, pineapples, cheese popcorn
  • Leader Costume Ideas: jungle/safari outfits, explorers

• VBS themes that starts with K 

1) Kingdom Builders (castles, knights)

  • Main Theme Verses: Ephesians 6:10-18, Matthew 6:33
  • Decorations: shields, castles, green topiaries, pretend swords and shields, brick walls and buildings, shrubs, lion statues, pillars, columns, old tuscany-type pots, medieval banners (Exodus 17:15), royal thrones
  • Crafts / Activities: coloring the letter of their name in medieval-type font with fun background, make paper shields, decorate mini capes, teachings about King Jesus, King David, King Solomon, Queen Esther, paper crowns, dragon egg hunt, knights training obstacle course, dragon puppet show
  • Snack Ideas: shield-shaped sugar cookies decorated with icing crosses or emblems, “sword” skewers with grapes, cheese cubes, and cherry tomatoes, crown-shaped sandwiches using cookie cutters, golden popcorn in mini chalice-style cups, pretzel “swords” dipped in white chocolate with sprinkles, “castle bricks” made from graham crackers and peanut butter or icing, “dragon eggs” using green grapes or chocolate-covered almonds, mini meat pies or sausage rolls, fruit goblets with berries and whipped cream, knight’s trail mix with M&Ms, pretzel swords, cereal, and dried fruit in parchment cones, fruit “jewels”
  • Leader Costume Ideas: king outfits, prince outfits, queen outfits, princess outfits, ballroom dresses for girls, dragon, jester

2) Kingdom Kids (castles, knights)

  • Main Theme Verses: Ephesians 6:10-18, Matthew 6:33
  • Decorations: shields, castles, green topiaries, pretend swords and shields, brick walls and buildings, shrubs, lion statues, pillars, columns, old tuscany-type pots, medieval banners (Exodus 17:15), royal thrones
  • Crafts / Activities: coloring the letter of their name in medieval-type font with fun background, make paper shields, decorate mini capes, teachings about King Jesus, King David, King Solomon, Queen Esther, paper crowns, dragon egg hunt, knights training obstacle course, dragon puppet show
  • Snack Ideas: shield-shaped sugar cookies decorated with icing crosses or emblems, “sword” skewers with grapes, cheese cubes, and cherry tomatoes, crown-shaped sandwiches using cookie cutters, golden popcorn in mini chalice-style cups, pretzel “swords” dipped in white chocolate with sprinkles, “castle bricks” made from graham crackers and peanut butter or icing, “dragon eggs” using green grapes or chocolate-covered almonds, mini meat pies or sausage rolls, fruit goblets with berries and whipped cream, knight’s trail mix with M&Ms, pretzel swords, cereal, and dried fruit in parchment cones, fruit “jewels”
  • Leader Costume Ideas: king outfits, prince outfits, queen outfits, princess outfits, ballroom dresses for girls, dragon, jester

3) Kingdom Seekers (castles, knights)

  • Main Theme Verses: Ephesians 6:10-18, Matthew 6:33
  • Decorations: shields, castles, green topiaries, pretend swords and shields, brick walls and buildings, shrubs, lion statues, pillars, columns, old tuscany-type pots, medieval banners (Exodus 17:15), royal thrones
  • Crafts / Activities: coloring the letter of their name in medieval-type font with fun background, make paper shields, decorate mini capes, teachings about King Jesus, King David, King Solomon, Queen Esther, paper crowns, dragon egg hunt, knights training obstacle course, dragon puppet show
  • Snack Ideas: shield-shaped sugar cookies decorated with icing crosses or emblems, “sword” skewers with grapes, cheese cubes, and cherry tomatoes, crown-shaped sandwiches using cookie cutters, golden popcorn in mini chalice-style cups, pretzel “swords” dipped in white chocolate with sprinkles, “castle bricks” made from graham crackers and peanut butter or icing, “dragon eggs” using green grapes or chocolate-covered almonds, mini meat pies or sausage rolls, fruit goblets with berries and whipped cream, knight’s trail mix with M&Ms, pretzel swords, cereal, and dried fruit in parchment cones, fruit “jewels”
  • Leader Costume Ideas: king outfits, prince outfits, queen outfits, princess outfits, ballroom dresses for girls, dragon, jester

• VBS themes that starts with L 

1) L.I.F.E (any theme; living in faith everyday)

  • Main Theme Verses: any
  • Decorations: any
  • Crafts / Activities: any 
  • Snack Ideas: any
  • Leader Costume Ideas: any

2) Live It Out (any theme; living out your faith)

  • Main Theme Verses: any
  • Decorations: any
  • Crafts / Activities: any 
  • Snack Ideas: any
  • Leader Costume Ideas: any

• VBS themes that starts with M 

1) Magnified (magnifying glass; detective)

  • Main Theme Verses: Matthew 7:7
  • Decorations: magnifying glasses, fingerprint posters, caution tape, red string clue boards, “Top Secret” file folders, invisible ink messages, trench coats and hats on display, evidence markers, spy glasses, dark curtains and dim lighting for a mystery vibe
  • Crafts / Activities: make detective badges, decorate magnifying glasses with stickers and glitter, invisible ink messages with lemon juice, fingerprint art, create clue notebooks, scavenger hunts with Bible clues, crack-the-code puzzles, secret message decoding
  • Snack Ideas: magnifying glass cookies (round cookies with a handle), clue trail mix with mystery ingredients, “spy juice” in black cups, fingerprint sugar cookies, mini sandwiches cut in puzzle piece shapes, chocolate coins or “evidence” treats in plastic bags
  • Leader Costume Ideas: detective with trench coat and fedora, spy with sunglasses and earpiece, secret agent in black suit, forensics expert with gloves and clipboard, inspector with magnifying glass, mystery book character like Sherlock Holmes or Nancy Drew

2) Make a Splash (ocean)

  • Main Theme Verses: Micah 7:19, Psalm 46:1-3
  • Decorations: blue lights, green and blue streamers and white balloons, large whale balloon, coral reef rock decorations, large pearls/oysters, greenery/plants, seashells, driftwood, sand, rocks, inflatable sea animals, fish nets, ocean-themed posters
  • Crafts / Activities: tie-dye shirts teal blue and green with foam brushes, kids color ocean themes on ceramic or wood coasters, jellyfish streamers, message in a bottle (decorate bottles, put a note about Jesus in there), make mini terrariums, lessons about Jonah / creation / Noah’s Ark / being fishers of men, color seashells, paper plate jellyfish, foam fish picture frames, sea animal masks, “Fishers of Men” fishing game
  • Snack Ideas: Goldfish crackers, blue jello with ocean-themed candy inside, blue and green popsicles
  • Leader Costume Ideas: walrus, pirate, lobster, captain of a ship, turtle, sailors, scuba divers

3) Makers (stem projects; robots)

  • Main Theme Verses: 2 Chronicles 26:15
  • Decorations: gears and cogs cut from cardboard or foam, robot cutouts or inflatables, circuit board wall backdrops, metallic streamers and foil decor, wires and LED lights, workbench stations, “Creation Zone” signs, blueprint posters with Bible verses, code–like banners that spell out “Created with a Purpose”
  • Crafts / Activities: build mini robots with boxes and craft materials, decorate safety goggles, create paper circuits with copper tape and LEDs, make “code your name” binary bracelets, assemble foam gears, LEGO building challenges, build catapults or bridges with sticks and rubber bands, STEM-inspired object races or marble runs
  • Snack Ideas: robot-shaped cookies, pretzel “wires” dipped in coloured chocolate, cheese cube and grape “gears” on toothpicks, “nuts and bolts” trail mix with cereal, pretzels, and chocolate chips, marshmallow and graham “robot heads” with candy eyes, apples with peanut butter and raisin “buttons,” juice boxes wrapped in foil like robot bodies
  • Leader Costume Ideas: robot costume with cardboard and dryer vent arms, mad scientist with lab coat and goggles, inventor with blueprints and tool belt, coder or engineer with laptop and gear pins, AI assistant with blinking lights and headset, futuristic superhero with STEM-themed accessories

4) Mystery Island (island, ocean)

  • Main Theme Verses: Micah 7:19, Psalm 46:1-3
  • Decorations: blue lights, green and blue streamers and white balloons, large whale balloon, coral reef rock decorations, large pearls/oysters, greenery/plants, tall cardboard or inflatable rainforest trees, seashells, driftwood, sand, rocks, hanging parrots or toucans from the ceiling or tree branches, inflatable sea animals, fish nets, ocean-themed posters
  • Crafts / Activities: tie-dye shirts teal blue and green with foam brushes, create parrot masks with feathers and cardstock, kids color ocean themes on ceramic or wood coasters, jellyfish streamers, message in a bottle (decorate bottles, put a note about Jesus in there), make mini terrariums, rainforest animal scratch art or coloring pages, lessons about Jonah / creation / Noah’s Ark / being fishers of men, color seashells, paper plate jellyfish, foam fish picture frames, sea animal masks, “Fishers of Men” fishing game
  • Snack Ideas: Goldfish crackers, rainforest “bug bites” (celery sticks with cream cheese or hummus and edible googly eyes or raisins), blue jello with ocean-themed candy inside, tropical fruit cups (pineapple, mango, kiwi), blue and green popsicles, 
  • Leader Costume Ideas: walrus, pirate, lobster, explorer/safari guide with a khaki vest and binoculars, captain of a ship, turtle, parrot, sailors, scuba diver

• VBS themes that starts with N 

1) Noah’s Ark Adventure (rainbow, ark, animals)

  • Main Theme Verses: Genesis 6:14-16
  • Decorations: large cardboard ark display or inflatable ark, pairs of animal cutouts or plush animals placed in twos around the room, rainbow balloon arches, blue and white streamers for water, cloud cutouts on walls and ceilings, raindrop garlands made from paper or felt, animal footprints leading to the ark, “God Keeps His Promises” banners with rainbows, woodgrain backdrops to mimic the ark’s interior, faux greenery and jungle vines, inflatable or hanging ocean animals like whales and dolphins, floating umbrellas or paper boats
  • Crafts / Activities: VBS Bucks (purchase once and make as many copies as you want!), tie-dye shirts teal blue and green with foam brushes, kids color ocean themes on ceramic or wood coasters, jellyfish streamers, animal charades, message in a bottle (decorate bottles, put a note about Jesus in there), make mini terrariums, color seashells, animal masks, paper plate lion
  • Snack Ideas: Goldfish crackers, blue Jello with ocean-themed candy inside, blue and green popsicles
  • Leader Costume Ideas: captain of a ship, Noah costume, any animals

• VBS themes that starts with O 

1) Ocean Deep (ocean)

  • Main Theme Verses: Micah 7:19, Psalm 46:1-3
  • Decorations: blue lights, green and blue streamers and white balloons, large whale balloon, coral reef rock decorations, large pearls/oysters, greenery/plants, seashells, driftwood, sand, rocks
  • Crafts / Activities: tie-dye shirts teal blue and green with foam brushes, kids color ocean themes on ceramic or wood coasters, jellyfish streamers, message in a bottle (decorate bottles, put a note about Jesus in there), make mini terrariums, lessons about Jonah / creation / Noah’s Ark / being fishers of men, color seashells, paper plate jellyfish, foam fish picture frames, sea animal masks, “Fishers of Men” fishing game
  • Snack Ideas: goldfish crackers, blue jello with ocean-themed candy inside, blue and green popsicles
  • Leader Costume Ideas: walrus, pirate, lobster, captain of a ship, turtle

• VBS themes that starts with P 

1) Party Time (music, disco balls)

  • Main Theme Verses: Philippians 4:4
  • Decorations: disco balls hanging from the ceiling, colourful strobe or LED lights, glitter streamers, music notes and record cutouts, balloon arches in neon colours, dance floor made with taped tiles, boom boxes and jukebox props, tinsel curtains, party hats and confetti everywhere
  • Crafts / Activities: decorate mini disco balls with sequins and foil, make music-themed bracelets with note charms, create cardboard guitars or microphones, DIY party hats with stickers and pom-poms, colour-in musical instruments, dance freeze games, rhythm instrument station with maracas and tambourines
  • Snack Ideas: rainbow cupcakes with edible glitter, popcorn in colourful cups, “record” cookies with black icing, fruit punch “party pop” drinks, mini pizzas, music note-shaped sugar cookies, colourful jelly cups
  • Leader Costume Ideas: disco dancer with bell bottoms and sparkles, 80’s pop star with neon gear, DJ with headphones and shades, music conductor with baton, rock star with wig and leather jacket, party clown with silly accessories

2) Power Up Play (superhero or video games)

  • Main Theme Verses: Esther, Moses, David, other “heroes” in the Bible
  • Decorations: pixelated backdrops, city skylines, game controllers and power-up icons, comic book-style “BAM!” and “ZAP!” signs, superhero capes and masks hanging on walls, LED light strips, arcade signs, stars and lightning bolts, cardboard buildings, life-sized game characters and avatars
  • Crafts / Activities: VBS Bucks (superhero) or Superhero memory game (purchase once and make as many copies as you want!), decorate superhero masks and capes, create pixel art on graph paper, design your own video game controller, DIY comic strip with a Bible hero twist, “Power Up” wristbands, build a cardboard city for superhero play
  • Snack Ideas: “power pellets” (fruit snacks or mini energy bites), controller-shaped cookies, superhero Jello cups with layers of red, yellow, and blue, pretzel “lightning bolts,” mini pizzas as “power discs,” popcorn in comic-style boxes, “energy drinks” with fruit punch and lemon-lime soda
  • Leader Costume Ideas: classic superhero costumes with capes and masks, custom shirts with “Super Leader” or “Bible Hero” logos, pixelated video game characters, power-up mushroom hats, comic book hero mashups, futuristic gamer with headset and controller accessories

3) Praise & Worship (any theme; exalting God)

  • Main Theme Verses: any
  • Decorations: any
  • Crafts / Activities: any 
  • Snack Ideas: any
  • Leader Costume Ideas: any

• VBS themes that starts with Q 

1) Quest (magnifying glass, detectives)

  • Main Theme Verses: Matthew 7:7
  • Decorations: magnifying glasses, fingerprint posters, caution tape, red string clue boards, “Top Secret” file folders, invisible ink messages, trench coats and hats on display, evidence markers, spy glasses, dark curtains and dim lighting for a mystery vibe
  • Crafts / Activities: make detective badges, decorate magnifying glasses with stickers and glitter, invisible ink messages with lemon juice, fingerprint art, create clue notebooks, scavenger hunts with Bible clues, crack-the-code puzzles, secret message decoding
  • Snack Ideas: magnifying glass cookies (round cookies with a handle), clue trail mix with mystery ingredients, “spy juice” in black cups, fingerprint sugar cookies, mini sandwiches cut in puzzle piece shapes, chocolate coins or “evidence” treats in plastic bags
  • Leader Costume Ideas: detective with trench coat and fedora, spy with sunglasses and earpiece, secret agent in black suit, forensics expert with gloves and clipboard, inspector with magnifying glass, mystery book character like Sherlock Holmes or Nancy Drew

• VBS themes that starts with R 

1) Racing to God (cars)

  • Main Theme Verses: Matthew 7:7
  • Decorations: black–and–white checkered flags, traffic cones, road signs with Bible verses, racetrack floor tape, cardboard or inflatable cars, stoplights made from coloured paper plates, banners with racing phrases like “Fueled by Faith,” tire stacks, balloons in red, yellow, and black, pit stop station signs
  • Crafts / Activities: decorate wooden race cars, make paper license plates with kids’ names and Bible messages, create your own race team flags, paint cardboard box “cars” for racing games, DIY trophies with gold cups and glitter, race car colouring sheets, Bible verse pit stop scavenger hunt
  • Snack Ideas: pretzel “steering wheels,” Oreo “tires,” race flag fruit kabobs (alternating blackberries and pineapple), cheese and cracker “license plates,” “road mix” trail mix, stoplight cookies with red, yellow, and green M&Ms, lemonade “motor oil” drinks in mini bottles
  • Leader Costume Ideas: race car driver with jumpsuit and helmet, pit crew member with gloves and rag, flag waver with checkered flag, mechanic with oil-smudged overalls, traffic cop with whistle, themed shirts with team car logos and numbers

2) Rainforest Explorers (rainforest, safari, jungle)

  • Main Theme Verses: Garden of Eden (Genesis 2-3), Matthew 7:7
  • Decorations: palm trees, tiki lamps/torches, plants/foliage, palm leaves, parrots, maps, jungle animals (tiger, jaguar, lion, giraffe, gorilla, monkey, elephant, sloth, snake, toucan, parrot, bear, hippo, eagle, bat, crocodile, monkey), rocks, spider webs, lanterns, jungle/foliage lights on walls, pretend swamp
  • Crafts / Activities: Paint maps on the top of cardboard boxes then rearrange them and have kids put the map together, VBS Bucks (purchase once and make as many copies as you want!), animal charades, paper plate lions, animal masks, painting river rocks, decorate safari hats, animal puzzles, make apple paper plates
  • Snack Ideas: animal crackers, animal cookies, gummy worms, bananas, pineapples, cheese popcorn
  • Leader Costume Ideas: jungle/safari outfits, explorers

3) Rainforest Journey (rainforest, safari, jungle)

  • Main Theme Verses: Garden of Eden (Genesis 2-3), Matthew 7:7
  • Decorations: palm trees, tiki lamps/torches, plants/foliage, palm leaves, parrots, maps, jungle animals (tiger, jaguar, lion, giraffe, gorilla, monkey, elephant, sloth, snake, toucan, parrot, bear, hippo, eagle, bat, crocodile, monkey), rocks, spider webs, lanterns, jungle/foliage lights on walls, pretend swamp
  • Crafts / Activities: Paint maps on the top of cardboard boxes then rearrange them and have kids put the map together, VBS Bucks (purchase once and make as many copies as you want!), animal charades, paper plate lions, animal masks, painting river rocks, decorate safari hats, animal puzzles, make apple paper plates
  • Snack Ideas: animal crackers, animal cookies, gummy worms, bananas, pineapples, cheese popcorn
  • Leader Costume Ideas: jungle/safari outfits, explorers

4) Redeemed (any theme)

  • Main Theme Verses: any
  • Decorations: any
  • Crafts / Activities: any 
  • Snack Ideas: any
  • Leader Costume Ideas: any

5) Righteous Rock (God is our righteous rock, rocks, lighthouse)

  • Main Theme Verses: Psalms 18:2
  • Decorations: lighthouse, blue lights, green and blue streamers and white balloons, large whale balloon, coral reef rock decorations, large pearls/oysters, greenery/plants, seashells, driftwood, sand, rocks
  • Crafts / Activities: painting river rocks, make paper lighthouse, make sand bottles, watercolor lighthouse scenes, color seashells, tie-dye shirts teal blue and green with foam brushes, kids color ocean themes on ceramic or wood coasters, jellyfish streamers, message in a bottle (decorate bottles, put a note about Jesus in there), make mini terrariums
  • Snack Ideas: “dirt” cake, Goldfish crackers, blue Jello with ocean-themed candy inside, blue and green popsicles
  • Leader Costume Ideas: captain of a ship, lighthouse keeper

6) Road Trip (adventure, travel)

  • Main Theme Verses: Israelites wandering in the desert for 40 years (Numbers 14:34)
  • Decorations: road signs with Bible verses (Stop, Yield, One Way to Jesus), paper highways taped on the floor, cardboard cars and vans, inflatable tires, license plates with encouraging words, maps and globes, camping gear (coolers, backpacks, sleeping bags), gas station or rest stop photo booths, suitcases and travel tags, banners that say “Fueled by Faith” or “Destination: God’s Truth,” postcards strung as garland
  • Crafts / Activities: design your own license plate with name and verse, decorate cardboard suitcases or travel journals, make travel stickers for water bottles, create road sign memory verse posters, colour-in maps of biblical locations, road trip bingo or scavenger hunts, decorate travel mugs or cups
  • Snack Ideas: trail mix in paper road trip bags, pretzel “steering wheels,” gummy car candies, mini sandwiches cut like road signs, fruit kabobs in red/yellow/green for traffic lights, “pit stop” popcorn, chocolate doughnuts as “spare tires,” lemonade or fruit punch in travel cups
  • Leader Costume Ideas: tourist with camera and bucket hat, road tripper with backpack and map, camp counselor, race car driver, trucker with flannel and cap, GPS guide with headset and clipboard

7) Rocket Racers (rocketships (below) or cars (see “Racing to God” theme))

  • Main Theme Verses: Psalm 19:1
  • Decorations: space ships (inside decorations and things like rocket ships), space car, hanging planets and stars, glow-in-the-dark space objects, astronaut helmet on moon
  • Crafts / Activities: memorize coloring mix up cards (purchase once, make copies, and use for every student in your VBS program!), painting space, planets, stars on navy blue construction paper, lessons on creation and how big God is, navy blue t-shirts, popsicle sticks art boards, make small galaxy jars with sand, painting solar systems/outer space pictures, create kaleidoscopes, make galaxy slime, make rocket ships out of toilet paper rolls, make telescopes out of toilet paper rolls
  • Snack Ideas: cupcakes with crushed Oreos on top (solar system debris), foods cut into stars or circles (for planets), rocket pops, treats wrapped in tinfoil to signify moon rocks, banana chips, cosmic brownies (brownies with stars on them), rocket sandwiches
  • Leader Costume Ideas: astronaut suits, planets outfits, stars outfits, space explorers

8) Rocky Railway (boats, ships, or railroad trains (below))

  • Main Theme Verses: Luke 10:30-37
  • Decorations: cardboard train engines and boxcars, railroad crossing signs, tracks made with black tape on the floor, mountain and tunnel backdrops, cotton batting for steam, lanterns and old-timey suitcases, ticket booth station, red and black streamers, “All Aboard!” signs, wooden crates and barrels, railway station signs
  • Crafts / Activities: build mini trains with recycled boxes or egg cartons, decorate train tickets with names and verses, colour-in conductor hats, make railroad crossing signs with craft sticks, assemble paper train cars and link them, create “train steam” slime, Bible verse ticket punch game
  • Snack Ideas: Oreo “train wheels,” pretzel stick railroad tracks, “coal” Rice Krispies treats with black food colouring, licorice track lines, train-shaped sandwiches, trail mix in mini train cars made from paper cups, apple slices with peanut butter “boxcars”
  • Leader Costume Ideas: train conductor with hat and whistle, engineer with striped overalls and red bandana, ticket master with clipboard and badge, station manager with vest and cap, old-timey traveller with knapsack (kid-friendly), steam engine mascot

• VBS themes that starts with S 

1) Safari Park (safari, jungle)

  • Main Theme Verses: Garden of Eden (Genesis 2-3)
  • Decorations: palm trees, tiki lamps/torches, plants/foliage, palm leaves, parrots, maps, jungle animals (tiger, jaguar, lion, giraffe, gorilla, monkey, elephant, sloth, snake, toucan, parrot, bear, hippo, eagle, bat, crocodile, monkey), rocks, spider webs, lanterns, jungle/foliage lights on walls, pretend swamp
  • Crafts / Activities: Paint maps on the top of cardboard boxes then rearrange them and have kids put the map together, VBS Bucks (purchase once and make as many copies as you want!), animal charades, paper plate lions, animal masks, painting river rocks, decorate safari hats, animal puzzles, make apple paper plates
  • Snack Ideas: animal crackers, animal cookies, gummy worms, bananas, pineapples, cheese popcorn
  • Leader Costume Ideas: jungle/safari outfits, explorers

2) Sea of Miracles (ocean)

  • Main Theme Verses: Micah 7:19, Psalm 46:1-3
  • Decorations: blue lights, green and blue streamers and white balloons, large whale balloon, coral reef rock decorations, large pearls/oysters, greenery/plants, seashells, driftwood, sand, rocks
  • Crafts / Activities: tie-dye shirts teal blue and green with foam brushes, kids color ocean themes on ceramic or wood coasters, jellyfish streamers, message in a bottle (decorate bottles, put a note about Jesus in there), make mini terrariums, lessons about Jonah / creation / Noah’s Ark / being fishers of men, color seashells, sea animal masks, “Fishers of Men” fishing game, paper plate jellyfish, foam fish picture frames
  • Snack Ideas: Goldfish crackers, blue Jello with ocean-themed candy inside, blue and green popsicles
  • Leader Costume Ideas: walrus, pirate, lobster, captain of a ship, turtle

3) Seekers (magnifying glass (below) or kids)

  • Main Theme Verses: Matthew 7:7
  • Decorations: magnifying glasses, fingerprint posters, caution tape, red string clue boards, “Top Secret” file folders, invisible ink messages, trench coats and hats on display, evidence markers, spy glasses, dark curtains and dim lighting for a mystery vibe
  • Crafts / Activities: make detective badges, decorate magnifying glasses with stickers and glitter, invisible ink messages with lemon juice, fingerprint art, create clue notebooks, scavenger hunts with Bible clues, crack-the-code puzzles, secret message decoding
  • Snack Ideas: magnifying glass cookies (round cookies with a handle), clue trail mix with mystery ingredients, “spy juice” in black cups, fingerprint sugar cookies, mini sandwiches cut in puzzle piece shapes, chocolate coins or “evidence” treats in plastic bags
  • Leader Costume Ideas: detective with trench coat and fedora, spy with sunglasses and earpiece, secret agent in black suit, forensics expert with gloves and clipboard, inspector with magnifying glass, mystery book character like Sherlock Holmes or Nancy Drew

4) Shine (movie theater (below) or lights)

  • Main Theme Verses: Daniel 12:3, Ephesians 5:8
  • Decorations: red carpet entrance, gold stars with kids’ names on the wall, Hollywood–style clapboards, marquee signs with Bible verse titles, popcorn buckets, spotlights or string lights, velvet rope barriers, cardboard cameras, director chairs, film reels and star–shaped balloons
  • Crafts / Activities: decorate cardboard clapboards or director megaphones, make your own walk-of-faith star with each child’s name and a verse, design movie posters with a Bible story as the “film,” create popcorn bucket collages, act out mini skits based on Bible stories, make “shine for Jesus” bracelets, DIY star sunglasses
  • Snack Ideas: classic popcorn in theatre-style bags, red licorice “film strips,” star-shaped cookies with yellow frosting, “movie mix” trail mix (popcorn, pretzels, chocolate chips), mini hotdogs, juice boxes labeled “shining star fuel,” nachos with cheese cups
  • Leader Costume Ideas: movie star with sunglasses and boa, director with clipboard and headset, usher with bowtie and flashlight, red carpet reporter with microphone, camera operator, costume designer with measuring tape and notepad

5) Shipwrecked (boats, pirates)

  • Main Theme Verses: Micah 7:19, Psalm 46:1-3
  • Decorations: anchor, blue lights, green and blue streamers and white balloons, large whale balloon, coral reef rock decorations, large pearls/oysters, greenery/plants, seashells, driftwood, sand, rocks
  • Crafts / Activities: walking the plank (into a ball pit), tie-dye shirts teal blue and green with foam brushes, kids color ocean themes on ceramic or wood coasters, jellyfish streamers, lessons about Jonah / being fishers of men, message in a bottle (decorate bottles, put a note about Jesus in there), make mini terrariums, color seashells, “Fishers of Men” fishing game, paper plate jellyfish, foam fish picture frames
  • Snack Ideas: Goldfish crackers, blue Jello with ocean-themed candy inside, blue and green popsicles
  • Leader Costume Ideas: pirate, captain of a ship, sea animals, shipmates

6) S.O.S (ships; Savior of souls)

  • Main Theme Verses: Micah 7:19, Psalm 46:1-3
  • Decorations: anchor, life ring (lifebuoy), blue lights, green and blue streamers and white balloons, large whale balloon, coral reef rock decorations, large pearls/oysters, greenery/plants, seashells, driftwood, sand, rocks
  • Crafts / Activities: walking the plank (into a ball pit), tie-dye shirts teal blue and green with foam brushes, kids color ocean themes on ceramic or wood coasters, jellyfish streamers, lessons about Jonah / Noah’s Ark / being fishers of men, message in a bottle (decorate bottles, put a note about Jesus in there), make mini terrariums, color seashells, “Fishers of Men” fishing game, paper plate jellyfish, foam fish picture frames
  • Snack Ideas: Goldfish crackers, blue Jello with ocean-themed candy inside, blue and green popsicles
  • Leader Costume Ideas: walrus, pirate, lobster, captain of a ship, turtle

7) Sports Spectacular Showdown (sports)

  • Main Theme Verses: 2 Timothy 2:5, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
  • Decorations: inflatable or cardboard sports balls (football, basketball, soccer, etc.), pennant banners, team flags, referee whistles and scoreboards, turf rugs, cones and mini goal posts, lockers or benches for a locker room vibe, “Jesus Is My Coach” signs, foam fingers, sports jerseys hanging up, medals and trophies
  • Crafts / Activities: decorate foam fingers or team flags, make sports pennants with Bible verses, design your own jersey with markers and fabric paint, colour-in sports scenes, craft paper plate medals, build a “teamwork tower” with cups and straws, memory verse relay races, sports trivia games
  • Snack Ideas: pretzel sticks as “goal posts,” cheese cubes and grapes on toothpicks for “team snacks,” mini hot dogs or sliders, popcorn in paper megaphones, fruit skewers in team colours, sports ball sugar cookies, trail mix in mini sports cups, “energy drinks” with fruit punch and orange slices
  • Leader Costume Ideas: referee with striped shirt and whistle, coach with hat and clipboard, cheerleader with pom-poms, athlete in jersey and sweatbands, mascot costume, team captain with sash or armband

8) Submerged (submarine)

  • Main Theme Verses: Micah 7:19, Psalm 46:1-3
  • Decorations: submarines, blue lights, green and blue streamers and white balloons, large whale balloon, coral reef rock decorations, large pearls/oysters, greenery/plants, seashells, driftwood, sand, rocks
  • Crafts / Activities: tie-dye shirts teal blue and green with foam brushes, kids color ocean themes on ceramic or wood coasters, jellyfish streamers, message in a bottle (decorate bottles, put a note about Jesus in there), make mini terrariums, lessons about Jonah / creation / Noah’s Ark / being fishers of men, color seashells, sea animal masks, “Fishers of Men” fishing game, paper plate jellyfish, foam fish picture frames
  • Snack Ideas: Goldfish crackers, blue Jello with ocean-themed candy inside, blue and green popsicles
  • Leader Costume Ideas: captain of a ship, shipmates, sea animals

• VBS themes that starts with T 

1) Time Travelers (journey through the Bible)

  • Main Theme Verses: Ecclesiastes 3
  • Decorations: clocks and gears, time machine backdrop made from cardboard and foil, signs for different Bible eras (Creation, Exodus, Bethlehem, etc.), glow lights and LED strips, hourglasses, scrolls, vintage suitcases and trunks, steampunk elements, timeline banners across the walls
  • Crafts / Activities: create time travel wristbands with cardstock and stickers, decorate scrolls with memory verses, build mini time machines from recycled materials, make paper sundials, Bible era passport booklets with stamps for each station, sand art “hourglasses,” pop-up timeline dioramas
  • Snack Ideas: gear-shaped cookies, fruit clocks with numbers made from raisins, scroll pretzels (pretzel rods wrapped in fruit leather), “time capsule” cupcakes with hidden candy inside, juice in test tubes or science flasks
  • Leader Costume Ideas: scientist with lab coat and goggles, steampunk traveler with vest and monocle, Bible characters from different eras, futuristic time agent with silver accessories, explorer with compass and maps

2) Treasured (pirate, ocean, treasure box)

  • Main Theme Verses: Micah 7:19, Psalm 46:1-3
  • Decorations: treasure chest, blue lights, green and blue streamers and white balloons, large whale balloon, coral reef rock decorations, large pearls/oysters, greenery/plants, seashells, driftwood, sand, rocks
  • Crafts / Activities: walking the plank (into a ballpit), make a mini treasure chest, tie-dye shirts teal blue and green with foam brushes, kids color ocean themes on ceramic or wood coasters, jellyfish streamers, message in a bottle (decorate bottles, put a note about Jesus in there), make mini terrariums, color seashells, paper plate jellyfish, foam fish picture frames
  • Snack Ideas: Goldfish crackers, blue Jello with ocean-themed candy inside, blue and green popsicles
  • Leader Costume Ideas: pirate, captain of a ship

3) Treasure Island (pirate or island, ocean, parrots)

  • Main Theme Verses: Micah 7:19, Psalm 46:1-3
  • Decorations: treasure chest, jungle/foliage lights on walls, seashells, driftwood, sand, rocks, blue lights, green and blue streamers and white balloons, large whale balloon, coral reef rock decorations, large pearls/oysters, greenery/plants
  • Crafts / Activities: walking the plank (into a ballpit), make a mini treasure chest, animal puzzles, tie-dye shirts teal blue and green with foam brushes, kids color ocean themes on ceramic or wood coasters, jellyfish streamers, message in a bottle (decorate bottles, put a note about Jesus in there), make mini terrariums, color seashells, animal masks, paper plate jellyfish, foam fish picture frames
  • Snack Ideas: Goldfish crackers, blue jello with ocean-themed candy inside, blue and green popsicles
  • Leader Costume Ideas: pirate, captain of a ship

4) Triumphant Treasures (pirate, treasure box or island, ocean)

  • Main Theme Verses: Micah 7:19, Psalm 46:1-3
  • Decorations: treasure chest, jungle/foliage lights on walls, seashells, driftwood, sand, rocks, blue lights, green and blue streamers and white balloons, large whale balloon, coral reef rock decorations, large pearls/oysters, greenery/plants
  • Crafts / Activities: walking the plank (into a ballpit), make a mini treasure chest, animal puzzles, tie-dye shirts teal blue and green with foam brushes, kids color ocean themes on ceramic or wood coasters, jellyfish streamers, message in a bottle (decorate bottles, put a note about Jesus in there), make mini terrariums, color seashells, animal masks, paper plate jellyfish, foam fish picture frames
  • Snack Ideas: Goldfish crackers, blue Jello with ocean-themed candy inside, blue and green popsicles
  • Leader Costume Ideas: pirate, captain of a ship

• VBS themes that starts with U 

1) Under the Sea (ocean)

  • Main Theme Verses: Micah 7:19, Psalm 46:1-3
  • Decorations: blue lights, green and blue streamers and white balloons, large whale balloon, coral reef rock decorations, large pearls/oysters, greenery/plants, seashells, driftwood, sand, rocks, inflatable sea animals, fish nets, ocean-themed posters
  • Crafts / Activities: tie-dye shirts teal blue and green with foam brushes, kids color ocean themes on ceramic or wood coasters, jellyfish streamers, message in a bottle (decorate bottles, put a note about Jesus in there), make mini terrariums, lessons about Jonah / creation / Noah’s Ark / being fishers of men, color seashells, paper plate jellyfish, foam fish picture frames, sea animal masks, “Fishers of Men” fishing game
  • Snack Ideas: Goldfish crackers, blue jello with ocean-themed candy inside, blue and green popsicles
  • Leader Costume Ideas: walrus, pirate, lobster, captain of a ship, turtle, sailors, scuba divers

2) Untangled (ropes)

  • Main Theme Verses: Ecclesiastes 4:12
  • Decorations: ropes hanging from ceilings or walls, knotted ropes with verses tied on tags, wooden posts with rope wrapped around, lanterns, nautical or adventure–style rope bridges (made from streamers or string), vines and jungle–style backdrops if going for a wilderness vibe, signs that say “Jesus Helps Us Untangle Life,” neutral–toned fabrics and string lights for a calm atmosphere
  • Crafts / Activities: create friendship bracelets or rope keychains, make cross necklaces with twine, decorate small wooden boards with knots and a verse, untangle the rope game (kids hold ends of a knotted rope and work together to get free), yarn painting or string art crosses, “tug of trust” game, paracord zipper pulls
  • Snack Ideas: twisted pretzels, licorice ropes, string cheese, “knot” trail mix with twisted snacks like pretzels and curly crackers, cinnamon twists, peanut butter rope snacks made with pretzel rods and peanut butter dip, rope-shaped breadsticks
  • Leader Costume Ideas: camp counselor with rope belt and bandana, sailor with striped shirt and rope accessories, wilderness explorer with hiking boots and utility vest, rope rescue worker with harness and gloves, cowboy with lasso, knot-tying expert with clipboard and twine

3) Upward Bound (Heaven-minded)

  • Main Theme Verses: Colossians 3:2
  • Decorations: maze walls clues, arrows and locked doors, keys and chains with Bible verse tags, hidden messages with invisible ink, travel posters with “Heaven is Our Destination,” footprints leading to the cross, “EXIT” signs pointing to Jesus, dramatic lighting, dark corners with glowing scripture verses, mystery boxes and suitcases, locks and puzzle props
  • Crafts / Activities: create “keys to God’s kingdom” with paper or foam, decorate mini lock boxes or treasure chests, make invisible ink messages with lemon juice, build a paper maze and trace the escape route, decode Bible verse puzzles, fingerprint cross crafts
  • Snack Ideas: key-shaped cookies, “maze mix” trail mix in mystery bags, lock-and-key pretzels (twists and stick shapes), dark chocolate and marshmallow “light in the darkness” cups
  • Leader Costume Ideas: adventurer with satchel and map, key master with ring of keys and robe, angel with signpost and glowing props, traveler with backpack and compass

• VBS themes that starts with V 

1) Victory Adventure (any theme; victory in Christ)

  • Main Theme Verses: any
  • Decorations: any
  • Crafts / Activities: any 
  • Snack Ideas: any
  • Leader Costume Ideas: any

2) Victory Finders (any theme; victory in Christ)

  • Main Theme Verses: any
  • Decorations: any
  • Crafts / Activities: any 
  • Snack Ideas: any
  • Leader Costume Ideas: any

3) Vines of Grace (vineyard (below), grapevines, rainforest) 

  • Main Theme Verses: Garden of Eden (Genesis 2-3)
  • Decorations: grapevines made from garlands and purple balloons, terracotta pots with herbs, wooden crates and barrels, gingham tablecloths, string lights and lanterns, painted vineyard or hillside backdrops, faux stone columns, sunflowers and greenery, olive branches, picnic blankets
  • Crafts / Activities: decorate clay medallions with vine imprints, plant herbs in small decorated pots, create grape pom-pom garlands, paint vineyard landscapes with watercolours, make paper mosaic vines, craft olive branch crowns from felt or paper, design stained glass-style suncatchers with tissue paper
  • Snack Ideas: grape skewers, fig bars, breadsticks with hummus, trail mix with dried fruits, fruit cups in mini terracotta pots, leaf-shaped sugar cookies with green icing, chocolate olives or themed sweets 
  • Leader Costume Ideas: gardener with apron and straw hat, Roman-style tunic with vine accessories, old world peasant outfit with linen top and rope belt, shepherd robe and sandals, nature-themed costume with vine garlands, olive grove worker with headscarf and basket

• VBS themes that starts with W 

1) Waves of Wonder (ocean)

  • Main Theme Verses: Micah 7:19, Psalm 46:1-3
  • Decorations: blue lights, green and blue streamers and white balloons, large whale balloon, coral reef rock decorations, large pearls/oysters, greenery/plants, seashells, driftwood, sand, rocks, inflatable sea animals, fish nets, ocean-themed posters
  • Crafts / Activities: tie-dye shirts teal blue and green with foam brushes, kids color ocean themes on ceramic or wood coasters, jellyfish streamers, message in a bottle (decorate bottles, put a note about Jesus in there), make mini terrariums, lessons about Jonah / creation / Noah’s Ark / being fishers of men, color seashells, paper plate jellyfish, foam fish picture frames, sea animal masks, “Fishers of Men” fishing game
  • Snack Ideas: Goldfish crackers, blue jello with ocean-themed candy inside, blue and green popsicles
  • Leader Costume Ideas: walrus, pirate, lobster, captain of a ship, turtle, sailors, scuba divers

2) Western Week (cowboy)

  • Main Theme Verses: Psalm 20:7, Exodus 13:17-22 (God led the Israelites in the wilderness)
  • Decorations: Old store, bank, hotel buildings (shacks), dirt, rocks, saloon-type doors, cactus, tumbleweed, donkey tied to a post, mining caves (Scripture mine with things like “wisdom” painted on the gold nuggets), old barrels, campfires made with rocks, old tin buckets, pretend pickaxe, cow bells, Hanging wanted posters, wagon wheels leaning against buildings, hay bales for seating or decor, horseshoes nailed to wooden boards, cowboy hats and boots, cactus cutouts
  • Crafts / Activities: making a scene with green felt (railroad tracks, etc.), painting rocks gold and labeling them wisdom, instruction, any jewels from the Bible, painting river rocks, make paper star Sheriff badges, playing horseshoes game, DIY “Wanted” posters, bead and string bracelets with western colours and verse tags, pan-for-gold sensory bin (sand with “gold” coins or nuggets hidden inside), popsicle stick horse, decorate foam cowboy hats
  • Snack Ideas: trail mix in mini tin pans or bandana-wrapped bags, “gold nugget” cheese balls or caramel popcorn, root beer floats, s’mores bites, mini cornbread muffins, cowboy boot-shaped cookies, “cactus pretzel rods” dipped in green candy melt with sprinkle “spikes,” apple slices with peanut butter and raisins
  • Leader Costume Ideas: cowboy or cowgirl with boots, hat, and bandana, sheriff with badge and holster, gold prospector with pickaxe and pan, saloon keeper with vest and bowtie, ranch hand with rope lasso, bandit, general store owner with apron and tin mug

3) What a Mess (splat, paint)

  • Main Theme Verses: any (ideas: stories like Noah’s Ark focusing on the promise/rainbow and then using rainbow colors to paint or Scripture like 2 Corinthians 5:17 and then saying you can wash off the paint and be cleaned, then leading them down the path of (1) Romans 3:23, (2) Romans 6:23, (3) John 3:16 or Joseph’s colorful coat)
  • Decorations: splatter–painted backdrops, paint cans and brushes, dripping paint cutouts, colourful streamers and balloons, cardboard paint palettes, paper towels and paint rags hanging as “art,” upside–down umbrellas with colourful streamers spilling out, banners that say “God Works in Our Mess,” rainbow–coloured footprints and handprints on walls or floors
  • Crafts / Activities: splatter painting on canvas or paper, make-your-own mini paint palette magnets, decorate aprons or art smocks, paper plate swirl art, finger painting Bible verses, melted crayon art, create “beautiful mess” collages with stickers, buttons, and scraps, paint a giant mural as a group
  • Snack Ideas: rainbow fruit kabobs, splat cookies with coloured icing drips, popcorn in mini paint buckets, swirl lollipops, Rice Krispies treats dipped in colourful chocolate, “paintbrush” pretzels dipped in candy melts, messy spaghetti cups (clean but fun!)
  • Leader Costume Ideas: artist with paint-splattered overalls and beret, paint can costume, smock with brushes in pockets, art teacher with big glasses and clipboard, living canvas (white outfit with paint splatters), rainbow wig or accessories

4) Wild West Wisdom (cowboy)

  • Main Theme Verses: Psalm 20:7, Exodus 13:17-22 (God led the Israelites in the wilderness)
  • Decorations: Old store, bank, hotel buildings (shacks), dirt, rocks, saloon-type doors, cactus, tumbleweed, donkey tied to a post, mining caves (Scripture mine with things like “wisdom” painted on the gold nuggets), old barrels, campfires made with rocks, old tin buckets, pretend pickaxe, cow bells, Hanging wanted posters, wagon wheels leaning against buildings, hay bales for seating or decor, horseshoes nailed to wooden boards, cowboy hats and boots, cactus cutouts
  • Crafts / Activities: making a scene with green felt (railroad tracks, etc.), painting rocks gold and labeling them wisdom, instruction, any jewels from the Bible, painting river rocks, make paper star Sheriff badges, playing horseshoes game, DIY “Wanted” posters, bead and string bracelets with western colours and verse tags, pan-for-gold sensory bin (sand with “gold” coins or nuggets hidden inside), popsicle stick horse, decorate foam cowboy hats
  • Snack Ideas: trail mix in mini tin pans or bandana-wrapped bags, “gold nugget” cheese balls or caramel popcorn, root beer floats, s’mores bites, mini cornbread muffins, cowboy boot-shaped cookies, “cactus pretzel rods” dipped in green candy melt with sprinkle “spikes,” apple slices with peanut butter and raisins
  • Leader Costume Ideas: cowboy or cowgirl with boots, hat, and bandana, sheriff with badge and holster, gold prospector with pickaxe and pan, saloon keeper with vest and bowtie, ranch hand with rope lasso, bandit, general store owner with apron and tin mug

5) Wild Wild West (cowboy)

  • Main Theme Verses: Psalm 20:7, Exodus 13:17-22 (God led the Israelites in the wilderness)
  • Decorations: Old store, bank, hotel buildings (shacks), dirt, rocks, saloon-type doors, cactus, tumbleweed, donkey tied to a post, mining caves (Scripture mine with things like “wisdom” painted on the gold nuggets), old barrels, campfires made with rocks, old tin buckets, pretend pickaxe, cow bells, Hanging wanted posters, wagon wheels leaning against buildings, hay bales for seating or decor, horseshoes nailed to wooden boards, cowboy hats and boots, cactus cutouts
  • Crafts / Activities: making a scene with green felt (railroad tracks, etc.), painting rocks gold and labeling them wisdom, instruction, any jewels from the Bible, painting river rocks, make paper star Sheriff badges, playing horseshoes game, DIY “Wanted” posters, bead and string bracelets with western colours and verse tags, pan-for-gold sensory bin (sand with “gold” coins or nuggets hidden inside), popsicle stick horse, decorate foam cowboy hats
  • Snack Ideas: trail mix in mini tin pans or bandana-wrapped bags, “gold nugget” cheese balls or caramel popcorn, root beer floats, s’mores bites, mini cornbread muffins, cowboy boot-shaped cookies, “cactus pretzel rods” dipped in green candy melt with sprinkle “spikes,” apple slices with peanut butter and raisins
  • Leader Costume Ideas: cowboy or cowgirl with boots, hat, and bandana, sheriff with badge and holster, gold prospector with pickaxe and pan, saloon keeper with vest and bowtie, ranch hand with rope lasso, bandit, general store owner with apron and tin mug

6) Wisdom Warriors (jewels as treasures)

  • Main Theme Verses: Luke 12:34, Matthew 6:19-21
  • Decorations: treasure chest, gold coins and faux jewels, velvet table runners, scrolls and old books, glittery banners with scripture, golden goblets, crown props, shimmering fabric drapes, gemstone garlands, soft lighting with warm tones
  • Crafts / Activities: make a mini treasure chest, decorate paper crowns with stick-on jewels, create “jewel of wisdom” necklaces using beads and scripture tags, colour gem-themed bookmarks, wisdom scrolls with favourite Bible verses, treasure hunt with clues tied to proverbs
  • Snack Ideas: jewel-toned jelly beans, gold coin chocolates, fruit gems on toothpicks, treasure chest cupcakes with candy spilling out, crown-shaped cookies with icing gems, fruit “jewels”
  • Leader Costume Ideas: royal knight with armour and sword, queen or king with robe and crown, treasure hunter with a map and satchel, wise elder with scrolls and glasses, jewel guardian with sparkly accessories

• VBS themes that starts with X 

1) X-ray Explorers (magnifying glass; detectives)

  • Main Theme Verses: Matthew 7:7
  • Decorations: magnifying glasses, fingerprint posters, caution tape, red string clue boards, “Top Secret” file folders, invisible ink messages, trench coats and hats on display, evidence markers, spy glasses, dark curtains and dim lighting for a mystery vibe
  • Crafts / Activities: make detective badges, decorate magnifying glasses with stickers and glitter, invisible ink messages with lemon juice, fingerprint art, create clue notebooks, scavenger hunts with Bible clues, crack-the-code puzzles, secret message decoding, create kaleidoscopes
  • Snack Ideas: magnifying glass cookies (round cookies with a handle), clue trail mix with mystery ingredients, “spy juice” in black cups, fingerprint sugar cookies, mini sandwiches cut in puzzle piece shapes, chocolate coins or “evidence” treats in plastic bags
  • Leader Costume Ideas: detective with trench coat and fedora, spy with sunglasses and earpiece, secret agent in black suit, forensics expert with gloves and clipboard, inspector with magnifying glass, mystery book character like Sherlock Holmes or Nancy Drew

• VBS themes that starts with Y

1) Yee Haw! (cowboy)

  • Main Theme Verses: Psalm 20:7, Exodus 13:17-22 (God led the Israelites in the wilderness)
  • Decorations: Old store, bank, hotel buildings (shacks), dirt, rocks, saloon-type doors, cactus, tumbleweed, donkey tied to a post, mining caves (Scripture mine with things like “wisdom” painted on the gold nuggets), old barrels, campfires made with rocks, old tin buckets, pretend pickaxe, cow bells, Hanging wanted posters, wagon wheels leaning against buildings, hay bales for seating or decor, horseshoes nailed to wooden boards, cowboy hats and boots, cactus cutouts
  • Crafts / Activities: making a scene with green felt (railroad tracks, etc.), painting rocks gold and labeling them wisdom, instruction, any jewels from the Bible, painting river rocks, make paper star Sheriff badges, playing horseshoes game, DIY “Wanted” posters, bead and string bracelets with western colours and verse tags, pan-for-gold sensory bin (sand with “gold” coins or nuggets hidden inside), popsicle stick horse, decorate foam cowboy hats
  • Snack Ideas: trail mix in mini tin pans or bandana-wrapped bags, “gold nugget” cheese balls or caramel popcorn, root beer floats, s’mores bites, mini cornbread muffins, cowboy boot-shaped cookies, “cactus pretzel rods” dipped in green candy melt with sprinkle “spikes,” apple slices with peanut butter and raisins
  • Leader Costume Ideas: cowboy or cowgirl with boots, hat, and bandana, sheriff with badge and holster, gold prospector with pickaxe and pan, saloon keeper with vest and bowtie, ranch hand with rope lasso, bandit, general store owner with apron and tin mug

• VBS themes that starts with Z 

1) Zoomerang (boomerang or Australian)

  • Main Theme Verses: Matthew 7:7
  • Decorations: Australian flags, boomerangs on walls, outback road signs (like “kangaroo crossing” or “next gas 200 km”), inflatable or cardboard kangaroos, koalas, and crocodiles, red rock and desert–style backdrops, eucalyptus branches, campfire props, surfboards, “Welcome to the Outback” banner, maps of Australia, Aboriginal art–style patterns
  • Crafts / Activities: decorate wooden or foam boomerangs, make Australian animal masks (kangaroo, koala, platypus), dot painting inspired by Aboriginal art, create “outback explorer” hats, paint mini didgeridoos (paper towel rolls), make travel postcards from Australia, play boomerang toss or “kangaroo hop” sack races
  • Snack Ideas: “Boomerang” crescent roll snacks, fairy bread (Australian treat—white bread with butter and sprinkles), animal crackers with Australian animal labels, Vegemite crackers (or a milder substitute), gummy snakes and “bush tucker” trail mix, mango slices, Tim Tam-style biscuits
  • Leader Costume Ideas: safari guide with khaki shirt and wide-brim hat, surfer with board shorts and sunglasses, zookeeper with animal plushies, outback explorer with binoculars and map, kangaroo or koala costume, lifeguard with “Aussie beach patrol” gear

 

Ways to promote your Vacation Bible School this year

  • Yard signs
  • Social Media
  • Tell your church to invite their friends
  • Banners on your church exterior
  • Partner with local businesses
  • Flyers
  • Postcard invitations
  • Have a dedicated VBS webpage
  • Pray that God bless your efforts
  • Doorhangers
  • Email marketing
  • Sponsor local events and include your VBS program advertising
  • News coverage (ask your local news station, radio, and newspaper to cover the promotion)
  • Bring in a famous musician or celebrity
  • Have all your leaders post on their Facebook page
  • Add it to your city’s official website calender
  • Leave flyers on cars near your church
  • Ask Christian schools in your area to promote your program
  • Create a prize drawing as a bring-a-friend entry
  • Invite smaller churches with like-minded doctrine in your area to participate
  • Include a flyer in your church bulletin (get bulletins free here!) for your congregation to hand out to others
  • Invite people from your food ministry/distribution to help out
  • Advertise on your local grocery store’s receipts
  • Offer free family photos on the first day of VBS
  • On the last day, have a summer movie night inviting all the families of the children

Should my church charge for Vacation Bible Church?

Absolutely not! We do not charge for people to hear the gospel. If your church can’t afford to do VBS, don’t have it. Plain and simple. If God wants you to have the program, He will provide the funds for you to run it. 💯

Some programs charge for a T-shirt (or charge for registration but give a T-shirt “free”), this is also not something you want to do. It’s just glorified/fancy marketing when it comes down to it. 2 Corinthians 2:17

FAQ’s to answer on your VBS page on your website (for workers)

  • What is the deadline to sign up to serve?
  • Do I have to be a member of the church to help at Vacation Bible School?
  • I would like to help, but I have a child younger than the age of the VBS program. Is there childcare provided for them?
  • I would like to help, but I can’t be there for all 5 days. Is that okay?
  • I would like to serve with my child’s group. Is this possible?
  • Will I receive any training prior to the start of VBS? 
  • My teen would like to serve. Are there any special requirements for them to do so?
  • My teen would like to serve with a friend. Is this allowed?

FAQ’s to answer on your VBS page on your website (for parents)

  • What are the hours for Vacation Bible Church?
  • When do I pick up my child?
  • How do I know where to take my child on the first day?
  • How do I know where to pick up my child?
  • What if someone other than me is picking up my child? 
  • What should my child wear to VBS? 
  • What should my child bring to VBS?
  • My child can attend only 3 of the 5 days, is that okay?
  • I have a child with special needs. Can he or she still attend?
  • What types of snacks do you provide? 
  • My child has food allergies.  Do you provide special foods for children with allergies? 
  • We’ve never been to your church before, and my child is a bit nervous.  May I stay with my child?

Other things to put on your Vacation Bible School website page

  • When registration opens (and when it will close)
  • Your registration form
  • Ages of children you will serve
  • Times/dates of VBC
  • Registration requirements of the parents

Other supplies you might need for VBS

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