Vacation Bible School
VBS is full. Registration is closed.
VBS 2024 Theme
Our theme is “Hometown Nazareth: Where Jesus was a Kid” Each
day we take kids back to Hometown Nazareth, where they’ll stand up for their
faith among people who doubt that a carpenter’s son is really God’s Son.
Each day, kids trek through fun rotation of activities that reinforce the
relevant Bible Points and immerse the kids in new adventures. We’ll reinforce
God’s word in a big way through the daily Bible Point that are carefully
integrated into each activity. God’s Word comes alive through engaging
interaction with Bible history!
We will also help the children see how God’s love though works through
giving. We will collect for The St. Lucy Project, a local food pantry that
helps the less fortunate throughout the area.
VBS 2024 Schedule
June 17-21, 2024 – 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
A typical day during the week will look mostly like this:
9:00 Opening Celebration with music and introduction to the day’s lesson
9:15 Small Group Discussions
9:35 Fun Drama Lesson
10:00 Crafts Activities
10:25 Gym Games
10:55 Closing Small Group Discussions about the day’s lessons
11:15 Closing Celebration and music
11:30 Lunch
12:00 Dismissal
On Friday, the final day of Vacation Bible School, we conclude with an outdoor picnic and slip-n-slide – bring the whole family!
VBS Frequently Asked Questions
What is VBS?
VBS stands for “Vacation Bible School”. It is a weeklong event where kids engage in lots of fun activities, games, and crafts. This year’s VBS is called “Hometown Nazareth: Where Jesus was a Kid” Hometown Nazareth leads children on a journey to discover more about God’s great love for His people. They see how Jesus grew up in Nazareth and learn what it means to live out our faith. This VBS series will lead children deeply into Bible stories focused on Jesus’s life and how He wants us to live our faith.
When is VBS?
VBS is June 17-21 daily from 9:00 am-12 pm, with lunch included.
Who can come to VBS?
All rising Kindergarteners through rising 5th graders are invited to participate. Older children (under 18) are welcome as youth assistant volunteers.
What will my child do when they are at VBS?
Have a lot of fun! Each day, your child goes to multiple group rotations that include games, small group time, teaching, and other fun activities. Our rotation includes fun skits that share God’s true Word. During small group time, your child will have a chance to hear and share the daily lesson and make new friends in a safe and loving environment. All rotations are equipped with well-trained volunteers who love Jesus! We’ll also provide lunch each day.
Can my child be with their friend or sibling?
Each VBS group is multi-age, meaning there is a child from multiple grades. We can not guarantee your child’s friend or sibling will be in the same group, however the groups do interact throughout the day.
I’ve registered my child, now what?
We will schedule (TBD) a pickup day where you receive a packet for your family that will include all the details on what will happen during the week. Here is what you’ll find in your packet:
●Your child’s t-shirt for the week (the child will wear it every day)
● Information on the St. Lucy Project
Where do I go when I get there?
VBS is held Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. VBS starts promptly at 9 AM, so please arrive a little early. Your child’s group leader will have a name tag for your child that they will turn in at the end of each day.
What do I bring?
Please make sure your child wears their VBS shirt every day. Have your child wears athletic shoes each day. We do a lot of walking and oftentimes the games we play can be energetic. Please leave all special items at home for risk of losing their special treasure!
My child has a food allergy. Will your lunch be safe for my child to eat?
The lunches for the week:
Monday – Pizza & Watermelon
Tuesday – Chicken Nuggets & Potato Chips & Watermelon
Wednesday – Pizza & Watermelon
Thursday – Chicken Nuggets & Potato Chips & Watermelon
Friday – Family Picnic with Hamburgers & Hot Dogs
You are welcome to send lunch if your child would prefer something else.
I can’t pick up my child so can someone else do it for me?
We know lives get busy and complicated. If your child will be picked up by someone else, please email the Religious Education Office, or you can send a written note in with your child.
What about Safety?
We value safety and security. Here are some key ways we ensure that all kids are safe:
– All of our small groups are led by an adult who is passionate about sharing Jesus with children.
– The small group sizes are conducive to the amount of kids that are registered. All of our rooms adhere to a ratio of 1 adult and at least one youth helper per 10 children.
– Each volunteer is screened through an extensive Arlington Diocese Child Protection process.
– Children are checked into and out of their assigned groups each day
– Parents must check their children out at the end of the day
Will you take an offering and where does it go?
Yes, we will be collecting canned foods for the St. Lucy Project run by Catholic Charities. We will also provide an online link if you prefer to donate monetarily.
General Information
(703) 978-8925
Staff Contacts
Anson Groves Director of Religious Education
(703) 978-8925 x1
Mayra Saunders Religious Education Office Manager
(703) 978-8925 x2
Vacant CCD & VBS Coordinator
(703) 978-8925 x3
CCD Class Times Sundays & Mondays 4:30-5:45 PM
Classes Begin Sun Sept 15 & Mon Sept 16, 2024
First Holy Communion Information (Grade 2)
First Confessions – March TBA 2025 at 11:00 AM for Holy Spirit School students
March TBA 2025 at 11:00 AM for Homeschool and Religious Education (CCD) students
First Communion Mass 1 – May TBA 2025 at 11:00 AM for Holy Spirit School students
First Communion Mass 2 – May 10, 2025 at 11:00 AM for Homeschool and Religious Education (CCD) students
May Crowning for all FHC children – May 11, 2025 at the 9:00 AM Mass
Confirmation Information (rising Grade 7)
Retreat – October TBA, 2025 from 9AM-4PM
Rehearsal – November TBA, 2025 at 6PM
Confirmation – November TBA 2025 at 7PM
Confirmation Information (rising Grade 8)
Retreat – October TBA 2024 at Holy Spirit, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Rehearsal – November TBA, 2024 at 6:00 PM
Confirmation – November 6, 2024 at 7:00 PM