Vacation Bible School

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 are typically (final menu TBD):

Monday – Chicken Nuggets & Fries & Sliced Fruit

Tuesday – Pizza & Vegetables Snacks

Wednesday – Chicken Nuggets & Fries & Sliced Fruit

Thursday – Pizza & Vegetables Snacks

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.