Why Vacation Bible School Matters

I remember speaking with a new Christian, whose wife enrolled their child in VBS. I remember him questioning if that was the best use of time and money for her, especially since we they had prepaid for other children camp activities for the month….

It was an honest question—one that many parents quietly ask. With so many good options competing for a child’s time—sports camps, arts programs, academic enrichment—what makes Vacation Bible School worth prioritizing?

The answer is not that VBS is merely another activity. It is that VBS uniquely aims at something eternal.

First, Vacation Bible School places children under the clear and consistent teaching of God’s Word. In a world where so many voices compete for their attention, VBS sets aside focused time to open Scripture, tell the great story of redemption, and present Christ in a way that is accessible and compelling. Seeds are planted that, by God’s grace, may bear fruit for a lifetime.

Second, VBS surrounds children with joyful, visible expressions of the Christian faith. They don’t just hear about truth—they see it lived out. They sing, pray, learn, and interact with leaders and peers who are pointing them toward Christ. For many children, this is one of the few environments where faith is not only taught, but celebrated.

Third, it provides a concentrated spiritual investment. While weekly church attendance is vital, there is something powerful about several consecutive days immersed in biblical truth. Much like a retreat can sharpen an adult’s faith, VBS can awaken a child’s heart in a focused and memorable way.

Fourth, VBS often becomes a doorway. For some children, it’s their first meaningful exposure to the gospel. For others, it deepens what has already been planted at home. And for families, it can serve as a bridge into the life of the church.

That conversation with the new believer stayed with me. He wasn’t dismissive—just trying to be a wise steward. And that’s commendable. But sometimes the most valuable investments are not the ones that yield immediate or measurable returns.

Vacation Bible School is not about filling time—it’s about forming hearts.

In the end, sports skills may fade, artistic talents may shift, and academic knowledge will grow and change. But the Word of God endures. And when it takes root in a child’s life, it shapes everything else.

So yes, there is a cost. There is time involved. But few things we invest in our children will carry the same eternal weight.

And that is time well spent.

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www.huntingtonbaptist.net