Why VBS Is Worth It in 2025 (Theme Ideas + Lesson Planning Tips)

Vacation Bible School (or VBS, as the cool kids say) can be a lot. It takes a lot of prep, a lot of crafting, a lot of snacks, and a lot of costume accessories most of us never thought we would wear. But despite the work, VBS is absolutely worth it. Not because of the themes, the crafts, or the clever t-shirts, but because it helps kids understand and remember the heart of the gospel—and that is something they carry with them for life.

How Vacation Bible School Teaches the Gospel to Kids

When I look back on my childhood, I don’t remember every game, every snack, or every silly dance move. But I do remember these truths: 

Daniel’s friends refused to bow to the giant idol. Esther obeyed God even when it was scary. God loves me so much that Jesus died on my behalf and was raised to life again.

These stories stuck with me. I heard them at Sunday School lessons, at kids' camp events, and even through a group of very silly vegetables on Veggie Tales. I still smile when I think about those animated characters, but what mattered most was the truth beneath the fun. It wasn’t the flashiness that made it stick. It was the truth itself, told in a way I could understand at an age when my heart was wide open to wonder.

Vacation Bible School's real purpose: to translate the truth of the gospel into a language kids can grab onto. To tell them, in a thousand creative ways, that God is good, God is near, and God has a purpose for their lives.

Themes Are Tools, Not the Mission

Don’t get me wrong – I love a good VBS theme! Between space missions, jungle quests, and construction sites, I’ve seen them all, and they’re fun!

But it’s important to remember that themes are just the wrapping. The gospel is the gift.

If we’re not careful, we can spend more time decorating the stage than preparing our hearts for the work God wants to do. This doesn’t mean we ditch the fun, of course! It’s just a reminder to stay rooted in purpose. Every skit you write, every snack you prepare, and every game you play becomes a bridge to the bigger message of God’s love. 

With that in mind, here are a few crowd-favorite VBS theme ideas that serve the mission of the gospel, plus practical planning tips to keep Christ at the center of it all.

Gospel-Centered VBS Theme Ideas for 2025

"On the Case" (Detective Theme)

This theme is incredibly clever, inviting kids to become lifelong investigators of the gospel. Each day, they can search for clues about who God is and what it means to follow Him. Frame every Bible lesson like a mystery to solve: Who is Jesus? What is the Bible? Why does it matter? 

This theme encourages curiosity and teaches kids that asking big questions can lead to deeper faith. Through each clue and discovery, kids are invited to see that God is not hiding from them. In Jesus, God has made Himself known, and He welcomes every heart that comes looking for Him.

"Ready, Set, Move!" (Travel/Adventure Theme)

This theme is an excellent opportunity to show kids that following Jesus is an active daily adventure. It uses movement and exploration to show kids how God calls us to go, love, serve, and grow. It pairs beautifully with lessons about the disciples, Paul’s missionary journeys, or the Israelites heading toward the Promised Land.

Whether they are mapping new routes, crossing "rivers," or stepping into new territory, kids are invited to see faith as a bold and exciting journey with God at the lead.

"Under Construction" (Builder Theme)

This theme brings Philippians 1:6 to life: “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Focus each day on a different building block of faith, such as trust, obedience, forgiveness, or courage. Construction imagery helps kids see that spiritual growth is not about being perfect but about trusting the One who is faithfully at work within them. Through Jesus, God lays a firm foundation of grace, truth, and love that He promises to carry to completion.

"Monumental" or "Stellar" (Nature or Space Themes)

Whether it is canyons, deserts, or distant galaxies, these themes naturally invite awe and wonder. They create a powerful opportunity to teach kids about God's creativity, His promises, and His vastness. 

As Psalm 19:1 says, "The heavens declare the glory of God…" Through these lessons, kids can discover that the same God who made the stars also made them in His image. Even more, they will hear the good news that through Jesus, they are invited into a personal relationship with the Creator of the universe.

"Camp Out" (Wilderness Theme)

With tents, stars, and campfires as a backdrop, this theme invites kids to explore stories of trusting God in the unknown. Whether they hear about the Israelites journeying through the wilderness, Elijah waiting by the brook, or Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, each story reminds kids that they can trust Jesus to care for them wherever they go.

Five Tips to Keep the Gospel Central at Vacation Bible School

You don’t need the biggest budget to make an eternal impact through this year’s Vacation Bible School! What matters most is anchoring everything to the message of Jesus. Here are a few tips to ensure that the main thing stays the main thing.

#1 Pick one big truth each day and weave it into everything.

If you want the message to stick, focus on one or two big truths per day. Tie it through the songs, the skits, the snacks, the crafts, and the closing talk. Repetition helps kids hold onto the main takeaways!

#2 Make space for quiet reflection.

Vacation Bible School is usually fun, busy, and full of energy, but it is important to create a moment to pause at the end of each day. Take a few minutes to invite kids into quiet reflection by asking simple questions like, "What did you learn about God today?" or "What would you like to say to Him?" Give them permission to wonder, reflect, and pray in their own words.

#3 Use Scripture memory creatively.

One of the most important parts of VBS is scripture memorization! Help kids memorize Scripture through songs, hand motions, chalk art, or even games. When God's Word gets planted in their hearts in creative and joyful ways, it is more likely to stay with them for life.

#4 Empower your volunteers to disciple, not just supervise.

Your volunteers are more than helpers. They are spiritual leaders who can speak life into kids’ hearts! Invest in leadership training for your volunteers and encourage them to listen carefully, pray boldly, and look for opportunities to affirm what God is doing.

#5 End the week with a family moment.

So much of children’s ministry is partnering with parents and caregivers! At the end of your 2025 VBS, consider inviting families into the story by hosting a short closing program, sending home a special note, or offering a simple walkthrough of what kids experienced. Family engagement helps the seeds planted at VBS continue to grow long after the week is over.

VBS Still Matters (Even When It Feels Like Too Much)

So yes, Vacation Bible School can be a lot. Teaching theology to kids takes time, energy, creativity, and more than a few backup plans. Some years it may even feel overwhelming. But even when it feels like too much, VBS still matters.

For many kids, VBS is their very first introduction to the church. It might be the first time they hear that they are created on purpose. The first time they pray out loud. The first time they realize they belong in the family of God. These moments may feel simple to us, but they are sacred! They are holy ground.

As leaders, we have the privilege of helping to build that ground. We get to help lay a foundation of truth and love that God can grow for a lifetime.

So as you plan this year, take a deep breath. Don’t let the pressure of perfection steal your joy. You don’t need the biggest production or the flashiest theme. You just need to keep the main thing the main thing. Tell the stories, show the love, create the space, and trust that God will do the rest!

Free VBS Planning Resource Bundle

If you are looking for practical tools to help you plan with purpose, grab Tithely’s free VBS Resource Bundle. It is filled with helpful templates, checklists, and ideas to help you keep the main thing the main thing—sharing the gospel in a way kids can understand and remember.

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