Summer for many means enjoying Vacation Bible School, a concentrated time of Bible study, activities, music, crafts, recreation, refreshments and fun for children and students usually held during a week of “summer vacation.”
These days churches offer a variety of approaches and schedule options. Most are morning schools, but some meet at night. Some offer four days, while others host five weekdays.
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How it began
VBS was the brainchild of Walker “Virginia” Aylette Hawes, a doctor’s wife who was concerned about so many children wandering the streets of New York. In 1898 and 1899, she rented space on New York’s east side to conduct her “Everyday Bible School.”
As the 20th century dawned, VBS became a growing trend. In those days, VBS was a four-week event. Eventually, it became a two-week emphasis and was incorporated into church life. Today, most schools last a shorter period.
Preparation and follow-up, on the other hand, take weeks before and weeks after the event is completed. Our workers at my former pastorate spend several weeks decorating their rooms to coordinate with each year’s theme. They diligently prepare their material and lesson plans.
Once VBS is completed, the work continues as Sunday School teachers visit children and invite them and their parents to participate in Bible study and attend worship on Sundays.
Childhood memories
For me, VBS is not only a valuable teaching tool, but also a pleasant childhood memory. My early years were spent at Jefferson Avenue Baptist Church in East Point, Georgia. We’d have a crowd. I still remember Bible verses I learned in those summer settings. I remember gluing popsicle sticks together to make a “plaque” and then gluing on macaroni letters that read, “What time I am afraid I will trust in Thee,” (Psalm 56:3).
I remember looking forward to refreshment time. The refreshment crew brought peanut butter crackers and a bottle of Nehi grape or orange soda to our classrooms.
After moving to Milledgeville, I recall riding in a bicycle parade to promote VBS in the neighborhood. As a beginner bike rider, I was pretty nervous going down those hills in the Hardwick community.
VBS later played a key role in my journey to find God’s will for my life.
As a college student, I applied to be a Baptist Student Union summer missionary. Baptist Student Union is an organization ministering to students on campuses across the nation. Every year hundreds of students contribute their summer to serve in various roles overseas and nationally.
I was appointed to serve as a vacation Bible school worker in the Bahamas — it was a tough assignment, but someone had to do it. I was Georgia’s representative on a team of 12 students. We divided into teams, joined with Bahamian youth, and were assigned to different churches over a five-week period. My group stayed in Nassau and worked with five different churches.
I had the privilege of teaching the youth, and my two partners worked with the children and the preschoolers respectively. At the end of two weeks, my partners wanted to switch. One of them took youth, the other took children, and I ended up with the preschoolers. I didn’t picture myself as a preschool worker, but I was flexible and realized God would use me if I was willing to serve. The entire experience brought great personal and spiritual growth.
The next summer I served as “summer youth worker” at a local church. As soon as I started, the pastor informed me I was responsible for planning and conducting Vacation Bible School. I was totally overwhelmed and consulted a wise older minister who coached me and gave me a game plan that included delegating while overseeing the process. I learned and grew and, again, saw God use me.
Little did I know how powerful those experiences were and how God would use them to contribute to His calling me to full-time ministry.
How it’s going
Vacation Bible Schools continue to impact children and young people who learn about the Bible and about how to have a personal relationship with Jesus — while having fun and making new friends.
VBS also blesses workers, who, though tired from a full week, joyfully serve and see God transform lives.
EDITOR’S NOTE — David L. Chancey lives in Fayetteville, Georgia, and serves as transitional pastor at Eagles Landing at Griffin. See more of his writings, including his books at www.davidchancey.com. Contact him at davidlchancey@gmail.com.
