At Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Santa Monica, about 20 elementary school kids engaged with Katie Nakata as she led them in song. Nakata, one of four young adults leading the vacation Bible school (VBS), guided the children through morning worship with vibrant energy. This VBS, however, stood out because it welcomed kids from outside the congregation, some of whom had never heard Bible stories before. The church advertised widely, inviting the whole community.
Adapting to Modern Family Needs
Historically, VBS programs designed for children involved congregation volunteers. Today, changes in family dynamics and religious participation mean adaptations are necessary. Mt. Olive hired Lutheran Retreats, Camps, and Conferences to lead the program, catering to working parents who can’t volunteer for a week.
Rev. Christie Webb explained that VBS serves as affordable childcare for parents. While many VBS programs were once free due to volunteer staffing, the need to hire professionals has led to small fees. Christa Peters, a working mom, values VBS for the moral and community-building it offers her son Rigby.
“He is building a community that is based on morals and values that we believe in as a family.”
Though Rigby would prefer football camp, he plans to incorporate his love for sports into craft time.
Julia Chin, a concert pianist from Shanghai, appreciates VBS’s extended hours, aligning with her job schedule. Despite innovations, fewer congregations offer VBS today. Sociologist Scott Thumma notes a decline in children’s religious education programs, with reasons including waning religious interest among youth and competition from other camps.
A New Approach to Vacation Bible School
First United Methodist Church in Santa Monica continues to offer VBS, now rebranded as Messy Camp by youth minister Jamie Jones. Jones incorporates science into the curriculum, engaging kids with hands-on activities like volcano-making to teach about God’s creation. Pastoral associate Tricia Guerrero emphasizes the camp’s goal of community outreach over church membership, fostering a broader connection with neighbors.
Source:
Not your parents’ VBS: How vacation Bible schools are changing to meet new needs
About Post Author
