The Transformative Power of Vacation Bible School

Shaping Disciples through Wonder, Worship, and Witness

Each summer, churches across the country open their doors to something more than a week of fun and fellowship—they host a sacred space where young hearts are shaped into lifelong disciples. Vacation Bible School (VBS) offers a unique, high-impact opportunity to nurture spiritual formation in children during their most impressionable years. It combines storytelling, worship, play, and mission into an unforgettable journey of faith discovery. Far from being just a week of songs and snacks, VBS is a focused discipleship experience that lays the foundation for spiritual growth in a way that is age-appropriate, deeply engaging, and eternally significant.

One of the most profound aspects of VBS is the way it reaches children in the wide-open space of summer—a time when routines are relaxed, and hearts are more open to new experiences. In that window, VBS meets them with truth, wonder, and relationship. The rhythms of daily Bible lessons, memory verses, worship music, and hands-on activities create a structure where kids can encounter God in powerful ways. Every craft, every skit, every snack time prayer is an opportunity to reinforce the message that Jesus loves them, knows them, and invites them to follow Him.

What makes VBS especially impactful is the sense of community it builds. Children don’t just learn about God—they experience the love of God through the people around them. Caring volunteers, older youth leaders, and pastors become role models, demonstrating faith in action. Kids bond with peers through shared laughter, play, and discovery, creating a deep sense of belonging. This environment becomes a safe space where questions are welcomed and faith can be explored without pressure or fear. In a world that often isolates, VBS fosters the kind of spiritual friendships that encourage discipleship to flourish.

Programs like Wonder Junction VBS exemplify this beautifully. Developed by Answers in Genesis, Wonder Junction invites children on a western-themed journey filled with awe and purpose. Over five days, kids follow the life of Jesus—from His birth, through His childhood and ministry, to His death, resurrection, and the promise of His return. This sweeping gospel narrative invites children not only to learn about Jesus but to see how His story changes theirs. Each day opens with the "All-Aboard Assembly," a vibrant gathering that sets the stage with worship, skits, and memory verses. The energy is infectious, but beneath the fun is a clear and powerful message: Jesus is worthy of our trust, love, and obedience.

Wonder Junction also excels in sparking childlike curiosity about faith. Questions like, “What was Jesus like as a child?” and “What should we do while we wait for Him to return?” are explored in an age-appropriate yet theologically rich way. Rather than just giving answers, the program encourages children to wonder, to ask, to explore. That sense of holy curiosity is essential for discipleship. It teaches children that faith isn’t just something you inherit—it’s something you grow into, through seeking and discovering who God is.

Another standout element of Wonder Junction is its daily “Mission Moment.” Children learn about the needs of others through a partnership with the Children’s Hunger Fund, which connects kids directly to global outreach opportunities. In 2024 alone, VBS participants raised over $8,200—enough to supply more than 33,000 meals to children in need. These moments of service shape a theology of compassion early on. Kids begin to see that following Jesus means caring for others in tangible ways. This kind of mission-minded education forms a crucial part of disciple-making, showing children that their faith is meant to impact the world around them.

Through every carefully planned rotation—whether it's Bible Adventure, games at Dusty’s Gulch, or tasty treats at Sweet Sadie’s Snacks—children are learning through all their senses. This multisensory approach recognizes that children learn best when they’re fully engaged. Whether it’s hands-on science at “Carpenter Joe’s Workshop” or spirited singing at the Junction Jamboree, every station builds on the day’s biblical truth, offering new ways to connect the lesson to real life.

Most importantly, VBS helps cultivate habits that last far beyond the week. Daily Scripture memorization, consistent prayer, and joyful worship are all introduced in a format kids love and remember. Many churches extend the themes and memory verses into Sunday School or family devotionals, reinforcing the lessons and creating continuity. This kind of repetition helps truths stick—and over time, forms the spiritual muscle memory that children draw on throughout their lives.

One often overlooked benefit of a VBS like Wonder Junction is its foundation in apologetics. Answers in Genesis integrates age-appropriate explanations of biblical truth, helping kids understand not only what Christians believe but why. This apologetics-based approach equips children with confidence in their faith at an early age, giving them tools to navigate an increasingly skeptical culture. By grounding their faith in Scripture and encouraging critical thinking, VBS becomes a launchpad for resilient, thoughtful discipleship.

In the end, Vacation Bible School is a sacred trust. It is the Church’s joyful opportunity to invest deeply in the next generation—not just for one week, but for a lifetime. With careful planning, loving volunteers, and programs like Wonder Junction that are both theologically rich and wildly fun, VBS becomes a place where seeds of faith are sown, nurtured, and even harvested. Many adults trace their first encounter with the gospel to a summer VBS—and many more discover their spiritual gifts through serving in one.

So whether you're a parent, volunteer, pastor, or curious neighbor, know this: VBS matters. It shapes hearts. It stirs faith. And it calls kids to wonder—then walk—with Jesus. Wonder Junction, with its Christ-centered storytelling, vibrant activities, and commitment to discipleship, serves as a shining example of what can happen when we take that calling seriously.

Final Thought: VBS is not a program. It's a mission. It's not babysitting—it's building the Church. And when done with purpose and prayer, it becomes one of the most effective tools for shaping young disciples who will grow into faithful followers of Jesus.