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VBS Live
Why Vacation Bible School Matters
Vacation Bible School is a short-term, immersive ministry that helps children discover biblical truths through stories, music, activities, service, and relationships with caring Christian adults. Because it takes place over several consecutive days, VBS gives churches more time to build trust with children and families than is usually possible during a weekly program. It also provides a welcoming entry point for families who may not otherwise attend church while inviting members of all ages to serve together. The spiritual opportunity is significant: Barna research found that 43% of Americans who accepted Jesus did so before age 13, and Lifeway reports that more than 25,000 churches use VBS annually to reach over 2.5 million people. VBS is more than a summer activity—it is an opportunity for the entire church to share Jesus, build relationships, and create connections with families that can continue long after the program ends.
Because VBS has the potential to make such a lasting impact, churches need more than a curriculum—they need practical preparation, encouragement, and support. That is why we offer VBS Live.
VBS Live
Practical training. Shared resources. Stronger VBS programs.
VBS Live is an interactive training experience designed to help Central California Conference churches prepare for Vacation Bible School. Leaders experience the opening and closing programs, explore activity centers, learn practical planning strategies, and connect with others preparing to bring VBS to their communities.
Whether you are directing VBS for the first time or returning with years of experience, you will leave with ideas, resources, and encouragement you can take directly back to your church.
What You’ll Experience
VBS Live goes beyond simply describing the program. It gives leaders an opportunity to see and experience VBS in action.
During the training, participants can:
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Experience the VBS opening, activity centers, and closing program
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Learn how to organize volunteers, resources, schedules, and budgets
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Discover ways to adapt the program for different church sizes
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Explore practical ideas for decorations, activities, music, and outreach
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Connect with other VBS leaders and share ideas
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Receive helpful resources and giveaways that can be used in their local VBS program
More Than a Training Event
VBS Kit Reimbursement
CCC churches may receive reimbursement for an eligible VBS starter kit when at least one of their VBS leaders attends VBS Live. Churches are encouraged to purchase their kits early and begin planning without waiting for the training event. However, reimbursement will be processed only after VBS Live, once attendance has been confirmed and a complete paid invoice has been submitted.
Reimbursement covers the eligible cost of the kit only. Shipping and sales tax are not reimbursable.
Practical Resources and Giveaways
As participants experience the VBS centers, they can collect tickets—just as children might during a local VBS program. Participants then choose which prize drawings they would like to enter by placing their tickets into the corresponding prize baskets.
A table filled with VBS decorations and center supplies gives participants many prizes to choose from. At the end of the event, winning tickets are drawn, and the selected items can be taken back and used directly in the winners’ local VBS programs.
It is a fun way to experience VBS as a participant while giving churches an opportunity to receive practical resources that can help stretch their program budgets.
Shared VBS Supplies
CCC’s shared VBS supplies include the main-stage backdrop, standing cardboard characters, and the VBS mascot. Some participating churches may also choose to share decorations they have created or purchased; however, those arrangements are coordinated directly between the churches.
The request form will become active on the day of VBS Live. Leaders should be prepared to submit at least three possible dates for their VBS in order of preference. If another church has already reserved the CCC supplies for your first choice, we will use your alternate dates to determine availability.
Requests will be considered in the order received, based on the date and time recorded by the form. Submitting a request does not guarantee availability. Your dates are confirmed only after you receive approval from Children’s Ministries.
SUPPLY REQUESTS OPEN AT VBS LIVE - IT WILL BECOME LIVE ON THE WEBSITE AFTER THE EVENT.
Practical Giveaways
As participants experience the VBS centers, they can collect tickets—just as children might during a local VBS program. Participants then choose which prize drawings they would like to enter by placing their tickets into the corresponding prize baskets.
A table filled with VBS decorations and center supplies gives participants many prizes to choose from. At the end of the event, winning tickets are drawn, and the selected items can be taken back and used directly in the winners’ local VBS programs.
It is a fun way to experience VBS as a participant while giving churches an opportunity to receive practical resources that can help stretch their program budgets.
VBS Resources
You do not have to plan VBS alone. The official Adventist VBS website provides information and resources created specifically for Seventh-day Adventist churches.
Visit the website to:
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Explore the current Adventist VBS theme
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Learn what is included in the director’s kit
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Access music, multimedia, and opening and closing program materials
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Find promotional resources, certificates, handouts, and craft templates
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Watch English and Spanish promotional videos
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Explore previous Adventist VBS programs
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Order English and Spanish VBS kits through AdventSource
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Sign up to receive VBS updates
Some digital materials require the access code included with the purchased VBS kit.
Extend Your VBS with a Kids Rally
Some churches choose to build on the momentum of VBS by adding a sixth day as a community-focused Kids Rally. This gives VBS families another reason to return, allows the church to welcome additional families, and creates an opportunity for children to put what they have learned into action.
A Kids Rally is more than an additional day of regular VBS programming. To qualify for grant funding, it must be a festival-style community event that includes a meaningful community service project. Churches may apply for a Kids Rally Grant to help with eligible expenses, but funding is limited and approval must be received before making purchases.
Your VBS and Kids Rally can share a theme, decorations, volunteers, and invitations while serving two distinct purposes: VBS provides focused spiritual learning, and the Kids Rally expands that experience into community connection and service.
Planning a VBS? Let Us Know!
Tell us when and where your VBS will be held. Sharing your information allows us to promote participating programs, connect families with a VBS in their area, and help nearby churches discover opportunities to collaborate and share resources.
It also helps us understand how many CCC churches are actively using VBS to reach children and families.
Button: SHARE YOUR VBS INFORMATION
After Your VBS: Tell the Story
Your report is more than paperwork—it helps make future VBS support possible.
Funding and resources available to assist churches are influenced by the number of churches participating in VBS and the impact those programs are having. When we have no reports, it can appear that there is little need for training, reimbursements, shared supplies, and other forms of support.
After your VBS, please share your attendance, stories, and photographs with us. Your report helps us:
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Demonstrate the continued need for VBS funding and resources
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Celebrate what God is doing through our churches
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Share ideas and encouragement with other ministry leaders
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Strengthen future training and support
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Tell the story of how VBS is reaching children and families across CCC
Help us help you and your ministry. Your report allows us to advocate for continued resources so that more churches can provide meaningful VBS experiences in their communities.
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