Get ready for a summer adventure as we delve into the world of Vacation Bible Schools (VBS) across Southwest Florida. From thrilling stunt shows reminiscent of Indiana Jones to giant beach balls and LED walls, these VBS programs offer a unique blend of fun and faith exploration. Discover how churches transform summer camps into experiences that engage children in a quest to uncover the foundations of faith.
At First Naples Church, about 1,700 children are about to go on a gigantic quest. There will be an Indiana Jones-style stunt show, giant 9-foot beach balls, a concert, a humongous LED motion-activated wall, and more.
This certainly isn’t your typical children’s church school, and it’s nothing like a traditional camp. Instead, it’s a Vacation Bible School aimed at engaging children in an expedition to discover faith.
Churches across Southwest Florida and the nation hold weeklong VBS, where children gather to learn about the Bible while playing games, crafting, singing songs, and doing mission projects. VBS has several goals. It provides a fun way to learn about God while giving children a safe, wholesome summer activity. It is an outreach into the community and a way to teach children how to help people who might be struggling.
The camps are not just for the children who attend the host church but for any child in the community. The cost of the camp is usually nominal compared with a traditional summer camp, and some are even free. Church officials say it is an outreach tool that gives people in the community a fun opportunity to visit a new church.
Jessica Jahraus, children’s director at First Naples Church, says her church goes all out to make VBS an amazing adventure. This year’s theme is “The Quest.”
“It is an expedition to discover faith and change the world,” she said. “I don’t know any camp that does what we do. Usually, when I think of day camp, there are a lot of crafts. We will do crafts, but the way we do this is so different. We will have a huge worship rally every day where everything will be super professional. [The children] will get in-depth professional Bible teaching. The way it is produced, it is magical.”
Last summer, the First Naples VBS had a circus theme where an acrobat fell from the ceiling. There were also space days with characters dressed up in space suits.
Each day starts with all the kids together for the big production. Then, they meet in smaller groups for games, crafts, music, and other activities. This year, the mission is to raise money for an orphanage in Arizona.
“We do it with a boys-versus-girls competition, and the group that raises the most gets to slime the staff,” Jahraus explained.
New Hope Naples
Local churches are planning a variety of themes and activities for VBS this summer. New Hope Naples is one of the only places where all children attend for free. Renee Moore, children’s ministry director, said the highlight of their VBS is the mission.
“They do a girls-against-boys competition, and at the end of the session, the leaders of the losing team get pied in the face. The kids love that,” Moore said.
The VBS is raising money for New Hope to go to the Wyoming Indian Reservation and put on a VBS program there. In addition to the mission competition, children will have games, crafts, Bible stories, and songs.
“Each day has a different theme and Bible story,” Moore said.
Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church
This year, Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church and Learning Center will have a “Diving Into Friendship With God” theme for VBS.
“We are excited because every day we get to meet a new underwater Bible character that helps us dive into God’s love,” explained Heather Mikes, director of Christian education at Vanderbilt Presbyterian.
Children will meet Tad the frogfish, Finley the dolphin, Fisher the sea lion, Waylon the whale shark, and Octavia the octopus.
Mikes said the $25 fee covers the cost of the T-shirts, snacks, and supplies.
“It is never intended to make money,” she stressed. “It is a community outreach.”
Mikes said their VBS gets a variety of kids from Vanderbilt Presbyterian, other churches, and children who don’t attend church.
“It’s a big mix,” she explained. “One of the things we learn from VBS is making space for new friends.”
Vanderbilt Presbyterian’s VBS will feature recreation, music, crafts, science, Bible lessons, snacks, and games. This year’s mission project will collect backpacks and school supplies for Grace Place and Mission Peniel.
North Naples Church
North Naples Church does not call its weeklong summer program Vacation Bible School. It’s called Serve Your World Camp.
“It was started as an alternative for Vacation Bible School,” said Mona Walker, associate pastor of children’s ministry. “The opportunities and purpose are for children to participate in service activities that help to open their eyes to the importance of serving others.”
This year’s charity is the Guadalupe Center. Children will gather a list of items that that Immokalee organization needs. Activities also include Bible lessons and games.
“Then we culminate the week with a trip to the Naples Zoo,” Walker said
First Naples
June 3-7 • 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Pre-K 4 through incoming fifth graders
$10 per child
New Hope Naples
July 22-26 • 8:30-11:30 a.m.
Rising kindergarten through rising fifth graders
Free
Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church and Learning Center
July 22-26 • 9 a.m.-noon
Age 3 (by Sept 1 and potty trained) through rising fifth graders
$25 for the first child and $10 for every sibling
North Naples Church
June 17-21 • 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (after care is until 5:15 p.m.)
Completed kindergarten through fifth grade
Cost $150 per child (after care is an additional $115) Cost includes a trip to the zoo