Lifelong Learning at Virginia Theological Seminary has offered Vacation Bible School reviews for more than 15 years. Beginning as an in-person “fair” and transitioning to an online-only presence in 2018, our department has spent countless hours assessing intensive, formative curricula so that hundreds of folks can rely on an authoritative assessment. This year our “top picks” are based on our intimate knowledge of the publishing companies and information from their websites.
To make sure your curriculum choice aligns with your communities theology, read about the publishers here.
Top Picks for 2021
- Church Publishing, Inc.: Arts Camp (Perennial)
- Cokesbury: Discovery on Adventure Island (New for 2021)
- Episcopal Relief & Development: The Abundant Life Garden Project (Perennial)
- Illustrated Ministry: Compassion Camp (New for 2021)
- Shine Curriculum: Come to the Table (New for 2021)
- THE SUNDAY PAPER: God’s Garden, God’s City (Perennial)
Additional Curriculum New for 2021
- Concordia: God’s Wonder Lab
- ELCA World Hunger: River of Life
- Group Publishing: Treasured
- Lifeway: Destination Dig
- Orange: Press Play
Additional Perennial Curriculum
GenOn Ministries
All God’s Children: The Church Family Gathers for a Blessed Summer
Global Ministries
Kids to Kids – Country Series
Kids to Kids: God’s Love Is Everywhere!
Godly Play
Christmas in July, Creation, The Golden Boxes, & More
Leader Resources
Aslan Is on the Move!
Dare to be Different
Peaceable Kingdom
Pilgrimage: Seeking the Kingdom of God
Praying All the Time
S.P.Y. Parables
Wild Willy’s Candy Factory: A New Look at the Prodigal Son
Wizards & Wonders: A Hero’s Journey with Harry Potter
Living Waters for the World (PCUSA)
Water All Around the World
Lutheran Outdoor Ministries
This Changes Everything: Day Camp Bible Study
Margie Baker
Noticing God In Creation: At Home VBS For Families
Society of St. Andrew
Abundance Orchard: Where Faith Grows and Hungry People Are Fed
Have any of you reviewed the VBS curriculum from the Bible Project called Kingdom Seekers? As a progressive there is much to love about Bible Project content, but some of the jargon in the marketing for Kingdom Seekers seems evangelical in nature. I wondered if someone had already reviewed it to save myself time in reading the individual lessons. Thanks!
Jennifer, We did not review Kingdom Seekers, but thanks for letting us know about it and we will consider doing a review next year!