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
Looking for more support?
Two Upcoming Workshops
Monday, April 12, 2021 from 7:00-9:30PM (EST)
Sunday, April 18, 2021 from 2:00-3:30PM (EST)
Whether and how to do Vacation Bible School can be overwhelming, even as restrictions begin to be lifted. Our team, hosted by Building Faith Editor, Sarah Bentley Allred, and including experienced formation practitioners like Toni Luc and Imani Driskell, will offer about 15 minutes of content. The remaining time will be spent in conversation with participants about their specific needs, concerns, and ideas. Join in one of these collaborative workshops to truly work through how VBS might work in your own context.
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