VBS Resources: Free Vacation Bible School Ideas, Crafts & Printables
Everything you need to plan and run Vacation Bible School (VBS) on a church budget: theme ideas, a step-by-step DIY planning guide, crafts, games, songs, snacks, decorations and printable forms. All free to print for your church.
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What Is VBS? Vacation Bible School Explained
What VBS (Vacation Bible School) is, what happens during a typical day, who it's for, how long it lasts and how churches run it, explained simply.
VBS Themes 2027
Fifteen original VBS theme ideas for 2027, each with a Bible focus, five daily stories, decor ideas and a memory verse, perfect for a DIY Vacation Bible School.
How to Plan a DIY VBS
A step-by-step guide to planning a do-it-yourself Vacation Bible School without buying a kit, with a timeline, daily schedule, volunteer roles, budget tips and free printables.
VBS Crafts for Kids
Twenty easy VBS craft ideas for kids, organized by Bible story, with cheap supplies, preschool-friendly options and tips for running a smooth VBS craft station.
VBS Games
Fifteen fun VBS games for indoor, outdoor and water-day recreation, each tied to a Bible story, with supplies, setup and tips for running a VBS rec station.
VBS Songs
The best VBS songs for kids, including classic public-domain worship songs with motions and Bible memory songs, plus tips for leading music at Vacation Bible School.
VBS Decorations on a Budget
Easy, budget-friendly VBS decoration ideas for any theme (jungle, ocean, space, ranch, castle, camping) using cardboard, paper, lights and borrowed items.
VBS Snacks
Twenty easy, cheap VBS snack ideas that match Bible stories, from Noah's ark animal crackers to empty-tomb rolls, with allergy-friendly swaps and serving tips.
VBS Volunteers
How many volunteers VBS needs, every VBS volunteer role explained, adult-to-child ratios, recruiting tips, safety basics and a simple training agenda.
Bible Stories for Kids
Every major Bible story for kids, each with printable coloring pages, crafts, lessons and games for Sunday school and VBS.
Plan your VBS in five steps
- Pick a theme that points to Jesus. See our VBS theme ideas for 2027.
- Choose five Bible stories and a memory verse for each day. Browse Bible stories.
- Build each day around the same rotation: opening → Bible story → craft → game → snack → closing.
- Recruit volunteers and assign stations. Use the volunteer guide.
- Print everything from this site: coloring pages, word searches, crafts, certificates and more.
New to all of this? Start with What is VBS? and then the DIY VBS planning guide.
Frequently asked questions
What does VBS stand for?
VBS stands for Vacation Bible School, a week-long (usually 3–5 day) summer program where churches teach kids Bible stories through crafts, games, music, snacks and lessons.
When should we start planning VBS?
Most churches choose a theme and dates in January–March, recruit volunteers in March–April, and hold VBS in June or July. Six months out is comfortable; three months is doable with a simple DIY plan.
Can we run VBS without buying a curriculum kit?
Yes. Many small churches run a DIY VBS with five Bible stories, a simple theme, free printables and a few volunteers. Our DIY planning guide walks you through it day by day.
Are VBS HQ resources really free?
Yes. Every printable on the site is free to print and copy for your church, classroom, VBS and home. We only ask that you don't resell or re-post the files.