VBS Themes 2027: 15 Fun Vacation Bible School Theme Ideas

Every theme here is original and free to use. Each one has five days that tell one big story about God. Story links go to our free printables for that story.

1. Shepherd's Hill Ranch: Jesus Is My Good Shepherd

Decor: hay bales, fences, cardboard sheep, cowboy hats. Verse: Psalm 23:1

1. David the shepherd boy · 2. Psalm 23 · 3. The Lost Sheep · 4. The Shepherds at Christmas · 5. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, is alive

2. Deep Sea Rescue: God Saves

Decor: blue streamers, paper fish, a cardboard submarine. Verse: Jonah 2:9

1. Noah's Ark · 2. Crossing the Red Sea · 3. Jonah · 4. Jesus Calms the Storm · 5. Paul's Shipwreck

3. Mission: Brave: God Gives Us Courage

Decor: spy agency, laser-tape hallways, mission briefings. Verse: Joshua 1:9

1. The Twelve Spies · 2. David and Goliath · 3. Queen Esther · 4. Daniel in the Lions' Den · 5. Paul and Silas in Prison

4. Starlight Observatory: God's Promises Shine

Decor: black walls, glow-in-the-dark stars, telescopes from tubes. Verse: Genesis 15:5

1. Creation · 2. God's Promise to Abraham · 3. Joseph · 4. The Wise Men · 5. Heaven and the New Creation

5. Builders' Workshop: Build Your Life on Jesus

Decor: hard hats, cones, cardboard bricks, caution tape. Verse: Matthew 7:24

1. Noah builds the ark · 2. The Tower of Babel · 3. Nehemiah Rebuilds the Wall · 4. The Wise and Foolish Builders · 5. Friends and the Hole in the Roof

6. Garden Grove: Growing Good Fruit

Decor: flowers, watering cans, giant paper fruit. Verse: Galatians 5:22

1. Creation's garden · 2. The Parable of the Sower · 3. The Mustard Seed · 4. Ruth in the harvest fields · 5. The Fruit of the Spirit

7. Castle of Courage: Armor Up!

Decor: cardboard castle, shields, banners. Verse: Ephesians 6:11

1. David Is Anointed King · 2. Solomon Asks for Wisdom · 3. Josiah, the Boy King · 4. The Armor of God · 5. Jesus, the King on Palm Sunday

8. Desert Trek: God Provides

Decor: tents, sand-colored paper, palm trees, camels. Verse: Philippians 4:19

1. Manna and Quail · 2. Elijah and the Ravens · 3. The Ten Commandments · 4. Jesus Feeds the 5,000 · 5. The Woman at the Well

9. Hometown Heroes: Serve Like Jesus

Decor: Main Street storefronts, community helper props. Verse: Galatians 6:2

1. Ruth and Naomi · 2. The Good Samaritan · 3. Mary and Martha · 4. The Last Supper: Jesus serves · 5. Peter and John Heal a Lame Man

10. Lighthouse Island: Shine Jesus' Light

Decor: a cardboard lighthouse, beach towels, rope, flashlights. Verse: Matthew 5:16

1. Creation: let there be light · 2. Gideon's torches · 3. The Sermon on the Mount · 4. Saul Meets the Light · 5. The Great Commission

11. Base Camp Adventure: Following Jesus

Decor: tents, lanterns, trail signs, backpacks. Verse: Matthew 4:19

1. Abraham follows God · 2. Jesus Calls His Disciples · 3. Zacchaeus · 4. Blind Bartimaeus follows Jesus · 5. The Great Commission

12. Game Day Stadium: Team Jesus

Decor: jerseys, scoreboards, pennants, turf. Verse: 1 Timothy 4:12

1. Samuel listens · 2. David and Jonathan · 3. Nehemiah's team · 4. The Twelve Disciples · 5. Pentecost: the church begins

13. Rainbow Road Trip: God Keeps His Promises

Decor: road signs, cardboard cars, maps, a big rainbow. Verse: Genesis 9:13

1. Noah's rainbow · 2. Isaac Is Born · 3. Joshua and Jericho · 4. The Birth of Jesus · 5. Jesus Is Alive!

14. Wild Safari: God Made Me and Loves Me

Decor: jungle vines, animal prints, binoculars. Verse: Genesis 1:1

1. Creation · 2. Noah's animals · 3. Daniel and the lions · 4. Jonah and the big fish · 5. Jesus Blesses the Children

15. Rescue Station: Jesus Saves

Decor: fire station or lifeguard tower, rescue gear. Verse: Luke 19:10

1. Baby Moses rescued · 2. The First Passover · 3. Jesus Walks on Water · 4. The Prodigal Son · 5. Jesus Dies and Rises

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Next: use the DIY VBS planning guide to turn your theme into a full week.