This summer, churches across the conference brought vacation Bible school to life, each one putting its own unique spin on the beloved tradition. From creative scheduling and special projects to new formats and fresh themes, these diverse programs showed how innovation and faith can come together to engage kids and families in meaningful, fun ways. 

“Road Trip,” the Cokesbury offering, was a favorite across the conference this year, and focused on exploring new places and experiences. Guided by the fearless Navigator and their adventurous pup, Scout, kids embarked on a thrilling journey discovering that God is always by their side (based on Joshua 1:9, "The LORD your God is with you wherever you go"). Together, they explored new places, made lasting friendships, and experienced God’s amazing goodness at every turn. 

“True North VBS,” the Group Publishing program, was another favorite this year, giving kids a rock-solid foundation in faith and helping them navigate life’s challenges with confidence. As the curriculum helped them explore the Alaskan wilderness, children learned how easy it is to lose sight of what’s true in today’s world and discovered that Jesus is their unshakable true north, a faithful friend they can always trust. 

Many churches adjusted packaged programs to meet their needs or created their own curriculum. Faith UMC in Freeport continued their Wacky Wednesday five days of VBS throughout the summer. Creation and Creativity was Apple River UMC’s theme. Kids explored nature, created nature sculptures and clothing from recycled items. 

Journeying Together 

Grace UMC of Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood and nearby Humboldt Park UMC came together and offered a unique English/Spanish bilingual vacation Bible school, centered on the theme “journeys.” Through Bible stories, children explored both physical and personal journeys, learning how God faithfully accompanied people every step of their way through life. Adults shared their own stories of journeys, whether moving from another country or state or navigating deeply personal transitions like coming out, and reflected on how God’s presence sustained them. The sessions culminated in a powerful joint worship service held in a neighborhood park, where the children led singing and scripture readings in English and Spanish.  

Working with Annual Conference in Session 

Our Redeemer’s and Our Saviour’s United Methodist churches in Schaumburg, already partners in hosting VBS, expanded their collaboration this year by welcoming children of Annual Conference attendees in need of child care. This extension not only strengthened their shared ministry but also offered a meaningful child care solution for parents attending Annual Conference.  

Seventeen children took part in morning vacation Bible school at Our Redeemer’s. In the afternoon they enjoyed a variety of activities organized by Our Saviour’s UMC. During the Celebration of Ministry service—where ordinands and others are honored at Annual Conference—children gathered to watch a movie, allowing parents to fully engage in the worship experience without distraction. The program was such a hit that even after the  conference ended, children were still asking to come back for more VBS fun. 

Making an Impact 

During VBS, participants didn’t just learn about God’s love; they put it into action through collections of school supplies and food for local food pantries. Children in a combined VBS planned by Channahon and Minooka UMCs collected coins for the Children’s Advocacy Center in Crest Hill. The elementary-school kids at Cherry Valley UMC assembled care kits for children in crisis at the Rockford Rescue Mission, turning their lessons into tangible acts of care and compassion. 

At Grace UMC in Joliet, kids received a fun challenge: collect 100 food items for the local food pantry and earn the chance to dump a bucket of water over Pastor Laura Barkley’s head! Their enthusiasm overflowed and they brought in over 300 items. Two other brave volunteers also stepped up to succumb to the splash, making the celebration as memorable as the children’s generosity.  

Across the conference, programs like these and many others brought children and congregations together for unforgettable activities, meaningful spiritual growth, and stronger community connections. Explore more stories from the vibrant vacation Bible schools that gathered across our conference (below). If your church is missing, please share your story and photos with Lisa Smith. We will update the story as we get more information.

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Lake North 

Arlington Heights: First  
Kids learned that "God is a friend we can trust” at the VBS of First UMC of Arlington Heights. The kids enjoyed themed snacks, played games, did science experiments, heard Bible stories and sang songs. During large-group time they learned about what life is like in the informal settlements in South Africa. They also collected swimsuits for kids living in an informal settlement near the ocean in Cape Town, where Associate Pastor David Profitt participated in a mission trip.  

Chicago: Grace of Logan Square and Chicago: Humboldt Park 
Grace Church of Logan Square and Humboldt Park United Methodist Church  shared a joint bilingual VBS based around the theme "Journeys." They told Bible stories of physical and personal journeys and the ways that God walked with people along the way. Volunteers shared personal stories of physical or personal journeys they had taken and the ways that God accompanied them. Some examples included moving from a different country/state or coming out as LGBTQ. They finished this year’s session with a joint worship in the park, where the kids led the singing and scripture readings. 

Glencoe: North Shore 
Deacon Barbara Javore led sessions of vacation Bible school for North Shore UMC in Glencoe UMC on the Sundays in June for youth and children. She was supported by other volunteers from the congregation. Sessions included Hebrew Testament Heroic Figures and “I am” Sayings of Jesus. Some of the highlights included Good Shepherd sheep pancakes, a Living Water splash, visiting Daniel’s Lion Den and painting 23rd Psalm graham crackers.  

Libertyville 
The kids and volunteers had an incredible time at United Methodist Church of Libertyville’s “True North VBS,” from Group Publishing. The weeklong camp was filled with laughter, energy, music, and meaningful moments as children explored God’s direction for their lives together. They “filled the tent” with school supplies to give to children not otherwise able to obtain them. They even had an extra special guest appearance from Earnest the Eagle. 

Oak Park: St John’s 
The little travelers, as well as the adults, of St. John's UMC in Oak Park attended a one-day vacation Bible school using Cokesbury’s "Road Trip: On the Go with God.” The participants enjoyed learning about God through Bible stories, crafts, science, snack-making, and games. They are ready for more road trips with God, and they know that we will never be alone, for God will be with them wherever they go.  

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Prairie Central 

Antioch 
The members of the United Methodist Church of Antioch went on Cokesbury’s “Road Trip” with Scout the dog this summer. Their days were filled with sunshine, crafts, coloring, navigating maps, science experiments, and learning fun songs to sing and dance to. They also learned how Abraham and Sarah, the Israelites, Mary and Elizabeth, and Zacchaeus followed God. 

Batavia, Geneva, and St. Charles: Baker Memorial 
The Tri-Cities United Methodist Churches (Batavia, Geneva, and Baker Memorial) have been collaborating in ministry for the past few years. This summer they hosted VBS together at Batavia UMC. Going on Cokesbury’s “Road Trip" with God and Scout the dog, the travelers set out on adventures learning about the Bible, making crafts, and learning about science.  On the last day of the Road Trip themed VBS they were visited by a real therapy dog, Stella Blue. 

Cary 
The children of Cary UMC participated in Group’s “True North VBS.” Their fundraising mission was Cunningham Children's Home, an organization that provides caring support and therapeutic intervention for children and families. They learned from Cunningham’s Brooke Watson to be mindful that others have needs that may look similar or quite different from our own, but no matter what each person's experience is, we are serving Jesus when we care for others. 

Elgin: Journey of Hope 
Journey of Hope UMC in Elgin and Bartlett hosted the Cokesbury's “Road Trip” for over 60 kids and 40 volunteers at their Elgin campus. The kids learned that God is with us every where we go. During the weeklong program, the kids participated in worship, science experiments, story time, games, and other fun activities. This was Journey of Hope's second year hosting VBS after they were formed by the merger of Wesley and Epworth UMCs in 2020. They also welcomed volunteers from Cornerstone UMC, whose church concluded their ministry this spring. 

Joliet: Grace 
Grace UMC used Group’s “Wilderness Escape” VBS curriculum. About 54 children attended, from the daycare, the church, and the community. The kids were challenged to bring in 100 food donations for the local food pantry with the reward of pouring a bucket of water over Pastor Laura Barkley’s head. They exceeded that challenge by bringing in over 300 items. They were rewarded with two courageous volunteers’ getting drenched. 

Naperville: Grace 
Grace UMC in Naperville buckled up for an unforgettable journey with God as they hosted Cokesbury’s “Road Trip” VBS. They extended the road beyond their building by raising $350 for a back-to-school event supported by RAO 25, a non-profit located in Chicago, and collected 698 school supplies for children in underserved neighborhoods. Making up one of the most powerful layers of their VBS are their Prayer Partners. Every one of the 92 participants was paired with a prayer partner, creating an invisible but deeply felt web of encouragement, hope, and intergenerational connection. 

Naperville: Community (with Downers Grove: First)
Elementary- and middle-school students from Community UMC in Naperville and First UMC of Downers Grove gathered at Community for Creative Arts Camp. Campers learned how to put on a show and by the end of the week brought to life "The Not-So-Terrible Parable,” a hilarious whodunit that retold Jesus's parable of the Good Samaritan. Learning songs, choreography, staging directions, and their lines, students had a great time. Middle schoolers had the option to be a part of the tech crew, helping build the set, learning to run the light and soundboard, and picking out costumes and props for actors. And there was still time for art, games, snacks, Bible stories, and mission. In between all the fun on stage and behind the scenes, students became Good Samaritans themselves, packing lunches for the unhoused, baking cookies for homebound members, and assembling hygiene kits for United Methodist Committee on Relief.

Schaumburg: Our Redeemer’s and Our Saviour’s  
In Schaumburg, Our Redeemer’s and Our Saviour’s churches joined together with Grow’s "Step Right Up” VBS. Using the carnival theme, they engaged the youth through Bible stories, fellowship, fun, and faith. They also welcomed 17 children whose parents were attending Annual Conference that week. 

West Dundee: First 
After a 10-year break, VBS made a powerful and heartfelt return to First UMC in West Dundee. The two-day event focused on one powerful message: shine God’s light wherever you go, as taught by Group’s “Rocky Point Lighthouse” curriculum. In one experience, the kids were blindfolded to experience how God leads us even when we can’t see what’s ahead. A very special guest, Lightman, joined them throughout the program, reminding everyone to be a beacon of God’s light to the world. 

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Prairie North 

Apple River 
Apple River UMC’s VBS explored Creation and Creativity through Bible stories, fun kids’ books, art projects, games, and field trips. Their art projects included creative sculptures with collected on a nature items, superpower self portraits, and a fashion show with “clothes” made of recycled materials. They took a field trip to a local farm on the animals day and ate some vegetables from the community garden. 

Belvidere: First 
First UMC of Belvidere found their True North at VBS. They had 32 attendees and many volunteers that made the week special. The campers and their families collected snacks for the local schools.  

Cherry Valley (with Rockford: Centennial) 
Participants from Cherry Valley UMC were joined by kids from Centennial UMC in Rockford in an amazing undersea adventure at Anchored VBS “Deepening Faith in God”. The weekend VBS, that took place on Friday night, Saturday afternoon and Sunday worship, included bible learning experiences, team-building games, cool bible songs and multi-sensory adventures. They made care kits for children in crisis at the Rockford Rescue Mission, introducing the children to community service. The theme was supported by a giant anchor that was the center piece of the float in the village parade and that dominated the sanctuary during the weekend. 

Freeport: Faith 
Faith UMC in Freeport has been hosting Wacky Wednesdays in summer for a few years. They incorporate crafts, singing, games, stories and worship into five Wednesdays through out the summer. Gardening is a highlight of the day where they can see how their produce has grown, share their bounty, and enjoy the flowers in the Children’s Garden. 

Roscoe 
At Roscoe UMC, VBS was CAMP RUMC – Live It Out. They had 104 campers and over 60 volunteers who talked the about different ways we can show the love of Jesus to the people around us: like loving each other, being kind, forgiving, serving and praying for one another. Each day they played games, made crafts, and sang songs to be reminded to live it out and love like Jesus. 

Scales Mound  
Scales Mound UMC held its Road Trip VBS during the first week of June. They averaged 66 kids per day with 25 volunteers helping out. They gave 160 pounds of food to a local food pantry in addition to raising about $500 for a local helping fund at the school. But best of all they, earned that Jesus is with us always. 

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Prairie South 

Channahon and Minooka 
The congregations of Channahon UMC and Minooka UMC co-hosted VBS for the third year, using True North as their theme. They had 56 participants and 38 volunteers who collected coins for the Children's Advocacy Center in Crest Hill.  They ended the week with a VBS Celebration Sunday, where families sang and danced during worship.  After worship there was a picnic with an offering to benefit the "Ronald McDonald House." 

Dixon:Grace 
This year at Grace UMC of Dixon’s F.R.O.G. Camp, Fully Rely on God Camp, children enjoyed a joyful week of songs, crafts, games, and reading books. They learned to find God in everyday life and process their feelings with faith. Each child received a handmade “monster” doll, a reminder that feelings can seem scary at first, but with understanding, can become calm and even cute. This creative gift tied beautifully into theirlearning, making the week one of kindness, faith, friendship, laughter, and lasting connections in a Christ-centered community.  

Hinckley First 
This summer, First UMC in Hinckley hosted Vacation Bible School with over 80 children and 22 youth volunteer leaders. The week overflowed with joy, laughter, and love as we explored what it means to Live It Out—to love boldly, be kind, pray faithfully, and serve like Jesus. 

Prophetstown 

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We would love to hear your stories and see your photos, too.

Share with us by sending information and photos to Lisa Smith.