Vacation Bible School, widely known as VBS, is a joyful program organized by churches for children, typically during school holidays. While it's most common in the summer, many churches around the world also hold it in other seasons like winter or spring — depending on local school schedules and weather. The first person to introduce Vacation Bible School (VBS) in India was Mary E. Hamilton. She, along with her husband Lester Hamilton, arrived in India as missionaries in 1951 and began serving at the South India Bible Institute (now South India Biblical Seminary). In 1952, they organized the first VBS program for 75 children. It all started as a small program in the U.S. has now grown into a global movement that reaches millions of children every year.
What makes VBS truly special is how it brings entire communities together. It’s not just about kids having fun — it's about planting seeds of faith, building friendships, and making every child feel seen, loved, and valued. Volunteers, youth leaders, parents, and pastors all join hands to create something beautiful. For many children, VBS is the place where they first hear about Jesus, and for others, it's where they grow deeper in their faith. As VBS continues across India and the world, the joy is real, the smiles are wide, and the message is clear that faith can be fun, exciting, and life-changing. If you pass by a church filled with happy music and kids dancing in colorful t-shirts — you’re probably witnessing the beauty of VBS in action.
Each day is packed with exciting activities centered around a theme. Kids start with lively worship songs and dancing, then dive into fun Bible lessons told through stories, skits, and interactive teaching. There are also outdoor games, hands-on crafts, memory verses, and snacks — all designed to help children understand and remember God’s love in a fun and meaningful way. Many VBS programs also include service projects, encouraging kids to help others and make a difference in their communities.
Whether it’s in a quiet church in India or a buzzing hall in another part of the world, VBS continues to be a beautiful reminder that learning about faith doesn’t have to be boring — it can be loud, colorful, creative, and full of heart. It’s a celebration of Jesus, of community, and of the amazing impact that one week can have on a child’s life.
The article is authored by Nyatala Gayathri, a student of St.George’s college and is interning with Deccan Chronicle