VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: A World of Fun and Learning for Students and Volunteers

For children, summer offers the ultimate break time from school. And even though the season means kids have a chance to “recharge” for the upcoming school year, it doesn’t mean they have to stop learning! During the summer at St. Leo’s, our youth have a chance to learn about their faith while having plenty of fun at Vacation Bible School (VBS)!

This year’s VBS will take place from June 7 to 11, and all ages are invited to get involved in VBS to either attend or help volunteer. The VBS program takes place throughout the St. Leo’s campus and runs from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.

“VBS is a weeklong adventure designed for the elementary-age disciples to learn about their faith, our religion, our church, our God, His Son and the Holy Spirit, as well as learn about ourselves and our friends,” says Jodi Stauffer, who has been directing or helping with VBS since 2003. “VBS is appropriate for all ages — the elementary students are who it is geared for, but we incorporate all ages of students to engage, lead, learn and discover the joy of being community through VBS.”

Jodi is certainly looking forward to this year’s program, since VBS 2019 was cancelled due to not having enough volunteers, and VBS 2020 was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She appreciates being with the kids at VBS and seeing them learn.

“One of my biggest joys is being able to provide VBS to our parish family,” Jodi says.

Jodi says attending VBS is like practicing for a sport or instrument. Skill comes from practice. When students attend VBS they can prepare to be better disciples and grow their faith. Plus, VBS takes away some of the formality of the classroom and makes religion and the Bible more fun.

Throughout VBS, students travel between five learning stations — music, crafts, games, Bible stories and saints. A junior high or high school student usually leads a group, and an adult is in charge of each station. There is also a snack that fits the theme.

“It allows them to explore, in a safe environment, what is special about our Catholic faith and themselves,” Jodi says. “It gives them the ability to try new things, and potentially develop interests and skills in areas they may have not tried or known of before attending VBS.”

As one would imagine, every kid has a favorite station. But the kids always enjoy outdoor play and the snacks!

Vacation Bible School at St. Leo’s is made possible due to the volunteers who support and share their time and talents in the program. Jodi says she can find something for each volunteer that fits their interests. She notes that many of the youth volunteer because they remember the fun they had as a kid in the program!

For Jodi, preparing for the program gives her an opportunity to grow in faith.

“I love walking around campus and watching the fun between the children, the youth and the adults,” she says. “I love hearing the singing and giggling, and watching the seeds of faith being planted and nurtured in the participants, the volunteers and even me.”

Stay tuned for registration and volunteer registration on our parish website at www.saintleos.org — more info can also be found in our bulletin, parish website, and via REMIND and the myParish app.

Students participate in an outdoor activity during VBS.

Students learn about a Bible story at VBS.

Students enjoy working on an art project at VBS.