2019 Guide to Vacation Bible Schools {VBS} In & Around Columbia

It’s getting close to that time of the year again. Vacation Bible School (VBS)! For many families, VBS is a summer staple. And because they are so much fun and loaded with tons of learning and activities, it’s not uncommon for kids to attend more than one session at different churches. It’s a great way to make new friends and get involved in the community. All the Vacation Bible Schools listed below are FREE or a small cost to attend. 

June 3 – 7

Malvern Hill Baptist Church: Ages 2 years old – completion of 6th grade, 6 – 8:30 p.m. This year’s theme is In the Wild! LifeWay’s 2019 VBS invites your kids to throw on their camera strap and buckle your seatbelt. VBS 2019 takes you on a wild adventure—with elephants and egrets, polar bears and penguins, cockatoos and crocodiles. As you seek out exotic animals, you’ll also find snapshots of real-life encounters with Jesus in Scripture. Kids go from bewildered to believing as they get In The Wild at this summer’s VBS. Register online or in person at the church. 

June 9 – 13

First Calvary Baptist Church: Ages 3 – 12th grade, 6 – 8:30 p.m. Supper at 6 p.m. for all kids and students. This year’s theme is The Incredible Race. As they examine the events surrounding the tower of Babel, kids will learn that God is calling people from every tribe and nation through his Son, Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. And that he wants us to share this good news in kindness and love with our neighbors nearby and far away. Join The Incredible Race and experience God’s love for every tribe, language, and nation! Register online.

Lugoff First Baptist Church: K3 – 5th grade, 6:15 – 8:30 p.m. This year’s theme is In the Wild! Register online. Dinner is provided for all participants. Adults are encouraged to attend the adult class.

Holland Avenue Baptist Church: 6 – 8 p.m. Theme is The Incredible Race.

June 10 – 14

Church of the Apostles Columbia: Ages 4 – 5th grade. 9 a.m. – noon. 

June 17 – 21

First Presbyterian Church of Columbia: Ages 4 – 5th graders.  Bible lessons, games, music, snacks, and a mission project. Space is limited. Registration required. Contact Hannah Lampman at [email protected] or 803-799-9062 Ext. 237 to register or register in person at the church. 

Mt. Horeb UMC: Ages 4 – young adults, 3 sessions offered: June 17-21 (M-F) 9 a.m. – noon, June 17-21 (M-F) 1:30 – 4:30 p.m., June 17-20 (M-Th) 6 – 8:30 p.m. Theme is Roar. Roar VBS/VBX, where kids (and adults too) learn that life is wild but God is good! It’s a week full of Bible stories, crafts, songs and snacks. Register online by June 9.

Riverland Hills Baptist Church: Ages 4 through 5th grade, 9 a.m. – noon. The theme is In the Wild. Come encounter Jesus along this fun and exciting journey in the wild. Registration available online.

Spring Valley Baptist Church: Rising 4K – 7th grade, 9 a.m. – noon. The theme is In the Wild. Register online.  

June 23 – 27

Union United Methodist Church (Irmo): Ages 4 – 5th grade, 6 – 8 p.m. Theme is Athens. Join Paul on our journey through Athens as he shares the story of God’s love. We will experience the busyness of the marketplace as we hear stories, make crafts, enjoy a snack and even Olympic games. Register online. 

St. David’s Episcopal (Northeast): Pre-K – rising 5th grade, 6 – 8:30 p.m. Welcome to ATHENS, Where you will join Paul on his dangerous journey to share the truth. During the week, we will explore the culture of ancient Athens, where Paul briefly stayed during his second Missionary journey. Children will walk away knowing that God loves us all, takes care of us, loves us when other’s don’t, sent his son, and wants us to share his love. Please pre register your pre-k through rising 5th grader at [email protected]. SPACE is Limited, so PLEASE pre-register. Dinner will be served as well. 

Killian Baptist Church: K – 5th grade, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Register online. 

June 24 – 26

VillageChurch: Open to rising 1st through rising 6th graders. The children will learn about where their true power comes from as we explore Jesus’ Baptism, Pentecost, and the Fruit of the Spirit.  We will also have games, crafts, and snacks. Our purpose is to help kids understand that they were made for a plan and a purpose, and encourage them to have a personal relationship with Jesus. Register online.

June 24 – 27

Eastminister Presbyterian Church: Rising 4K – rising 6th grade, 9 a.m. – noon (with a closing lunch program on Thursday). The theme is To Mars and Beyond. Cost $20 per child. Register online. 

Gateway Baptist Church: Ages 4 – 5th grade (must turn 4 by Sept. 1, 2018), 9 a.m. – noon. Mega Camp is a mesh between Vacation Bible School and a sports or activities camp. It is a great opportunity to reach preschool and elementary aged kids with the Gospel using creative and energetic outlets. Our volunteers lead hands on experiments and discussions during small groups so there are lots of interactions with the kids. We also have awesome worship rallies and snack time each day. Register online. 

Shandon Baptist Church: 4 year olds – 5th grade, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.. The theme is Best Week Ever. A FREE EVENT combining the best of VBS, Upwards Sports Camp, Worship Week, and Camp in the City. Registration available online. 

Grace Chapel Church (West Columbia): 5 – 8:30 p.m. Dinner at 5.m. Classes begin at 6 p.m. On your mark! Get set! Go! At The Incredible Race, we will explore God’s love for the nations as we travel around the world. We’ll uncover fun clues, attempt fascinating challenges, and discover how the events that happened before, during, and after the tower of Babel have impacted the human race today! Grab your gear and prepare to set off on the race of a lifetime!

June 24 – 28

Northside Baptist Church: Rising K –7th grade, 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. The theme is Power Up. Enjoy fun games, spectacular snacks, amazing obstacle courses, cool crafts, plus get involved in mission projects that make a difference… and learn awesome dance moves to some great songs! Register online. 

Northeast Presbyterian Church: Ages potty trained 3 – rising 6th graders, 9 a.m. – noon (ages 3 – rising 3rd grade) and 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. (rising 4th grade – 6th grade). Theme is The Incredible Week. Each day will be filled with incredible Bible learning, yummy snacks, creative hands-on crafts, fun, and really cool music. Not to mention some crazy skits! Get ready to have a blast! Cost ranges from $15 – $60. Register online.  

Washington Street United Methodist Church: All children ages 3 through rising 6th grade, 8:45 – 11:45 a.m. Theme is To Mars and Beyond! Friends are always welcome. We’ll explore where God’s power can take us! A $20 donation is appreciated to assist in covering the cost of supplies, snacks, and t-shirts. Register online.

Saxe Gotha Presbyterian Church(Lexington): All children ages 4 through 5th grade, 9 a.m. – noon. Theme is In the Wild! Throw on your camera strap and buckle your seatbelt. VBS 2019 takes you on a wild adventure—with elephants and egrets, polar bears and penguins, cockatoos and crocodiles. As you seek out exotic animals, you’ll also find snapshots of real-life encounters with Jesus in Scripture. Kids go from bewildered to believing as they get In The Wild at this summer’s VBS. Register online.

July 14 – 18

Beulah United Methodist Church (Gilbert): Nursery – 6th grade, 5:30 – 8 p.m. Theme is To Mars and Beyond. We’re gearing up to blast off on an adventure to see where God’s love can take us! Join us for a fun-filled week of star-studded adventures through Bible stories, music, science, crafts and more! We will kick-off the week with a family night on Sunday, July 14th and invite everyone to come and see what God’s love is all about. A light meal will be served each evening (Monday-Thursday), beginning at 5:30 p.m. Register online.

July 15 – 18

Trenholm Road United Methodist Church: Rising 3K – 6th grade, 5:30 – 8 p.m. Theme is ROAR. Our Vacation Bible School is focused on sharing the word of God with people all across the world.  The Operation Christmas Child Boxes delivered by Samaritan’s Purse do just that! Each evening during their mission rotation at Vacation Bible School, our groups will be packing boxes. Register online.

July 15 – 19

First Baptist Church Columbia: Rising 4K – 5th grade, 5 p.m. dinner, activities 6 – 8 p.m.. The theme is In the Wild. Throw on your camera strap and buckle your seatbelt for Amazing Encounters with Jesus. VBS 2019 takes you on a wild adventure—with elephants and egrets, polar bears and penguins, cockatoos and crocodiles. As you seek out exotic animals, you’ll also find snapshots of real-life encounters with Jesus in Scripture. Kids go from bewildered to believing as they get In The Wild at this summer’s VBS. Register online.

Awaken Church: Rising K5 – 6th grade, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Dinner provided for kids. Theme is In the Wild! Register online. 

July 22 – 26

Grace Presbyterian Church (Elgin): Completed preschool – 5th grade, 9 a.m. – noon. Theme is Roar! Life is Wild · God is Good. Parents are invited to join us on Friday, July 26 at 11:30 a.m. to watch the children sing songs they’ve learned during the week. Register online.

July 23 – 26

Lexington Presbyterian Church: Rising K5 – Entering 6th grade, 9 a.m. – noon. Theme is Joseph’s Journey. This year’s VBS will take us back in time to the days when pharaohs ruled ancient Egypt!  There will be drama, music, crafts and snacks as we see God’s wonderful plan unfolding in the midst of Joseph’s difficult days. Multiply your fun…. come dressed in costume! Register online.

Do you know of additional VBS options in the Midlands? If so, let us know in the comments and we’ll add it to our list!