5 Vacation Bible School Volunteer Tips for a Smoother 2026 Program

Did you say “yes” to volunteering with your church’s Vacation Bible School (VBS) without knowing exactly what you were getting into? If so, this short guide is for you!

VBS is a joyful, loud, meaningful, and messy experience, often powered by equal parts grace, snacks, and a team of volunteers just like yourself. For first-year VBS volunteers at a Catholic parish, the week can feel like a whirlwind. But with a little preparation and the right mindset, you can survive! This guide will make it possible for you to create a faith-filled VBS experience that children will fondly remember.

Why VBS Volunteers Matter More than Ever

Your parish’s Vacation Bible School is often one of the most welcoming entry points for young families in your Catholic parish. It’s great because it allows children to encounter Scripture, prayer, music, friendship, and the life of your church in an accessible way. Parents then get to see whether the parish feels organized, safe, and inviting. Volunteers are the ones who truly help make all of that possible.

It’s also a great entry point for volunteers! It’s not uncommon for VBS to be an adult’s first experience volunteering with a parish ministry program. If this describes you, don’t worry! You’ll do great if you remember these tried-and-true tips.

5 Tips to Survive Your First Year as a VBS Volunteer

Here are five simple ways to survive your first year as a Catholic VBS volunteer.

1. Start with prayer, not perfection.
   You do not need to have a degree in theology, know the Bible front to back, or be a professional teacher, performer, or craft expert to be a successful VBS volunteer. Begin each day by asking the Holy Spirit for patience, energy, and attentiveness. Offer the little moments — like tying shoes, calming nerves, cleaning glitter, and repeating instructions — as part of your service to Christ and his Church. Above all, just showing up and being open will make a huge difference!
   
   
2. Know the plan before the kids arrive.
   The VBS format makes it easy for volunteers because the program is already pre-designed for success with resources for everyone involved. Just read the plan/schedule, understand your role, and ask questions before the first morning begins. Know where your group needs to go, who handles check-in and pick-up, and what to do if a child needs help. A clear parish website with an up-to-date VBS page and simple online forms for registration and scheduling can make this easier for everyone, especially new volunteers and visiting families.
   
   
3. Learn names quickly.
   A child’s name is one of the best tools you have. Use name tags every day, repeat names during activities, and greet children warmly every time you encounter them. For many kids, simply being known by a trusted adult at church helps them feel like they belong in the parish community.
   
   
4. Prepare for holy chaos.
   Don’t mistake being in perfect control of everything as success. Someone will spill juice. A craft will take three minutes instead of 15 (or vice versa). Song lyrics will get messed up with another song, and then the mash-up song will get stuck in your head for a month. To handle the inevitable chaos working with children brings, pack comfortable shoes, a water bottle, a backup activity, and a sense of humor. Parish staff can also reduce stress by using consistent bulletin announcements, social posts, flyers, and signage so families know what to expect before VBS begins.
   
   
5. Remember that communication is ministry.
   VBS does not end when the last child is picked up. Follow-up is equally important to the program! Share photos, thank fellow volunteers, invite families to Sunday Mass, and point them toward your parish’s children’s ministry, faith formation, or upcoming parish events. This is where strong parish branding, an easy-to-update website, and clear digital communication can help turn one great week into ongoing engagement and strengthened family faith.
   
   

A Final Word for New Catholic VBS Volunteers

A week of Vacation Bible School can sure feel like a lot! You may end the week tired, sticky, and wondering how one room can produce that much noise, but you may also hear a child sing a prayer from memory, see a shy student make a friend, or watch a family take one step closer to parish life. We hope that, by the end of your experience as a VBS volunteer, you will agree that it’s all worth showing up for!

As a bonus, when your parish has the right communication tools in place to support your efforts, volunteers can spend less time guessing and more time serving. That’s good for VBS, good for families, and good for the whole parish community.

Have fun at VBS this summer! We’re praying for you!