We know how hard choosing a VBS kit can be. There are so many things to consider – how many children will be involved, what church resources are available to you, how many volunteers have signed up – and so much more.
To help make things a little more simple for you and your team, we have put together this handy comparison guide. This outlines some of the key features of each VBS 2018 kit. If you are looking for more information, just visit out VBS store where you’ll find music samples, VBS logos, samples and much more!
24/7 Jesus Makes a Way Every Day!
Publisher: Abingdon Press
Key Verse: I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. – John 10:10 (NRSV)
Overview: Jesus told stories of how God provides every hour of every day so that we might have life and live it to the fullest! Children, youth, and adults will have fun discovering five keys to living in His abundance.
Ages: Preschool to adult – full community program
Music & Media: 11 songs – contemporary hip-hop music & new versions of traditional hymns from Christian hip-hop artist Ricky B. and new music arrangements by Roderick Vester
Additional Comments: Perfect for churches that celebrate African American history and culture.
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Time Lab: Discover Jesus from Eternity Past to Eternity Future
Publisher: Answers in Genesis
Key Verse: “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” – Revelation 1:8 (ESV & KJV)
Overview: Travel back in time and meet the most important person ever – a man who was not just a man, but also God. He is the One who turned the world upside-down. One who existed outside of time.
Ages: Toddlers to adults
Music & Media: Four music formats to choose from. Time Lab VBS Theme Music in either (a) catchy contemporary songs featuring Corby LaCroix & the Lads or (b) traditional songs with Patch-the-Pirate. Plus, Memory Verse songs are available in either contemporary version (Seeds of Family Worship) or traditional version (Patch-the-Pirate).
Additional Comments: Student books, resources and memory verse posters are now available in either ESV or KJV Bible translations.
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Jungle River Adventure: Ride the Current to God’s Perfect Plan
Publisher: Bogard Press
Key Verse: I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which though shalt go. – Psalm 32:8 (KJV)
Overview: Join a canoe trip down river to learn from Apostle Paul to seek God’s perfect will for their lives.
Ages: Preschool (age 2) to adults
Music & Media: 6 original VBS-themed songs in a mixture of upbeat and traditional music styles
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Rolling River Rampage: Experience the Ride of a Lifetime with God!
Publisher: Cokesbury
Key Verse: When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. – Isaiah 43:2 (CEB)
Overview: Take children on a whitewater rafting adventure to discover that life with God is an adventure full of wonder and surprise, and that they can trust God to be with them through anything.
Ages: Preschool (age 3) to adults
Music & Media: New music in contemporary kids’ fun music style. 11 songs written & produced by Andy Wilson of CrossKid Nation – including 8 original pieces in a variety of musical styles, modern remakes of ‘Zacchaeus (Wee Little Man)’ & ‘I’ve Got a River of Life’ + an original song just for preschoolers.
Additional Comments: Rolling River Rampage addresses and represents the whole spectrum of people – ages, races, abilities, and stages of development.
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Hero Central: Discover Your Strength in God!
Publisher: Cokesbury
Key Verse: Do good! Seek peace and go after it! – Psalm 34:1b (CEB)
Overview: Kids enjoy awesome adventures alongside some of their favorite Bible heroes and discover the qualities that make us truly heroic in God.
Ages: Preschool (age 3) to adults
Music & Media: 10 songs total – 8 original songs for the VBS theme and 2 revised song versions of the contemporary worship song “Everlasting God” and the hymn “Hear Us As We Pray”, including 1 song just for preschoolers.
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Splash Canyon: God’s Promise on Life’s Wild Ride
Publisher: Concordia Publishing House
Key Verse: For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. – 2 Corinthians 1:20 (ESV)
Overview: Discover Jesus is by our side on life’s wild ride. Even in rough waters, God is in control. He saves us through Jesus, the promised Savior.
Ages: Preschool to Grade 5 (Ages 3-12)
Music & Media: All new music for 2018 with a fresh sound & style for today’s kids – featuring 8 original songs.
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The Action Bible VBS: Jesus – The First Action Hero
Publisher: David C Cook
Key Verse: 1 Peter 1:3-4
Overview: Get ready for an action-packed VBS where kids discover how to love, believe, trust and witness as they engage in God’s big story of redemption.
Ages: Kindergarten to Grade 5 (with adaptations for Preschoolers)
Music & Media: One theme song included. Also includes 2-minute video clips introducing the character and theme word of the day
Additional Comments: A simple VBS with no complicated displays or decorations to create.
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It Happened in Babylon (bilingual)
Publisher: Editorial Concordia
Key Verse: N/A
Overview: Originally written in Spanish then translated into English. The life story of Daniel teaches us that God preserves His children in temptation, command us to trust and honor Him, and gives His people wisdom and victory.
Ages: 3 to 14 years old & adults
Music & Media: 8 original songs in English and Spanish, plus instrumental-only tracks
Additional comments: The only Spanish VBS program that is originally written in Spanish and available in both Spanish and bilingual formats. A simple VBS with no complicated displays or decorations.
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Shipwrecked: Rescued by Jesus
Publisher: Group (Easy VBS)
Key Verse: N/A
Bible Translation: NLT
Overview: Venture onto an uncharted island where kids learn Jesus is by their side through every storm in life.
Ages: Preschool to Grade 5 (ages 3-11)
Music & Media: 10 songs – 4 original VBS-specific, 3 contemporary Christian songs, and 3 re-imagined hymns.
Additional Comments: Supports Operation Kid-2-Kid. VBS donations provide drought-resistant seeds for Haitian families in partnership with World Vision. A Spanish Starter Kit version is also available with leader guides available in Spanish.
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Polar Blast: Where Jesus’ Love is Cool
Publisher: Group (Weekend)
Key Verse: I trust in your unfailing love. – Psalm 13:5 (NLT)
Overview: Sled into an ice way to spend the ultimate summer weekend where kids chill with new friends and warm up to Jesus – the coolest friend of them all!
Ages: Preschool to Grade 5 (Ages 3-11)
Music & Media: 5 songs – 1 original, 2 contemporary Christian songs & 2 re-imagined hymns.
Additional Comments: Supports Operation Kid-2-Kid. VBS donations provide drought-resistant seeds for Haitian families in partnership with World Vision.
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Babylon: Daniel’s Courage in Captivity
Publisher: Group
Key Theme Verse: N/A
Bible Translation: NLT
Overview: Meet Daniel, hear his story and experience ancient Babylon! Torn away from his homeland and forced into service of a foreign king, Daniel maintained his steadfast faith in God in a faithless culture.
Ages: Preschool to Grade 5 (Ages 3-11)
Music & Media: 10 songs total – 4 original VBS-specific songs & 6 contemporary Christian songs. Also includes a market place instrument-only soundtrack.
Additional Comments: You will need a good actor to play Daniel. Simple set-up – only three areas to decorate and you can choose as many or as few Market Place Shops as you need.
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Game On!: Gearing Up for Life’s Big Game
Publisher: Lifeway
Key Verse: His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. – 2 Peter 1:3 (CSB)
Overview: As they fill up the offensive line, sideline, and drumline, your players, cheerleaders, and band members will realize God has given them the ultimate playbook. He wants them to join His team, train hard, celebrate salvation, and encourage one another.
Ages: Babies (2 year-olds) to Grade 6
Music & Media: 6 songs especially for toddlers to kindergarten age. Additional 5 songs plus a VBS theme song for Grades 1-6 students.
Additional Comments: A Spanish language Starter Kit (¡A Jugar!) for preschoolers through Grade 6 plus Spanish language student and leader resources are also available.
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Peace Lab: Discover God’s Way of Peace
Publisher: MennoMedia
Key Verse: N/A
Bible Translation: NRSV
Overview: Lead children on an awesome adventure through the Bible, equipping them to follow Jesus as compassionate peacemakers. Children discover God’s way of peace, from learning how to resolve conflicts to figuring out ways to help others.
Ages: Preschool to Grade 5 (Ages 4-11)
Music & Media: 13 songs for worship on the theme of peace – including one song in Spanish and one traditional song from Zimbabwe.
Additional Comments: An economical VBS – crafts use commonly found supplies. No decorating required.
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Team Spirit: Mega Sports Camp
Publisher: Salubris Resources (My Healthy Church)
Bible Translation: NIV
Overview: Sports Outreach designed to engage kids in small group Biblical conversations to attract families to church who might not attend a standard VBS. 4-time winner of Children’s Outreach Resource of the Year by Outreach Magazine.
Ages: Preschool to Grade 6
Music & Media: Five songs including the favorite “MEGA Sports Camp” song, “Ephesians 4:32” and the fan-favorite “Jump”.
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Clap Your Hands, Stomp Your Feet – Learning to Worship
Publisher: New Growth Press
Key Verse: Psalm 11:1-2
Overview: Teach kids the ‘why’ behind worship and lead them to respond to God’s grace and goodness through fun and active praise. Connect the truths of the gospel to real-life scenarios through a study of the life of Kind David.
Ages: Preschool to Grade 5
Music & Media: Music CD, plus DVD ROM with videos of hand motions for each son
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Camp Moose on the Loose: Discovering God’s Forever Forgiveness
Publisher: Regular Baptist Press
Key Verse: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sons. – 1 John 1:9 (KJV or NKJV)
Overview: Experience a camping theme complete with tents, campfires, and wildlife where kids will learn about the life of Christ as seen through the eyes of Peter. While students hike, canoe, and fish, they discover the lasting forgiveness that only Christ can give.
Ages: Preschool to Adult
Music & Media: 10 songs – 4 original energetic songs; 2 upbeat kid versions of hymns; 2 contemporary Christian songs, plus; 2 perennial favorites including Jesus Love Me and The Best Place.
Additional Comments: The only VBS recommended by Child Evangelism Fellowship. Teacher and student materials available in either KJV or NKJV Bible translations.
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Follow the Leader!
Publisher: R.H. Boyd
Key Verse: John 1:36-37 (NRSV)
Overview: Invite everyone to follow the Lamb of God! Based on John 1:36-37 attendees will learn to become more faithful followers of Christ.
Ages: Preschool to adult
Music & Media: TBA
Additional Comments: Simple decorating – no sets to build. Craft packs for different age-groups makes craft preparation easy.
For more information, visit out VBS store by clicking here!
