Summer Tradition Of VBS Continues Popularity Among Local Youth

The longtime tradition of Vacation Bible School returns to churches across the Upper Cumberland starting this month.

Adam Pharris is Stevens Street Baptist Church’s Children’s Pastor. Pharris said he believes vbs remains a popular event for the youth of the community.

“This summer is kind of unknown with what it is going to be like,” Pharris said. “But, I expect it to be close to what numbers were in 2019 in years prior. Around that 200 mark for us each day.”

Washington Avenue Baptist Church will host its 60th year of vbs this summer. Pastor Mark Gaw said he expects turnout to be better than last year but slightly down compared to pre-COVID.

“We feel like we will have close to over a 100 children coming,” Gaw said. “We have a day school from 8:30 to 12:00. June the 7th through 11th, and we feel we will have a good attendance this year.”

Pharris said vbs is an effective tool to reach children in the community who are not connected to a church. Gaw said the relationships built and the creative ways to tell bible stories keep vbs as a staple for churches.

Both churches begin vacation bible school Monday.