Our Story – Vacation Bible School

Since the very beginning, New Life has offered a special opportunity in the summer for youth to learn about God through VBS. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19-14

This special time also required a lot of passion and hard work from volunteers. But the reward was in seeing connections being formed, little voices singing about Jesus’s love and new families being drawn to New Life. Another reward was seeing the children grow up to become crew leaders or volunteer to help run games, serve snacks, dress up for story time and teach songs/dance.

The first VBS was held July 1970 in the evening.  There were 75 children that attended. Eleanor Reinhold was in charge of this growing opportunity to reach young families in our community. (Sorry no pictures, but if you have some, please share with susan@newlifebolingbrook.org !)

The first pictures from a VBS is in 1986.

The volunteers are  Lori P., Jason, Sue Paul, Marion M. If you can identify anyone please let Susan Brown know.

There have been many themes over the years from “God’s Creation” in 1991

to a barn theme in 1994

to a safari theme in 1996 with “A Kingdom of the Son”

to “Holyword Studios” in 2000

to “Lift Off” in 2007

to “Mt. Everest” in 2015

And lots of other themes in between! Regardless of the decorations or songs or snacks, there was an excitement by those who shared the stories and lessons from the bible and the children who gathered to learn and have fun. While we are unable to host this beloved tradition this year, we will be ready for next year with the theme “Rocky Railway”!