This article is sponsored by Cokesbury, the official resource provider of Vacation Bible School curriculum for The United Methodist Church.
Vacation Bible School (VBS) is an exciting time for churches. The week-long faith-building experience introduces children to the wonders of a God-filled life through fun, themed programming - such as this year's "Snowball Mountain Challenge" curriculum, developed by Cokesbury. Significant effort goes into creating a positive experience that campers and families will remember for years to come. But, once the snacks are gone and the decorations come down, how can churches build lasting relationships with VBS families? The following ideas can help your church create communication pathways after VBS to keep those families engaged throughout the year.
Engagement doesn't happen overnight
Strong participation numbers are worth celebrating - but good VBS numbers do not automatically reflect a lasting connection. Engagement takes time and has to be nurtured. With a thoughtful outreach plan, your church can create ongoing opportunities for families and communicate its role as a safe, welcoming place throughout the year.
Intentionally daisy-chain events
VBS planning is a significant undertaking, and once it wraps up, it can be tempting to set it aside until next year. Volunteers are thanked, photos are shared, and the momentum quietly fades. But what if VBS became the starting point for a full year of connection rather than just one week of programming?
Ongoing events - such as family movie nights, a BBQ at a local park, or monthly church gatherings - give VBS families renewed opportunities to build a supportive network. Cokesbury offers resources to keep children engaged all year long, whether in-person or virtually. Over time, this daisy chain of mini-reunions creates consistent connection for children and their families well beyond VBS week. Smaller events also build a ready-made audience for larger occasions such as Trunk-or-Treat, Christmas celebrations, and Easter.
Create online touchpoints
Your online channels are one of the most effective ways to keep families informed - and children's ministry is no exception. Make sure your children's ministry events are clearly listed on your website and included in all email communications. People cannot attend events they do not know about. If your church has a preschool, share that information with school leadership, who can help spread the word further.
A dedicated Facebook Group is another practical tool for reaching families who have participated in VBS and other children's ministry events. The group can feature photos, short video testimonials, and upcoming event information to keep families connected to one another and to the church. Note that all individuals should provide approval before their photos are used in any church marketing or communications materials.
The group page can also serve as the hub for communicating your year-round event calendar, building steady momentum and offering a low-stakes way to keep families engaged. It is also a natural place to warm up potential volunteers by periodically sharing updates and plans for next year's VBS.
Don't forget parents
VBS is clearly focused on children - but building a lasting relationship with families means offering something for parents as well. Consider a special communication to VBS parents that thanks them for registering their children and invites them to a Parent's Night during or after VBS week. Be sure to offer childcare.
The evening works best when it includes easy icebreakers, light snacks, and a low-pressure opportunity to learn what your church has to offer. It is most effective when led by people who have school-aged children themselves and who understand the pressures and challenges other parents face day to day.
Cultivate paired-family relationships
For families who are open to it, pairing them with a family already connected to your church can deepen the relationship in a natural, organic way. This works best when both families have children of similar ages. Communicate this opportunity early - ideally as soon as VBS begins - through a flyer or email explaining that the church offers wrap-around connections for the whole family.
Paired relationships open the door to informal get-togethers and low-key conversations about church life. For families who have never attended church regularly, this offers a slow and welcoming introduction. Balance is important: avoid overwhelming the VBS family with outreach, but keep a line of communication open and let them set the pace. Done well, these relationships become a blessing to both families.
Embrace the bigger picture
Ultimately, VBS is about introducing children to the wonders of God's love - a message that extends far beyond one week or one season. It is a lifetime journey, and it begins one connection at a time. By nurturing the relationships formed at this year's VBS, your team can help welcome others into your broader church community.
Rebeca Ervin has more than two decades of experience as a journalist and legal and nonprofit marketer. She enjoys working with teams to implement strategy and vision through strong and effective communication. Rebeca is a lifelong United Methodist and native of San Antonio, Texas. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Social Anthropology from Harvard University and a Master’s in Theological Studies from the Iliff School of Theology. In her free time, Rebeca enjoys photography, writing, traveling abroad, and spending time with family.