School is out for the summer, and churches across the area are holding, or preparing to hold, Vacation Bible School programs for local children. Vacation Bible School, commonly known as VBS, has been a summer tradition for generations. The movement began in the late 19th century as a way to provide wholesome, biblically focused summer activities for neighborhood children.

The first known daily Bible school was launched in 1894 in Hopedale, Illinois, by public and Sunday school teacher D.T. Miles. The program enrolled 40 students and lasted four weeks.

A few years later, in 1898, Virginia Sinclair Hawes started an “Everyday Bible School” in a rented beer parlor on New York City’s East Side. Her goal was to help keep at-risk inner-city children off the streets while providing Bible instruction and positive activities.

By the early 1900s, the idea had spread to other cities, including Chicago and Philadelphia. By 1922, Vacation Bible School had become a national trend, with thousands of summer Bible schools registered across multiple denominations.

Early VBS programs often lasted several weeks and included Bible lessons, crafts, music, hygiene instruction and community outreach. Over time, the format evolved into the week-long summer church programs familiar to many families today.

Modern Vacation Bible School programs often include themed lessons, music, games, crafts, snacks and skits. Churches continue to use VBS as a way to reach children and families during the summer months while teaching biblical lessons in a fun and engaging setting.

Several area churches have already announced Vacation Bible School plans:

• Central Avenue Baptist Church in Trion will host Vacation Bible School May 31 through June 3 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. each night. The event is open to children from Pre-K through 12th grade and will include faith, fun, friends, food, games, worship and lessons focused on learning more about Jesus. Dinner will be provided nightly. The church is located at 14074 U.S. Highway 27 in Trion. Bus transportation is available by calling 706-734-3140 and leaving a message with the child’s name, address and phone number.
• Subligna Baptist Church will hold Vacation Bible School May 31 through June 4 from 6 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. each night. The program is open to children from Pre-K through 12th grade. Dinner will be served nightly, and this year’s theme is “Illumination Station.” For more information, call 706-397-8114.
• Chesterfield Baptist Church will host VBS 2026 “Illumination Station” June 7 through June 11 from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. Eastern Time. The church is located at 7925 County Road 15 in Gaylesville, Alabama, about four miles from Menlo on Jamestown Road.
• Lyerly Community Church will hold its annual Vacation Bible School on June 20 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. This year’s theme is “Put On Your Armor for God.” The event will include Bible school lessons, crafts, water games and lunch. Children should bring a towel and wear clothes that can get wet. For more information, contact Pastor Marshall Bryan at 706-409-0329. Lyerly Community Church is located at 105 Oak Hill Road in Lyerly, across from Lyerly School.

Local families are encouraged to check with area churches for additional dates, times and registration information for upcoming Vacation Bible School programs. If your church is hosting a Vacation Bible School and you would like to have that information on the radio and the WZQZ website, you may call 706-857-WZQZ (706-857-9979) and leave a detailed message or e-mail info@chattoogainfo.com .  There is no charge for church news on WZQZ.