Planning Your Perfect VBS Experience
When it comes to planning a Vacation Bible School that captivates children’s imaginations while nurturing their faith, choosing the right program is crucial. For 2025, two standout options are competing for attention: True North VBS from Group Publishing and Magnified! VBS from Lifeway. Each offers unique themes, engaging activities, and memorable experiences—but which one is right for your church?
This practical comparison will help you navigate the decision-making process by breaking down what each program offers.
Theme & Setting: Where Will Your VBS Adventure Take Place?
True North VBS: An Alaskan Wilderness Adventure
Children embark on an exciting journey through icy glaciers, dazzling northern lights, and rugged tundra landscapes. This adventure-based program teaches kids to trust Jesus as their “True North” in a wild and sometimes confusing world. All activities connect to exploration, survival skills, and teamwork in an outdoor setting.
The theme resonates particularly well with adventure-loving kids and churches with outdoor spaces that can be transformed into Alaskan-inspired landscapes.
Magnified! VBS: Exploring God’s Detailed Creation
This program takes a scientific approach, focusing on discovering God’s greatness through the intricate details found in nature—from tiny insects and delicate flowers to powerful storms. Children use magnifying glasses and science tools to observe how even the smallest things in creation reflect God’s tremendous care and attention to detail.
Churches with a STEM focus or those wanting to combine faith with scientific discovery will find this theme especially appealing.
Activity Stations & Rotations: How Will Children Engage?
True North VBS Stations
- Sing & Play Peak: High-energy music sessions featuring themed songs like Let’s Trust in Jesus get kids moving and memorizing biblical truths through catchy melodies.
- Wild Bible Adventures: Interactive storytelling using props and sensory activities brings Scripture to life. Children might act out Jesus calming the storm while feeling mist sprayed in their faces or build a shelter while learning about God’s protection.
- Imagination Station: Daily science experiments, such as building compasses or creating instant snow, reinforce the day’s Bible point through hands-on discovery.
- Glacier Games: Outdoor-themed games like relay races and obstacle courses build teamwork while burning energy.
- Tundra Treats: Snacks shaped like Alaskan wildlife (moose-shaped cookies, igloo treats) provide tasty refreshments that tie into the theme.
Magnified! VBS Stations
- Bible Study: Hands-on lessons use magnifying glasses to explore Bible stories, like examining water samples while learning about Jesus and the Woman at the Well.
- Science Crafts: Activities such as creating “bug hotels” or storm-in-a-bottle experiments help children connect God’s design with scientific principles.
- Missions: Projects tied to global outreach, such as assembling care kits, teach children about serving others as an expression of faith.
- Snacks: Edible creations like “ant-themed” trail mix or flower-shaped fruit platters reinforce the theme while satisfying hungry learners.
Age Groups & Inclusivity: Who Can Participate?
True North VBS
- Target Age Range: Primarily designed for elementary-aged children (Kindergarten through 5th grade)
- Flexibility: Activities work well in mixed-age groups with some adaptations, though core resources focus on elementary levels
- Additional Resources: Some supplementary materials for preschoolers available separately
Magnified! VBS
- All-Ages Program: Comprehensive resources span from babies through adults, including:
- Preschool Kits: Simplified activities tailored for younger participants
- Special Needs Kits: Adapted materials ensuring all children can participate fully
- Teen & Adult Guides: Resources for volunteers and family discipleship tools
Magnified! stands out for its inclusive approach, making it particularly suitable for churches wanting to engage the entire family or those with diverse age groups and needs.
Unique Features: What Makes Each Program Special?
True North VBS Highlights
- Take-Home Items: Color-changing pencils, fabric wristbands, and collectible “Bible Memory Buddy” figurines help reinforce lessons at home
- Immersive Decor: Transform your space with northern lights backdrops, glacier props, and faux snow
- Adventure Focus: Emphasizes outdoor exploration, team challenges, and survival skills that appeal particularly to active children
Magnified! VBS Highlights
- Customizable Kits: Choose from Director Kits with different budget options ($233–$381), including printables, posters, and bilingual (Spanish) resources
- Science Integration: Tightly combines faith with nature exploration, offering opportunities for genuine scientific discovery
- Family Engagement: Resources designed to extend learning beyond VBS, engaging parents and siblings at home
At-a-Glance Comparison
Which Program Should You Choose?
Consider True North VBS if:
- Your church has a strong elementary-age program
- You want an adventure-themed, high-energy approach
- Your volunteers enjoy creating immersive environments
- Your space allows for active games and exploration
- Science experiments and team-building activities are priorities
Consider Magnified! VBS if:
- You need an all-ages program with special needs accommodations
- Your church values STEM-based learning approaches
- You require bilingual resources
- You want flexible budget options
- Family discipleship beyond VBS week is a key goal
Final Thoughts
Both True North and Magnified! VBS programs offer exceptional opportunities to share biblical truths in engaging ways. The “best” choice ultimately depends on your church’s specific needs, volunteer strengths, and the children you serve.
Whichever program you select, early planning and volunteer recruitment remain key to creating a memorable experience that will impact children’s spiritual journey long after the final day of VBS.
What VBS programs has your church used successfully in the past? Share your experiences in the comments below!