There is something sacred that happens when young hearts gather with open minds and eager spirits. This summer, Ascend Worship Church invites kids and teens across Raleigh, Cary, and Durham to experience that moment for themselves. Vacation Bible School is not just another week on the calendar. It is a space where children ages 3 to 18 can grow in their walk with Jesus while having the time of their lives.
From July 17 through July 19, we are creating a dynamic environment where faith meets fun. Whether your child already knows the stories of the Bible or is just starting to ask big questions about life and purpose, there is room for them here. This event is not limited to members of Ascend. It is open to the entire community and ALL are welcome.
Our time together will include engaging games, interactive lessons, creative crafts, food, worship, and connection. But beyond the activities, our goal is to plant seeds of truth and build a foundation of faith that will carry these kids far beyond one summer week. Proverbs says to train up a child in the way they should go. That is exactly what we aim to do, while also making sure they are smiling from ear to ear.
The Why Behind the Invitation
Parents today have access to countless resources. There are apps, videos, podcasts, and platforms that offer spiritual content for every age. So it is natural to ask the question. Why bring your child to Vacation Bible School when they can learn about Jesus online?
The answer is that VBS is not about information. It is about transformation. The online world cannot offer what happens when a child laughs alongside new friends while learning about grace. It cannot mimic the moment when a teen asks a faith question and receives a real answer from a leader who sees them. It cannot duplicate the sound of young voices raised in worship or the joy of discovering God’s Word in a room full of wonder.
Vacation Bible School brings the Gospel to life in a way that screens simply cannot. It creates a personal, interactive experience that is rooted in community and full of purpose. Kids are not just watching or listening. They are participating. They are creating. They are encountering something real.
What Makes VBS Unique for Kids and Teens
Vacation Bible School at Ascend is created specifically for kids and teens ages 3 to 18. We take the time to meet each group right where they are developmentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Our goal is not just to entertain. It is to help them understand the heart of God and how they fit into His story.
Every session is filled with creative energy and spiritual impact. Whether it is a preschooler discovering their very first Bible verse or a high school student reflecting on their purpose in Christ, each young person is given space to explore faith in a way that speaks directly to them.
Psalm 119 says that God's Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. We believe kids need that light now more than ever. In a world full of noise, pressure, and distractions, VBS is a week where they can unplug from the chaos and tune into something eternal. And they will have a blast doing it.
Dates Times and Location
Vacation Bible School will take place on Wednesday July 17 and Thursday July 18 from 7 PM to 8:30 PM. It will conclude with a special Friday morning session on July 19 from 10 AM to 12 PM. All three days will be held at Abbott’s Creek Community Center in the multipurpose room. The address is 9950 Durant Road in Raleigh North Carolina.
Each session will include age-specific rotations with music, games, crafts, Bible-based teaching, and of course plenty of joy. Our volunteer team has been preparing with prayer and purpose to ensure every child feels welcomed and valued from the moment they walk in the door.
Registration is now open and we encourage parents to sign up early.
This Is for You Even If You Do Not Go to Church
You might be wondering if Vacation Bible School is the right fit for your family especially if you do not attend church regularly. The answer is yes. This event is for you. It is for your child. And it is for any young person who wants to discover what it means to know God in a fun welcoming environment.
Jesus did not set limits on who He welcomed. He said let the little children come to me. That invitation is still wide open today. Whether your child is exploring faith for the first time or has grown up in church, there is a place for them here.
You do not have to be part of our congregation. You do not have to have all the answers. You just need a willingness to let your child experience something that could change their life. Many of the kids who attend VBS each year come from different backgrounds. Some are deeply rooted in church. Others have never opened a Bible before. And that is okay. What they all find is a week filled with love joy and the truth of who Jesus is.
A Different Kind of Experience
Some families ask why they should attend when there are so many great Bible stories and devotionals available online. That is a fair question. But the difference lies in the power of presence. At Vacation Bible School your child is not passively watching a screen. They are interacting. They are laughing. They are praying. They are being poured into by people who care deeply about their future.
Faith grows best in community. VBS gives kids the opportunity to practice that. To serve alongside others. To ask questions that might not come up at home. To be mentored by leaders who model Christ in both words and actions.
Romans tells us that faith comes by hearing and hearing through the Word of Christ. That kind of hearing becomes even more powerful when it happens in the context of real relationships and shared joy.
Let This Be the Week That Changes Everything
We believe God is going to do something special this summer. Not just for the church but for the entire community. This is not about filling seats. It is about filling hearts with the love of Christ. Whether your child is shy or outgoing skeptical or full of faith young or older within that 3 to 18 age range they will find something meaningful at VBS. This is a week they will talk about long after the final game is played and the last song is sung.
There is no cost to attend. There are no strings attached. Just an open invitation for kids to come as they are and leave with something new. A deeper understanding of God. A clearer picture of who they are. And maybe even a friend or two to walk the journey with.
We cannot wait to welcome you to Vacation Bible School at Ascend Worship Church.
Let this be the summer your child grows in faith laughs with joy and remembers what it means to be loved by God.