Volunteer for VBS at UMCL

At UMCL, we’re all about helping children in our community grow in grace and God’s love. Vacation Bible School (VBS) is one of the ways we do that, and making a great week of VBS at UMCL takes us all!

VBS VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES FOR UMCL MEMBERS

There are opportunities for UMCL members to contribute to VBS regardless of your availability and interests. Help out the week of VBS, Monday, July 13-Thursday, July 16, 2026 or share your time or resources leading up to or following VBS week.

Are you a UMCL member interested in volunteering for VBS? Please email Annemarie Barry, Director of Spiritual Growth.

Not a member but looking for opportunities to work alongside UMCL as we serve in the community? Check out upcoming events and volunteer opportunities at UMCL.

Learn more about the week or register a child. >>

2026 VBS: Rainforest Adventure
Large group of VBS youth and adult volunteers
VBS at UMCL safety crew
Group of four youth volunteers at VBS

VBS Volunteer Roles

Crew Guides

  • Create a welcoming, safe, and engaging space for a group of children who will be grouped by age.
  • Greet children as they arrive and take attendance.
  • Shepherd children through the various activity stations and help them connect to the day’s learning and to one another.

Station Leader or Assistant

  • Bring joy and learning to life by volunteering at one of our remaining activity stations—crafts or snacks!
  • Present the activity to the children as they rotate through stations.
  • After each group, clean up and prepare for the next group.

Youth Volunteer

  • Youth ages 12-18, you’ll be placed with crews or in stations to support the day’s activities and help keep the energy high.

Cleaning Crew

  • To keep UMCL looking spick and span, you’ll help tidy up after each VBS day’s flurry of fun.
  • Arrive at noon and help vacuum, mop, empty garbage, and clean bathrooms.

Decoration Volunteer

  • Help make the magic of VBS come alive as we set up scenery and theming in the sanctuary the week of July 6.
  • Help take down decorations immediately after the VBS Celebration worship service on July 19.

 

After signing up, you’ll receive an email with additional instructions. All week-of volunteers should plan to attend a brief pre-VBS meeting at 10:45 a.m. on Sunday, July 12 in the UMCL Sanctuary.  See note below regarding Safe Sanctuaries training.

Tango VBS bird illustration

Opportunities to Donate

If you can’t give of your time, consider helping support our VBS collection drive. This year we will gather school supplies to support Midwest Mission. Your donation will go to children around the world in need of supplies to help them learn and grow. Watch for a donation list in the eblast and drop off donations at UMCL during VBS week.

AT UMCL WE’RE COMMITTED TO KEEPING KIDS SAFE.

As part of that commitment, we take abuse prevention seriously. Adult volunteers working with or around children during VBS must complete the Safe Gatherings training and included background check. If you haven’t yet completed the training, reach out to Annemarie Barry. Thanks for helping make UMCL a welcoming and safe space for all!

Safe Sanctuaries Logo

For More Information:

Email Annemarie Barry, Director of Spiritual Growth, or call 224-818-9054.