Vacation Bible School is one of the biggest opportunities a church has each year to connect with kids and families. But even the best-planned program can fall flat if nobody knows about it. Promotion is more than just hanging a banner — it’s about creating energy and curiosity that draws families in.
Here are nine proven and creative promotion ideas you can use to fill your Rainforest Falls VBS with excitement and participation.
1. Create a Buzz on Social Media
Post countdowns, teaser videos, and behind-the-scenes photos of decorations going up. Encourage your team to share posts to extend the reach. Short reels and stories work especially well.
✅ Pro tip: Schedule posts ahead of time and create a special hashtag (e.g., #RainforestFallsVBS).
2. Build a “Save the Date” Mailer
Send colorful postcards to families in your church and neighborhood. Include QR codes that link directly to your registration page.
✅ Pro tip: Hand-deliver a few with a personal note for extra impact.
3. Partner with Local Businesses
Ask coffee shops, libraries, or restaurants if you can post flyers or leave information cards. Many local businesses love supporting family-friendly events.
✅ Pro tip: Offer to mention them in your closing program or church newsletter as a thank-you.
4. Use Your Sunday Morning Stage
Promote VBS during worship with a fun skit, a kid-led announcement, or even a preview song from the program. Let kids see how fun it’s going to be!
✅ Pro tip: Make registration available right after the service.
5. Leverage Community Events
Set up a booth at local summer fairs, farmer’s markets, or sports games. Offer a small giveaway (popsicles, stickers, or bracelets) with your VBS info attached.
✅ Pro tip: Bring a jungle-themed photo backdrop so kids and parents can take a fun family picture.
6. Start a Countdown in Kids Ministry
Four weeks out, begin announcing VBS each week during children’s church. Build anticipation with mini-games, trivia, or giveaways tied to the theme.
✅ Pro tip: Give away small rainforest-themed items like pencils or stickers.
7. Involve Parents in Promotion
Send parents ready-to-share digital graphics they can post on their social feeds or text to friends. Word-of-mouth is still the most effective tool.
✅ Pro tip: Create a “Bring a Friend” challenge and celebrate kids who invite others.
8. Decorate Big and Early
Put up a giant rainforest or waterfall scene in the church lobby weeks before VBS. When people walk in, they’ll immediately start asking questions.
✅ Pro tip: Add a QR code sign that links to registration.
9. Share Stories from Past VBS Weeks
Post short testimonies from parents and kids about why they loved last year’s VBS. Real stories make the event relatable and trustworthy.
✅ Pro tip: Use both text and video for maximum engagement.
Wrapping It Up
Promotion is about energy, visibility, and connection. The more you involve your congregation, local community, and parents in spreading the word, the fuller your VBS will be. Start with just three of these strategies and build from there—you’ll be surprised how quickly the buzz grows.