Every summer, Vacation Bible School becomes a focused moment of spiritual formation—five days where children are immersed in Scripture, worship, and community. For 2026, Group Publishing invites churches into Rainforest Falls, a VBS theme intentionally designed to help children encounter who God is through the language of wonder, worship, and the Psalms.
Rainforest Falls does not frame VBS as an adventure to complete or a quest to conquer. Instead, it centers each day on a clear theological declaration about God’s character—truths meant to stir awe and lead children to a simple, repeated response: “Wow, God!”
The heart of the theme
Rainforest Falls teaches five foundational truths about God:
- He is Creator
- He is All-Knowing
- He is our Refuge (safe space)
- He is Love
- He is Forever
Each day connects a Psalm, a supporting Bible story, and real-life application. The Psalms serve as the spiritual backbone of the week, shaping the tone of worship and response. Rather than emphasizing achievement or decision-making language, Rainforest Falls consistently invites children to notice, praise, and trust God for who He is.
As Scripture declares:
“Let all that I am praise the Lord.” (Psalm 103:22, NLT)
That posture of praise is the theological throughline of the entire program.
Daily encounters with truth
Rainforest Falls walks children through one attribute of God each day, reinforced through a Bible Buddy, a primary Bible story, and a key verse.
Day 1 – God is our Creator (Wow, God!)
Children begin the week with creation itself. Through Genesis 1, kids learn that God made the world intentionally and powerfully.
- Bible Buddy: Tango the Quetzal
- Key Bible Verse: Psalm 103:22
The focus is not merely that creation exists, but that creation invites praise.
Day 2 – God knows everything (Wow, God!)
The second day turns inward. Using Psalm 139, children learn that God knows them completely—every thought, fear, and joy.
- Bible Buddy: Seymour the Glass Frog
- Key Bible Verse: Psalm 139:1
This lesson emphasizes being fully known by God, not evaluated or surprised.
“O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me.” (Psalm 139:1, NLT)
Day 3 – God is our safe space (Wow, God!)
Midweek, the theme moves toward refuge. Children hear how David hid from Saul in 1 Samuel 23–24, paired with a Psalm of trust.
- Bible Buddy: Dottie the Ocelot
- Key Bible Verse: Psalm 142:5
God is presented as a place of safety—not only physically, but emotionally and spiritually.
Day 4 – God is love (Wow, God!)
The story of Jesus’ death and resurrection anchors the fourth day. Through Luke 22:39–24:12, children see God’s love demonstrated, not merely described.
- Bible Buddy: Tia the Giant Anteater
- Key Bible Verse: Psalm 136:1
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.” (Psalm 136:1, NLT)
This day centers on God’s enduring, faithful love revealed in Christ.
Day 5 – God is forever (Wow, God!)
The week concludes with hope and eternity. Children explore John’s vision of heaven in Revelation 7:17; 21–22.
- Bible Buddy: Howie the Howler Monkey
- Key Bible Verse: Psalm 115:18
The final truth reminds kids that God’s reign does not end—He is forever worthy of praise.
A Psalm-centered VBS experience
One of Rainforest Falls’ defining characteristics is its intentional use of the Psalms. Each day models how Scripture gives language to awe, fear, trust, love, and hope. This approach helps children see that faith includes emotion, honesty, and worship—not just information.
Rather than pushing toward a single climactic moment, Rainforest Falls builds a daily rhythm of recognition and response. Each truth about God invites children to pause and say, “Wow, God!”
Why Rainforest Falls matters
Rainforest Falls positions VBS as a week of theological grounding. Children are repeatedly reminded that before they do anything for God, they are invited to know who God is.
In a culture full of noise and distraction, this curriculum leans into Scripture’s oldest worship book and teaches kids to respond with praise.
“But we can praise the Lord forever and ever! Praise the Lord!” (Psalm 115:18, NLT)
Rainforest Falls is not about rushing children forward. It is about rooting them deeply—helping them recognize God’s character, trust His presence, and grow in awe of Him. For churches planning VBS in 2026, it offers a clear, Psalm-shaped pathway toward faith that begins with wonder and ends in worship.