Music is often one of the most powerful tools at Vacation Bible School. Kids may forget the snack or the craft, but they’ll hum the songs weeks after VBS ends. As a leader, the way you use music and background audio can either create unforgettable energy—or fade into the background.
Here’s how to make music one of your best VBS tools:
1. Arrival Experience: Theme + Music = Instant Joy
The first moments of VBS set the tone for the entire day. Imagine this: as kids and parents step out of their cars, they hear the VBS theme songs playing outside near the entrance. Colorful decorations, banners, or props tied to the theme greet them before they even walk through the doors. Combine those theme visuals with fun, high-energy music, and families will instantly feel the joy and excitement.
Inside, continue looping a playlist of 4–5 upbeat songs at low/medium volume during check-in. Keep a welcoming slide on the screen, then switch to lyrics once the opening celebration begins.
2. Worship Music: Make it Engaging
Almost every VBS comes with high-energy songs and motions videos. Use them well by:
- Putting lyrics on the screen so everyone can follow along.
- Having energetic leaders up front modeling the motions with smiles and enthusiasm.
- Encouraging crew leaders and volunteers to participate fully—kids are more likely to sing if they see adults joining in.
- Connecting songs to the Bible Point so the message sinks in, not just the melody.
3. Transition Music: Keep the Energy Moving
Kids need smooth transitions between rotations. Short “cue songs” or fun sound effects signal it’s time to move. This prevents chaos and adds structure. A 10-second music clip works wonders for keeping things orderly and upbeat.
4. Game Music: Build Excitement
Upbeat background tracks during games add fun and energy. Play high-tempo songs during relays, freeze music for “stop/start” style games, or lower the volume during instruction time. The right background track makes even simple games feel more exciting.
DOWNLOAD THE FREE PDF- HOW TO USE MUSIC AT VBS
5. Snack & Craft Music: Keep It Calm
Switch to softer instrumental tracks during snacks or crafts. It keeps the theme alive while lowering the noise level, making it easier for kids to chat and leaders to guide activities.
6. Closing Celebration: Make It Shine
Music should be the star of your family night or closing rally. Use the same lyrics and motions videos kids learned all week, encourage loud participation, and let them “perform” for their parents. This not only celebrates what they learned but also creates memories families will treasure.
7. Dismissal Music: End on a High Note
Play a fun walk-out playlist as parents pick up kids. It keeps the positive vibe going all the way to the car ride home.
Final Thoughts
Music is more than a background element at VBS—it’s a teaching tool, a memory-maker, and a way for kids to experience joy together. When leaders are intentional about arrival playlists, worship engagement, transitions, games, crafts, and closing celebrations, music transforms VBS from an event into an unforgettable experience.