Many Vacation Bible School directors face the same yearly challenge: finding enough volunteers to staff every station and small group. Yet across town, Christian high schools are filled with students eager to complete their required 20+ community service hours. What if these two needs could meet? By partnering with local schools, you can invite teens to serve, grow, and lead—turning a volunteer shortage into a discipleship opportunity.
“Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.” — 1 Timothy 4:12 (NLT)
This article will show you how to recruit, train, and empower high school students to become dynamic VBS volunteers who can lead with joy and confidence.
The Opportunity: High School Service Requirements
Most Christian schools (and many public schools) require students to complete a set number of community service hours per semester—usually around 20. Vacation Bible School fits perfectly into these requirements because it’s structured, supervised, and deeply aligned with Christian values.
By connecting with local schools early in the year, VBS directors can offer a meaningful way for students to fulfill their service hours while contributing to kingdom work. Reach out to school administrators or campus ministry leaders and ask to be added to their list of approved service partners.
Pro Tip: Contact schools by January or February to ensure your church is listed as a summer service option.
“When teens are trusted with real responsibility, they rise to the occasion.”
Why Teens Make Fantastic VBS Volunteers
High school students bring enthusiasm, creativity, and relatability to the VBS experience. Many have grown up attending VBS themselves and know exactly what makes it fun. With a little guidance, they can become reliable and inspiring leaders.
Teens are perfect for:
- Leading Centers: Games, science, or crafts
- Assisting Small Groups: Helping with discussion and crowd control
- Creative Roles: Worship team, photography, tech, or drama
Encouraging them to use their gifts develops responsibility and helps them see ministry as a lifestyle, not just a task.
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” — 1 Peter 4:10 (NLT)
Building Partnerships with Local High Schools
Strong partnerships begin with clear communication and a shared vision. Identify local Christian and charter schools with volunteer programs. Contact the Community Service Coordinator, Campus Pastor, or Guidance Counselor and present VBS as a structured, safe, and spiritually enriching environment.
Offer to:
- Provide documentation for service hours.
- Verify completion and write reference letters.
- Invite teachers or youth pastors to observe the program.
Pro Tip: Design a one-page flyer with your church logo, VBS dates, and a simple sign-up QR code to distribute to schools.
Training and Mentoring Teen Volunteers
Recruitment is only half the work. The real impact happens through mentoring. Teens don’t just need supervision—they need spiritual investment.
Create a 1-day orientation (or short online module) that covers:
- Child safety basics
- How to lead with confidence
- Understanding VBS themes and schedules
- How to share faith naturally with kids
Pair every teen with an adult mentor who models servant leadership. After each day, hold a short reflection time where volunteers share what they learned.
“Let everything you do be done in love.” — 1 Corinthians 16:14 (NLT)
Encourage journaling or small debrief circles where they can discuss challenges and spiritual insights. This turns service into genuine discipleship.
Overcoming Common Concerns
Concern: Teens aren’t reliable.
Solution: Set clear expectations, provide daily check-ins, and give them meaningful roles.
Concern: They’re too young to lead.
Solution: Pair them with mentors and start them in assistant roles—then promote them as they prove capable.
When directors trust teens with responsibility, they often exceed expectations. With the right framework, their energy can elevate the entire VBS experience.
Next Steps for Directors
- Contact local schools early in the spring semester.
- Offer clear job descriptions and safety guidelines.
- Create a volunteer log sheet for tracking hours.
- Develop a short training manual or online course.
- Celebrate your teen volunteers publicly at the end of the week.
Conclusion: Building Tomorrow’s Church Today
Including high school students in your VBS program is more than filling volunteer slots—it’s shaping the next generation of church leaders. When teens serve, they grow in confidence, faith, and compassion. Directors who tap into this resource are not just meeting a need; they’re multiplying ministry.
Encourage your VBS team to reach out to local schools, invest in teen training, and celebrate what God can do through young leaders. The impact will reach far beyond the week of VBS—it will echo through the lives of those who serve.