Who Started Vacation Bible?

By Alice Nichols

Vacation Bible, also known as Vacation Bible School or VBS, is a popular program that provides children with a week-long summer experience filled with activities, games, and lessons centered around the Bible. But have you ever wondered who started this tradition?

The origin of Vacation Bible can be traced back to the late 1800s when a Sunday school teacher named D.T. Miles had an idea to create a summer program for children that would combine religious education with fun activities. In 1894, Miles organized the first-ever “Everyday Bible School” in Hopedale, Illinois.

The program was a hit and soon spread to other churches across the country. By the early 1900s, Vacation Bible had become a staple of summer church programs in America.

In the years that followed, Vacation Bible continued to evolve and grow in popularity. In the 1920s and 1930s, some churches even began offering week-long overnight camps where children could experience nature while also learning about their faith.

Today, Vacation Bible is still going strong and remains an important part of many church communities. Each year, millions of children participate in VBS programs around the world.

So next time you’re enjoying a week of summertime fun at Vacation Bible School, remember that it all started with one Sunday school teacher who had a vision for combining faith and fun for kids.