Vacation Bible School

Vacation Bible School (VBS) returns to Saint James Catholic Church in Falls Church, Virginia, this summer from July 13-17, 2026! This year’s theme is Rainforest Falls: Exploring the Nature of God. VBS is open to students in rising kindergarten through fifth grade for the school year beginning fall 2026.

Registration will open Friday, April 24, 2026. It will close on Friday, June 19, 2026 at 6:00pm.

Returning volunteers must reregister every year. Julie Marx, [email protected], is our VBS coordinator. Email her with any questions.

The students will be divided into teams to rotate through crafts, bible adventures, all-star games, and exploring their faith. Students will end the week by attending Mass and will present a show for their parents of what they learned at VBS.

Do you have a child with special needs? We would love to help them join in the fun! Please reach out to Julie Marx directly at [email protected] to discuss options for accommodation.
 

Volunteers

Both adult and student volunteers are needed for Vacation Bible School. Once a student turns 18 years old, he/she must complete a background check by the Arlington Diocese.

STUDENT VOLUNTEERS-Rising 6th graders to rising 12th graders may sign up to volunteer for Saint James Vacation Bible School as the ‘VBS crew’. They must be able to work from 8:30am to 12:30pm the entire week. No exceptions. A $30 fee is required to cover the cost of snacks and t-shirt. Students may earn service hours for the week.

ADULT VOLUNTEERS-must complete a background check and Virtus training through the Arlington Diocese before the commencement of Vacation Bible School. Please start the process early. Kara Rider, [email protected], is our POC who will guide you through this process.

  • If you have completed Virtus training, please check “Yes” on your application and include your birthdate and the last four digits of your social security number so that your training may be verified and make sure there are no status changes. We must verify your status EVERY year.
  • If you haven’t completed Virtus training, please check “No” on your application and follow the instructions on the form. If you have not completed a background check through the Arlington Diocese, visit https://www.arlingtondiocese.org/child-protection/ for more details. The Catholic Diocese of Arlington is dedicated to the protection of all children and will strive to maintain a safe environment for children and young people.

Registration and Payment

Vacation Bible School registration links will be active on April 24, 2026. Registration will close on Friday, June 19, 2026, at 6:00pm.

If you have any problems or questions with online registration, please email Tina at [email protected]. Please note that this VBS is for Saint James Catholic Church in Falls Church, Virginia.

Camper Registration, click here

Teen (Grades 6-12) and Adult Volunteer Registration, click here

Payment can be made via

  • ParishSoft-This is the preferred payment method.
    • You must make your one-time payment online as part of your online registration.
  • Check-Drop off or mail a check to the Rectory office at 905 Park Avenue, Falls Church, VA 22046.
    • The check must be made payable to ‘St. James Catholic Church’ with ‘VBS’ on the memo line.
    • Your spot is not reserved until your check is received.

Registration Fees:

  • Student Volunteers in rising 6th through 12th grades
    • $30 per student to cover snacks and t-shirt.
  • VBS Campers-Rising kindergartener through 5th grade. Rate is same as last year.
    • $75 for 1 camper
    • $110 for 2 campers
    • $145 for 3 or more campers

VBS Memories from 2025

Saint James once again held a successful week of Vacation Bible School (VBS) with 90 children in grades K-5 for a fun, faith-filled week with the theme “True North” (great outdoors theme) and with the motto “Let’s Trust in Jesus.” This year’s theme for VBS gave kids a rock-solid foundation and pointed them to Jesus, their unmovable, unshakable friend forever!

VBS campers enjoyed the Alaskan outdoor theme while learning that Jesus is their unshakable friend forever. Our teen coaches helped our campers begin every morning in the gym with skits and songs. Then the students rotated through crafts, Bible adventures, games, and ways to explore their Catholic faith. 

Students ended the week attending Mass celebrated by Father Pavlick. At the end of Mass he blessed miraculous medals for all the students to receive. He explained during Mass that the medals keep the devil away and that God promises to bless those who wear them.

Thanks to our coordinator Julie Marx, our wonderful adult and teen volunteers, and our clergy for making this such a wonderful experience for our campers!

VBS Memories from 2024

Over 85 children attended Vacation Bible School (VBS) at Saint James Church in Falls Church the week of July 15-19 for a fun, faith-filled week with the theme, “Diving into Friendship with God.” VBS took campers deep into an amazing undersea adventure where they experienced the ever-flowing, never-ending love of God. Our teen coaches led our campers every morning in the “diving in” segment talking about God and Friendship, teaching them new songs and the bible point for the day. Campers were reminded that God is a friend we can trust. 
 

Morning Opening
Fr. Pavlick joins our volunteers in the opening songs
Some of our teen volunteers

VBS Memories from 2023

Saint James was finally able to offer VBS again in 2023. It was a big success with over 90 students signed up for the week.