VACATION BIBLE CLUB (VBC) 2025

Camp openings available for children who were in  1st - 5th grade as of March 2025

We do not accept applications for children in pre-school or children going into kindergarten.

As noted above - Children must currently be in FIRST grade entering the second grade.

REGISTRATION IS ONLINE ONLY.

Registration is currently unavailable.

DATES
TBA
 (Payment is not required until application has been accepted.)

 CAMP HOURS: 7:30-5:30 Monday - Friday

Note: Children are not required to attend every day.

Because Lighthouse is a church that believes in serving our community WE DO NOT CHARGE an additional weekly or monthly fee.  We do have a non-refundable registration fee that underwrites the cost of registration, the cost of VBC T-shirts for the     children, counselors, and some program supplies.

Since 1993 Lighthouse Baptist Church has offered a summer Bible Club. Our mission is the provision of recreational, social and spiritual experiences in a safe, structured environment that will positively enhance a child’s development. We promote respect for God, country, parental authority, property and each other through our daily chapel lessons. We emphasize that rules are necessary because without rules there is chaos. Our expectations begin with the reality that children do not make the rules therefore they are expected to follow the rules. Realizing that children are not perfect, we strive to lovingly teach them the value of personal responsibility and consequences for their wrong choices. Our program is designed to be much more than day care. We hope to impact the life of each child so that at the end of the summer they will have realized a measurable level of growth in their spiritual, emotional, social and recreational skills.

Under the guidance of the pastoral staff of Lighthouse,   our program is staffed by adult volunteers from our church, parents with children in the program, college and high school counselors, and middle school volunteers. We carefully screen all who are involved with the children. This will be our 32nd summer serving the families in our community. Since we do not advertise, it is by word of mouth that people come to our program. Because of the great demand, we are not able to accommodate all who apply. If you are interested please submit your application online ASAP.

A TYPICAL DAY AT VBC  Our day begins with check-in from 7:30-8:45 am. Once you have checked in your children, they are free to eat breakfast, go to the playground or game room, shoot hoops, play foursquare or just chill out under the big tent. We meet at the flagpole at 9:15 for opening ceremonies and then break for team time. We assemble in the church at 9:45 for skits, singing, Bible games and a Bible lesson. At 11:00 we head out to the big tent for lunch. All children have the option to participate in the free lunch program provided by Sarasota County Food and Nutrition Services. Most afternoons each age group will have a team time where they are encouraged to participate in an 30-60 minute outdoor group game. Ample hydration is always available. There are multiple choices of onsite indoor and outdoor activities for the children each afternoon. 

Children will have numerous opportunities to participate in optional offsite field trips that include bowling, swimming, trampoline park, etc. A field trip schedule which includes the fee for each activity will be provided.

FUNDING  Each summer we are able to offer this program because of the generosity of the members of Lighthouse, local businesses, corporate donations, fund raising events, concessions and donations from those of you who benefit from the program. We are willing to provide the staff but we still need help with the funding. You can help by participating in our fundraisers, supporting our concessions, being an advocate in our business community and contributing to our scholarship fund. You will receive additional details at the parent orientation.

Once your application has been submitted, it will be reviewed and upon acceptance you will be notified via email with instructions for completing registration.      Filling out the application does not guarantee a place for your child.
                                           
 

Also, Each family will be responsible for one evening of cleaning (per session) starting at 5:30 for approximately 1 to 1 1/2 hours.

link:  APPLICATION FORM 2025