Monday, June 22 – Thursday, June 25 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
4-year-olds through incoming fourth graders
A $35/participant registration fee covers a Rainforest Falls VBS t-shirt, snacks, and supplies. To request a scholarship to cover the fee, email Carey Williams Bebar at cbebar@garychurch.org.
About VBS at Gary United Methodist
Join us this summer on an amazing VBS adventure in the heart of downtown Wheaton! We’ll leave our suburban setting behind and step through the mist into Rainforest Falls, overflowing with wild waterfalls, towering trees, and colorful creatures.
During our four-day VBS program, kids will:
Travel with a small group of 5-8 kids within a larger grade-level group, each led by caring, vetted adult and teen volunteers.
Sing songs, play outdoor games, hear Bible stories, do science experiments, eat snacks, and learn about four amazing rainforest creatures.
- Learn about faith and a relationship with God in a loving environment where all questions and people are welcome.
VBS FAQs
What will my child do at VBS?
After being signed in by their adult, kids meet their crew, or small group, in the Gary Church auditorium. The day kicks off with a short skit and introduction to the day’s theme. From there, crews travel with their grade to the following stations (rotation varies by grade):
Sing n’ Play Tune Lagoon: Sing and dance to songs that celebrate God’s love.
Imagination Station: Do hands-on science experiments to learn about the natural world. Kids get a take-home gizmo each day.
Sticky Scripture: Learn Bible verses and watch short videos about how God’s word helps us today.
Treetop Treats: Refuel with snacks whipped up by our creative volunteers.
Wild Games: Head to Memorial Park and play fun games outside with friends.
- Rooted Bible Adventure: Kids experience the Bible story in ways that engage them and connect with their real life.
Who are the volunteers at VBS?
VBS at Gary is led by an amazing team of volunteers, many of whom are professional educators specializing in the subject or grade level they lead.
All our adult volunteers have passed a background check and agree to follow the guidelines of our Safe Sanctuaries participation covenant. High school volunteers also give back by assisting with the program.
What does the $35 fee cover?
VBS is a labor of love that is mostly put on through volunteer efforts and donations. The $35 fee covers a Rainforest Falls T-shirt kids will wear each day, as well as snacks and small take-home gadgets from Imagination Station.
What if the fee is stressful or not possible for my family?
We have scholarships available to cover the cost! Just email Carey Bebar Williams at cbebar@garychurch.org.
How does drop-off work on the first day of camp?
On Monday, please arrive by 8:45 a.m. to allow time to grab your family packet from the registration table. (If you attend Gary, you can also pick up packets on Sunday from 9–10:30 a.m. in Gary’s Commons.) Family packets include your child’s registration form, group assignment, and VBS T-shirt.
You’ll complete the registration form, then head into the Sanctuary with your child to meet their crew leader. Pews will be marked by grade and crew character.
How does drop-off work for the rest of the week?
On Tuesday–Thursday, from 8:45–9 a.m., you can simply walk your campers into the Sanctuary and check in with their crew leaders.
How does pick-up work?
You’ll pick up your child from a specific classroom based on their grade. We’ll provide details via email closer to VBS.
About Gary United Methodist
You are created in the image of God and have inherent sacred worth and dignity. Following the example of Jesus Christ, we celebrate people of any age, gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, ability, marital status, life circumstance and faith background. Wherever you are on your journey, we invite you to share in this life together at Gary Church.
At Gary United Methodist Church in Wheaton, IL, our mission through Christ is to grow in joyful faith and serve all in love. With deep roots in the community since 1853, Gary Church has vibrant music, kids, youth and adult ministries, plus opportunities for local, national and global missions.
