What is a holiday Bible club?
A holiday Bible club (often just called a holiday club) is a children's programme run by a church during the school holidays, most commonly in the summer break and sometimes at half term or Easter. Where American churches speak of vacation Bible school, British churches use the holiday club label, but the idea is similar: a themed week of fun with a Bible story at its heart, staffed by trained volunteers and open to any child in the community, churchgoing or not.
What a typical week looks like
Most clubs run on weekday mornings, roughly 10am to 12.30pm, for three to five days, with some offering full days to help working parents. A morning usually flows through:
- High-energy songs and a silly warm-up game to burn off some energy
- A Bible story told creatively, often through drama, video or puppets around a theme such as pirates, space or superheroes
- Small groups where children chat about the story with the same leaders each day
- Crafts, games, quizzes and a mid-morning squash-and-biscuits break
- A closing celebration, frequently ending the week with a family barbecue or a special Sunday service parents are invited to
Many churches use published materials from organisations such as Scripture Union, which has been running holiday clubs and beach missions in Britain for over a century, so the teaching is age-appropriate and well tested.
Safeguarding and DBS checks
Reputable clubs take safeguarding seriously. Team members who work with children are required to have an enhanced DBS check, churches operate under a written safeguarding policy with a named safeguarding lead, and registration forms record allergies, medical needs and who may collect each child. Do not hesitate to ask a church about its safeguarding arrangements before you book; a well-run club will be glad you asked.
What does it cost?
Most holiday clubs are free or ask only a small contribution, typically a few pounds for the week to cover crafts and refreshments. Churches run them as a gift to their community, not as a fundraiser. Booking ahead is wise all the same, because popular clubs fill up weeks in advance, particularly in towns where several schools break up at once.
Is it only for church families?
No. Most children at a typical holiday club have no other connection with the church, and families of all faiths and none send their children along. The content is openly Christian, with Bible stories and simple songs, and parents can see the programme in advance. Many families first discover a family-friendly church through a summer club, then try a Sunday service or a service with a creche in the autumn.
How to find a holiday Bible club near you
- Search our directory to find churches near you, then check their websites and social media from around May onwards.
- Look for posters at school gates, libraries and community noticeboards towards the end of the summer term.
- Ask other parents; word of mouth fills most club places.
- For older children, ask whether the church runs a youth group with its own summer programme.