Vacation Bible Schools

Youngsters will become anchored in the knowledge that Christ guides them through life’s storms, discover why we need to care for our common home, take a Bible blast to the past, and go on other adventures during Vacation Bible Schools offered at parishes around the Diocese of Portland this summer. They are a way for youngsters to learn about their faith, while having fun and making new friends.

Below you will find a list of some of the Vacation Bible Schools offered in summer 2024.  Please contact the parish for more information and keep in mind that registration deadlines are often a couple weeks ahead of time so supplies can be ordered.

June 2024

St. Michael Parish, Augusta - June 17-21, 2024

Children are invited to dive into a friendship with God during Scuba, a Vacation Bible School that will be held in the hall of St. Francis Xavier Church on Route 133 in Winthrop. 

Location: St. Francis Xavier Church, 130 Route 133, Winthrop

FMI: Sandra Parlato at 207-623-8823 or [email protected]

St. John Paul II Parish, Scarborough - June 24-28, 2024

Vacation Bible School will be June 24-28 from 8:30 a.m.- 12 p.m. Children will dive deep into an amazing undersea adventure where they’ll experience the ever-flowing, never-ending love of God. Registration is open. Cost to attend is $50 for grades K-5 and $35 for grades 6-8.  

Location: St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, 150 Black Point Road, Scarborough

Register: https://vbspro.events/p/events/cd68d8  

For more information: email [email protected] or call 883-0334

St Joseph Parish, Bridgton - June 17-21, 2024

The Parish of the Western Maine Lakes and Foothills invites children to have fun in the sea during Scuba, a Vacation Bible School that will be held June 17-21, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The VBS is for children ages 4 to 12 years old, who are invited to come to play games and make new friends as they learn about the love of Jesus.  

Location: St. Joseph Church, 225 South High Street, Bridgton

For more information: https://vbspro.events/p/wmelakesandfoothills

St. Matthew Parish, Limerick, June 18-20, 2024

Children are invited to dive into their faith at SCUBA, a Vacation Bible School which will be held at St. Matthew Church, 19 Dora Lane in Limerick, June 18-20, from 5:30 pm. to 8 p.m. The VBS includes a light dinner each night. The VBS is open for children from ages 3 to 11. The cost is $15 per child. To register and for more information, visit https://www.stmatthewlimerick.org/vacation-bible-school

Corpus Christi Parish, Waterville - June 24-28

A Vacation Bible School, "Come to the Table," will be held at the St. John Center in Winslow for students who have completed kindergarten through grade 6. Children will learn that everyone is welcome at God's table and hear how Jesus spent a lot of time eating and talking with unexpected people.

For more information or to register, contact Paula Giguere at [email protected] or 207-872-2281.

St. Paul the Apostle Parish, Brewer - June 24-28, 2024

It will be another amazing CatChat Vacation Bible School at St. Paul the Apostle Parish June 24-28, from 9:00 a.m.to 12:00 p.m.  This year's theme is "Cathletics: Training to be Champions for Christ." Campers can expect fun crafts, snacks, songs, games, and times of catechesis and prayer together! Children ages 4-10 years old are welcome to register before June 10, 2024. A $20 fee per child includes all craft supplies, take-home items, and snacks.

Location: St. Joseph Church, 531 North Main Street, Brewer

For more information: Catholic Vacation Bible School - St. Paul the Apostle Parish - Bangor, ME (stpaulbangor.me) or reach out to Julie Sanclemente, Faith Formation Coordinator, 217-6740 ext. 1300

St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Westbrook - June 24-28, 2024

A Vacation Bible Camp, Village Life in Galilee, will be held at St. Anne Church in Gorham June 24-28, 9 a.m. to noon. Youngsters from kindergarten - fifth grade are invited to come and experience what life was like for Jesus as a young person, including carpentry, animal care, weaving, and baking. There will also be games, crafts, music, and snacks. Teen helpers are also invited.

Location: St. Anne Church, 299 Main Street, Gorham.

Contact: Sister Jackie at 207-899-5427

Portland Peninsula and Island Parishes, Portland - June 24-28, 2024

Students in Kindergarten through 5th grade are invited to participate in this weeklong program, June 24 - June 28 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to build friendships and encounter the sacred. The theme of the summer program is the Eucharist: the source and summit of our Catholic faith. The day will include common prayer, meals, lessons focused on the Eucharist, service and fun recreation time. The majority of the day will be spent on the Cathedral campus. Drop off will be at St. Peter's and there will be some off campus excursions and service.

Location: Drop off at St. Peter's Hall, 72 Federal Street, Portland. Pickup at Guild Hall. 

Contact: [email protected] or 207-773-7746 ext. 106 with questions. Register here: Summer Program Registration 2024 | Portland Peninsula & Island Parishes | Portland, ME (portlandcatholic.org)

July 2024 

Parish of the Holy Eucharist, Falmouth - July 15-19, 2024

Vacation Bible Camp will be held on the third week of July (July 15-19) from 9 a.m. -12 p.m. for campers in rising grades K-5. This year's theme is ‘Cathletics! Training Kids to be Champions for Christ.’ Through games, music, snacks, and faith time, campers will learn about training for excellence in the Catholic faith by living the commandments, the beatitudes, the fruits of the Spirit, and evangelization. Families have the option of staying and swimming together after camp is over.  

Location:  St. Gregory the Great Church, 24 North Raymond Road, Gray

Register: https://pothe.org/vacation-bible-camp

For more information: email [email protected] or call (207) 847-6890 

Portland Peninsula and Island Parishes, Portland - July 22-26, 2024

The middle school and high school program will immerse youth into an intentional, community life throughout the week of July 22-26 from 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Students will spend time with one another in service, recreation, and prayer. Middle and high school students will form into separate groups to make and serve each other meals, lead projects around the churches, and relax and get to know one another more. 

Location: Cathedral of the Immaculate and St. Peter's Church in Portland

Contact: [email protected] or 207-773-7746 ext. 106 with questions. Register here: Summer Program Registration 2024 | Portland Peninsula & Island Parishes | Portland, ME (portlandcatholic.org)

August 2024 

St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish, Norway -  August 5-9, 2024

The Parish of the Western Maine Lakes and Foothills invites children to have fun in the sea during Scuba, a Vacation Bible School that will be held August 5-,9, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  Children ages 4 to 12 years old are invited to come play games and make new friends as they learn about the love of Jesus.  

Location: Our Lady of Ransom Church, 117 Elm Street, Mechanic Falls

For more information: https://vbspro.events/p/wmelakesandfoothills-olr 

St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish, Sanford - August 6-8, 2024

Children are invited to dive into their faith at SCUBA, a Vacation Bible School which will be hosted by St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish, August 6-8, 2024, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. To volunteer for the VBS, click here.