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 2023.  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 2023

Corpus Christi Parish, Waterville - June 19-23, 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

"Who is My Neighbor? Learning to Love Like Jesus" is a Vacation Bible School experience for students who have completed kindergarten through fifth grade. Through a fun-filled time of learning and experiences, children will discover that neighbors are more than people who live next door. Children will be led through five Bible stories focused on God's care and compassion for neighbors close at hand and around the world. The week-long journey will help children discover more about God's great love, what it means to be a neighbor, and to live out our faith.

Location: Hall of St. John the Baptist Church, 26 Monument Street, Winslow

FMI: Kim Suttie at 207-872-2281 or [email protected]

St. Michael Parish, Augusta - June 19-23, 8:30 a.m. to noon

Children are sure to have a "Stellar" experience at a Vacation Bible School that will be held in the hall of St. Francis Xavier Church on Route 133 in Winthrop. Two programs will be run simultaneously, one for children ages 3 to 5 and one for children ages 5 to 11.The cost is $50 per child, which includes a VBS kit and T-shirt.

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

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

St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish, Calais - June 25-27, 9 a.m. to noon

All children are welcome to gather for the St. Kateri Tekakwitha "Stellar" Vacation Bible Camp each day from 9 a.m. to noon.

Location: Immaculate Conception Church, 31 Calais Avenue, Calais

FMI or to register: Marc at [email protected] or 207-454-0680, ext. 5. 

Our Lady of the Eucharist Parish, Lincoln - June 26-30, 9 a.m. to noon

A Vacation Bible School will be held at St. Mary of Lourdes Church, 142 Main Street in Lincoln.

FMI, to register, or to volunteer: Trish Aldrich at 207-794-6333 or [email protected]

St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Westbrook - June 26-30, 9 a.m. to noon

A Vacation Bible Camp will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at St. Anne Church, 299 Main Street in Gorham. Children from Kindergarten - Grade 5 are invited to attend. Teens and adult helpers are welcome. 

Call Sister Jackie at 207-899-5427.

St. Benedict Parish, Benedicta - June 26-30, 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Experience the "mane" event this summer with a Vacation Bible school at St. Benedict Church, 1063, Benedicta Road in Benedicta.

FMI: Anna Robinson at 207-267-0586.

St. John Paul II Parish, Scarborough - June 26-30, 8:30 a.m. to noon

St. John Vianney Parish, Fort Kent - June 26-30, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

All preschoolers and kindergarteners are welcome at "Stellar: Shine Jesus' Light" Vacation Bible School each day from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and find God in incredible friends, amazing experiments, creative games, yummy snacks, surprising adventures, and awesome music. 

Location: St. Louis Church Youth Room, 26 East Main Street, Fort Kent

FMI or to register: Barb at 207-834-3984.

St. Paul the Apostle Parish, Bangor - June 26-30, 8:30 a.m. to noon

Children will discover the Marvelous Mystery of the Mass during a Vacation Bible School June 26-30 at St. Joseph Church in Brewer from 8:30 a.m. to noon. The Vacation Bible School is open to children from kindergarten through grade 5. Older children and adults are invited to sign up to volunteer. The cost is $20 per child, with a maximum of $40 per family.

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

FMI: https://stpaulbangor.me/vacation-bible-school or contact Julie Sanclemente at 207-217-6740, ext. 300.

July 2023

Parish of the Holy Eucharist, Falmouth - July 17-21, 9 a.m. to noon

Children will discover the "Marvelous Mystery" of the Mass in this Vacation Bible Camp, which will be held at St. Gregory Church in Gray. The camp will help children from kindergarten through grade 5 develop a new appreciation for the Mass and deepen their love for Christ in the Eucharist. The cost is $35 per camper. 

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

FMI and to register: www.pothe.org/vacation-bible-camp

August 2023

Parish of the Holy Savior, Rumford - August 7-11, 8:30 a.m. to noon

The Parish of the Holy Savior will offer a Vacation Bible School from August 7-11 in the parish hall, located at 126 Maine Avenue in Rumford. The Vacation Bible School is open to children from age 5 (going into kindergarten) through sixth grade. Peer helpers in grade 7 and up are also needed.

FMI and to register, call the parish office at 207-364-4556.

St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish, Sanford - August 7-11, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

A Vacation Bible School held at St. Thomas School in Sanford will launch kids on a cosmic quest where they will have a blast shining Jesus' light to the world. 

FMI and to register: Shelly Carpenter at 207-324-2420.

Our Lady of the Snows Parish, Dover-Foxcroft - August 21-25

A Vacation Bible School will be held at the CLC building on 50 High Street in Dover-Foxcroft. The theme of the week is "Monumental by Exploring God's Awesomeness."

FMI and to register: Melissa at 207-924-7104 or visit www.ourladyofthesnowsme.org (registration opens on May 30).