In just a few weeks, the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego will roll out our annual Vacation Bible School curriculum, “JOY CAMP!”  This arts-based curriculum will open spaces for children to connect with God and each other as they create beautiful art pieces, write and perform skits that reveal God’s dream for the world, and sing songs filled with LOVE and JOY.

As part of EDSD’s commitment to equipping congregations for vibrant, accessible ministry, this year’s VBS curriculum is offered completely free to every church in the diocese. There is no cost barrier, no licensing fee, and no complicated process–just a thoughtfully developed, theologically grounded program ready for you to adapt and use. It is a phenomenal option for churches of any size, whether you are launching a large-scale summer program or hosting a small, creative gathering. We want every congregation to know: this resource is here for you, and it is strong, flexible, and ready to support your ministry.

Joy Camp is rooted in scripture. You can look forward to games, yoga, and registration forms–everything you need to host JOY CAMP on your campus.

You are invited to utilize this curriculum to welcome children and their families to your campus. You are invited to hang banners on your buildings and fences to let your community know they are invited, too. Together, we will explore scripture and build communities of connection with a foundation of JOY. 

One of my most vibrant encounters with JOY is in the laughter of children. Children allow joy to fill up their entire being. It is the kind of joy that bubbles up and cascades from their mouths–the joy that rings out of buildings and across campuses. It is infectious. It is vulnerable. It is true. That joy, that laughter, is what I imagine when I read John 15.

If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

There are eight places in scripture where Jesus places children front and center. Jesus calls us to become like children, and if we listen to Jesus, if we take Jesus at his word, then creating spaces where children can be children is a key step in following that Gospel call. 

Because when we take our commitment to children seriously, when we create space for them to grow in knowledge and love of God, we deepen our own discipleship. It is one way that we can abide in God’s love and take a step towards the glorious goodness of complete joy!

JOY CAMP is an arts-based Vacation Bible School curriculum for children entering grades 1-5 provided at no cost to the congregations of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego.

REGISTER