Illumination Station VBS Draws Record Attendance

Laughter, music, and the message of God’s love filled the halls of First Baptist Church of Olney during this year’s Illumination Station Vacation Bible School, where record attendance brought hundreds of children, volunteers, and families together for a week of faith and fun.

Held May 31 through June 4, the evening program welcomed students who had completed kindergarten through sixth grade. Church leaders reported that the first two nights set attendance records that longtime members could not remember being surpassed.

On opening night, 152 children joined 105 volunteers for a total of 257 people on campus. Attendance climbed even higher the following evening, with 165 children and 103 workers bringing the total to 268.

Despite operating with fewer classrooms, no parking lot during ongoing construction, a new dismissal process, and warm temperatures inside the building, organizers said they were overwhelmed by the community’s response.

Throughout the week, children rotated through games, crafts, worship, Bible lessons and hands-on activities centered on the theme “Illumination Station,” learning that Jesus is the Light of the World. Parents were invited to the closing worship rally on the final night to watch their children perform and celebrate everything they had learned.

Church leaders described the week as a tremendous blessing and thanked the more than 100 volunteers who helped make one of the largest Vacation Bible Schools in the church’s history a success.