After five days of songs, crafts, games, and Bible stories, children leave Vacation Bible School with tired legs and full hearts. Parents ask, What did you learn? and often get a shrug. A cheerful VBS report card changes that. It gives every camper something to bring home that shows what happened, what they enjoyed, and what they learned, and it turns a busy week into a memory that lasts.
A VBS director’s timeline for using the card
Two weeks before
Open the template and update the title, dates, theme, church, and daily themes. Decide on the five Bible stories and memory verses for the week. Print a sample so volunteers can see how the report will look.
During the week
Ask group leaders to note attendance and participation each day. A simple checklist on a clipboard is enough; the details go on the card afterwards. Encourage leaders to jot down one memorable moment for each child.
The day after
Fill in the cards, add a short leader’s note, and give them out at the closing celebration or by mail. Because the layout is already done, each card takes only a couple of minutes.
Two weeks later
Follow up with families by email, inviting them to your regular Sunday programs. A card with a warm note from a leader is a lovely way to say thank you.
Inside the report card
A sunny header
A bright blue header with a scalloped edge, a smiling sun, and puffy clouds sets a cheerful summer tone. The title Vacation Bible School Report Card is set in a rounded, playful font that children love.
Camper details
Eight fields capture the camper’s name, age or grade, group, group leader, VBS theme, dates, church, and days attended.
My week at VBS
A five-day table lists the daily theme, the Bible story, the memory verse, and a tick for attendance. The sample follows a Faith Adventure theme with stories such as Joshua and courage, loaves and fish, David and Goliath, the lost sheep and Jesus and the children, along with references such as Joshua 1:9, Psalm 23:1, and Mark 10:14. Replace them with your own curriculum.
What I enjoyed
Six colorful badges represent Bible stories, songs, crafts, games, snack time, and service, each with a three-star rating. Change the labels to match your stations, and recolor stars to change a rating.
What I learned
A rounded box invites the child, or the leader on their behalf, to write a sentence about what they learned. It is often the part parents keep the longest.
Completion strip
A gold medal and a celebratory line, Completed Vacation Bible School, finish the page above signature lines for the group leader, pastor, or director and parent.
Ideas for the closing celebration
- Invite families for a short program where children sing songs from the week.
- Hand each child their report card with a small prize such as a bookmark or sticker.
- Display children’s crafts and read the memory verses aloud together.
- Take a group photo for the church newsletter, with permission from parents.
Leader’s notes children remember
- Ethan joined in every activity and encouraged his team.
- Your kindness to new friends made our group stronger.
- You listened so carefully during our Bible stories.
- Thank you for your cheerful songs and big smile all week.
Customizing the card
- Open the template and type the title, theme, dates, and church.
- Update the daily table with your themes, stories, and verses.
- Adjust the badges and stars, and write a note for each camper.
- Add signatures and download the card as a PDF, PNG, or JPG.
Printing tips
The card is US Letter, 8.5 x 11 inches. Print in color on bright white paper or light card stock; the sunny blue header looks best on a color printer. If you print for a large group, take the PDF to a print shop and ask for a batch. For a digital option, send the PNG or JPG to families by email or your church app.
Short answers
Can I use it for a half-day or three-day VBS?
Yes. Delete rows from the table and adjust the dates.
Can I add a group photo?
Yes. Upload an image from the editor and place it beside the leader’s note.
Is the design suitable for older children?
It suits ages 4 to 12. Choose a different set of colors for older campers if you like.
Planning your stations and crafts
- Match each station to a badge on the card, so the What I enjoyed section reflects real activities.
- Keep crafts simple and tied to the daily Bible story, such as a paper sheep for the lost sheep or a shield for courage.
- Prepare a few quiet options for children who need a break from the noise.
- Give each group a color or animal name so cards and name tags stay organized.
Thanking your volunteers
A VBS week depends on volunteers, and they deserve appreciation. Print an extra copy of the report card layout, replace the child’s details with a volunteer’s name, and add a thank-you note. A card that says Thank you for a wonderful week costs almost nothing and makes a real impression.
Including every child
Children with different abilities, languages, or needs will be present. Adapt the card by choosing simple words, using pictures, or letting a leader complete the What I learned box together with the child. Focus on participation and joy rather than performance, and make sure every camper receives their card at the celebration.
Inviting families back
Add a short line to the leader’s note, such as: We would love to see you on Sundays at 10:00 AM. Many families first visit a church during VBS, and a friendly invitation on a card they are proud of is a gentle way to say they are welcome.
Keeping the card fun
Children treat a report card as a keepsake when it feels like a prize, not an assessment. Add a sticker beside each day they attended, let them color the star badges themselves, or write their own sentence in the What I learned box. A small personal touch, such as a leader’s doodle or a favorite verse in the margin, makes the card feel like a gift.
Make every camper feel celebrated. Open the template, add your week’s details, and download a report card that families will keep.
