Looking through the timeless lenses of VBS

By: Jonah Smeltzer, Director of Communications

I’ve had the pleasure to be this year’s Dutilh Church Vacation Bible School photographer, making sure to capture the essence of all the events and activities that make a week of summer special for these 300 kids from our church and community.

Every time I pick up the camera to get a good action shot, I can’t help but reminisce on the days when I was one of those kids playing, eating, having fun, and learning about God. Growing up, I had the opportunity to attend two weeks of VBS each summer. One week would be spent here at Dutilh, and the other at my Grandparent’s Church. (Oak Grove Lutheran Church). I went back through my old files so that I could compare the pictures I took this week with the pictures of when I was “VBS age”.

Pictured left in the yellow shirt, you can see me helping my mom teach the movements to one of the songs. If you recognize me as the electric guitarist in Praise For every Sunday at 9:30, this is where my musical career started, as well as when I learned that I need some better stage presence.

Pictured right, you can see the kids this week starting to learn the rainforest falls dance moves!

“Snack Time!” is the best thing you can hear as a kid, especially after a long time of running around and dancing to the music. With these pictures being about 15 years apart, It’s nice to see that the rainbow themed Jell-o cup still makes it to the VBS snacktime menu.

Creating, painting, building, and designing different arts and crafts is another activity that I remember well. Every year, I got to make a different tie-dye shirt that would colorfully stand out in my closet! Pictured right, you can see an example of how they color white shirt with bright dyes, that will eventually make a vibrant work of art you can wear!

As time goes by, and no matter how much the world may change, It seems that VBS will always be that staple in every child’s life that connects them to God. I am excited to be part the rest of the week, watching these kids have the same fun that I was blessed to have.

JonahJune 16, 2026