Pirate Adventure Vacation Bible School Sets Sail July 19 at First Baptist Church

A pirate ship, treasure hunts, games, music, crafts, and plenty of food will all be part of a four-night Vacation Bible School adventure coming to Front Royal next week.

First Baptist Church of Front Royal will host its free “Proof Pirates” Vacation Bible School from Sunday, July 19, through Wednesday, July 22, with activities each evening from 5 to 8 p.m. The program is open to children throughout the community and includes dinner each night.

Organizers Michael Williams of First Baptist Church and Nathan Barron of Love Revival recently discussed the event during an interview at the Royal Examiner studio, explaining that this year’s pirate-themed VBS is designed to make learning about faith both engaging and memorable.

“We’ve got an awesome theme coming to Front Royal,” Williams said. “We’re going to have a pirate-themed VBS, free food every night.”

A Real Pirate Ship

One of the biggest attractions will be an authentic pirate ship that many local residents may have already spotted around town.

The ship, loaned by Aaron and Harmony Hike, will be part of the immersive pirate experience, complete with costumed volunteers.

“We’re very excited about that,” Williams said. “We’ll have some people dressed up in there, and you might even see a certain pastor dressed up as a pirate.”

Churches Working Together

This year’s Vacation Bible School is also notable for the number of churches working together.

Following the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Williams said many churches saw attendance at Vacation Bible Schools decline as families became accustomed to staying home and participating online.

Rather than each congregation holding separate programs, First Baptist partnered with Love Revival and invited numerous other churches, including Lutheran, Episcopal, Presbyterian, and Methodist congregations, to join the effort.

“We don’t care who gets the credit,” Williams said. “We just care that God gets the glory. If we can help kids feel loved and valued, that’s all that matters to us.”

Volunteers from participating churches will help lead Bible lessons, music, arts and crafts, games, food service, security, and operations throughout the week.

Learning Through Fun

Barron said the curriculum centers on God’s grace, with each evening exploring a different part of the “Proof” theme while tying the lessons into the pirate adventure.

The goal, organizers said, is to make learning interactive and enjoyable.

Williams reflected on his own childhood memories of Vacation Bible School, recalling the excitement of making new friends and participating in activities each summer.

“It was just an opportunity for young people to feel valued as human beings and be talking to one another instead of about one another,” he said.

Safety a Priority

Parents can drop off their children each evening, knowing organizers have placed a strong emphasis on safety.

Children will be checked in through a registration and identification system, assigned to color-coded groups, and supervised throughout the evening.

“We actually have a security team,” Williams said. “Everybody has been vetted and had a criminal background check.”

Air-Conditioned Activities

Unlike some Vacation Bible Schools that rely heavily on outdoor activities, nearly everything will take place inside First Baptist’s air-conditioned facilities.

The church offers a large fellowship hall, a commercial kitchen, a youth recreation area with pool tables, foosball, and air hockey, and dedicated classrooms for arts and crafts.

Organizers said the indoor setting allows activities to continue regardless of summer heat or thunderstorms.

Fire Department Finale

The final evening promises one more surprise.

Williams said members of the Front Royal Fire Department plan to bring fire apparatus to the church and cool participants off with water hoses before they head home.

“So that last night,” Williams joked, “don’t forget your swimming suits.”

Event Details

Proof Pirates Vacation Bible School

• Dates: July 19–22
• Time: 5–8 p.m. nightly
• Location: First Baptist Church, Front Royal
• Cost: Free
• Dinner: Provided each evening

Organizers encourage families from throughout the community to attend, noting that children can expect four evenings filled with Bible lessons, music, games, crafts, fellowship, food, and plenty of pirate-themed adventure.

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