Welcome to Rainforest Falls VBS 2026 in Joplin, MO!
June 14-18, 2026 — 5:30 to 8:00 pm (free meal)
Free Evening Vacation Bible School — Open to All Joplin Families!
Vacation Bible School at Immanuel Lutheran in Joplin, Missouri is designed for the whole family — not just the kids! We run VBS as a free evening program so that working parents can participate and families can come together. Whether you are part of our Immanuel church family, a student at Martin Luther School, or simply a Joplin neighbor looking for a great summer experience, everyone is welcome at Rainforest Falls VBS. Space is limited — register early to secure your child’s spot!
What Kids Learn at Rainforest Falls VBS
At Rainforest Falls VBS, kids embark on a tropical adventure through God’s amazing creation! This year’s theme — Exploring the Nature of God — helps children discover that their Creator knows them, loves them, and is always with them. From hands-on science experiments and team-building games to lively Bible songs and tasty snacks, every activity is designed so that faith takes root in real life. Kids will explore God’s incredible world through what we call God Sightings — finding evidence of God’s love and power in everyday life. Since many activities are hands-on, please send children in play clothes and closed-toe shoes.
At Immanuel — a congregation of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS) — we believe God reveals Himself through creation (Psalm 19; Romans 1:20), but above all through His Word and the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. At Rainforest Falls VBS, every God Sighting points beyond the wonder of nature toward the God who made it and loves each child personally. Kids won’t just learn about God — they’ll hear the Good News that God sent Jesus to rescue and redeem them, and that in their Baptism they are known, loved, and claimed as His own forever.
Parents, grandparents, and friends are invited to join us each evening for Canopy Closing at 7:40 pm — a brief, joyful worship gathering where kids share what they learned that day. It’s one of the highlights of the whole week! We hope you can join us at Immanuel Lutheran Church and Martin Luther School, 2616 Connecticut Ave, Joplin, MO, Sunday June 14 through Thursday June 18, from 5:30 to 8:00 pm each evening. Admission is completely free, and a free meal is served each night starting at 5:30.
REGISTER EARLY! Space is limited — sign up today to secure your child’s spot at Rainforest Falls VBS 2026!
VBS simply cannot happen without our wonderful, caring Adult and Student Volunteers. THANK YOU to our amazing crew of leaders and helpers! Want to join our VBS team? BECOME A VOLUNTEER today!
→ Register Your Child
→ Become a Volunteer
Rainforest Falls VBS Details — Schedule & What to Expect
Here’s everything you need to know before sending your child to Rainforest Falls Vacation Bible School in Joplin, MO. VBS is open to children from toddlers through completed 5th grade. Youth helpers (grades 6–12) are also needed and welcomed! A parent or guardian must remain on-site or be reachable during VBS.
- Designed for families with children (toddlers through grade 5; youth helpers needed too!)
- June 14-18, Five evenings Sunday thru Thursday
- 5:30 FREE easy meal
- 6:00 Opening together
- 6:30-7:40 station rotations: Bible Adventures, Science, Games & More!
- Leave by 8:00 each night
- A great way for our congregation, school and community to come together!
The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. — Psalm 19:1
Creation declares God’s glory — but it cannot tell us His name, or that He loves us, or that He sent His Son to save us. At Immanuel Lutheran (LCMS), we believe the fullest revelation of God is found not in the rainforest, but in Jesus Christ. Every “God Sighting” at Rainforest Falls VBS points children beyond the wonder of creation to the God who made it and redeemed it — and them — through the cross and resurrection of His Son.
🎵 Sing & Play — Tune Lagoon: High-energy opening each night with worship songs, skits, and community-building activities that get every child excited for the adventure ahead.
📖 Rooted Bible Adventures: Interactive, age-appropriate Bible lessons that help kids connect God’s Word to real life through stories, discussion, and hands-on activities.
🔬 Imagination Station: Kids explore God’s amazing creation through exciting science experiments that make faith come alive in unexpected, memorable ways.
🏃 Wild Games: Team-building games and active play that reinforce the day’s Bible theme while burning off energy in a fun, supervised environment.
🍉 Treetop Treats: A free, themed snack served each night — one of the kids’ favorite parts of VBS! Allergies? Let us know at registration.
✏️ Sticky Scripture: Memory verse activities that help kids hide God’s Word in their hearts — using creative, multi-sensory methods that actually stick!
🌿 Canopy Closing: Each evening wraps up at 7:40 pm with a brief, joyful all-together celebration. Parents and family are warmly invited to join for this closing time!
Join us online! VBS openings and closings are broadcast live at 6:00 pm each night on Immanuel’s Facebook and YouTube channels — so grandparents and friends who can’t be there in person can still be part of the fun. Share your family’s experience using #immanueljoplinVBS on social media!
Share your family’s experience online! We look forward to seeing your social media posts with the hashtag #immanueljoplinVBS.
facebook.com/immanueljoplin
instagram.com/immanueljoplin
twitter.com/immanueljoplin
Register Now for Free VBS in Joplin, MO!
→ Register Your Child
→ Become a Volunteer
Frequently Asked Questions — Joplin VBS 2026
Is Rainforest Falls VBS really free?
Yes! Rainforest Falls VBS at Immanuel Lutheran in Joplin is completely free — no registration fee, no supply fee, no cost to families. We even provide a free meal every evening at 5:30 pm. At Immanuel, we love to reflect the greatest truth in the universe: that God’s greatest gift — salvation through Jesus Christ — is also freely given, by grace alone, through faith alone. Come as you are. Bring your kids. Register here at no charge.
What ages can attend VBS in Joplin?
Rainforest Falls VBS is open to children from toddlers through completed 5th grade. Students in grades 6–12 are encouraged to sign up as youth helpers and volunteers.
Do I need to register in advance?
Yes, please register early — space is limited! Early registration helps us plan meals, supplies, and staffing. Click here to register your child or sign up to volunteer at VBSMate — it only takes a few minutes and is completely free.
What should my child wear and bring?
Send your child in comfortable play clothes and closed-toe shoes — activities can get a little messy! No need to bring anything special; all supplies are provided. If your child has food allergies, please note them at registration.
Where is VBS held in Joplin?
Rainforest Falls VBS 2026 is held at Immanuel Lutheran Church and Martin Luther School, 2616 Connecticut Avenue, Joplin, MO 64804. Ample parking is available. VBS runs nightly Sunday–Thursday, June 14–18, 5:30–8:00 pm.
Can parents attend VBS?
Parents are welcome and encouraged to join the Canopy Closing each evening at 7:40 pm, where kids share songs, Scripture, and what God taught them that day. If you cannot be there in person, the opening and closing are also live-streamed on Immanuel’s Facebook and YouTube channels each night at 6:00 pm. Ready to join us? Register your child here.