VBS ScoutGuide · VBS 2027
Group vs Lifeway VBS 2027
Group Publishing has 3 VBS 2027 programs (Crave, Kingdom of David, Polar Blast). Lifeway has 1 (Take Flight). Here's how they compare on the facts we've confirmed.
Group Publishing
| Theme | Starter kit | Format | Ages | Volunteers / staffing | Ships |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crave | $314.99 | Easy VBS (flagship) | Preschool and Elementary (separate leader manuals) | Rotation stations; kit includes 13 leader manuals + preschool director manual | Starts shipping 2027-01-04 |
| Kingdom of David | $279.99 | Holy Land Adventure | Preschool and Elementary; adaptable for all-ages family | Tribes of 5 kids + 1 Tribe Leader; kit has 6 role-specific leader manuals; Group says fewer Marketplace shops = fewer volunteers | Starts shipping 2027-01-11 |
| Polar Blast | $134.99 | Weekend VBS | Preschool and Elementary (Penguin Preschool leader manual) | Kit has 6 leader manuals; each leader preps about 25 minutes of material | Starts shipping 2027-02-19 (Group) / 2027-02-15 (Concordia) |
Lifeway
| Theme | Starter kit | Format | Ages | Volunteers / staffing | Ships |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Take Flight | $39.99 | TBA | Babies-2s, Preschool, Kids, Preteen (VBX), Students, Adults | Rotations: Worship Rally, Bible Study, Crafts, Music, Recreation, Snacks, Missions; no staffing count published | Publication date 2026-10-15 |
Our Sunday Visitor's Crave (Totally Catholic VBS) is a Catholic edition of Group's Crave. See its theme page.
Which fits your church depends on your budget, how many volunteers you have, and your church's tradition. We don't rank one above the other. If your church has run either, leave a review to help other directors.
Listed in alphabetical or price order only. No publisher pays for placement (disclosure). "TBA" means not yet confirmed from the publisher or a retailer. Prices and dates were checked 2026-10-27 and change often, so confirm with the publisher before you order.