About
Vacation Bible School includes interactive skits, music, crafts, movement, games, worship, drama, Bible study, art and science exploration, active games, mission projects, animal shows, science experiments, water play, bounce houses, and Bible learning. The 2026 theme is “Compassion Camp: Changing the World with Lovingkindness.”
• Ages: 3–11 years old (through 5th grade)
• Schedule: Monday–Friday, July 27–31, 2026, 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. each day
• Price: $125 per child for the full week
Vacation Bible School takes place at First Presbyterian Church of Santa Monica. Vacation Bible School is open to kids ages 3 through 5th grade from both First Presbyterian Church and the wider Santa Monica community. Financial assistance is available for families who need support. For questions about registration, drop-off, what to bring, or financial assistance, families can contact Jen Philbin at [email protected].
The program is part of the ministry of First Presbyterian Church of Santa Monica, which was officially chartered on September 28, 1875. The church was founded by two sisters, Emma and Jennie Vawter, who created a Sunday school in their home, and its first building also served as the public school for several years. The congregation moved into its current 2nd Street location in 1975, and an extensive remodeling was completed in April 2007. Artwork by renowned artist Laddie John Dill welcomes families to the campus, and through the years the church has emphasized family, education, music, and involvement in social issues. The church streams worship services via live feed each Sunday at 10:00 a.m. and provides support for local concert series.
The leadership team connected with this ministry includes Tim Vance (Pastor), Suzanne Swartz (Parish Associate), Kathy Stickel (Event Coordinator), Peter Earhart (Director of Mission and Ministry Development), Paula Lowe (Children’s and Family Ministry Associate), Jen Philbin (Director of Children's Youth and Family Ministries), Mark Alan Hilt (Director of Traditional Music), Marc Paré (Finance and Operations Manager), Evan Ziegenmeyer (Director of Contemporary Music), and Dionicio Aguilar Martinez (Building and Grounds Supervisor). Jen Philbin graduated from California State University Long Beach with two degrees in Family Life Education and Child Development & Family Studies.
First Presbyterian Church of Santa Monica describes its mission as being a welcoming and caring community of Christians who worship God with beauty, warmth, and vitality, empowered by the presence of the Spirit of the living Christ; grow in faith, knowledge, and Christian commitment, equipping each other for ministry in all of life; and give by living a life of loving service, reaching out with compassion for those in need and revealing to the world the good news of Jesus Christ.
One testimonial describes the church as having “great people,” an “inspired minister,” “great sermons,” “fantastic music,” a worship service with a mix of traditional and contemporary Christian music with both a choir and a band, a “fabulous children and family ministry,” and a relaxed and casual “come as you are” style and vibe. Another testimonial from Jessica and Alan Matkovic notes that their three children warmed to the Time for Children, enjoyed the activities and playground, and participated in fun holiday singing, and that their family has formed strong bonds and a community of friendships at First Presbyterian Church of Santa Monica.
Last updated August 2, 2026.
• Ages: 3–11 years old (through 5th grade)
• Schedule: Monday–Friday, July 27–31, 2026, 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. each day
• Price: $125 per child for the full week
Vacation Bible School takes place at First Presbyterian Church of Santa Monica. Vacation Bible School is open to kids ages 3 through 5th grade from both First Presbyterian Church and the wider Santa Monica community. Financial assistance is available for families who need support. For questions about registration, drop-off, what to bring, or financial assistance, families can contact Jen Philbin at [email protected].
The program is part of the ministry of First Presbyterian Church of Santa Monica, which was officially chartered on September 28, 1875. The church was founded by two sisters, Emma and Jennie Vawter, who created a Sunday school in their home, and its first building also served as the public school for several years. The congregation moved into its current 2nd Street location in 1975, and an extensive remodeling was completed in April 2007. Artwork by renowned artist Laddie John Dill welcomes families to the campus, and through the years the church has emphasized family, education, music, and involvement in social issues. The church streams worship services via live feed each Sunday at 10:00 a.m. and provides support for local concert series.
The leadership team connected with this ministry includes Tim Vance (Pastor), Suzanne Swartz (Parish Associate), Kathy Stickel (Event Coordinator), Peter Earhart (Director of Mission and Ministry Development), Paula Lowe (Children’s and Family Ministry Associate), Jen Philbin (Director of Children's Youth and Family Ministries), Mark Alan Hilt (Director of Traditional Music), Marc Paré (Finance and Operations Manager), Evan Ziegenmeyer (Director of Contemporary Music), and Dionicio Aguilar Martinez (Building and Grounds Supervisor). Jen Philbin graduated from California State University Long Beach with two degrees in Family Life Education and Child Development & Family Studies.
First Presbyterian Church of Santa Monica describes its mission as being a welcoming and caring community of Christians who worship God with beauty, warmth, and vitality, empowered by the presence of the Spirit of the living Christ; grow in faith, knowledge, and Christian commitment, equipping each other for ministry in all of life; and give by living a life of loving service, reaching out with compassion for those in need and revealing to the world the good news of Jesus Christ.
One testimonial describes the church as having “great people,” an “inspired minister,” “great sermons,” “fantastic music,” a worship service with a mix of traditional and contemporary Christian music with both a choir and a band, a “fabulous children and family ministry,” and a relaxed and casual “come as you are” style and vibe. Another testimonial from Jessica and Alan Matkovic notes that their three children warmed to the Time for Children, enjoyed the activities and playground, and participated in fun holiday singing, and that their family has formed strong bonds and a community of friendships at First Presbyterian Church of Santa Monica.
Last updated August 2, 2026.
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