Early Registration ends in:
A 10-week Bible adventure where children ages 5–18 dive deep into God’s Word, learn how to study the Bible using 11 proven tools, and memorize Scripture in a fun, interactive way. Plus, they’ll have the chance to qualify for the National Bible Bee Competition and compete for over $135,000 in prize money. Strengthen your child’s faith, sharpen their mind, and create lasting memories this summer!
A summer filled with too much unstructured time can cause children to drift—academically and spiritually. Without intentional activities, kids risk losing focus, falling behind in their learning, and missing opportunities to grow in their faith. In fact, research cited by The Brookings Institute shows that children can forget up to 25% of what they learned during the previous year.
This summer can be different. With the right tools and a clear plan, your child can grow closer to Jesus and build lasting memories rooted in God’s Word.
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” - John 15:5
Sign up your child for the National Bible Bee Summer Study by May 31.
Explore the Bible using 11 easy-to-use tools, memorize scripture, and apply biblical truths to daily life—all in as little as 20 minutes a day over the summer.
Be filled with joy at the end of the summer as your child stands up to boldly proclaim God’s Word, showcasing their growth in faith and knowledge.
Sign up your child for the National Bible Bee Summer Study by May 31.
Explore the Bible using 11 easy-to-use tools, memorize scripture, and apply biblical truths to daily life—all in as little as 20 minutes a day over the summer.
Be filled with joy at the end of the summer as your child stands up to boldly proclaim God’s Word, showcasing their growth in faith and knowledge.
Embark on an unforgettable Bible adventure with the Discovery Journal—a dynamic, hands-on study guide that helps kids dive deep into God’s Word. It equips them with 11 powerful study tools—like keywords, cross-references, and word studies—to unlock Scripture’s meaning, spark curiosity, and connect biblical truths to daily life.
The Parent’s Edition is your companion to the Discovery Journal, providing all the right answers and helpful insights so you can confidently support your child’s Bible study—no prep needed. Whether you’re new to Bible study or a seasoned learner, it makes guiding your child’s faith journey simple and stress-free.
Your child’s Summer Study journey could lead to an exciting opportunity—the chance to qualify for the National Bible Bee Competition! The top 360 scorers (ages 7–18) are invited to compete for over $135,000 in prize money, showcasing their Bible knowledge and faith on a national stage. It’s more than a competition—it’s a life-changing experience that builds confidence and deepens their love for God’s Word.
Join a Host Community (where available) to practice memory verses, play fun Bible-based games, and build friendships with like-minded families. Plus, engage with the NBB Social Community to exchange study tips, share encouragement, and learn from families who’ve competed at the National Bible Bee Competition.
Keep your family’s faith journey strong with the Summer Savings Bundle, packed with exclusive savings on top resources. Get $200 off a Summit Ministries Student Conference, $100 off a Veritas Press Self-Paced Course, three months free of World Watch, plus discounts on Answers.tv and Living Waters.tv.
Enjoy Free Domestic Shipping on your Summer Study materials, making it even easier to get everything you need delivered straight to your door—at no extra cost. It’s one less thing to worry about, so you can focus on what matters most: helping your child grow in God’s Word.
Enhance your Bible memorization journey with the Warriors of the Word Video Course by Piercing Word. This engaging masterclass offers practical strategies and insights to help you and your family effectively memorize and internalize Scripture, deepening your spiritual walk together.
Founded in 2009 by the Shelby Kennedy Foundation, the National Bible Bee exists to ignite a passion for Scripture in young people. This life-changing competition challenges kids to memorize and study God’s Word, equipping them with faith, confidence, and purpose.
At just 23 years old, Shelby Kennedy went home to be with the Lord after a courageous battle with cancer. Through every trial, she remained anchored in Scripture, finding joy and strength in God’s promises. Her legacy lives on through the National Bible Bee—where thousands of young people hide God’s Word in their hearts and experience real spiritual transformation.
More than just a competition, the National Bible Bee is a movement—uniting families, strengthening faith, and raising up the next generation of bold believers. Over the past 16 years…
Kirk Cameron
“I endorse it with all my heart”
James Dobson
“The Bible Bee is truly amazing”
Max Lucado
“We believe this ministry is depositing truth”
Ken Ham
“It was thrilling for me”
Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth
“I’m so thrilled”
Emeal "EZ"
Zwayne
“What a great idea!”
David & Jason Benham
“The kids today are lucky to have this program”
Dr. Jeff Meyers
“The truth is in scripture”
Tony Perkins
“Help plant the Word of God in your children”
A 10-week Bible adventure where children ages 5–18 dive deep into God’s Word, learn how to study the Bible using 11 tools, and memorize Scripture in a fun, interactive way. Plus, they’ll have the chance to qualify for the National Bible Bee Competition and compete for over $135,000 in prize money. Strengthen your child’s faith, sharpen their mind, and create lasting memories this summer!
The Summer Study is designed to be flexible and family-friendly, taking as little as 20 minutes a day, five days a week. The Discovery Journal includes 8 units, but you’ll have a full 10 weeks to complete it—giving you plenty of time to stay on track, even with vacations or busy summer schedules.
Participants memorize 14–15 Scripture passages over 10 weeks, totaling around 30–60 verses, depending on their age division.
Children ages 5–18 in the U.S. can join the Summer Study. However, only those aged 7–18 are eligible to compete in the National Bible Bee Competition. International participants can join the study but are not eligible for prize money.
Yes. Each child aged 5–18 must be registered individually to receive age-appropriate materials. There are four editions of the Discovery Journal:
Beginner (5–6) (not eligible for competition)
Primary (7–10)
Junior (11–14)
Senior (15–18)
The Discovery Journal is an interactive Bible study that guides kids through Scripture using 11 study tools, like keywords, cross-references, background studies, and word studies.
After registering, you can search for a local or virtual host group. If none are available, your family can easily complete the study independently.
Yes! While only kids aged 5–18 can register, many families study together. Adults can purchase their own Senior Edition of the Discovery Journal to follow along for an additional fee.
The 2025 Summer Study will run from June 9 to August 15, 2025.
We offer the Summer Study and National Bible Bee Competition in five translations: ESV, KJV, NASB, NIV, and NKJV. Your child’s registration includes memory passage cards in your preferred translation.
Registration for the Summer Study 2025 is open during the following periods:
Early Bird Registration: April 1 – April 14
General Registration: April 28 – May 15
Last Chance Registration: May 16 – May 31
Registration starts at $40 per child. As a non-profit, we keep costs low to make the program accessible while covering ministry expenses.
Yes, they’ll study the same core material, but it’s customized for each age group. Memory passages will overlap, with older kids having a few additional verses.
No. The National Bible Bee Competition is optional. Your child can enjoy the Summer Study without participating in the qualifying test.
This depends on your goals for the summer. The Summer Study materials are age-appropriate, with four editions tailored to different age groups. While older children can work independently, younger children who can’t read yet will likely need more guidance. The good news is, the Parent’s Guide makes it easy to support your child’s learning, no matter your level of Bible study experience.
Yes! The Summer Study is about more than memorization. It includes fun activities, engaging lessons, and practical applications to make Scripture come alive. Plus, host groups offer encouragement and support.
Currently, we do not offer scholarships for the Summer Study.
Each fall, the top 120 students in each age division compete for over $135,000 in prizes during four days of faith-filled fun, fellowship, and friendly competition.
First, register for the Summer Study. After completing the study, take the NBBC Qualifying Test in August. The top scorers in each division advance to the competition.
No. Only students who registered for the Summer Study are eligible to compete. However, you can still purchase the Discovery Journal and join next year.
We do not currently offer scholarships for the competition.
The competition is held each fall in a new U.S. location. For 2025, the competition will be held at the Kalahari Resort in Sandusky, Ohio. Past venues include Black Mountain, NC, Williamstown, KY, and San Antonio, TX.
Costs vary, but families typically pay a registration fee plus lodging expenses at designated hotels, averaging $140–$160 per night.
Qualifiers will receive additional passages, totaling around 500–900 verses depending on their age group.
Yes! The results are confidential, and the test is a great way to measure progress. It might even inspire your child to aim for Nationals next year!
Of course! Chat with our team using the box at the bottom right of this page or email us at [email protected]. We’re here to help!
“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” - Matthew 5:16
“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” - Matthew 5:16
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