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Vacation Bible School (VBS) is a great way to engage families and children in the church community. Also, it can provide them with a fun, educational, and spiritual growth summer experience. However, running a successful VBS requires careful planning and organization. Keep reading for top tips to help you run a successful VBS.
Whether you run a five-day VBS in one week, or spread it out every Monday night throughout the summer, these tips can help you find success in your Vacation Bible School planning.
Planning Tips For VBS At Small Churches
1. Plan VBS 4-6 Months Ahead
Planning a VBS takes time and effort. It is important to start planning at least a few months before the start of the program. Planning six months or more allows plenty of time to get everything in order. This gives you enough time to recruit volunteers, order materials, and promote the program. When planning, talk with your team about including a simple and easy idea to Reach Moms At VBS.
2. Recruit Volunteers For Small Church VBS
A successful VBS requires a team of dedicated volunteers. So start recruiting volunteers as early as possible. Ask members of your congregation, parents of children in the church, and other members of the community.
If you do background checks (and you should!) for your children’s volunteers, let your volunteers know this when you ask for their help. Doing background checks is a smart practice. This can protect your children, volunteers, and staff. Also, it is a way to demonstrate due diligence and can protect your church as a whole.
When recruiting volunteers, clearly communicate the responsibilities and time commitment involved. Provide training and support for your volunteers, and make a plan to show appreciation for their hard work. 3 Quick Wins Plus 2 Long-Term Strategies To Get More Volunteers In Children’s Ministry is our podcast episode with usable strategies to recruit volunteers.
3. Create A List & Order Materials
Create a list and order materials at least 3-4 months ahead of time. You need materials such as curriculum books, craft supplies, decorations, and snacks. Order materials well in advance to ensure they arrive on time. If you are using a curriculum, it should have a list of materials needed.
Need to restock your children’s ministry craft supplies? Take a look at the list below!
- 8 x 10 artist canvas
- Decoupage glue
- Foam brush
- Glitter
- Hot glue or craft glue
- Ribbon or Jute twine
- Acrylic paint and Paintbrushes
- Felt
- Sheets of 8 ½ x 11 White cardstock
- Wide popsicle sticks and standard Popsicle sticks
- Acrylic paint
- Brown craft gift bags
- Sharpie permanent markers
4. Decorate For Your VBS Theme
Choosing a theme is one of the most important parts of planning a VBS if you aren’t using a published curriculum. The theme will guide the activities, decorations, and messages of the program. Choose an engaging theme that is age-appropriate, and aligns with your church’s values and mission. Decorate for your theme. Decorations don’t have to be expensive to reflect your VBS theme.
5. Top Tips To Set A Schedule
Setting a schedule is essential. Decide on the length of the program, the start and end times, and the daily schedule. Include time for snacks, crafts, games, and Bible lessons. Purchased curriculums often include a schedule with the materials. Look at the schedule and evaluate the workability with your children’s ages and abilities. 5 Ways Your Small Church Can Save Time And Money On VBS gives some great ideas for a one-weekend VBS.
6. Promote Your VBS
Promoting the program is essential for attracting families to your VBS. Use a variety of methods to promote such as social media, flyers, posters, and announcements during church services. Read about 5 tips for promoting your VBS. Clearly communicate the date, time, location, and theme of your VBS. Make this amazing sign to help build excitement and promote your VBS.
7. Create A Safe Environment For Children
Creating a safe environment is a must! Schedule adequate adult supervision at all times. Have your volunteers complete background checks in advance. Establish clear safety guidelines and procedures, and clearly communicate these guidelines to all participants and volunteers. Best Practices For A Safe Environment In Children’s Ministry gives a great start for a how-to in creating a safe environment for your children and your volunteers.
8. Remember To Create A Backup Plan
Even with careful planning, unexpected things can happen during a VBS week. Include, in your planning, a task to write a backup plan in case of inclement weather, equipment malfunctions, or other unforeseen circumstances. Communicate the backup plan to all team members, volunteers, and participants. Read Alternative VBS Ideas Perfect For Small Churches for some alternative ideas that can hold their own as great VBS ideas, but also can serve as parts of your backup plan.
9. Add Technology In Your Small Church VBS
Incorporating technology can enhance the Vacation Bible School experience for your children. Use interactive music videos, movie clips, and Zoom-type guest appearances to engage children and reinforce the lessons.
5 Zoom Games For Small Churches
10. Follow-Up Adds Element Of Success
Following up with participants is often lacking in many VBS programs. Send thank-you notes or make phone calls to thank parents for bringing their children. Also, remember to follow up with your volunteers and thank them for their part to help make your VBS a success. Set aside a specific time on the last day of your VBS to ask your volunteers for their feedback and ideas to improve future VBS programs and make them even more successful. A “Thank You” That Your VBS Volunteers Will Treasure gives the idea of how to use Care Cards to brighten your volunteers’ days!
If you have children in your small church or community with special needs, consider offering a Special Needs VBS. << This blog post helps your pastor, church, and team understand the need for special needs and gives a great foundation on how to do it.
Looking for a step-by-step guide to starting or restarting your children’s ministry?
Check out the Children’s Ministry Bundle For Small Churches!
Have Fun With Your VBS
Running a successful VBS starts with prayer and careful planning, organization, and dedication. Follow these top tips to create a fun and engaging experience for children in your church and your community. With these tips, planning your Vacation Bible School can be easier and more organized!
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