5 Tips for Vacation Bible School
Each Spring and Summer children in churches across the world wait with anticipation for Vacation Bible School. (http://goo.gl/PnjuR) Why? Vacation Bible School is a week full of games, stories and quality time with friends and family. If your church or community isn’t providing a VBS yet here are 5 quick tips to get you started.
1. Choose a Good Curriculum
Choose a curriculum that has a strong theological foundation. The purpose of VBS is to not just for kids to have fun but to grow spiritually. VBS is a time to provide biblical reinforcement for current children in your ministry and to break ground on a spiritual foundation for children that my visit your ministry. Also, you want to make sure that your curriculum is inclusive and inviting. Will boys and girls be comfortable doing the same activities? Will children and parent visiting your church for the first time feel comfortable? These are things to consider when choosing your vacation bible school curriculum. Cokesbury has two great VBS programs (http://goo.gl/PnjuR) for you to choose from.
2. Plan
Once you choose a curriculum for your church or community VBS it’s time to begin planning. Here’s a great planning calendar (http://goo.gl/D8E2x) to get you started. Enter your estimated start date in the box and get tips on what steps to take next. One of the most important rules of teaching (children or adults) is to remember that everyone learns differently. Break up each day (http://goo.gl/38lZV) so kids don’t get bored easily and integrate teaching styles. Some children like to have stories read out loud, some like to read to themselves and others may prefer visual aids like a skit.
3. Make it Interactive
To reinforce the daily lessons and accommodate the differently learning styles, make the lessons interactive. (http://goo.gl/92CCe) When making the lessons interactive, don’t limit yourself to audio and video. While these are great ways to capture the attention of children you still want to keep in mind their different learning styles. Here are some ideas to consider for making your VBS interactive; include craft projects, snack projects or even physical activities like a game or dance.
4. Create a Fun and Welcoming Atmosphere
While the house of God is a place of reverence, for anyone under 5 feet tall it’s just a REALLY big building. Take the time to decorate the sanctuary or classroom (http://goo.gl/6Es6L) where you will teach lessons. Decorations don’t have to be extravagant but you do want the children to feel welcomed. At a minimum, take the time to decorate entrances. Again you want your church or community VBS to be inviting.
5. Have Fun
Don’t let your VBS become a daunting task. Plan, plan and plan some more! Recruit volunteers well in advance. Make sure you incorporate parents (http://goo.gl/0wDeR) as well. A family that prays and worships together stays together!
— Jason Martin(mailto:) is Associate Marketing Manager of VBS and Children’s Resources at the United Methodist Publishing House.