How to write your own Vacation Bible School

When your church is not wanting to spend a lot on "pre-packaged" VBS programs, why not create your own?! You will learn a lot and so will the church. Plan a trip to ancient Jerusalem with Jesus or travel around the world with Paul. Whatever you plan to do, it only takes a little creativity and a lot of time to make a great program!

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bible
• At least 2 directors
• The pastor/minister's support
• Ideas and creativity

1. 
    

   About 6 months before your program, meet with the pastor/minister of your church as well as any essential leaders. Make sure they are aware of your desire to write an original program and seek suggestions. Find out if there is a budget and what the rules are for scheduling and advertising your event.

2. Check out other programs on line. While you won't be using them, they may spark an idea or give you some direction.

3. 
    

   Decide the schedule for your program. This involves both the day(s) you will run your VBS and what times. Many VBS programs are five week days from 9am-12pm. Make sure that your church calendar is checked and that you do not interfere with any other programs.

4. Decide on a basic theme. Easy ones include ideas that you can borrow from the Bible. How about the Ten Commandments, a Journey to Jerusalem, Paul's travels or simply an in depth look at one book of the Bible.

5. 
    

   Once you decide on a basic theme, you will need to decide how you will present this. Many VBS programs have different "stations" that the children travel to and participate in an activity. These activities may include: Music, Crafts, Lesson and Games. These activities will determine what you need to plan and how many "helpers" you will need.

6. Create a "curriculum grid." This will include the activity that you will have for each station. Across the top, have the days of the week and down the side have the different stations. For each block, input the activity. This will help you feel more organized and have your ideas on paper.

7. 
    

   Begin asking for volunteers. Ask anyone from the Sunday School teachers to retired members to teens. Sometimes, a person is too shy to come to you. Ask the minister which parish members may be waiting for an invitation. And don't forget the minister. They are a wonderful resource!

8. Begin "fleshing out" your ideas. This would include planning and getting the materials for each day's activities. Figure out where at the church everyone will be. The more you plan out, the easier it will be to get volunteers. Have folders ready for the different volunteer positions with the schedule, curriculum grid, tips and a letter. In this letter, make sure you explain any times you will be setting up and need help, any church expectations for dress, the times you will need everyone there and seek their advice and comments.

9. 
    

   Advertise your program for about 6 weeks before the event. Place posters up, put registration forms in the church and advertise in the church bulletin or newsletter.

10. About two weeks before the program, have a volunteer meeting. At this meeting, give them the folder, explain the schedule and curiculum, and make sure there are no questions. Encourage everyone to pray for the program and to ask God's blessings.

11. When the program begins, relax! If you have done your work, you will just be taking pictures or offering help. Don't forget to keep track of everyone who helps out so that you can properly thank them.

Tips & Warnings

• Start early! Begin your planning six months before the program.
• Get support from the parish. There may be someone who has a great talent that you do not know about.
• Give people direction but let their creative juices flow. I have learned a lot by letting volunteers organize their own activity.
• Ask for volunteers from the whole parish but also ask individuals directly. Sometimes people don't think you need them.
• While you want help with planning, you don't want to have too much. No more than 4 or 5 people in the core planning group.
• Organize early and often. Get a notebook before you even need one.

[scottmitzi]

on 3/14/2009 We love VBS and always write our own. God Bless!

[mjswan]

on 2/15/2009 What an organized terrific money saving idea for a church!!