Outrigger Island VBS Ideas
Vacation Bible School (VBS) is a fun way for children to learn about Jesus' love and to enjoy several days of activities. Lifeway's Outrigger Island uses the island, ocean and surfing theme to focus children on Psalm 86:1. As they do, "kids will develop the stability they need to face a world of shifting sands and wavering opinions" says Lifeway 2008. Crafts reinforce the lessons of the day and encourage creativity through interaction and art.
Other People Are Reading
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Message in a Bottle
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Cartoons and stories are full of messages on paper being set adrift at sea for another person to find. Children can experience this same fun by making their own message in a bottle to share God's love. Have children write the day's memory verse on a small piece of paper and decorate it, roll it into a scroll, insert the scroll into a recycled soda bottle, and twist on the cap. (Wash bottles in soapy water, remove labels then dry the bottles thoroughly). Children can then decorate their bottles. Encourage them to give their message in a bottle to someone who may not know about Jesus, so they can share God's message of love with someone else.
Surf's Up
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Make a paper template of two long, narrow surfboards for children to cut out and color. (A thicker paper such as card stock will help this craft to last longer). Use bright colors so the surfboards stand out and are eye-catching. Have various small stickers such as flowers, suns, palm trees, and other items of choice for children to decorate their surfboards. When the coloring is complete, glue the surfboards together to form a cross. As they create their surfboard crosses, tell the children that because of Christ's love at the cross, they can handle the waves of life.
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"ABC" Island Necklace
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Help children to take home a piece of the islands and a witness for the Lord with their very own "ABC" Island Necklace. Provide children with pre-cut cording; beads with the letters "A", "B", and "C"; and craft store shells ready for threading. Encourage children to make their own necklaces, using the shells as spacers between the letters. Practice singing the "Wiki Wiki (ABC song)" while making the craft. Remind children the "A" is for "admit", "B" is for "believe", and "C" is for "confess" and help them to understand how to give their lives to Christ. Encourage them to wear their necklace and share its meaning with others.
Verse Palm Trees
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On the last day of VBS, have children create their own island palm tree to help them remember all their memory verses from the week. Using templates (drawn on heavyweight paper like card stock), have children cut out and color palm leaves and palm tree trunks. Write one memory verse on each palm leaf and have the child write his name on the trunk, reminding him that God's Word provides him with encouragement. Use glue to attach the colored leaves to the trunk to create the tree.
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