Whether you're a VBS Director, a VBS teacher, or one of the countless other volunteers who makes VBS possible, you know that planning for your church's VBS or Backyard Kids Club on top of your busy life can often get pretty stressful.
Here are some simple steps that will help you organize your processes and keep you from ever having to wonder if you're doing it right or missing something crucial.
6 Steps for Directors
1. Know Your Purpose and Theme
Get a feel for the week and learn how the theme and biblical content tie together.
2. Start Planning
Planning is crucial for any successful event. By starting with these step-by-step tips, you will be on your way to a fun-filled, exciting adventure. These steps include developing a planning calendar, setting a budget, choosing a format, setting a schedule and ordering curriculum.
3. Enlist and Train Your Workers
Behind every good director is a good group of leaders. Start pulling your team together early with helps such as staff needs, enlistment tips, and training plans.
4. Promote and Publicize
Use the tips in this section to help your promotion team get the best results for their efforts.
5. Register Participants
From preregistration to registration during VBS, we've got you covered. Preregistration and registration tips, KidEvent Pro how to, and advice on throwing a kickoff event are included in this step.
6. Continue the Connection
Strengthen the relationships that were created during your VBS. Plan now to follow up with both your visitors and your regular church attenders.
6 Steps for Teachers
1. Prepare Your Heart
Study the daily Scripture passages for your Bible study sessions well in advance and pray that God will speak to you through His word. Pray for God to prepare the hearts of the children you will teach and the other VBS leaders as well.
2. Get the Basic Facts from Your VBS Director
Find out how long your time with your kids will be, how many kids to expect, and any other important facts.
3. Plan
This step recommends the curriculum pieces that will be important to your planning process. Read through sessions and highlight the parts you plan to do. Make a supply list of what you'll need for those activities.
4. Gather and Prepare
Sort and assemble items from your leader pack and gather other supplies after you check with your VBS director to learn how your church handles gathering supplies.
5. Teach
Don't forget to relax and enjoy your time with your kids! Be flexible as things change during your VBS time (they inevitably will!).
6. Continue the Connection
Make sure your church has correct contact information for each child in your class and look for ways to stay connected with the kids you taught.
Do you have to keep these steps to the letter? No not at all. The last thing your VBS week needs is more pressure stacked on top of it. But hopefully these guidelines will take a little stress off your shoulders by letting you know what's coming and some suggestions for handling it.
We hope these give you the chance to relax and trust God as you enter into the wonderful ministry opportunity known as Vacation Bible School.
The VBS leader guides and Administrative Guide for Directors elaborate further on each of these steps.