The key to a great VBS program is planning. Start planning 4-6 months before the VBS. During this time, you will need to:
Choose your dates and time, making sure that they do not clash with any church events.
Vote and choose a VBS Director. While leadership experience in a children’s ministry is a plus, the director should have a passion for children and children’s ministry.
Choose a theme. Consider your target audiences (preschoolers, children, youth, etc.), goals, ministry objectives, focus of the program, budget, etc.
Three months before the VBS, you will focus your planning, order supplies, and shape the program through volunteers and materials. Here are some idea of what to do during this time:
Set a budget.
Recruit key leaders: Music, Snacks, Games, Bible Story, etc. and volunteers.
Plan publicity strategies.
List and order supplies for publicity, decorating, leaders manuals, and teaching.
Schedule staff training meeting 4-6 weeks before the VBS.
Two months before the VBS, you will begin to set the wheels in motion:
Start publicity in church. Ask for donations of supplies your church members may have. Display outdoor banners and hang publicity posters in your church and community. Some VBS kits include a promotional DVD. Show it during a worship service or other church gathering.
Plan the VBS schedule. Many programs run up to three hours a day with 20-25 minute sections.
Review the staff members; recruit additional as needed.
Four to six weeks before the VBS, you will be making your final preparations:
Begin pre-registration
Hold the scheduled staff training.
Review the registration and order extra supplies as needed.
A week before the VBS, you should:
Assign pre-registered participants to their classes and departments
Finalize room assignments
Decorate the church and set up rooms
Review and check all details: schedule, signs, supplies
On the day before VBS:
Conduct a kickoff event
During VBS:
Register participants as they arrive
Make sure all volunteers are present
Oversee all VBS activities
Communicate with key leaders everyday to see how things are going
Distribute evaluation forms and award certificates on the last day
Thank and recognize volunteers at the awards/graduation ceremony
Enjoy yourself!
After VBS,
Clean up and return the church building to its original arrangement
Return/replace all supplies
Follow up with children and new contacts.
Tips
Throughout the process, communicate frequently with the key leaders. This is a team project; do not attempt to do it yourself.
This project requires time, energy, and patience. Adjust as needed as unforeseen events will happen.
