Happy National Swap Ideas Day!

Monday was National Swap Ideas Day! And VBS friends are THE BEST idea swappers in the world! Let’s fill today’s comment page with all sorts of fun VBS ideas from your craziest promo idea… to your best craft… to your yummiest snack ever!

And what about those “we do it every year” VBS traditions? We’d love to swap ideas for those things that make your VBS unique and special to your church!

I’ll start the ball rolling with a crazy promo idea. I remember a great friend who promoted her Ocean Odyssey VBS by splashing up out of the baptistery in full snorkel gear!

I can’t wait to hear your ideas. Let’s celebrate NATIONAL SWAP IDEAS DAY together!

Back to (Vacation Bible) School!

Where did the summer go? If you are like me, the last couple of months have gone by in a blur of events, wacky schedules and, well, just stuff! But the smell of new school supplies is back in the air! (I just love the crisp feel of a new notebook and the smell of a fresh box of crayons. Please tell me I’m not the only one.)

As families get back in the school groove, it’s a perfect time to reconnect with kids who came to your VBS.

Here’s an idea or two:

1. Send a letter or email to kids who attended VBS and tell them something fun their Sunday School class will be doing the next Sunday on in the coming weeks.

2. Put together a “Back to School Pack” (school supplies, snacks, and other fun items) and make a quick visit to drop off the pack and invite kids to a children’s event at your church.

3. Send a newsletter to the families you discovered in VBS with a list of “Fun Things Happening at _______ Church.” Describe the events and tell how to discover more information.

What are some great “Back to School” things you have done to reconnect with kids and their families? Please share! We love to pass along great ideas!

Coming with VBS 2013 – Backyard Kids Club™

 One of the most exciting things about my job is watching God put the pieces together to make something great happen. That’s what it has felt like as the plans for a Backyard Kids Club resource have come together. Here’s a sneak peak at the why, what, and who of Backyard Kids Club.

Why offer a Backyard Kids Club option? 

Many churches are looking for ways to take VBS outside their church and into their communities. Whether those communities are down the street or around the world, our Backyard Kids Club Directors Guide and Backyard Kids Club Kit provide portable resources that can be used easily wherever you can gather a group of kids!

What will be available to help organize and conduct a Backyard Kids Club?

The Backyard Kids Club Directors Guide is designed for the person or team who will be coordinating and planning the Backyard Kids Club or Clubs. Based on expert advice from folks who have held successful Backyard Kids Clubs, this guide gives easy, step-by-step instructions.

The Backyard Kids Club Kit is an all-in-one box designed for a club of about 25 to 30 kids. The traditional VBS curriculum is simplified to fit a limited outdoor setting. The kit includes leader resources for worship and music, Bible study, crafts, and recreation. A special “Host Folder” even includes snack ideas. Music CDs and a choreography DVD are included!

What if a church wants some of the “extras” that go with a traditional VBS?

Because our Backyard Kids Club uses the same Bible content, music, and theme as our traditional VBS, all the fun accessories used for a large scale VBS will coordinate with your Backyard Kids Club!

Who will be able to benefit from the Backyard Kids Club resources?

• Churches who are looking to take VBS outside the church walls and into communities where kids are
• Mission groups who need a pack-and-go VBS option for local community centers, campgrounds, or mission locations in other states or around the world
• Small churches who may have twenty or fewer children, but wish to provide a summer VBS experience that will reach the kids and their families

I know there are even more ideas about how this resource could be used. What are some of your ideas? Have we gotten your wheels turning? We’d love to hear from you!

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Today on Kids Ministry 101, learn more about LifeWay’s Kids Ministry Conference! 

Counting My Blessings

I’ll admit it. As our church’s VBS dates approached I felt a combination of panic and uncertainty. I didn’t think I was doing a very good job of juggling a job with major responsibilities, family needs, church responsibilities, being the pastor’s wife, and the role of VBS director very well. The Enemy was whispering furiously in my ear, “What if you do all this and NO ONE comes!” But one of the sweet lessons God has taught me over and over again is, “Be faithful. God will bless.” As we soared through the week of Amazing Wonders Aviation VBS, I found myself counting the blessings!

Blessing 1: I have a job that allows me to adjust my schedule so I can be a part of this amazing outreach to kids and their families.

 

 

 

Blessing 2: Not only did I get to have a blast teaching the preschool music rotation, but my four-year-old granddaughter, Carly, (in the green sandals) was in my class!

 

 

Blessing 3: God impressed my heart to provide a special needs Bible study for a young man at our church. I thought I did it for him, but it turns out I was the one who was blessed. On family night when he got to share what he learned at VBS, he proudly announced, “Jesus loves you!”

 

Blessing 4: Even though I didn’t teach a children’s Bible study class, God blessed me with the privilege of talking with Emmy and being present when she became a Christian.

 

 

Blessing 5: The sweet folks at the church where my husband pastors really stepped up to the plate. We had several couples who worked together at VBS, a fact that many of our visitors commented about.

Blessing 6: (Gratuitous Nana moment) Our grandson, Noah, got to come for a visit on family night.

Well, I could go on counting, but I have stacks of work to do for VBS 2013 scattered all over my desk! Lots to do… and more blessings to come!

Club VBS Returns to the Rainforest!

Club VBS 2013 will be returning to the rainforest with Club VBS® Jungle Jaunt®! Pack your bags and get ready for an exciting, adventurous journey through the Amazon Rainforest. Travel through the Amazon region along narrow rainforest trails, over roaring rapids, and through dense woodlands as you lead kids to experience and respond to the One True God!

The Scripture passage for the week is Psalm 145:1-2 and the motto is “Praise Him! Trust Him! Follow Him! The One True God!”

During Club VBS, kids will learn that God is One Amazing Creator, One Miraculous Provider, One Powerful Healer, One Living Savior, One Lord of All!

Club VBS can be another option for your VBS, however we are hearing TONS of great reports about how Club VBS is great for backyard Bible clubs, mission trips, camps, and for filling that weekly summer program slot for kids! How do you use Club VBS? We’d LOVE to know!