Deck the Halls with VBS Planning
By: Bruce W. Stacey

As you read these words, you let out a sigh. Having just finished packing away the VBS props from last summer's VBS event, you are now navigating through an office littered with freshly uncovered Christmas props and paraphernalia unearthed from a storage bin behind your door. Lists of children (both naughty and nice) are scattered across your desk, printed on stickers, memos, and prayer lists, identifying the precious souls in your weekly, tender care.

Who are you? Why, you are the little church elf, of course, or someone more commonly referred to as the children's pastor at one of thousands of houses of worship across America…and this article is just for you. Merry Christmas!

And what better subject to share with children's workers during this joyous yuletide season than Summer VBS 2009. Yes, it really is that time again.

Just as the memory of last summer's water-balloons, craft tables, cookies, and Kool-Aid fade, it is time once more to fix your sights on a 2009 VBS program. Allow me to get you thinking about one of the most strategic ministry opportunities you have each year to reach out to children in your community.

Whether you call it Vacation Bible School, a Kid's Outreach Event, or Summer's Best, VBS is important and well worth the work. Why?

A successful VBS program should reach out beyond your regular church to children in the broader community. With every new child that attends your VBS will come parents and extended family, as well. VBS can serve as a generous, positive introduction to a loving church. It is an introduction that demonstrates the value placed on family and the importance of children—something every parent appreciates.

VBS gives many people in your church unique opportunities to use their gifts in a fun and rewarding way. Good at crafts or artwork? A sports or game enthusiast? Gifted in baking or creating fun snacks? Drama king or queen? VBS has a job for you.

And ,as an incentive, what can beat the thankful hug or appreciative smile from a child and the knowledge that, in some small way, a volunteer has earned it? For a believer, what could be more rewarding than helping to share God's love with these little ones?

The best kind of VBS provides an exciting group dynamic for kids in a fun week of intensive teaching. It is an experience that can have a lasting impact on their world view and image of God and the church. A great VBS creates a new world for kids to explore. It is a week-long journey to an imaginative universe that explores wonder-filled spiritual ideas and truth from God's word. Truth that connects with kids in a real way. Truth kids can use.

What should you be looking for in a VBS?

Well, let's start with the central theme.

* What's the spiritual take-home?
* Can the subject bring about real change in the lives of your kids?
* Is it culturally relevant? Compelling?
* Is it age appropriate?
* Will kids get it, or is the concept shooting over their heads?
* Did the creator(s) of the VBS program start with a clever theme idea and go from there, or was the VBS built out from a key scripture or Bible truth?

The theme should be focused throughout the week and be something that kids can remember and retain. It should be age-appropriate truth that they can grasp and apply in their own spiritual walk. Ask a child what they remember from last summer's VBS. Sticky truth is what we're looking for, and you will find it in a VBS that is focused and intentional.

Music is an important part of your VBS checklist. Kids love great songs that are fun to sing, dance, and move to. Listen for original songs with a clear message that kids can understand and that relate directly to the VBS theme.

Colossians 3:16 says, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God."

Music is a powerful influencer for children, increasingly so as they grow. Listening to music is the No. 1 recreational activity for kids. Studies show that 84 percent say they listen to music every day.

Lyrics should direct kid's worship to God, or tell about who He is and what He has done. The presentation should be current and flexible, music that involves as many senses as possible. How is music used in the VBS you are considering? In addition to hearing and singing the songs, can kids see visuals and lyrics on a screen? Can they move to the music with actions? Make sure the songs connect effectively with the theme and are not simply an add-on feature. Are they based on the Bible?

Today's kids are sophisticated music listeners, so make sure the style, production values, and quality of writing is top-notch. In short, make sure the songs register high on the kid's "cool" meter.

Teaching and presentation content are key components for any VBS. What you're looking for is age-appropriate, Bible-based truth that kids can grasp and apply to their lives. Find out what age group is covered by the VBS and if there is a preschool component. User-friendly teaching and presentation materials are also essential, as they make advance preparation and the jobs of volunteers much easier. Teaching materials should feature Bible stories and verses, as well as relevant life applications that bring the truth home for kids. If they can't use it, they'll lose it!

Look for exciting media components (animation, live-action video, sound effects, or special music) that can add sizzle to your VBS.

Whether you are a church operating a large VBS for hundreds of children or an outreach for 15 to 20 kids, relevant media components can deliver engaging, entertaining, and culturally relevant VBS content to your young audience.

Whether it's a big screen presentation that combines with live drama in your large group setting, or video segments that can add fun, supportive content to a small group station, well-produced media such as animated stories, music videos, and similar content resonates with this generation of media-savvy kids. Think of the power and influence that popular television characters and musical artists have on children. Look for innovative, interactive, engaging media that transports kids into the VBS world while focusing on the central teaching and theme. Well-executed content of this kind is an inexpensive, easy way to add sizzle and substance to your outreach.

Fun activities are essential in the site-based VBS model, which tends to be the choice of most churches today. Look for crafts, games, snacks, and other activities that are age-appropriate, offering optional activities for younger and older children. The more options you are given, the better you are able to customize activities for your VBS. Multiple, daily options in activity areas give you flexibility and adaptability when planning your outreach.

Confirm that VBS crafts, games, and snacks can be created with locally available, reasonably priced supplies. Although many VBS publishers offer additional supplies to help create the crafts and other activities that are part of their kits, these items, when purchased, can quickly add up. Look to purchase unique VBS items that you could not likely create on your own. Choose items that support the theme and, when taken home, can extend the memory and retention of what the kids have learned and experienced.

Do all of this, and you are on your way to choosing a great VBS !

Finally, despite all of our best efforts to deliver a fun, meaningful, and enduring 2009 VBS experience for the children in our community, it is encouraging and important to remember that, in the end, God will do the real work in the hearts of these kids.

Bruce Stacey is president of Chelsea Road Productions and creator of the popular God Rocks! children's series, www.godrocksvbs.com.

Vacation Bible School: Publisher Q&A

Vacation Bible School resources have changed over the years, adapting to technology and different formats to accommodate the unique needs of churches. Religious Product News sat down with Bob Wallace, marketing manager for Standard Publishing, to discuss and how churches can take advantage of the various materials and programs on the market.

What are today's VBS trends?
VBS is an event, an experience, a program that engages kids at multiple levels. Churches should look for program themes that meet their ministry needs—sometimes that may be outreach or helping church kids look at Scripture from a new perspective.

Some churches have developed Vacation Bible School into a family experience. Additionally, we have seen some churches choosing family events in addition to or instead of holding VBS.

Also, some churches are choosing sports camp or art/drama camp in addition or instead of VBS.

That said, VBS is still a strong summer programming option. I still hear from church leaders who are directing VBS for the first time, as well as church leaders who are planning VBS after taking a few years off.

What should churches look for when evaluating and selecting VBS programs for their) ministry?
Churches should always start with what they want to accomplish, what they want kids to walk away with, what theme/stories/applications will help their kids grow.

Beyond that, here are a few questions to ask:

* Is it easy to plan?
* Is it easy to decorate?
* Will it be exciting for kids and staff?
* Does it fit the culture or vision of the church?
* Does it help kids look outward and well as inward?

What is the future of Vacation Bible School?
Vacation Bible School has a strong future. Publishers who stay current, research, and engage customers can provide fresh, exciting, and relevant programs.

It's easier to recruit for one-time events that make an impact in the church and community. And that's what VBS can do!

Product Roundup

Discovery Canyon from Augsburg Fortress
Explore the wonders of the world with Discovery Canyon from Augsburg Fortress. Discovery Canyon brings kids full circle with amazing activities, lasting friendships, and Bible adventures. Each day, kids will explore the Word, make Bible connections, and collect critter friends — each carefully linked to the Bible verse and daily story.
www.thevbsplace.org

On the Move from Cokesbury
On the Move is a unique, heritage-based, multicultural, Christian educational resource that is perfect for Vacation Bible School. The curriculum focuses on how God's spirit gave momentum to the Civil Rights Movement in different places, drawing the people of God toward greatness through blessing, justice, truth, and reconciliation. The lessons promote God's power for life in building up the community, as people are reconciled to one another and to Jesus Christ.
www.cokesburyvbs.com

Gospel Light's Kingdom of the Sun
Take a walk on the wild side at Kingdom of the Son VBS. During this spectacular prayer safari, kids will journey into the Serengeti, the magnificent grassland region of Tanzania and Kenya. They will discover exotic animals, create safari crafts, play exciting games, sing upbeat songs, and enjoy delicious safari snacks. And, while your kids are having safari fun, they will also learn to talk to God as they explore the Lord's Prayer and go on an expedition into the pages of God's Word.
www.gospellightvbs.com

G.A.D.G.E.T.'S* Garage from Concordia
G.A.D.G.E.T.'S* Garage is where kids discover that *God's Always Doing, Great Exciting Things because it's all about Jesus, every day in every way. Gadget's Garage is the coolest place to hang out. Kids meet Gadget, a teen who invents his own robot, Gizmo. Along the way, your kids discover five incredible Bible stories, build their own Bible Bot, and witness the wonder and workmanship of Jesus. The Starter Kit includes all leader resources, including CDs and Skit DVD.
www.vbs.cph.org

Lifeway's Club VBS: Truth Trek
This summer transform your church into a dig site of discovery and help kids uncover the treasures of God's truth as they learn to obey His commands and understand that Jesus is the power by which we live. Whether you need a program for VBS, day camp, mission trips, or school breaks, Club VBS: Truth Trek is sure to help everyone dig up a good time. During the two-hour daily Club VBS: Truth Trek plan, kids will attend Worship Rally and trek to three rotation sites: Bible Study, Crafts, and Recreation and Snacks.
www.lifeway.com

God Rocks! Starlight Rescue VBS!
Kidology Inc. Starlight Rescue blasts off daily from Mission Control with a thrilling, interactive story that uses high-quality animation and fun drama to present the VBS theme "That you may become blameless and pure, children of God . . . (who) shine like stars in the universe." Philippians 2:15 (NIV) "Star Cadets" journey through six exciting stations focusing on the Star Point of the day. Fun activities, original music, and songs with action music videos teach kids how to shine like stars with God's love and power. Perfect for any size VBS, this innovative, site-based program is easy to use and includes a wealth of cutting-edge resources.
www.godrocksvbs.com

VBS Programs from NCPG
NCPG presents VBS for 2009. Take a romp through the swamp. This bayou VBS is a ragin' celebration. It's easy to decorate, volunteer friendly, and tons of fun. So, hop on a flat-bottom boat and drift on lazy, hazy waters under tall cypress trees, until the big adventure begins. Order your Starter Kit by February 28, 2009, and get a free Decorating Places DVD with a swamp-load of ideas that will help you transform your church into the bayou. NCPG provides excellent pricing on all VBS material. 
www.ncpg.net

Sharewood Forest from Walk by Faith Press
This summer help kids catch the buzz about God's Word and teach them to share it with others. As kids explore the bustling wilderness community of Shareword Forest, they will discover that the Bible shows us how to worship God, listen to God, follow God's Son, believe in God, and share God's love with others. Kids are part of small, five-person groups called Buzz Teams. In addition to kids, each team also has a teenage or adult Buzz Team Leader. Preschoolers and Teens have their own age-appropriate world for Shareword Forest fun.
www.walkbyfaithpress.com

Guildcraft Arts & Crafts
Guildcraft Arts & Crafts is your source for VBS and Sunday School crafts. Each year, the company spends a great deal of time developing quality crafts for Vacation Bible School themes. Their exclusive VBS crafts are sure to mix in perfectly with your chosen theme and message. Guildcraft also offers crafts that relate to favorite Bible lessons, which are great for craft time in Sunday School and other church events. Guildcraft offers easy billing, a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee, and hassle-free returns.
www.guildcraftinc.com

 Studio GO! Game Show from Standard
Get ready for Studio GO! Game Show, coming to a city near you. Studio GO! Game Show is full of fun, strong, interactive Bible lessons, plus the fun of a live game show that reinforces the message of each day. Studio GO! Game Show is fully field tested and church approved, is full of service and options, and is easy to decorate and easy to plan so that you don't get swamped with all the details. This VBS will be the hit of your summer. 
www.vacationbibleschool.com