5 Tips to Make the Most out of Your Vacation Bible School
Scrambling to coordinate the event of the summer for your church or faith group? Vacation Bible School is a truly special time for all involved and an incredible learning and social experience for kids. When the stress of coordinating activities and volunteers becomes overwhelming, it can take away from the true meaning of VBS.
Save time & actually enjoy your Vacation Bible School with these 5 tips:
1. Coordinate volunteers & donations online! Free online signup sheets and volunteer calendars provide a convenient solution for more members to get involved with Vacation Bible School with less hassle.
24/7 access to signups from a computer or smartphone and the ability to post signup links in emails, on a website and via social media gives more participants a chance to engage; and automated reminders help everyone keep their commitments. Don't wait - take a demo NOW and get started today! Click here
2. Provide orientation materials and briefings in person. Quickly get volunteers up to speed on VBS formal and informal requirements in person at an initial volunteer meeting; cover things like background checks and safety considerations, what to do if kids get out of hand, Gospel messages and parables, songs and activities to be covered, contact information, and even small stuff like reminding volunteers they will likely get messy and wet in the course of a typical VBS day.
3. Feed them and they will come! Have sustenance on hand for volunteers like coffee, orange juice and muffins in the morning. If holding an evening VBS, consider providing a simple dinner (pizza, fruit) for both the kids and volunteers arriving after work. If kids are to bring their own bag lunches, make sure drinks and small afternoon treats are provided.
4. Post a daily agenda and activity instructions at each station for volunteers, and use a papered wall or white board in a central location for your event to detail the schedule for kids and parents too. A bright, welcoming location that gets kids excited about the day to come will also set the vibe for the day to come.
5. Give thanks & show appreciation. Recognizing your volunteers contributions and efforts is big part of retaining your staff for next year’s VBS. Send personal thank you notes from ministers and kids, give public appreciation during Sunday services and in church newsletters, and post photos and thank you messages on a bulletin board and the church website. Check out Volunteer Appreciation Ideas on Pinterest!
