While it is super exciting to do VBS when you have a larger budget to spend, it is also very unrealistic for many churches. Now that sounds like a dollar amount that many churches can afford. But is it realistic? And is it realistic without asking for a million and one donations from your already taxed members? And without doing crazy fundraising or soliciting from your community? But that is okay. This may take a mindset shift for you. How much can you spend per child?
As you think through your crafts, curriculum, snacks and more, keep this figure in mind. Borrow it! Ask a local church if they have some curriculum from past years you could borrow. I know our church is just storing curriculum from many previous years, unsure what to do with it.
Many churches will give it to you, happy it is being used or will charge you shipping to get it there. It goes without being said, you may not be able to be picky about what theme you use. BUT, be sure you are in agreement with the doctrine taught by the curriculum. Another option would be to grab a free program such as this one from Trueway Kids. The wealth of activities provided in this Olympics themed VBS is incredible.
If you choose to use a free curriculum provided by Trueway Kids or others, if they have an area to donate for the use of their material, I would encourage you to consider doing that. It is a wonderful ministry when people choose to give as they do. We can show them our appreciation through our donations. As you are searching for curriculum, please keep in mind what extra supplies are needed for a particular curriculum. You can probably modify the lessons and activities, but be aware you will need to take the time to do so.
Once you have your theme secured, you can begin to plan all the aspects of your Vacation Bible School! Need help pulling together all the details? Plan out your entire Vacation Bible School to-do list in just one week! You will be better prepared for VBS than ever before. A good test to decide if crafts is a good choice for your VBS is evaluate the time you get with the kids. Are the crafts you are doing help point your kids to the gospel? Do it!
