Vacation Bible School for the Small Church

For over 8 years I was Vacation Bible School Director for a small church. During that time I learned how to be very thrifty with all the resources at my disposal. Hopefully, some of these tips can help you.

Vacation Bible School for the Small Church

Summer is just around the corner and for many churches so is Vacation Bible School. There are more and more themes available each year. For the VBS Director, choosing a theme is one of the hardest duties but the most enjoyable. Since vacation bible school is the biggest outreach event for many churches choosing the right curriculum becomes a daunting task.

Most VBS curriculum kits are written for large churches but they can be scaled down for even the smallest of churches. Small church VBS directors must be very creative and budget minded. As you review each kit keep your church in mind by asking these questions:

• How easy or difficult will decorating be for this theme?


• Are there enough volunteers for this theme?


• Is there enough space for the games in this theme?


• Are there other games that will be easy to adapt to this theme?


• How easy or difficult will it be to find crafts for this theme?


• Will the gifts and talents of the volunteers be effectively used with this theme?


• Does the theme complement the vision of the church?


• Will the participants enjoy this theme?


• Will this theme generate excitement within the church and community?

Getting the Most for Your Money

The largest obstacle for the small church VBS program is funding. After purchasing the necessary curriculum there is not much left over for crafts, game supplies, decorating and snacks. There are several ways to overcome these obstacles and still provide an awesome Vacation Bible School.

Use a small rotation model

With this method of rotation only 5 rooms are needed (six if Missions is included). Room 1 is for Bible Story. Room 2 is for crafts. Room 3 is for music. Room 4 is for snacks. Room 5 is for recreation. Children will begin each session in the main meeting area and divided into five (or 6) groups by age. After the opening service each age group will rotate to one of the rooms and continue rotating throughout the night into each of the other rooms. The music rotation room could be the same area used for opening and closing ceremonies. Recreation could take place outside weather permitting. This type of rotation reduces the number of rooms that need to be decorated. It also helps in recruiting volunteers. Someone who might not be comfortable teaching a class may not mind simply leading children from one room to another, while someone who really has a gift for teaching children will be utilized throughout the week doing what they enjoy.

Buy the starter or sampler kit only

For the small church the starter kit usually has all that is necessary to implement a full VBS. Starter kits include the Director’s Guide and the Leader Guides for Music, Recreation, Crafts, Snack & Recreation, and Bible Study. The music CD and instructional DVD are also included in most sampler kits. These kits range in price from 79.99 to 299.99.

Use your own student handouts and promotional material

The starter kits include samples of student handouts and promo material. Purchasing these items can cut a huge chunk out of the VBS budget. A much less expensive alternative is to create your own student handouts and promotional materials. There are many websites that allow you to create puzzles or print free coloring pages and games. Find ones that relate to your theme or bible stories and print them yourself. If you are really creative you can make a booklet for each child to use throughout the week. Use clipart provided in the starter kit to make your own postcards, flyers and signs for promotion. Clipart can also be used to make your own name badges.

Crafts on a budget

Vacation Bible School crafts tend to be the most expensive part of any program but a favorite for the children. The VBS Director should brainstorm with the Craft Director to come up with some viable options. Search the internet for craft ideas that relate to your theme or bible story. Some other ideas include:

• Make a week-long scrapbook. On the first night the children will make the actual book including the front cover. A designated photographer should take pictures each day making sure all of the children are photographed. Develop the film before each session so the children can work on additional pages of their book throughout the week. Use clipart from the sample kit and other themed items for embellishments.


• Make salvation bracelets on the night this message will be given. The colored beads are fairly cheap. Each bead color should be explained during the craft class, thereby reiterating the salvation message given in bible story and closing ceremonies.


• Allow the children to design their own name badges the first day.

Ask for donations

Make a list of all items needed for your VBS including craft supplies, printer paper, pens, crayons, glue and snacks. A couple of months before your kickoff have a VBS drive. Ask church congregational members to donate the needed items. You probably will not get every item you need but anything you get will be less you have to buy.

Small churches can have a very effective Vacation Bible School despite the obstacles of funds, supplies and volunteers. Be creative and do not be afraid to think outside the box. Remember, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” (Matthew 10:27)