Pick a VBS Theme and Curriculum
Vacation Bible School, like any other curriculum series, requires structure. The children who attend should leave your church or meeting place having experienced God and His Word. While it may be easy to look at all of the available options and pick one that pops out to you or sounds catchy, stop and dig beyond the surface to fully understand what the children are taking away. Compare curriculums and see what is being taught to ensure the material is sound biblically and theologically. Is there a certain Bible character that is being studied? Are children memorizing Bible truths and Scripture? Is the Gospel being presented in a clear and concise manner? What are children learning and taking home personally after each session?
The curriculum and theme that you choose for your Vacation Bible School is a big deal. Yes, it is something fun that excites the children, but it is also a key ito getting volunteers and your local church excited. Think about your church context, the people who make up your church, and what the kids who attend your church enjoy. For example, do you think your church would get on board with a Sports theme or an African Safari theme? What resources might you already have that could really help pull off a great environment and culture? Once you pick your curriculum and theme, promote it and start building your team!
In order to pick a great VBS, you might have to be willing to make some adaptations. Perhaps you found a solid curriculum but you weren’t sold on the theme. In this instance, you might use the curriculum as the foundation and change the environment or theme. Maybe you found a theme that you just couldn’t resist and you chose it knowing in the back of your mind that the Biblical components are a little weak. This curriculum will require you to add components to make it theologically strong. Make sure you spend ample time critiquing and changing it to meet your standards.
Another option to a traditional VBS curriculum and theme is to use a themed children’s worship service (like what you may use on Sunday) and add activities, music, games, and even snack to all flow with this theme. Even though many Christian publishing companies put out great materials for VBS, don’t be afraid to do what is best for your kids, volunteers, or budget.
