Need help deciding

[iamom]

:confused:I'm trying to decide on VBS. Sonworld Park is one of three that I'm looking at. We have never used this company before and would like some input on how easy they make it. Thanks you for your thoughts.
iamom:D

[flutist14_99]

From my experience with Gospel Light (this is my second year as director, but I had been the music teacher for 5 years before that) it maes it very easy for the teacher and the director. They give instructions that are very easy to understand, provide a great amount of resources, and more than anything the material is made to be adapted to your needs. :D (This is what I like the best since we have a small but, very active church.) Gospel Light puts out all around great VBS programs. I highly recommend them!

[houseparent]

My favorite thing about Gospel Light VBS programs is the music. You can either get the reproducible CD and make your own CDs or you can buy 10 packs for $1.69 each. Each child can have their own CD and it won't break you budget providing it. My kids are still listening to their Sonforce Kids CDs from last summer. Most other publishers charge at least $6 for each CD and you can't even get a reproducible one.

I also like the flexibility of the program and how easy it is to modify to your own church.

And even though they have been a little slow so far this year, there are the boards here and many people to share ideas with and to encourage you.

This is my third year directing and my second year using Gospel Light.

[iloveVBS]

We have been using Gospel Light ever since I became VBS Director in 1993. We LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Gospel Light's VBS programs. We do not even look at any other programs - we just wait to see what the next GL theme will be and go with it 'cause we know it's going to be great! As the others have stated, there are SO many activities and ideas provided that you can pick and choose what works best for you. Easy to follow as a director. The ideas are also very easy to adapt to your church's needs. I agree, the music is absolutely WONDERFUL! I can't say enough positive things about it! Each year they add in something new/time-savers to make things easier for directors - it just keeps getting better!
Good Luck with your decision!

These boards are also a huge blessing!!!

[jwillistein]

This is my church's second year using GL. We've always used Group before. What sold me last year was the theme. What brought me back this year (though I prefer Group's theme much more) was the reproducible CD and the fact that the crafts are not kits you have to buy from GL. There are a wide variety of crafts at different price points. I've found it to be better in that way. Oh, and no stupid Chadder puppet. My kids were not fond of Chadder....

[nana]

Hi all, I second everything that has already been said, but especially that you don't have to buy extra stuff (like craft kits) from GL to make the program work. The reproducible CD is wonderful, and I am really excited about the music this year. The motions/actions are so reasonable, not a fancy dance routine, it will be easy for the kids to learn.
Norma

[TrinityJen]

I had my first VBS experience teaching VBS 6 years ago. I have only known GL VBSs. I have worked with basically the same team all 6 years (me being the only crazy one to take directors job). The other teacher like knowing what to expect each year, there is so much info it can almost seem overwhelming, but you take what works and drop or move the rest. Our craft team also like picking their own crafts. Between oriental Trading and S&S crafts it is easy to find a craft in the theme at any price range. And of course the kids LOVE having their own CDs to take home.

Finally this board is a great help with questions, ideas, shopping deals, etc.

Good luck with what ever VBS you choose.

[sara2002]

Gospel Light is the best. I haven't had any problems with them in the past. This is my third year doing the ordering. Last year something were missing and Gospel Light credited my account. They are great. All of my staff loves them also. They say it is an easy curicullum to follow and there isn't a lot of prep work.