Confessions of a new VBS director

[Tina]

Hello friends, I'm directing VBS for the first time (and it's the first VBS my church has done in 22 years) and very excited. I am thankful for all the posts I have read here so far. You all sound amazing and I'm getting lots of great ideas from you.

The SonWorld Adventure Park theme was chosen and purchased by others before I arrived on the scene, and although I like it, here is my question. does anyone feel it's a bit confusing? I don't understand how William, the Princess and all the other characters relate to the Bible stories. (Yes, we're only 2 months away from VBS and I'm only just now getting familiar with the curriculum - but please bear with me.) I only helped with VBS once before (at another church, in another state) and felt the theme overpowered the message of the Bible stories; I often wondered how much the kids were retaining as far as the actual Scriptures were concerned, rather than just the fun themes and craft ideas. I really want the focus to be on what the kids will learn from the Bible stories, so does anyone have any advice or thoughts on this? I think I need to simplify everything a bit - at least this first time.

Thanks, everyone!

[peddiechurch]

Hi Tina,

Good luck with your program. Last year was my 1st time too in a church that didn't have a VBS in years. I just kept it simple. We didn't follow the theme skits with the puppet, just the Bible stories performed by some of our youth.That, along with music, mission, crafts, rec games, science lab & snacks is plenty to keep you busy. It also depends how many committed & involved people you can enlist to help. (KISS-keep it simple sweetheart).

I happened upon this site this year since I purchased Gospellight & it is wonderful. There are many great ideas and alot of support from disciples concerned with spreading His word to the next generation. Let the Holy Spirit guide you.

blessings, Carol
Peddie Church
Newark, NJ