TrinityJen
June 13th, 2008, 07:24 AM
I posted a tour guide training manual at VBShelp. I edited a file another VBS was using. I am always looking for a starting place for a training meeting and this is what I will be using this year. Check out the formatted version. There might still be a few updates and of course to add the info from your church.
Tools you will need for the week
We will provide a bag for you to carry all the supplies you need along with other things you may want to have with you. Some of the extra things you may want to have include Kleenex, moist hand wipes or antibacterial gel, & etc.
Before You Start:
O Come with a good attitude.
O Read this material; be familiar with the Bible story, learn the bible verse, and point.
O Offer to use any special talents you possess.
O Remember the focus belongs on bringing God’s word to the children, not on visiting with other volunteers during VBS.
Opening & Music:
O Sing along and show enthusiasm.
O Louder singing isn’t necessarily better singing.
O Split up in the row and be among the children.
O Don’t be afraid to do the motions along with the children.
O You can start learning the music now – CD’s are availible.
O Before you leave the sanctuary fill out your attendance sheet and leave it in the pew – PLEASE
O Always leave the classrooms neat for the next class.
Games:
O Listen to rules carefully.
O Discourage rough play.
O Involve all children unless otherwise instructed due to medical issues.
O Make everyone feel like a winner. Say things like: “Great try! That was super!”
O Be aware of safety hazards.
Crafts:
O Listen to directions carefully.
O Respect the child’s creative efforts.
O Allow each child to do the project on their own unless asked for help.
O Never criticize. Don’t say, “What’s that supposed to be?”
O Praise all artwork, not just the best.
O You are not to make your own craft, only help the children.
Bible Blast:
O Enter the room quietly.
O Show interest in the story.
O Encourage participation in discussions.
O Help the children make connections. Ask, “What happened next? Is this like...?”
Getting Along:
Discipline is primarily the tour guide’s task. Here are some tips:
· Stop problems while they are small.
· Be sure rules and privileges are understood.
· Direct a child to a new activity if they are misbehaving (ex. Coloring sheet)
· Use nonverbal clues: a look, a frown, or a hand “stop” signal allows the group to continue and saves the child embarrassment. Stand or sit near or between distracted or talking kids.
· Be aware of and stop hurtful comments.
· Show Christ’s love in your words. Say: “That’s OK. Let’s start over.” “Anyone can make a mistake.” “We’ll help you.”
Extra Reminders:
· Please wear a name tag at all times and your SonWorld Adventure Park t-shirt each night.
· Never leave a child unattended. When bringing to the restroom, stand outside between the two, and do not leave until you have everyone you came with.
· No “piggyback” rides. All children should walk on their own will unless injured.
· No Playing on the playground. Use game time to expel energy.
· Be creative – challenge kids to think of new cooperative ways to move from one station to another.
Arrival:
· Plan to be in your designated pew at 8:50 each day.
· Where you will greet the children and hand out name tags.
· If they come to you without a name tag in your tour guide bag send them back to registration for a name tag.
· Chat with your group, get to know them.
· Tour Guides need to ask each group member during arrival if they memorized their verse.
o On the attendance sheet list each group member who know their verse
Dismissal:
· Please don’t leave your area until all children have been signed-out by a parent or a guardian. Parents come to the classrooms and other volunteers will help direct them.
· Don’t forget to take this time to chat with parents as they pick up their children.
· Leave your Tour Guide bag in your pew in sanctuary for the next morning, Friday bring all papers to designated table.
Decorating:
We are still making several props for our main staging area and need several volunteers to help paint, trace, etc. If you can help us out, let us know.
Decorating will continue throughout the month, especially the week before VBS
Station What It Is Where It Is Station Leader
Sanctuary Opening Session Sanctuary
Bible Story Classroom upstairs
Crafts Downstairs by windows
Recreation Outside
Pictures With games
Closing Sanctuary
Snack Outside in carport
Schedule:
You will receive a rotation schedule on Monday morning, you will use the same schedule all week. Tour Guides are responsible for knowing when and where to take their group. We will ring a bell between stations to keep everyone on schedule. Preschool classes will follow their schedule with the same bell ringing.
Thank you for volunteering to work VBS this summer. We are very grateful for all the time that you are willing to share with us and the wonderful children of our church. We want you and the children to have lots of fun.
Let us know whatever you may need. We appreciate your help and willingness to share God’s word. Without you, none of this would be possible!
ANY QUESTIONS CONTACT
Jennifer
Tools you will need for the week
We will provide a bag for you to carry all the supplies you need along with other things you may want to have with you. Some of the extra things you may want to have include Kleenex, moist hand wipes or antibacterial gel, & etc.
Before You Start:
O Come with a good attitude.
O Read this material; be familiar with the Bible story, learn the bible verse, and point.
O Offer to use any special talents you possess.
O Remember the focus belongs on bringing God’s word to the children, not on visiting with other volunteers during VBS.
Opening & Music:
O Sing along and show enthusiasm.
O Louder singing isn’t necessarily better singing.
O Split up in the row and be among the children.
O Don’t be afraid to do the motions along with the children.
O You can start learning the music now – CD’s are availible.
O Before you leave the sanctuary fill out your attendance sheet and leave it in the pew – PLEASE
O Always leave the classrooms neat for the next class.
Games:
O Listen to rules carefully.
O Discourage rough play.
O Involve all children unless otherwise instructed due to medical issues.
O Make everyone feel like a winner. Say things like: “Great try! That was super!”
O Be aware of safety hazards.
Crafts:
O Listen to directions carefully.
O Respect the child’s creative efforts.
O Allow each child to do the project on their own unless asked for help.
O Never criticize. Don’t say, “What’s that supposed to be?”
O Praise all artwork, not just the best.
O You are not to make your own craft, only help the children.
Bible Blast:
O Enter the room quietly.
O Show interest in the story.
O Encourage participation in discussions.
O Help the children make connections. Ask, “What happened next? Is this like...?”
Getting Along:
Discipline is primarily the tour guide’s task. Here are some tips:
· Stop problems while they are small.
· Be sure rules and privileges are understood.
· Direct a child to a new activity if they are misbehaving (ex. Coloring sheet)
· Use nonverbal clues: a look, a frown, or a hand “stop” signal allows the group to continue and saves the child embarrassment. Stand or sit near or between distracted or talking kids.
· Be aware of and stop hurtful comments.
· Show Christ’s love in your words. Say: “That’s OK. Let’s start over.” “Anyone can make a mistake.” “We’ll help you.”
Extra Reminders:
· Please wear a name tag at all times and your SonWorld Adventure Park t-shirt each night.
· Never leave a child unattended. When bringing to the restroom, stand outside between the two, and do not leave until you have everyone you came with.
· No “piggyback” rides. All children should walk on their own will unless injured.
· No Playing on the playground. Use game time to expel energy.
· Be creative – challenge kids to think of new cooperative ways to move from one station to another.
Arrival:
· Plan to be in your designated pew at 8:50 each day.
· Where you will greet the children and hand out name tags.
· If they come to you without a name tag in your tour guide bag send them back to registration for a name tag.
· Chat with your group, get to know them.
· Tour Guides need to ask each group member during arrival if they memorized their verse.
o On the attendance sheet list each group member who know their verse
Dismissal:
· Please don’t leave your area until all children have been signed-out by a parent or a guardian. Parents come to the classrooms and other volunteers will help direct them.
· Don’t forget to take this time to chat with parents as they pick up their children.
· Leave your Tour Guide bag in your pew in sanctuary for the next morning, Friday bring all papers to designated table.
Decorating:
We are still making several props for our main staging area and need several volunteers to help paint, trace, etc. If you can help us out, let us know.
Decorating will continue throughout the month, especially the week before VBS
Station What It Is Where It Is Station Leader
Sanctuary Opening Session Sanctuary
Bible Story Classroom upstairs
Crafts Downstairs by windows
Recreation Outside
Pictures With games
Closing Sanctuary
Snack Outside in carport
Schedule:
You will receive a rotation schedule on Monday morning, you will use the same schedule all week. Tour Guides are responsible for knowing when and where to take their group. We will ring a bell between stations to keep everyone on schedule. Preschool classes will follow their schedule with the same bell ringing.
Thank you for volunteering to work VBS this summer. We are very grateful for all the time that you are willing to share with us and the wonderful children of our church. We want you and the children to have lots of fun.
Let us know whatever you may need. We appreciate your help and willingness to share God’s word. Without you, none of this would be possible!
ANY QUESTIONS CONTACT
Jennifer