Before you start, get ready.
I’ve even been told, “Get ready to get ready.”  That’s silly.  But, when it is essential that your Vacation Bible School (VBS) team is prepared to bring new children to the Lord,  they must BE READY!

Start that readiness process with your team of volunteers. Visualize and discuss what a well run VBS is going to look like.

Make sure everyone understands presenting a Vacation Bible School is hard work.  It takes a lot of dedication and planning.  It requires a lot of coordination, understanding, and love of Jesus.   It just can’t be done overnight.

Having said all that– after all the toil, sweat and maybe some tears — is it worth it?  Ask those who have done it again.  And again. And again!

Listed below is a brief description of the scope of the task.    Accomplish these tasks, and you will have a successful VBS. 

• identify a “host” church for the VBS
• establish the dates for the VBS
• develop an organization chart and assign volunteers.
• write a  job description or list of responsibilities for each position on the organization chart.
• make a “best guess” estimate of the number of children expected to attend
• complete a planning calendar. This is where you actually write down (that means “commit to”)
• What is to be done.
• When it is to be done. (Deadline)
• Who has the responsibility to see it is done?

Circumstances and situations are always changing.   Review your progress constantly.  Revise and adjust as necessary.

“Strive to stay ahead, not struggling to catch up.”

• Establish a daily schedule for VBS (What happens and when.)
• Complete the planning and the training for the following program areas:
• Bible study
• Crafts
• Games (recreation)
• Registration
• Praise Worship
• Photography
• Snack
• Transportation, lodging and food
• Evangelical activities
• Recreational activities (VBS team)
• Publicity
• For each activity you list and acquire the necessary:
• supplies
• equipment
• space to hold the activity
• Establish a procedure for handling and accounting for funds.
• Establish a procedure for acquiring the necessary supplies and equipment.
• Schedule a Training Day at host church.  It will involve all volunteers and all activities; crafts,   games, and Bible

“Things are easier to teach and do after you have done them.”

• Plan four evangelical activities; calling on shut-ins, visiting the handicapped, a disability workshop, etc.
• Every day has a “down time”; fun time, personal time.
• Establish a budget. Fund it adequately.

PRAYER *****  PRACTICE ****** PERFORMANCE

Oh, and be ready for requests from children and volunteers to have a VBS next year!