1.       Every day starts with a short devotional meeting to keep Jesus Christ the focus of the VBS.  As I observe team members arriving at the VBS site, I see high energy, great enthusiasm, and readiness to “get started.”   That’s what we hope all team members will bring to the program each day.   Keep in mind the purpose of the VBS program is to bring children into a closer relationship with Jesus.  In essence, keep PRAYER before Program.  It affects the way team members relate to the children and each other. It affects the way the VBS experience is presented to, and received by the children.

2.      Each team member has what they need, when they need it and where they need it.  I recall a recreation activity that challenged the children to stack up plastic cups in a pyramid shape.   The children lined up in teams, the rules were explained. The leader turned to demonstrate with the cups and — you guessed it.  No cups.  Could just verbally describing the activity have uncovered this problem? Could a dress rehearsal have avoided this problem?

3.        Every team member knows the Daily Schedule. They are expected to be at the right place at the right time for the entire scheduled time. The Daily Schedule informs everyone what is going on and where it is going on. Once they know where to go, it is up to them to practice how to get there.

No organization functions smoothly, efficiently and effectively unless all the pieces fit together as planned and function like a well-oiled machine.

4.       Each team member trains another person to do their job as back-up. A couple years ago, the crafts leader was sick and could not join the team.  Fortunately, the leader had trained another team member how to step in and carry on the activity.

5.        The VBS Team conducts a “dry run” or “dress rehearsal.” Everyone participates in all activities, makes all crafts, plays games, learns bible lessons.  If there are missing supplies, missing pieces of the program, poorly informed team members, it will show up here.  This is the time when corrective action can take place. Avoid panic.  Avoid stress. Avoid feelings of disaster.   We all make mistakes, and we can’t fix a problem we don’t realize we have.   The dress rehearsal is one technique to identify a possible problem while it is small; before it reaches a disaster stage.

6.       Here is another technique. I saw a group use this technique to identify possible problems.  Every team member was asked to pose questions starting with “What if?  Use some brainstorming to anticipate problems before they arise.  If something can go wrong, it will.  The effect depends on whether you are ready. Example:  What if a guitar string breaks during praise worship? What if the craft activity that requires a lot of space is scheduled outside— and it rains?  What if the bible study teacher gets sick? What if you have planned for 60 children and 75 children show up?

7.       Any team member can make presentation to visitors, or members of the congregation describing how the VBS is organized and how it operates.  People perform better when they understand how everything fits together.  They understand the purpose of each part and the importance of each part of the VBS program.

8.       All team members can describe to others how they will know they have done a good job, that the VBS is a success.  This is an easy task for those who truly understand their goal, and know where they are headed.  It will be easy to describe and recognize when they have arrived. They can also state how the VBS can be improved the next time.

9.       Every VBS day ends with short meeting to review the successes and shortcomings of the VBS day.  In this meeting, recommended program adjustments are made. Life is better for those who learn from their mistakes and take timely corrective action

We just keep getting better and better! Praise the Lord!