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| | It's January already and VBS is right around the corner! Those that are First Time VBS Directors, or as we affectionately like to say, "VBS Newbies" would love to learn from your all Veteran VBS Directors out there! Share your best planning tips to give our new VBS friends a jumpstart for VBS 2008!
Lisa B from NC |
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| After selecting my curriculum, I take an entire day to go through the entire starter kit from day one to day five. As I review, I begin praying about the people God has chosen to take on the leadership positions.. and especially pray that God will point me to those people as quickly as possible.
Lisa B from NC |
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| | New VBS Directors be sure to take advantage of Publisher's training events that are offered throughout the Spring. Check your publisher's catalog and the local bookstore for training events near you. Group Publishing sponsors VBS networking parties across the country. For Powerlab Networking parties go to http://www.groupvbs.com/powerlab/index.asp look under COMMUNITY to find a party near you. AND be sure to sign up for the VBS newsletters... same link. For Jerusalem Marketplace Networking parties and to sign up for the JMarketplace VBS Newsletter go to http://www.group.com/vbs/Jerusalem08/index.asp
Lisa B from NC |
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| To effectively make VBS happen, it is imperative to communicate with your staff. In the past I have used newsletters, phone calls, and group meetings to make this happen. And the Lord has always made it happen and happen smoothly when I let people know what's going on. Our prayers go with you in your VBS.
Randy |
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| | I have been THE Preschool director/teacher for Group's Field Test for many years. One thing that I have found helpful is to gather 5 large paper grocery bags (these could also be computer paper boxes instead). Label them Day One, Day Two, etc. and set them out in your basement or church work room. Then, go through the supply list and start collecting the items listed and place them in the appropriate bags/boxes. In fact, photocopy a list for each day and tape the lists to the side of the bags/boxes. As you place items in you can cross them off the list. When everything is collected you know you're ready to go for the week. My helpers have really appreciated knowing where to find what they need. Also, when each day is done you dump everything back in the bags and set them aside until VBS is over. Have a powerful fun time! Barbie from Loveland
Barbie |
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I second the idea of taking a day to read and review the Directors manual - I keep a calendar beside it and figure backwards from the date VBS begins. That gives me a clear time line for planning and the rest of the staff knows from the get go when everything needs to be done. i also work with a strong team - no more one Director to do everything. Groups material is especially great for this so that each person works with their strengths. Frequent communication esp email is very important - email helps everyone be certain what they are doing and when it must be done. Prayer prayer prayer - you cannot over emphasize the need for it. I also spend a great deal of time building up the spiritual development of adults and youth leaders - they are the one interacting with the kids and the stronger they feel the Spirit the better they communicate and share it.
Also - remember to get a few folks for clean up - other than those who do the rest of the week -encourage everyone to do their own clean up but then have a few folks on hand to do the actual sweeping and trash removal.
Your sister in Christ, cathy |
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| | If you haven't done this already, I recommend setting up a meeting with last year's VBS director. If that Director is not available, find key leaders from past years. These folks can give you expert advise! Also, get to know the church secretary! They are usually a treasure trove of information about everyone and everything in the church!
Lisa B from NC |
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| | My advice for a first-time director is to learn from others. I would suggest you find someone who has been a director before and allow them to share some tips with you. It is great to find someone locally as they will have the knowledge of your community. It would be great if you took some people with you to a local VBS Preview or Party, this will allow you to connect with others and get your hands into the curriculum.
Bill Love
Pastor of Children's Ministries
Grace Community Church
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| | I am a VBS newbie, only doing it once and this year being my second year. However, I go through everything ALOT. I go through all the material for each site and tweak it, rewrite it, etc to best fit my church. I then create packets for all volunteers with a welcome letter, rotation chart, important dates paper, etc. We then offer vounteer sign up for one mth, then have our first meeting and then have a meeting once every month until our VBS. We split it though--we have 3 station leaders one day, then the others another so we can spend more one on one time. We offer a light snack and go over material, songs, etc. I start gathering material...always check the clearance at stores and use your imagination. Odd look Xmas ornaments could be used. Empty pop bottles, cardboard, wood, whatever. Plan your decoration ideas EARLY so you can start gathering these materials and posting something at your church for donations. Then a couple mths before VBS we start fundraisers. I am a planning NUT. Like to have things planned down to the smallest detail. My best advice---consume yourself with all things VBS lol
 ~Misty from Indiana
Non-conformist!! Romans 12:2  Lord, keep your arm around my shoulder and your hand over my mouth!
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