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Last Login: 7/19/2008 9:53:28 PM
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| For years, our VBS has always been 3 hours long. Then, once we got a new director, the time was cut in half... she scaled it down to 1 1/2 hours! Her point of view was that the younger ones could not handle 3 hours, and it got to be too much for the parents.
I have become the new direcotr this year. I have a lot of great ideas on how to make VBS a lot of fun this year. I think 1 1/2 hours makes things too rushed, and plus when we did it that way last year, we had to cut out the games and the Chadder station. As the new director, I want to include both stations.
Although I'm the director this year, the former director (who sits on the Church Council) is pressuring me to hold VBS from 6-7:30 PM. I want to compromise and hold it from 6-8 PM. I don't want to cut corners this year, I want to make it the best VBS it can be, including all the stations.
I sent out an e-mail to her recently regarding this, and have not yet recieved a reply. Any ideas on how I can convice her to make it at least 2 hours? When do you plan on holding your VBS? What are your past experiences with your times? Thank you all so much for your input! I really do appreciate it! 
 James in PA
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Last Login: 8/4/2008 5:17:10 PM
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| | Seriously...I don't know how you would even begin to do a VBS in 1 1/2 hours! We go from 6-9 and quite honestly I could really use an extra 10-15 minutes above that. I'm not going to, but I could. I would push for 3, and settle for 2 -2 1/2. The preschooler thing is silly. If those kids are engaged in what they are doing and things are constantly moving for them, they will be fine. I think our preschoolers are usually checked out after about 2 1/2 hours...so basically they miss out on the closing...but thats really just the younger ones. As the director I would do what needs to be done and what is best for the kids. And of course I say that knowing it's not an easy thing to do!
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Last Login: 8/25/2008 1:52:34 PM
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| | Ditto Missy! We hold ours from 6:30-9:30 and kids (and parents!) have asked that I extend it. I would not dream of doing it for less that the 3 hours we have. As the director I would hope that you have the final say as to the program's schedule. But if you need to convince someone in order to get it approved I say you just hold a quick poll and present the results, along with any comments, to that person(s). I am quite certain that you will get an overwhelming positive feedback to support your 2 -3 hour schedule. You have my vote and Missy's to begin with!
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Last Login: 6/18/2008 12:43:20 PM
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| Our VBS starts at 4:45 and we end around 8:10. We provide dinner for all of our kids and staff so that's the first 20 minutes of every night, then we start our opening Sing & Play about 5:05/5:10. I can't imagine trying to do it all in half that amount of time, some nights we barely have enough time to get everything in the way it is. A couple of the younger preschooler start getting tired around 7:30ish but they have no problem making it through the night because there's so much to keep them engaged and excited. I agree with Missy, push for 3 hours and settle for 2 1/2.
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Last Login: 9/9/2008 1:25:46 PM
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| We go from 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM (9 this year I'm thinking). We add in a music station in the rotation, so the kids can get into the music more. Our worship leader directs that part. We also added a music time into the Chadder theater time for Preschoolers as well, to fill out their day more.
I tend to get more volunteers in the evening. Makes for a long day for folks who are working 9 - 5, and we show our appreciation.
Chris Giddens <><
Children's Minister, Pleasant Valley South Baptist Church
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Last Login: 7/29/2008 2:30:21 PM
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| | Hi, our BVS last year started at 4:30 pm and finished at 7:30 pm. That worked out great, we did not serve dinner, only the snacks for each day, and some healthy additions. That way we save money and time preparing the meals; and our preschool kids were not tire at the end of the day. Ps. PJ in NJ thankyou for my siggie I love it!
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Last Login: 8/9/2008 6:17:20 PM
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| Our VBS is from 6-9 and we could use a few more minutes. I always get complaints about it being late before VBS but after is over everyone is happy with it. I agree that if the little ones are being active in their activities it is not too long for them. I would talk with your minister and tell him/her your ideas and have him/her help you on swaying the board.
 Misty Lipps
Nazareth Advent Christian Church
Lenoir, NC |
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| | It would appear I'm in the minority on this post, but I do 3 hours in the morning and the issues aren't there for tired preschoolers--they do just fine but then again they haven't been up all day, swimming at the pool etc. I do echo one other that encouraged you to set the time since you are the director. I believe God gives vision to the people He puts in charge therefore, you need to be able to carry that vision forth not the one of last years director. If you are seeing 2 hours at least, than it should be that time frame for you to do the work before you. If you feel God has called you to this work and you feel this is what He wants you to do, you might explain it that way to her. |
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