Vacation Bible schools are designated blocks of time--days, hours, weeks--designed to energize and encourage each other no matter what the age to draw closer to God. They usually have themes, heavy promotion and a lot of planning.
If you have never been involved, you are missing out on one of the most fun ways to work together as Christians and to draw closer to each other and Christ.
No matter what your age or the amount of time you can devote, you can participate.
Even though the suggestions over the coming weeks are recommended for certain weeks, they can still be done in a timely manner if done at other times. These tips serve as a guide and a checklist in your own planning. They are based entirely on the author's experience as a volunteer in the last 40+ years and as a vacation Bible school coordinator for many years.
Week 52: Thanks and Organize Props
Vacation Bible School is just 52 weeks away. I can hear the sighs now. "We've just finished VBS. I don't want to even think about it for another 51 weeks."
But doing just a few simple things can prevent a lot of stress later on in the year.
If you are a leader, as soon as vacation Bible School is over start following up with those who have attended. Send cards, letters and make phone calls, if possible, to the visitors. Thank them for attending. Let them know times of services, programs available, and courses of study offered at your church. This is not a job for one person. Have other volunteers to help with this task. Make it a personal follow-up and not a "form" letter that does not have the attendee's name on it. Ask those individuals who may not have had other opportunities to participate or who are confined to home to help with this task.
Vacation Bible School may have just ended for the summer, and things are being put away. Spend some time organizing and making an inventory of props and supplies. Be detailed when possible on location. The location may just be a particular room, but that will help you know where to look when you look for it the next time. If items are borrowed from members or others, record where and who you borrowed it from for future reference. Of course, if you haven't already, send the lendee a message of thanks.
Don't forget to thank those who volunteer. It does not matter how much time a volunteer devotes to vacation Bible school or what is done, everyone who participates needs to be thanked--and soon. The longer one waits to send a note of thanks, the less needed a person may feel.
A parent or a child who participates or visits can send a note of appreciation to the congregation or leave a comment on the website.
Finally, thank God for what was accomplished and ask Him to be with you in preparing for another one.
May God be glorified!
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