2. Recast an Old Friend.
For years, vacation Bible school has been the tried-and-true summer program for churches. But for many children’s workers who’ve been organizing VBS for years, it can begin to feel like the same old thing. To put a fresh face on vacation Bible school, try these ideas.
Use different terms. If you feel you’re reaching only churched kids when you promote VBS, call the week something different. Advertise it as a day camp. Or use only the theme as the program name.
Try a new locale. Attending a program on a church campus may make some families leery. So help them ease into your ministry by offering VBS at an alternative site such as a school, park, or fairgrounds. Obtain proper permits and survey the site. Get a handle on any facility needs and security issues. Using an alternative location is also a great way to have a presence outside your church walls.
Take it on the road. Reach out to areas that may not have the resources to provide a vacation Bible school. Inquire with urban kids clubs to see if your church can provide a VBS for neighborhood kids. Or if kids in your community head to cabins for the summer, ask a resort if your church can use its facilities to hold a program for vacationing families.
If you’re still searching for a VBS program, it’s not too late! Check out how you can make a monumental impact with kids this summer.
3. Feed the Brain and Heart.
Even though kids can’t wait to take a break from school and homework, their minds still long for stimulation and a good workout. Day camps can be a great outreach tool by providing a fun learning environment in areas of interest such as art, science, or sports. Offer day camps that not only educate kids on a particular subject but also show how God is always present. Have daily devotions that complement what kids are learning. Pray before snack time, and invite kids back for worship. Day camp themes include:
Experiment with science. Kids love science experiments and learning how things work. Design a day camp around nature and lessons from Genesis and the Creation.
Perform and share. For kids who love pretending and drama, spend a week teaching character development, stage presence, and set-building. Teach kids how God has given each of us gifts and talents to share. This camp is also a great building block for getting kids involved in ministries such as puppetry, worship, or drama.
Stay active with sports. Many summer sports camps are overnight, pricey, and geared for older kids. So offer a day camp that focuses on one sport, such as soccer or basketball. Or offer a fun fitness program to spark kids’ interest in a variety of activities. Have students from a local Christian college or members of a high school’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes program teach sports fundamentals. Lead devotions that share the faith of Christian athletes. This program may even spark a church team roster for local recreation programs.
