Why Marketing Your VBS Matters

Marketing your Vacation Bible School isn’t just about getting the word out; it’s about creating a bridge that connects your church to families, kids, and your broader community. When done right, an effective marketing strategy can:

1. Increase Participation

A well-marketed VBS ensures that your event reaches its full potential. When people know what to expect and how much fun their kids will have, they’re more likely to sign up. Research shows that parents are more likely to enroll their kids in a program when they see consistent and compelling promotion. Highlighting your VBS theme, sharing engaging visuals, and emphasizing key details like dates and activities can create excitement and encourage registrations.

2. Reach New Families

Your VBS is arguably one of the best outreach opportunities your church has each year. Strategic marketing allows you to extend your reach beyond your regular attendees to families in the community who may not currently have a church home. People are more likely to consider attending a church event if they hear about it through social media or a personal invite. By utilizing multiple marketing channels—from social media to local partnerships—you can connect with families who might not otherwise step foot in a church.

3. Build Excitement in Your Church

When your congregation sees the buzz surrounding your VBS, they’re more likely to get involved as attendees or volunteers. A well-communicated campaign inspires ownership, making VBS a unifying event for your church community. Highlighting sneak peeks, countdowns, and behind-the-scenes moments can amplify excitement among both your team and participants.

Know Your Audience

Understanding your audience is crucial for crafting messages that resonate and connect. When promoting your VBS program, it’s essential to recognize the different groups you’re targeting. Each group has unique motivations, needs, and desires. Here’s a quick breakdown of key groups and how to tailor your messaging for each:

1. Parents

Parents are focused on the long-term impact your VBS will have on their children. They want to know that their kids will not only have fun but also grow in faith, build friendships, and be safe while attending.

Messaging Tips:

• Highlight the spiritual and developmental benefits for their children.
• Emphasize how the experience will help kids understand essential life lessons.
• Offer reassurance about the safety, care, and trustworthiness of the program.

Example:
“Give your kids a summer full of fun AND faith! Our VBS program will help them grow closer to God while making lifelong friendships. Plus, it’s safe, welcoming, and designed with your child’s growth in mind!”

2. Kids

Kids are all about having fun and experiencing something exciting. They want an action-packed VBS full of games, creativity, and new adventures.

Messaging Tips:

• Focus on excitement, adventure, and the thrill of participating in activities.
• Use vibrant, playful language that sparks imagination and curiosity.
• Make it sound like something they won’t want to miss!

Example:
“Get ready for the BEST week of summer! Games, crafts, new friends, and tons of fun—VBS is the place to be!”

3. Volunteers

Volunteers are motivated by the opportunity to serve, make a difference, and be a part of something bigger than themselves. They want to know how their time will have a meaningful impact on the kids and the community.

Messaging Tips:

• Appeal to their sense of purpose, emphasizing how their involvement will change lives.
• Show appreciation for their commitment and highlight the sense of community and teamwork.
• Be clear about the role they’ll play and how they can make a direct impact.

Example:
“Want to make a real difference this summer? Join our VBS team and help kids grow in faith! It’s a chance to serve, connect, and be part of an amazing community.”

4. Community Members

Community members, whether they’re friends, neighbors, or church supporters, want to know how VBS impacts the local area. They may not have children involved, but they care about supporting meaningful initiatives.

Messaging Tips:

• Highlight the positive impact the event will have on the community.
• Focus on the outreach and relationship-building aspects of VBS.
• Invite them to participate, volunteer, or support in any way.

Example:
“VBS is more than just a fun event—it’s a chance for our community to come together and make a lasting impact on the next generation. Want to be a part of it? There’s still time to help!”

Create a Marketing Timeline

A well-organized marketing timeline is essential for building momentum and ensuring a successful VBS event. Starting early and strategically planning your communications will help you reach your target audience at just the right time. Here’s a breakdown of what to focus on in the 6-8 weeks leading up to your VBS:

3 Months Before VBS: Start with a Big Announcement

At this point, it’s all about creating awareness. Begin with a strong, attention-grabbing announcement. Use a variety of channels, including flyers that can be distributed at church events, email blasts to your ministry’s contact list, and Sunday morning stage announcements to reach parents and church members. You want to make sure that your community knows the dates, theme, and registration information early, so they have time to plan ahead. This is also a great time to spark interest with a teaser video or post on social media.

2 Months Before VBS: Launch Registration

By week four, it’s time to move beyond awareness and start driving action. Launch your online registration process (if you use one) and make sure it’s easy to find and complete. Share links on social media and in email campaigns, and highlight any early bird pricing or discounts. This is also a great time to share promotional videos on social media—showing snippets of what kids will experience, the fun activities, and the impact they’ll have. The goal is to get families excited and committed to signing up early.

1 Month Before VBS: Highlight Daily Themes & Volunteer Opportunities

As VBS draws closer, it’s important to stay top-of-mind and create a sense of urgency. Post regular reminders about registration deadlines and encourage people to sign up if they haven’t already. Each week, highlight a different day or activity from the VBS schedule. Highlight volunteer opportunities as well, especially for those looking for ways to serve. People may not realize they can help, so make sure to provide clear instructions on how to get involved. Sharing personal testimonies or stories from past volunteers can also be a great motivator.

2 Weeks Before VBS: Reminders & Last Call

As the countdown to VBS continues, focus on creating urgency and reaching a broader audience. Post reminders emphasizing limited spots to encourage last-minute registrations. Boost your event on Facebook to connect with more local families who may not have heard about VBS yet. Finally, share heartfelt testimonials, especially from first-time attendees, to inspire others and highlight the life-changing impact of your program.

1 Week Before VBS: Build Excitement

The final week is all about building excitement and creating buzz around the event. Use countdowns on social media to remind everyone that VBS is just around the corner. Share behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, like photos of decorations in progress or leaders preparing for the big day. You could also feature short video clips from volunteers or staff members expressing their enthusiasm and what they’re most excited about. The goal is to create a sense of anticipation and remind everyone that this is an event they won’t want to miss!

By following this timeline and pacing your marketing efforts, you’ll be able to generate excitement, increase registrations, and ensure that your VBS is well-attended and impactful.

Leverage Free & Easy Tools

Maximize your marketing reach with tools that are both free and easy to use! Social media is a powerful way to connect with your audience—post regularly on Facebook, Instagram, and local community groups. Don’t forget to include stories, reels, and shareable content that spreads the word fast. Email campaigns are also key—craft clear, catchy subject lines and include direct links to register or volunteer. For design needs, Canva is a game-changer—create everything from flyers to social media graphics without any design experience. If you’re using Live It Out this year, check out our Canva Template Toolkit, which is ready and available for you to use in your marketing. Lastly, make the most of church announcements, using bulletins, slides, or even videos during Sunday services to keep the buzz going. These tools are simple, cost-effective ways to get your message out and rally support!

Build Excitement Online

Building excitement online is a fun and engaging way to get your community pumped up for VBS! One great method is to launch a social media challenge, like a countdown to the big day by using themed hashtags. For example, try something like #VBSCountdown to get people involved and share the excitement as the event approaches.

Videos are also a powerful tool—post short, fun clips of your team prepping for VBS, decorating the space, or talking about the heart behind the theme. These behind-the-scenes moments help humanize the event and show the passion that goes into making VBS special.

Don’t forget to include testimonials! Share stories or quotes from kids and parents who had a blast at previous VBS events. Seeing VBS’s positive impact on others can motivate families to get involved and create anticipation for this year’s program!

Retain Momentum After VBS

The excitement doesn’t have to end when VBS does! Keep the momentum going by sending follow-up emails to all attendees featuring photos and highlights from the event. This keeps the experience fresh in their minds and shows them how much fun and impact they were a part of.

Invite families to stay connected by promoting upcoming church events or small groups. Let them know there are more opportunities for their kids to continue growing in faith and community.

Finally, share a survey to gather feedback and ideas for next year. Not only does this show you value their input, but it also helps you improve and plan an even better VBS next time around!

Set Your VBS Up for Success

Marketing your VBS is about more than just spreading the word—it’s about creating meaningful connections with families, kids, and your community. By understanding your audience, crafting a strategic timeline, and leveraging the right tools, you can ensure your VBS is impactful and well-attended.Ready to take your marketing to the next level? Check out the VBS Promotion Timeline in the VBS Planner, available on our Director’s Hub. This resource, along with the rest of our library, is designed to equip and empower VBS directors like you to plan, promote, and execute a successful event. Visit the Director’s Hub today and get started!

The post Your Ultimate Guide to Marketing a Memorable VBS appeared first on Think Orange.

For VBS Directors, summer is more than a season of sunshine, vacations, and cookouts—it’s an opportunity to make a lasting spiritual impact on kids and families. As the school year winds down and routines loosen, summer offers a rare window to engage children in a fresh and meaningful way. Vacation Bible School (VBS) has become a cornerstone of summer ministry for many churches, providing a dynamic blend of fun, faith, and community connection. But it’s more than just a program. It’s a mission to help kids encounter Jesus in ways they’ll remember for years to come.

But why is VBS so important? What makes it a vital part of summer programming? At its heart, VBS is about transformation—bringing kids closer to God, strengthening relationships within the church, and reaching out to families in the community. It’s a week that blends laughter, learning, intentional teaching, and memorable experiences. When done well, VBS can spark faith conversations, inspire families to engage with the church, and set the tone for ministry that lasts long after the summer ends. Whether you’re a seasoned VBS leader or considering hosting one for the first time, the impact of this week-long event can’t be overstated. Let’s explore why VBS remains a powerful tool for ministry and how it can make your summer programming unforgettable.

The Power of Summer Engagement

Summer is a unique time for kids. They’re out of their regular routines, they have more free time, and they’re often looking for connection and excitement. This makes summer the perfect season for ministry. With fewer school commitments and more flexibility in their schedules, summer is a time when kids are more open to discovering God’s love and deepening their connection with others in their church community.

Why Summer Engagement Matters

1. Keep Faith Front and Center: During the school year, kids are often busy with academics, extracurriculars, and family commitments. Summer provides a window where you can focus on their spiritual growth without competing with the school calendar.
2. Build Relationships: Summer programming like VBS creates opportunities for kids to bond with their peers and leaders. These relationships can grow into long-term discipleship connections.
3. Reach the Community: VBS is one of the most outreach-friendly events a church can host. It’s an open door for families who may not otherwise attend church to step into your community and experience the love of Jesus.
4. Set the Tone for the School Year: A great VBS can ignite excitement and momentum for your ministry that carries into the school year. It’s a time to cast vision, build trust, and inspire families to stay connected long after summer ends.

Why VBS Works

Vacation Bible School holds a special place in the hearts of many, and for good reason. It’s a unique blend of high-energy fun and faith-focused teaching that resonates with kids and parents alike. What sets VBS apart is its ability to connect with children in ways that are both engaging and spiritually enriching.

Focused Time to Teach the Gospel

In just a few days, VBS gives you the chance to dive deep into God’s Word and help kids understand how it applies to their lives. This concentrated discipleship, wrapped in an engaging format, provides an opportunity for kids to explore faith in ways that stick with them. With carefully planned lessons and activities, kids are immersed in Scripture that speaks to their everyday lives. The focused time allows for intentional conversations about faith, helping kids develop a deeper personal relationship with Jesus. 

Memorable Experiences

From themed decorations to interactive storytelling, VBS creates experiences that stay with kids long after the week is over. These memories can serve as spiritual anchors as they grow in their faith. Each day at VBS offers something new and exciting, from singing praise songs to participating in hands-on activities that reinforce the Bible lessons. The creativity and energy infused into every part of the experience help kids connect emotionally and spiritually with what they are learning. As they look back on VBS, their experiences—whether making a craft, participating in games, or hearing a story—become a lasting part of their faith journey, giving them touch points to recall God’s truths as they grow.

Whole-Family Impact

Vacation bible school doesn’t just reach kids; it often engages their entire family. Whether through parent nights, take-home resources, or follow-up events, VBS can open doors for ongoing ministry and encourage families to grow together spiritually. The connections made at VBS often extend beyond the event itself, helping to strengthen family relationships and provide a foundation for faith discussions at home. Involving parents in VBS activities creates a shared spiritual experience that fosters a sense of community and commitment to church life. Parents can also use the resources provided to continue the conversations, making VBS an event that has a ripple effect throughout the entire family’s faith journey.

Volunteer Empowerment

Planning and running a VBS activates your congregation to serve together. It’s an opportunity for people to use their gifts, build relationships, and grow as leaders. Many volunteers report that VBS is one of the most rewarding parts of their year. Whether they are leading small groups, coordinating activities, or helping with logistics, volunteers find joy in seeing kids grow spiritually and in the bonds they form with others serving alongside them. VBS offers a chance for volunteers to step into new roles and experience the joy of ministry in a fun, fast-paced environment. It strengthens the church body as a whole, encouraging both personal and collective growth while providing a meaningful outlet for people to serve their community.

Why Kids Need Vacation Bible School

If you’re considering whether to invest time and energy into a VBS this year, think about the bigger picture. VBS is about more than fun activities and catchy songs. It meets critical needs in the lives of kids and their families.

• A Safe Place to Belong: Today’s kids are often bombarded by messages from the media, technology, and peer culture. VBS creates a sanctuary where they can be themselves, feel valued, and experience God’s unconditional love.
• A Space to Encounter Jesus: For some kids, VBS may be their first introduction to Jesus. For others, it’s a time to go deeper in their faith. Either way, it’s a launching point for a lifetime of spiritual growth.
• A Connection to Community: Today’s kids are more connected digitally but often more isolated socially. VBS creates a space where they can feel seen, valued, and loved.
• A Platform for Teaching Purpose: VBS teaches kids that they have a role to play in God’s story. Through lessons, activities, and service projects, they learn that their lives matter and that they can make a difference in the world.

Why Your Leadership Matters

As a VBS Director, you have a unique opportunity to influence not just kids but entire families this summer. Your vision, planning, and leadership make it possible for children to encounter God in meaningful ways. When you cast a compelling vision for your team and church, you rally a community around a shared purpose—helping kids live out their faith.

Consider these outcomes:

• Encouraging First Steps of Faith: VBS is often where children make their first decisions to follow Jesus. Your leadership creates the environment for these life-changing moments.
• Equipping Families: VBS doesn’t just impact kids; it equips parents with tools to continue faith conversations at home.
• Inspiring Volunteers: Many volunteers discover their passion for ministry during VBS. Your leadership can help them see their role in God’s story.
• Leaving a Legacy: The work you do as a VBS Director has a ripple effect that extends far beyond the week of VBS. You’re shaping the spiritual lives of kids and creating memories they’ll carry for a lifetime.

Why VBS Matters More Than Ever

In today’s world, kids face unique challenges, from navigating technology to dealing with societal pressures. VBS offers them a sanctuary—a place where they can unplug, connect with others, and grow in their faith. It’s an opportunity to show them that the church is a place where they belong and where their lives can be transformed by the love of Jesus.

As you plan your summer programming, remember the eternal impact you’re making. VBS isn’t just an event; it’s a mission. And through your leadership, kids will discover what it means to Live It Out—to love like Jesus and carry that love into the world.

Why Live It Out VBS

We believe that every VBS should inspire kids to take what they learn and live it out in their everyday lives. That’s the heartbeat of our Live It Out VBS theme. This year’s program is designed to:

• Encourage kids to discover how God’s love transforms their relationships and their world.
• Equip leaders with easy-to-use resources that save time and reduce stress.
• Engage families through intentional take-home pieces that extend the VBS experience.

Want to learn more about Live It Out? Explore samples of the curriculum here.

Making the Most of Your Summer

Vacation bible school isn’t just a program—it’s a ministry tool that helps you connect with kids, families, and your community. It’s an opportunity to share the gospel, build relationships, and set the stage for spiritual growth all year long.

So, whether you’re a seasoned VBS Director or considering hosting your first one, know this: what you’re doing matters. You’re creating moments that kids will carry with them for a lifetime, and you’re building a legacy of faith that will ripple through your community.

Ready to get started? Head to OrangeVBS.com and begin planning your Live It Out VBS today. Let’s make this summer unforgettable!Looking for additional resources? We’ve put together a VBS Director’s Hub full of expert tools, free resources, and support just for you. Check out our VBS Pinterest board for inspiration and ideas, and our Orange VBS Facebook Group is the perfect place to connect with other leaders.

The post Why Vacation Bible School is Important for Summer Programming appeared first on Think Orange.

In a world that often feels rushed and busy, small acts of kindness can have an incredible impact. That’s why kindness rocks—literally! This fun and creative kindess craft activity is a wonderful way to encourage children to spread joy and positivity in their communities. With just a few supplies, you can create beautifully painted rocks with meaningful messages that brighten someone’s day.

This blog will walk you through the steps of creating kindness rocks, from gathering materials to the final touch of spreading them around town. Let’s dive in!

The Power of Kindness Rocks

Kindness rocks are more than just painted stones—they’re tiny beacons of hope and encouragement. Whether found on a park bench, at a bus stop, or along a hiking trail, these small gestures remind people that they are valued, loved, and not alone.

For kids, creating kindness rocks is not only a fun art project but also a hands-on way to learn about kindness and empathy. It helps them see how their actions, no matter how small, can make a big difference in someone else’s life.

What You’ll Need for this Kindness Craft

Before diving into the project, gather these simple materials:

• Flat, smooth rocks (available at craft stores or collected from nature)
• Acrylic paint in a variety of colors
• Paintbrushes in different sizes
• Paint pens for detailed designs and writing
• Copy paper for sketching designs
• Pencils for outlining messages
• Paper plates to hold paint
• Plastic tablecloths to protect your work surface
• Zip-top bags for safely transporting the finished rocks

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Set Up Your Crafting Space

Start by covering your tables with plastic tablecloths to keep things clean and organized. At each spot, place two rocks, a paintbrush, a half sheet of copy paper, and a pencil. Scatter paper plates filled with acrylic paint in various colors across the table so kids can share.

2. Plan Your Design

Encourage kids to start by placing their rock on the paper and tracing around it with a pencil. This gives them a clear space to sketch their message or design before transferring it to the rock.

Here are a few ideas for messages:

• “You are loved.”
• “You matter.”
• “You ROCK!”
• “Be kind.”
• “Jesus loves you.”

For those who prefer drawing, simple shapes like hearts, flowers, or smiley faces work well too!

3. Paint the Base Coat

Next, have the kids paint the top of their rock with a base color of their choice. Remind them that it might take two coats of paint for a smooth, even finish. Allow the first coat to dry completely before applying the second.

While the rocks dry, kids can finalize their message or design inside the circle they traced on the paper. This is their chance to get creative!

4. Add Your Message or Design

Once the paint is dry, kids can lightly sketch their message onto the rock using a pencil. Encourage them to take their time and use the design they created on paper as a guide.

After the sketch is complete, they can trace over it with a paint pen or a narrow paintbrush. Paint pens are especially helpful for writing words or creating intricate details.

5. Let It Dry

Set the finished rocks aside to dry completely. Acrylic paint dries fairly quickly, but make sure the surface is dry to the touch before handling.

6. Pack It Up

Provide each child with a zip-top bag to store their completed rocks. This keeps the rocks safe and ready for transport.

Sharing your Kindness Craft

Once the kindness rocks are ready, it’s time to share them with the world! Encourage kids to leave their rocks in places where others will find them—a park, a library, a sidewalk, or even a friend’s front porch.

During this part of the activity, you can remind kids of the purpose behind their craft.

What You Say:
“Who would like to share the message you wrote on your rock? (Pause for responses.) I love your kindness rocks! This week, I want to challenge you to leave these rocks somewhere around town. Maybe someone who really needs encouragement or kindness will find your rock! Let’s follow Jesus’ example and be kind to one another. Kindness rocks!”

Why This Activity Matters

The act of creating and sharing kindness rocks teaches children several valuable lessons:

• Empathy: By thinking about how their messages might impact someone else, kids learn to put themselves in others’ shoes.
• Creativity: Designing and painting the rocks allows kids to express themselves artistically.
• Community Impact: Leaving the rocks in public spaces shows kids that even small actions can have a ripple effect.

Tips for a Successful Kindness Rock Project

• Choose the Right Rocks: Look for smooth, flat rocks that are easy to paint on.
• Use Quality Materials: Acrylic paint works best for vibrant, long-lasting designs.
• Encourage Creativity: While messages of kindness are central, allow room for personal expression.
• Promote Sharing: Remind kids that the joy of this project comes from giving, not just creating.

Take It Further

Want to extend the impact of your kindness rock activity? Here are a few ideas:

• Community Rock Garden: Create a designated space in your community where people can add or take rocks.
• Social Media Challenge: Encourage families to post pictures of their rocks with the hashtag #KindnessRocks to inspire others.
• Seasonal Themes: Adapt the activity for different seasons with messages like “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Spring!”

Kindness rocks are a simple yet powerful way to spread positivity and love in the world. This craft activity not only brings joy to those who find the rocks but also teaches kids important lessons about kindness, empathy, and creativity.

So, gather your supplies, spark some creativity, and let kindness rock your community!This craft is one of the craft options in our 2025 Live It Out: Discover How to Live Like Jesus VBS. Are you looking for a comprehensive ready to go Vacation Bible School experience so your kids can have their very best summer? Check out Live It Out today.

The post DIY Kindness Rocks: Spread Kindness With This Craft appeared first on Think Orange.

What You’ll Need

Before diving into the fun, gather the following materials:

• Clear plastic cups (sturdy ones work best)
• Balloons (one per child)
• Clear packing tape
• Mini marshmallows (enough for shooting and snacking)
• Scissors

Craft for Kids for Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Balloons

Give each child a deflated balloon. Next, using a pair of scissors, carefully cut off the top of the balloon (the rounded part where you’d typically blow air in). This creates an open end that will stretch over the cup.

Pro Tip: Make sure the cuts are clean and straight for easier attachment to the cup.

Once your balloon is cut you are going to want to stretch it out to ensure it can go on the cup. Take two hands and stretch the balloon back and forth a few times.

Step 2: Attach the Balloon to the Cup

Stretch the open end of the balloon over the top of the cup. Using the top of the cup gives the structure extra support because of the rim of the cup. Depending on the size of the balloon and cup, this may require a little finesse. Ensure the balloon is evenly stretched to avoid air gaps.

Once the balloon is in place, secure it with clear packing tape. Wrap the tape tightly around the base of the cup where the balloon overlaps to ensure it stays in place during the marshmallow-shooting excitement.

Step 3: Test the Launchers

Now comes the fun part! Hand each child a handful of mini marshmallows and let them load their launchers. To launch, place a marshmallow inside the cup, pull back on the balloon, and release. Watch the marshmallows soar through the air!

For added excitement, take the kids outside (if weather permits) to avoid indoor chaos and give them more space to experiment. Encourage them to aim for the sky, trying to catch the marshmallows back in their cups as they come down.

Creative Games to Play with Marshmallow Launchers

Here are some ideas to add more fun and excitement to your marshmallow launcher activity:

1. Marshmallow Catch

Challenge the kids to shoot a marshmallow straight into the air and catch it in their own cup. This helps improve hand-eye coordination and encourages laughter as marshmallows inevitably go flying in every direction.

2. Target Practice

Set up a few targets—plastic bowls, paper plates, or hula hoops—and have the kids aim to land their marshmallows in the targets. Keep score for added competition.

3. Team Relay

Divide the group into teams and create a relay race where each child must launch a marshmallow into a target before the next teammate can go. The first team to finish wins!

4. Marshmallow Towers

When the launching is done, give the kids a chance to build towers or sculptures with the marshmallows. This quieter activity provides a nice transition after all the excitement.

The Teaching Moment: Forgiveness

While the marshmallow launchers are a ton of fun, they also serve as a memorable way to introduce a meaningful lesson about forgiveness. As the kids play, take a moment to talk with them about what happens when they shoot the marshmallows up into the air. Use this opportunity to tie in the concept of forgiveness.

What You Say: “These are SO fun! When you shoot them up in the air, what happens to the marshmallow? (Pause for responses.) Yes, it comes back down! That’s the thing about forgiveness. Because we’ve been forgiven by a loving God, we can forgive others. Forgiveness always comes back around. It helps the person we choose to forgive, and it helps us, too!

“When we choose to let go of our anger and forgive someone, it feels like a weight has been lifted—just like when we let the marshmallow fly. We don’t forgive because we have to; we forgive because God has forgiven us. Let’s remember that as we play and have fun together!”

This simple explanation, paired with the interactive activity, reinforces the message in a way kids can relate to and remember.

Tips for Success

• Safety First: While mini marshmallows are soft, remind kids not to aim at anyone’s face and to keep the marshmallows in the launcher—not their mouths—when playing.
• Supervise the Crafting: Younger kids may need help cutting and attaching the balloons to the cups, so be ready to lend a hand.
• Keep It Clean: Bring a broom or dustpan to clean up stray marshmallows. If you’re outside, be mindful of picking up marshmallows to avoid attracting wildlife.

Why Kids Love This Craft

This activity is a hit with kids for so many reasons:

1. Hands-On Fun: Kids love making their own toys and immediately putting them to use.
2. Endless Entertainment: Shooting marshmallows never gets old! With plenty of opportunities for creative games, the fun can last for hours.
3. Creative Freedom: The simplicity of the craft allows kids to personalize their launchers with stickers, markers, or tape designs.

Why Parents and Ministry Leaders Love It Too

Beyond the fun factor, marshmallow launchers offer several benefits for parents and ministry leaders:

• Affordable Materials: The supplies are inexpensive and easy to find.
• Teachable Moments: This activity is an ideal opportunity to weave in life lessons like forgiveness in a way that resonates with kids.
• Minimal Prep Time: With just a few materials and quick assembly, this craft is ready to go in no time.

Conclusion

These DIY marshmallow launchers are a perfect blend of creativity, fun, and meaningful conversation. Whether you’re hosting a Vacation Bible School, planning a Sunday school lesson, or looking for a boredom buster, this activity is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

So, grab some cups, balloons, and marshmallows, and let the fun begin! Not only will the kids walk away with a new favorite toy, but they’ll also carry an important lesson about forgiveness—one they’ll remember every time they launch a marshmallow into the sky.This craft is one of the craft options in our 2025 Live It Out: Discover How to Live Like Jesus VBS. Are you looking for a comprehensive ready to go Vacation Bible School experience so your kids can have their very best summer? Check out Live It Out today.

The post DIY Craft Marshmallow Launchers: A Fun and Meaningful Activity for Kids appeared first on Think Orange.

In a world where words often fail to convey the depth of meaning we intend, actions become powerful language. This summer, Orange VBS 2025 invites us to explore what it means to “Live It Out” by showing the love of Jesus through our everyday actions. It’s more than just a theme—it’s a call to action and a reminder that faith isn’t confined to church walls or Sunday mornings.

The theme verse, John 13:34, sets the tone for the week:

“I give you a new command. Love one another. You must love one another, just as I have loved you. If you love one another, everyone will know you are my disciples.”

This verse challenges us to love others because that’s what we’re called to do as followers of Jesus. Living it out shows the world what faith looks like in action. This year’s VBS is designed to help kids—and the adults who lead them—embrace this transformative truth, equipping them to reflect Christ’s love in tangible ways.

At its core, Live It Out is about life transformation.

Through five days of impactful Bible stories, practical lessons, and engaging activities, children will learn about Jesus’ teachings and how to live them in their daily lives. The goal is to share the truth of the Gospel with kids in your community and, through that, help them to see how they can offer the world their gifts of service, kindness, forgiveness, prayer, and community that echo Jesus’ example.As we prepare for summer 2025, it’s clear that our world desperately needs to know Jesus personally and learn to share Jesus’ love with others. Our kids are growing up in a culture that often values personal gain over selflessness; where kindness and forgiveness can feel rare. Through Live It Out, we have an incredible opportunity to counter these messages by planting seeds of faith that grow into a lifetime of loving like Jesus!

Here’s why this is so important:

Jesus is the Best Thing!

When kids come to VBS, we want them to see how fun it is to know Jesus, live a life with Jesus, and love others that way he teaches us to love.

Faith in Action Inspires Change

Words can inspire, but actions change lives. When kids see faith lived out—whether by serving others, showing kindness, or forgiving—they learn that love isn’t just something we feel. It’s something we do.

Building Habits That Last

VBS isn’t just about a week of fun; it’s about creating lifelong habits. By focusing on practical applications of faith, service, prayer and love, kids will leave with tools they can use daily to live like Jesus.

Empowering the Next Generation

When given the chance, kids are capable of incredible things. Through Live It Out, we’re empowering the next generation to be ambassadors of Jesus’ love in their schools, neighborhoods, and families. When they discover how to love like Jesus, they learn lessons that will carry them for a lifetime.

Ministry leaders and volunteers, your role in this journey is key.

For some of you this summer, you will get to tell a child who Jesus is, and they will hear these truths for the first time! How amazing to have a front-row seat to life change. We know kids learn best when they see scripture modeled in real life and taught to them by people they know care about them. When you serve selflessly, show kindness, forgive, and pray, you set an example they’ll want to follow. You get to show them not only how to know Jesus personally but also how to live out their faith daily.

The impact of Live It Out doesn’t end when VBS is over. The real transformation happens when kids apply what they’ve learned to their everyday lives. Here are some simple ways to keep the momentum going.

• Host the Very Best Summer: We don’t want you to just give kids a great week. We want you to give them the Very Best Summer! That’s why we include a free summer curriculum for June and July. What better way to keep learning how to Live It Out?
• Involved the Parents: We offer so many tools, from Parent Cue cards to send home, a script for a family experience to wrap up the week, to a free event you can host for kids who express interest in becoming a Christian and want to talk more about that with their parents. Parents are the primary influencers in a kid’s life. Let’s partner with them!
• Serve Together: Find local opportunities to help those in need, like volunteering at a food bank or participating in a community clean-up. Every Orange VBS focuses on local missions. This year, we’re partnering with Soles4Souls. Serving helps kids put their faith into action. Use this summer to challenge kids and their families to live it out by serving others.
• What else would you add to this list to help families begin to truly Live It Out next summer?

Imagine the impact if every child who attends VBS 2025 commits to living out the love of Jesus. The ripple effect could transform families, schools, and communities. And it doesn’t stop with the kids. As parents, leaders, and church members, we’re all called to embrace the challenge of living it out daily.

This summer, let’s show our kids—and the world—what it means to love like Jesus, not just with words but through every action we take.

So, are you ready? Grab your gear and join us for an unforgettable journey of discovering how to live it out! Together, we’ll make this summer one that changes lives for eternity.

The post Live It Out: Why VBS 2025 is a Game-Changer for Teaching Kids to Own Their Faith appeared first on Think Orange.

If you are like me, I am guessing you want to win big with kids and families in the summer of 2025, too. I’ve made a list of things to help you get started.

1. Pray. As ministry leaders, we often have to remind ourselves that God is in control. Before you do anything, commit your plans to him. Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord…” Commit your plans to him and work as if you’re working for him.
   
2. Set clear goals. Define what you want to achieve with VBS.  Is your goal community outreach to unchurched families? Is your goal to strengthen and build relationships between kids in your church and their year-round small group leaders? Is your goal to provide a safe place for kids or working parents to come in the summer so that you can share the gospel in a fun environment? Whatever your goal, define it clearly for yourself and your volunteers.
   
3. Choose a VBS. Select a VBS that aligns with your goals, has a fun theme, and is engaging for your target age group. Ensure that it is fun! That’s a kid’s love language. Make sure it has excellent large group lessons that present the gospel in a clear, age-appropriate way, along with small group lessons, crafts, games, snacks, and great music.
   
4. Build a team. Our favorite word around here is delegate. You cannot do this alone, nor should you. Recruit dedicated volunteers to help with the planning and execution of your VBS. Delegate what you need them to do. Trust that they will do it. We suggest you first create a leadership team. Give these people specific roles, asking them to lead each area of your VBS. For example, Large Group Producer, Small Group Team Lead, Games Director, Snack Coordinator, etc. What would you add to that list?
   
5. Create a budget. Determine your budget for materials, decorations, and other expenses. Your budget will drive what activities you choose, the décor you invest in, and more. It will also help you determine if you need to consider asking for donations, borrowing items, or sharing with other churches in your community. Creating a budget also lets you know where to lean into your volunteer team. If you plan early, you can ask them for help gathering supplies. They know people you do not know and have connections you do not have. Share your needs and ask who can help meet them.
   
6. Promote the event. I know you didn’t get into Kids Ministry to be a marketer, but we are in marketing whether we like it or not. It’s essential to look at every aspect of how you will communicate within and outside of your church regarding your VBS. Some ways you can do this: social media, print pieces like flyers you can pass out on Sundays, on screen in your church, emails to parents, asking if you may share at schools before the end of the year, invite cards for families in your neighborhoods, yard signs, outdoor banner on the street outside your church, ask local businesses if they can put posters in their windows, and of course good old word of mouth. Talk with kids about inviting their friends to join them!
   
7. Prepare materials. I love a good supply list. Since you’ve already delegated each part of VBS to a volunteer team lead (right?), the next step is to ask them to go through their section of the materials and create a plan for each day. That plan will naturally lead to a list of needed supplies and items to prepare. Some VBS kits include supply lists to help you create a shopping list. After you’ve shopped, purchase what is required at least a month or two in advance so you have time to sort, count, and prep anything that involves work ahead of time. Preparation also gives you time to return anything that may not work.
   
8. Train volunteers. Hold training sessions to ensure everyone understands their roles and the overall strategy for your VBS week. We recommend holding an initial meeting with your leadership team starting in January. They may need to plan smaller meetings to connect with their specific teams in the weeks and months leading up to VBS. I will include a sample training schedule attached at the end of this article.
   
9. Organize registration. Set up a system for registering participants. We recommend doing registration online when possible. Encourage everyone to register ahead of time to help you in your planning. What reward can you offer to those who register early?  Think through this. A free VBS shirt, button, or frisbee? A chance to pick up their day one nametag ahead of time, so they don’t have to wait in any lines the first day.
   
   Also, think through ways to make registration as smooth as possible. How many people must work registration tables to avoid long lines? What questions might they encounter that you can answer ahead of time? Where have you had roadblocks in the past, and what can you do to fix them before VBS 2025?
   
10. Appreciation, Evaluations, and Invitations. I always wanted to go on an extended vacation after the VBS week. It’s excellent work and hard work, all at the same time. Planning the things that need to be done post-VBS well in advance will save you so much time and energy. First, plan what you will do to thank your volunteers. It can be as simple as a thank you card or as elaborate as a gift. But, if you plan that and work on it in January rather than midnight, the night before VBS ends, you’ll be a happier leader. You also want to gather feedback from volunteers and families attending VBS to assess what went well and what could be improved. Feedback forms can be included with a post-VBS email. Be sure to tell the families visiting how much you loved having their kids, and give them a few dates of other fun things your church is offering for families in the future—maybe a Fall Festival or a Back to School Bash. Then, ask them if they would take a moment to give you feedback.
    
11. Think summer strategy. At Orange, we like to say VBS stands for Very Best Summer. We don’t want to give kids a great week but a great summer! Strategize so your summer theme for Sundays aligns with your VBS theme. This allows you to extend your décor beyond the week of the program. A strategy also enables you to invite volunteers, kids, and their families back to help you keep the VBS energy going all summer.
    

What else would you add to this list? Start planning now so you can have the Very Best Summer, too!

We have a free resource hub and It includes Budgeting Sheets, Surveys, a planner, and more. The resources are compatible with any VBS program.

The post 10 Tips for Planning A Successful VBS in 2025 appeared first on Think Orange.

We all know that the VBS Directors and leaders – the ones who guide, support, and love kids – are the true heroes of Vacation Bible School. Your creativity and passion are what make the week truly special. With this in mind, we want to celebrate you and the hard work you put into VBS all year long!

Introducing Explorer Badges! These badges are more than tokens of appreciation. They symbolize your Live It Out VBS commitment and achievements! 

The Inspiration Behind the Badge

This year’s theme, Live It Out VBS, is all about camp. Whether you are more familiar with a traditional summer camp, science camp, sports camp, or music camp, the idea of earning badges at camp is not new. For decades, it has been a cherished tradition in scouting programs and youth organizations. 

Badges serve as a visual reminder of a job well done, and they promote a sense of accomplishment. Once you’ve earned your badges, there are so many creative ways to display them! Display them on a hat or a cool counselor vest to showcase your achievements and spark conversations. Alternatively, clip them onto your lanyard for a more everyday way to keep your VBS spirit alive. Let these badges remind you of your accomplishments as you plan for VBS 2025.

VBS Director Explorer Badges are designed to:

1. Encourage Participation: You will want to participate in all things Live It Out VBS because we have created lots of resources to help you this season. These badges might just provide the extra motivation to dive into a helpful tool you didn’t even know we had!
2. Recognize Achievements: Each badge represents a specific accomplishment. Whether it’s early preparation, providing valuable feedback, or engaging with others on social media, we are proud of all you do to make your VBS great! We hope these badges will boost your self-esteem and encourage you to continue to strive for that greatness.
3. Build Community: The bread and butter of Orange VBS is our community of over 20,000 VBS leaders. We are so grateful for each of you, and we know you’re grateful for each other as well! One goal of these badges is to continue to foster that community and camaraderie; we want you guys to talk with each other and share all your brilliant ideas!

The Badge Collection

Let’s take a closer look at some of the exciting badges, the reasoning behind their creation, and how to earn them!

The Early Bird

• How to Earn: Be one of the first to purchase the Live It Out VBS Kit within the initial days of its release.
• Why: This badge recognizes the enthusiastic leaders who are eager to kickstart their planning. 
• Note: This badge is no longer able to be earned. If you downloaded your VBS Kit within the first week of theme release, you will receive this badge automatically.

The Cheerleader

• How to Earn: Provide valuable feedback or a review that we can feature on our website.
• Why: Constructive feedback helps us improve, and testimonials inspire others! This badge honors leaders who contribute their insights and experiences.

The Networker

• How to Earn: Engage with our team at the Orange VBS booth at the The Orange Conference in April/May.
• Why: This badge celebrates leaders who actively participate in building connections and sharing ideas in the broader community.

The (Un)Boxer

• How to Earn: Share an unboxing video of your Live It Out VBS Kit on Facebook or Instagram.
• Why: Sharing unboxing videos helps build excitement and anticipation! It allows other leaders to see what’s included in the kit. This badge encourages community, sparks enthusiasm, and promotes the joy of VBS preparation!

The Social Butterfly

• How to Earn: Become a Top Contributor in our Orange VBS Facebook Group.
• Why: This badge recognizes VBS Directors who love to connect with other leaders online by sharing tips, tricks, and more! Collaboration is vital when planning your VBS, and this badge helps promote that.

The Bargain Hunter

• How to Earn: Place a bulk order of Live It Out Merch from our Trading Post!
• Why: Our VBS merch is made just for you and your Live It Out VBS. We’ve created these items to help you enhance your VBS experience, and this badge rewards those who take advantage of these products!

The DIYer

• How to Earn: Share your DIY decor ideas, crafts, snacks, and more in our Orange VBS Facebook Group.
• Why: Orange VBS is created for all unique church types, environments, and budgets, but we know that you know your ministry best! This Explorer Badge celebrates original DIY ideas, enriching the VBS experience for everyone.

The Rockstar

• How to Earn: Share a video of you and/or your team jamming out to the Live It Out theme song!
• Why: Sharing a silly moment not only spreads joy but also inspires others to incorporate the theme song into their own programming! It helps create a lively atmosphere, setting the tone for an unforgettable VBS experience.

The Dreamer

• How to Earn: Come say “Hey!” to us at our booth at the Children’s Pastors Conference in January!
• Why: This Explorer Badge honors those of you who seek out opportunities to dream big and innovate outside of your typical work week. 

The Orange Rookie

• How to Earn: Your church is a first-time user of Orange VBS.
• Why: This badge celebrates new members of the Orange VBS family. By embracing this fresh approach, you join a community dedicated to creating impactful, memorable experiences for kids.

The Orange Veteran

• How to Earn: Your church is a 3+ time user of Orange VBS.
• Why: This badge honors seasoned leaders who have consistently chosen Orange VBS over the years. Your ongoing commitment and experience demonstrate a deep trust in our program, and we are so grateful for that. Your continued support and expertise help strengthen and enrich the VBS community.

How to Receive Your Badges

You’ll want to complete this form and upload proof of your earnings! For example, if you post a video of your kidmin team jamming out to our Live It Out theme song, you will enter your information on the form and attach a screenshot of your post.

Our team will be keeping an eye on these submissions, and we will notify you via email once you’ve earned a badge (or two!). We will ship your badges to the address on the form, and once they arrive via mail, you can start repping your Live It Out SWAG!

We will be giving out The Networker badge and The Dreamer badge in person at the KidzMatter Conference and Children’s Pastor Conference, so you’ll want to be sure to stop by our booth to get those! Otherwise, you’ll find the rest in your mailbox.

The Impact of VBS Director Explorer Badges

The goal of these badges is not to recognize “good behavior,” and it is not even to incentivize you to do something. These badges are for you. Here at Orange, we care about you as a leader. We want you to feel proud of what you are doing in your ministry, and we want to celebrate alongside you! These badges foster a sense of achievement, community, and encouragement among our VBS leaders. We hope you continue to feel motivated this year as you are planning your VBS months and months out, and we want you to connect with others while doing so. Also, we know you might not always hear the words “thank you” in your role, so we want to be the first to say it. 

Explorer Badges are our way of saying “thank you,” and we are so excited to celebrate the incredible efforts that make Live It Out VBS a memorable experience. Whether you’re an Early Bird, a Rockstar, or a Dreamer, each badge you earn is a testament to your hard work and commitment to your ministry. We cannot wait to see you wearing your badges with pride as you inspire the next generation to live out their faith with joy!

The post Live It Out VBS Director Explorer Badges: What They Are and How to Earn Them appeared first on Think Orange.

Each new VBS offers its own unique approach, and choosing the right one can feel a little overwhelming. But don’t worry! We’re here to help. We’re diving into the top VBS 2025 kits, so you don’t have to.

Whether you’re seeking an adventure-filled journey, a deep theological exploration, or a vibrant community-building experience, this comparison will help you find the perfect kit that aligns with your ministry’s goals and engages your kids in meaningful, faith-building fun. We are obviously biased toward our favorite VBS curriculum – along with the VBS Facebook group, our community of over 20,000 VBS Directors – however, there are plenty of other options to explore. Let’s unpack what each of these programs has to offer so you can make the best choice for your church’s VBS in 2025.

Why use a VBS kit?

Creating an immersive VBS environment doesn’t have to be hard. Using a complete VBS kit helps VBS leaders effectively facilitate a successful and impactful program for a fraction of the time and effort. Kits make it easy to discover creative ideas for vibrant decorations, snacks, activities, and more. So you can create a visually appealing VBS theme that fits your budget and your team’s capabilities.

VBS programs can also simplify VBS worship sessions. Many kits include albums of catchy, relevant music for joyful and meaningful praise. You’ll be singing these songs all summer!

They also usually include large group teaching guides, small group guides, and take-home materials that foster meaningful family interactions and intentionally connect families to the VBS lessons.

Done-for-you kits are a no-brainer for an engaging VBS experience. As VBS director, you just have to find the one that’s right for you and your community!

Unpacking Each Kit and Theme

Let’s take a look at the top VBS themes for 2025!

Inside Look at Orange VBS 2025

Kit Details:

Complete Kit – $229

Age Levels:

Preschool – Preteen

Theme:

Live It Out

Tagline:

Discover how to love like Jesus

Theme Verse:

“I give you a new command. Love one another. You must love one another, just as I have loved you.” John 13:34 NIrV

Program Description:

Live It Out VBS combines the spirit of camp – the camaraderie, the daily activities, and the immersive nature – with meaningful Bible stores, fun worship songs, and engaging small group activities that teach kids how to live out their faith through the best VBS ever. This program integrates child development for preschoolers through preteens and theology to get kids actively involved in building their faith and to create a holistic and engaging experience. This intentional VBS kit includes all the essential tools you need to spark meaningful family discussions at home, reinforce key Biblical truths, and create an impactful and visually engaging VBS experience.

Daily Breakdown:

Day 1

Bible Story: Jesus Washes His Disciples’ Feet

Daily Scripture: John 13:1-17

Bottom Line: Love one another.

Day 2

Bible Story: Little Children are Brought to Jesus

Daily Scripture: Mark 10:13-16

Bottom Line: Be kind to one another.

Day 3 – Forgive one another.

Bible Story: God’s Love for Us

Daily Scripture: 1 John 4:9-12

Day 4

Bible Story: The Lord’s Prayer

Daily Scripture: Matthew 6:9-13

Bottom Line: Pray for one another.

Day 5

Bible Story: The Believers Share Their Lives Together

Daily Scripture: Acts 2:42-47

Bottom Line: Serve one another.

With the Orange VBS program, you also get:

An entire summer strategy in one kit

Two months of Sunday morning curriculum are included with every VBS kit purchase to ensure that your experience doesn’t end after just one week but continues throughout the entire summer.

Inspiration Galore

You can access our Pinterest inspiration page for ideas on creative and vibrant decorations (for any budget size) that vibe with this year’s VBS branding.

Tons of Support

Join the VBS Facebook Group and get access to more than 20,000 VBS directors and the Orange VBS team so you can share ideas, get inspired, and create a memorable VBS experience.

Exploring EasyVBS by Group Publishing

Kit Details:

Ultimate Starter Kit & Digital – $309.99

Theme:

True North

Tagline:

Trusting Jesus in a wild world

Program Description:

Guide kids on the ultimate Alaskan adventure, where northern lights glow over majestic mountains, racing rivers, and glistening glaciers. As kids trek the tundra, they’ll explore how easy it is to lose sight of what’s true in our wild world today. Pointing them toward Jesus, True North VBS shows them that he is a faithful friend we can always trust. He’s our True North!

Daily Breakdown:

Day 1

Bible Story: John Prepares the Way and Baptizes Jesus

Daily Scripture: Matthew 3; 11:1-6

Bible Point: When we wonder, we can trust Jesus.

Day 2

Bible Story: Jesus Teaches about God’s Love for Us

Daily Scripture: Matthew 6:25-33; 18:12-14

Bible Point: When we feel alone, we can trust Jesus.

Day 3

Bible Story: A Roman Officer Trusts Jesus

Daily Scripture: Matthew 8:5-13

Bible Point: When we feel powerless, we can trust Jesus.

Day 4

Bible Story: Jesus Dies and Comes Back to Life

Daily Scripture: Matthew 26:47-28:8

Bible Point: When we need hope, we can trust Jesus.

Day 5

Bible Story: Jesus Gives the Great Commission, and the Holy Spirit Comes

Daily Scripture: Matthew 28:16-20; Acts 2:1-12

Bible Point: When we need help, we can trust Jesus.

Lifeway VBS 2025 Theme Overview

Kit Details:

Directors Kit – $37.99 + Starter Kit & Digital – TBD

Theme:

Magnified!

Tagline:

Discovering the bigness of God in the smallest of things

Theme Verse:

“Proclaim the Lord’s greatness with me; let us exalt His name together.” – Psalm 34:3

Program Description:

Magnified! This Lifeway VBS program will encourage kids to look closely at the details of God’s amazing world and magnify or proclaim God’s greatness. God made us, cares about us, loves us, forgives us, and is faithful to keep all His promises to us. We can praise God together! We were made to magnify God!

Daily Breakdown:

Day 1

Bible Story Title: Jesus and the Children

Daily Scripture: John 1:1-3,12

Today’s Point: God sees me.

Day 2

Bible Story Title: Jesus Calmed the Storm

Daily Scripture: Mark 4:1, 35-41

Today’s Point: God cares about me.

Day 3

Bible Story Title: The Woman at the Well

Daily Scripture: John 4:1-42

Today’s Point: God loves me.

Day 4

Bible Story Title: Jesus and Nicodemus

Daily Scripture: John 3:1-21; 18-20; 1 Corinthians 15:6

Today’s Point: God forgives me.

Day 5

Bible Story Title: Jesus Taught about Worry

Daily Scripture: Matthew 6:25-34

Today’s Point: God keeps His promises.

Unpacking the AnswersVBS 2025 Theme

Kit Details:

Super Starter Kit & Digital – $299

Theme:

Wonder Junction

Tagline:

Marvel at Jesus, live for his glory

Program Description:

Howdy, partners! Welcome to Wonder Junction! There’s no greater joy than to praise the name of the Lord all day long. But how can yer kids do that if they don’t know who Jesus is or what he’s done for them? Here at Wonder Junction, we marvel at Jesus and live for his glory.

Daily Breakdown:

Day 1

Lesson Focus: The baby King’s birth was a wonder. What amazing happenings surrounded it?

Bible Passages: Matthew 1-2; Luke 2

Apologetics Focus: Is Jesus the most important person ever born?

Day 2

Lesson Focus: The young King’s childhood was a wonder. What was he like as a child and teen?

Bible Passages: Luke 2:39-52

Apologetics Focus: Is Jesus God or man – or both?

Day 3

Lesson Focus: The adult King’s ministry years were a wonder. What astonishing things occurred?

Bible Passages: Selections from the book of Mark

Apologetics Focus: How much power does Jesus have?

Day 4

Lesson Focus: The risen King’s death and resurrection were a wonder. How were they like no other?

Bible Passages: Matthew 27-28

Apologetics Focus: Could Jesus experience pain and sadness?

Day 5

Lesson Focus: The return of the King of kings will be a wonder. What should we be doing in the meantime?

Bible Passages: Select verses – Matthew 25:14-30

Apologetics Focus: How will Jesus return?

A Closer Look at Cokesbury VBS 2025

Kit Details:

Ultimate Starter Kit & Digital – $249.99

Theme:

Road Trip

Tagline:

On the go with God

Theme Verse:

“The Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Program Description:

Join us in a fun-filled adventure on the open road, taking all the kids (Travelers) on thrilling journeys to exciting destinations. Led by the Navigator and an adventurous pup Scout, kids will learn that God is always with them. Through engaging stories from the Navigators’ Guide (the Bible), Travelers will delve into timeless tales of faith from the Old and New Testaments. Get ready for twists, turns, and excitement as they face new challenges and find strength in God’s presence on this unforgettable trip!

Daily Breakdown:

Day 1

Bible Story: Abraham and Sarah Followed God (Genesis 12:1-9)

Mile Marker: God is with us on the journey.

Green Light Verse: The Lord your God is with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)

Day 2

Bible Story: The Israelites Take the Scenic Route (Exodus 13:17-22)

Mile Marker: God is with us when we go off course.

Green Light Verse: The Lord your God is with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)

Day 3

Bible Story: Mary & Elizabeth’s Family Reunion (Luke 1:39-56)

Mile Marker: God is with us when we’re joyful.

Green Light Verse: The Lord your God is with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)

Day 4

Bible Story: Jesus Visits Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10)

Mile Marker: God is with us when we’re lonely.

Green Light Verse: The Lord your God is with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)

Day 5

Bible Story: On the Road with Paul (Acts 18:1-11)

Mile Marker: God is with us near and far.

Green Light Verse: The Lord your God is with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)

Start Planning Your Very Best Summer

VBS 2025 will be here before we know it, and our prayer is that children will grow in their understanding of and relationship with Jesus. We hope your program is filled with joy, laughter, and spiritual growth as the children in your church experience God’s love in a powerful way.

While we may have our favorite VBS theme, the most important thing is finding the kit that best fits your church’s needs, teaching style, and summer goals. Remember, the right VBS kit will not only engage and inspire kids but also equip your volunteers and create a lasting impact on your entire church community.

To connect with other ministry leaders and get inspired by those bringing Live It Out VBS to life, join our VBS Facebook Group. This community is all about sharing ideas, celebrating successes, and making this the Very Best Summer! 

The post VBS 2025 Themes Unpacked: How Orange, Lifeway, Group and More Stack Up appeared first on Think Orange.

Make all of your post-VBS plans, pre-VBS.

This idea is not new. But for some reason, everything that needs to happen before event typically takes priority over all of the important follow-up tasks.

Truthfully, you can substitute that “vacation bible school” part with virtually anything important. But the key idea here is not to let the momentum stop when VBS ends. When you make a plan before you’re completely “over it,” this year and next year’s VBS will be better.

Here are some items to put on your post-VBS to-do list:

• Plan your VBS volunteer appreciation gifts, party, notes. What will you do?
• Set VBS debrief meeting dates
• Create a system for making notes to remember for next year
• Pre-order next year’s VBS (to get the best price)
• Create a Plan for VBS Evaluation and Feedback

Creating a Plan for VBS Evaluation and Feedback

Today, I’d like to focus on collecting feedback from families participating in your vacation bible school. I’ve seen a few people in our Orange VBS Facebook Group discuss or share their VBS Evaluation Forms. They’ve been very helpful!

For ease, we prefer to give a short survey that parents can fill out before leaving VBS on the final day. This timing is best, because the experience is in the forefront of the parents’ minds. If you prefer, you can create a digital survey to send via email or use a tool like SurveyMonkey,  Wufoo, or my favorite Typeform to collect feedback.

Questions for Your VBS Survey

Regardless of your method of sending out a survey or form, the real key is making sure that you have relevant and helpful questions. To create questions, start with your ministry’s goal for VBS. Then, craft your questions around that specific goal to determine your success and how you can improve for next year. An example VBS goal could be something like, “reaching the community and influencing a kid’s faith journey.”

Remember that your VBS Evaluation should make every parent feel like they are known and are part of your ministry family. Therefore, I would recommend steering clear of directly asking parents whether or not they attend or have attended your church on an evaluation form. Ideally, you’ll already know this information based on their registration information and your regular attendance rolls.

Sample Questions

Feedback forms can quickly become a place for negativity, and that’s definitely not the goal! A few questions that we ask in a very positive way are below:

1. What was your child’s favorite part of VBS?
    
2. My child(ren) enjoyed VBS and got a lot out of it. (Strongly Disagree, Disagree, Neutral, Agree, Strongly Agree).
   **Be sure to leave space to explain!
    
3. What is one positive experience your child(ren) had at this year’s VBS?
    
4. Suggestions or comments on how to improve VBS in the future?
    
5. VBS was well-organized and ran smoothly. (Strongly Disagree, Disagree, Neutral, Agree, Strongly Agree)
   **Be sure to leave space to explain!

Well . . . I know that I said there were only five crucial questions for your VBS Evaluation Form. But I’m sneaking in a BONUS sixth question that I think you’ll really appreciate!

6. Are you interested in volunteering for VBS in the future? (YES, NO)

That last question has been SO helpful for us in the past! We ask parents right there if they’re interested in volunteering for VBS in the future. Without any explanation or commitment, they can circle “yes” or “no”. It’s simply to gauge interest and get names for potential volunteering next year. The only catch is our evaluations are anonymous, so we have someone quickly scan the response to this last question as forms are submitted. Then, we get names and email addresses for anyone that marks “yes.” Our system ensures that parents know their feedback is still anonymous.

BONUS! The feedback you collect from these forms will often provide encouraging stories to share with your volunteers, team leaders, and other staff. Don’t miss this opportunity to share the positive comments and influence the team!

Reviewing the Feedback on VBS Evaluation Form

Now, for the next step in this VBS Evaluation process: reviewing the feedback. What do you do with all of the surveys or forms once they’re turned in? It’s easy to let these forms sit in a pile on your desk, but that’s not helpful. Let’s put a SIMPLE plan in place to make sure parents are heard, and we take their feedback to heart.

We generally do a one-touch sorting process. This means that we read the forms and put them into three different piles:

1) Feedback that is helpful for next year.

This category is pretty self-explanatory. These cards will immediately be transcribed into a document with ideas for the team to consider either at our debrief or at planning for next year’s VBS. Remember that this is a great way to make it easy to recall lessons learned this year when you begin working on next year.

2) Feedback that is helpful but should remain private.

The second category is a bit tricky. In my experience, we occasionally get feedback that is worth noting, but not anything to share with the team at large. It either calls out a person specifically or has the potential to hurt someone’s feelings. Again, this is pretty rare — but occasionally happens. These cases should be investigated further, if possible, and then addressed in an appropriate way.

3) Feedback that isn’t helpful.

The last category is for the suggestions that would take your VBS program off-track or away from the mission of your ministry. It’s important to have this filter in place, because your goal should always be the driving factor in your decision-making and planning process.

I know this is a lot of information, but remember that you are not alone! We hope you’ll check out Orange VBS as one of your first steps to creating your very best summer. As you’re planning, be sure to check out some more ideas on our Facebook Group. I can’t wait to hear how it goes!

The post 5 Crucial Questions for VBS Evaluation Forms for Parents appeared first on Think Orange.

VBS comes with a lot of fun and relationship-building but it also comes with A LOT of list-making for anyone leading the charge at their vacation bible school. And where else in the world are you going to have a supply list that looks something like this:

• 400 toilet paper rolls
• 250 empty M&M containers
• 5 rolls of Gaff tape in fluorescent yellow
• Where’s Waldo costume
• 4 pounds of grapes
• 17 skateboards
• 47 extra-large moving boxes
• 2 tons of sand
• 1 partridge in a pear tree

I’m sure I’ve forgotten something on that list, but I tried to make it pretty representative of common VBS supplies. Ha!

Whether it’s stage decorations or rotation supplies that you’re after, every VBS leader has two challenges to overcome on this elusive hunt: finding the right quantities and finding them for the right price!

Whether you’re using Orange VBS, or another incredible program, we wanted to put together a list of websites that may be helpful in procuring your VBS supplies. Here are a few sites that you may or may not have checked before.

1. S&S Worldwide

From furniture to crafts supplies, this site has just about everything you can imagine for really affordable prices. If you need it for VBS, they have it!

2. Save on Crafts

Another great option for affordably-priced crafts supplies. We’ve used this source for centerpieces and items related more to décor previously, and we’ve been impressed with the quality and prices. When you’re planning out your volunteer training or appreciation events, this site could be particularly helpful!

3. Discount School Supply

This is probably already in your bookmarks for sites to check. And if it’s not, it should be! They have pages and pages of backdrops, crafts, giveaways, and all kinds of VBS-related items as well as incredible resources for your Sunday morning programming.

4. Guildcraft Arts & Crafts

Everything you could possibly need to do any crafts related to VBS can be found at Guildcraft. No matter which VBS program you’re using, you’re sure to find items related to the theme here.

5. The Orange Store

This is the home of Orange VBS! It’s got everything you need for fun accessories that are on theme — and your kids and families will love it!

6. Oriental Trading

Surely this one isn’t a surprise, but no list of websites to check for VBS supplies would be complete without Oriental Trading. Whether you’re after giveaways, prizes, store items, or anything else under the sun, be sure to check for deals at Oriental Trading.

7. Shindigz

Looking for gigantic cutouts of microscopes or trains or any other random objects? Then this is where to look. Shindigz specializes in oversized cutouts and other stage decorations. If you’re planning any type of photo booth for your small groups or for families at the end of VBS, then you’ll definitely find great inspiration here as well!

8. Amazon

Surprisingly, I can sometimes forget to check Amazon for supplies from time to time. Pricing isn’t always the best, but once you factor in free shipping for Amazon Prime products, it can sometimes beat the competition. And it’s definitely the best place to find wacky stage prizes as well as bulk quantities of VBS supplies.

9. Sam’s Club or Costco

Even if you don’t have a Sam’s Club, Costco, or other warehouse store in your area, you can still use your membership to get great pricing on bulk quantities of paper products, snacks, and basic crafts supplies. Another great item to find here is organizational VBS supplies—bins, crates, and rolling carts!

Did we miss any other great websites? Share with us! We think VBS shouldn’t be complicated. That’s why we created a complete kit with everything you need! Check it out and learn more about Orange VBS. For more ideas on supplies, planning hacks, and more, check out our VBS Facebook Group! We’d love to hear where you get your supplies.

The post 9 Surprising Websites for VBS Supplies appeared first on Think Orange.