VBS is done

We had our Vacation Bible School this past Friday & Saturday. Friday night was "dinner and a movie." We had hamburgers, hot dogs and nachos under the pavilion. All ages can attend Friday. The kids played some games, adults hung out and chatted, then we went inside and watched "Eight Below". A lot of people left before the movie. I think there were around 50 people total - which was about half of what we had last year. Somewhat disappointing.

Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm was the kids-only portion. They sang, had a lesson, played games, and made a craft. We only had 19 kids (and only 1 boy). The turnout was disappointing, but most of the kids seemed to have fun; the weather was great (it was all outdoors); and none of the adults got too exasperated since it was only 4 hours.

Some things to remember:
Friday night - It wasn't very well advertised. I didn't even know what the movie was until Friday night. People need to know what's going on. I'm not sure a movie was the best idea either. Last year we had a performer/storyteller. He was more interactive with people, and it was something to look forward to. Anybody can rent a movie anytime.

Overall - I never really did know what the kids were supposed to learn or "get" from the weekend. I think part of the problem was... the director came up with some stuff she wanted to do, and then tried to make it "biblical." I wonder if we need to: 1. Decide what Bible verse, truth, or story we want the kids to learn; 2. What do we want them to learn from it/do with it; 3. How can we incorporate that into everything they do in the weekend - hit them with it from the moment they get their to the moment they leave, so there will be no question as to what the weekend was about.

I also think it could be a little better organized. There was too much "free" time, and some kids lost interest.

Also, rather than having one person be in charge of everything, we need more involvement from more people. Too many adults had no idea what was going on; what they were supposed to do; what the kids were supposed to do.

I thought last year with the performer and the clowns and the horse rides and things like that... it gave people something to remember. The key is to then connect those things with what we're trying to teach.

We might want to consider calling it something other than vacation bible school.

A big disappointment for me was the lack of kids from our church who attended. I don't know what to do if we can't even get our own kids to show up.

I'm pretty bummed about the whole thing, but honestly, I'm glad it's over. Pretty sad in itself. At least no one seemed to get mad about anything and most people had a good time while they were here. Maybe my expectations are too high.

Thought for next year: See about getting Jason Ringenberg to do a show on Friday night; then have Farmer Jason for the kids on Saturday morning. (?)