Hi Dustin, Sorry, it took me a month to get back to you. It has been a hectic summer. The trip went really well! We had 30 kids give their hearts to Jesus at the end of the VBS, and then one of the teens made a committment to Jesus on Sunday. Things we learned... We planned most of the events for the VBS. The crafts that we chose, took longer to do than the other area. So, make sure that the other area had backup things to do. The Country class, went over things about the country, and taught them word in their language. They came up with games which group could find the country on the globe, and different games to quiz them. The game area taught them a game from each country. The kids picked them up pretty quickly, and then got bored with them. So definitely have more games prepared. The bible story, and snack area did okay. They just kept them talking about the story.
We basically had 30 minutes. The craft area definitely took the 30 min, and some days a few minutes more. The other groups were fighting to fill the 30 minutes.
Definitely over plan the areas. The youth from the church were a great help, in translating and also in helping to come up with fillers. One thing was that our team was very young, and were a little intimidated with all the kids, and not knowing the language. Our kids were supposed to lead each area, the first day was rough on them, and each day they got better and felt more adequate to lead. It really stretched them in every way. But it was a really rewarding time, for them and us as leaders to see how they grew, and stepped up to the challenge. I am sure that Lyndell will be in contact with you about the VBS. I had never done a VBS before, so it was definitely a learning experience for me. There were many things that I had never thought to ask before we got there. I did not know that our kids were to be in charge and lead the groups, I did not have them fully prepared to do fillers, and how to handle the curves that got thrown at them. Also, I did not know the time frame, as how long each group would be at each area. Make sure you ask her lots of questions. I am sure next years VBS will be different than this years. I know it was April before we had a theme, and knew what we were actually doing. This was Lyndell's first year of doing a VBS also, so I am sure she has learned a lot from this experience too.
Over all, it was a great trip. Everyone was stretched, and that was a good things. One other insight, is make sure that you group gets together often and prays together often before you go. That is so important for unity of your team, and for breaking any spiritual things that need to be broken.
If there is anything else that I can help you with, please let me know!! Blessings!! Pam
We basically had 30 minutes. The craft area definitely took the 30 min, and some days a few minutes more. The other groups were fighting to fill the 30 minutes.
Definitely over plan the areas. The youth from the church were a great help, in translating and also in helping to come up with fillers. One thing was that our team was very young, and were a little intimidated with all the kids, and not knowing the language. Our kids were supposed to lead each area, the first day was rough on them, and each day they got better and felt more adequate to lead. It really stretched them in every way. But it was a really rewarding time, for them and us as leaders to see how they grew, and stepped up to the challenge. I am sure that Lyndell will be in contact with you about the VBS. I had never done a VBS before, so it was definitely a learning experience for me. There were many things that I had never thought to ask before we got there. I did not know that our kids were to be in charge and lead the groups, I did not have them fully prepared to do fillers, and how to handle the curves that got thrown at them. Also, I did not know the time frame, as how long each group would be at each area. Make sure you ask her lots of questions. I am sure next years VBS will be different than this years. I know it was April before we had a theme, and knew what we were actually doing. This was Lyndell's first year of doing a VBS also, so I am sure she has learned a lot from this experience too.
Over all, it was a great trip. Everyone was stretched, and that was a good things. One other insight, is make sure that you group gets together often and prays together often before you go. That is so important for unity of your team, and for breaking any spiritual things that need to be broken.
If there is anything else that I can help you with, please let me know!! Blessings!! Pam
