With Mom the Children’s Pastor at our church, I’ve had the blessing to grow up in the Methodist Church. With that said, it’s an easy conclusion for me that Vacation Bible School is one of my favorite seasons in the church and THE happiest week of the year. It’s the most colorful, the most child-centered, the most packed, and the most everything. It’s wonderful. Plus, Mom and I make a great team. I get all of my craftiness from her, and together we can finish eachother’s sentences and make anything happen. During this week, we are interchangeable people… I hear, “Well, I was going to ask your Mom, but since you’re here…” It’s a sweet reminder of the blessing of my Mom. She’s a rock star!
This year (Mom’s 17th Vacation Bible School), we used Cokebury’s Workshop of Wonders, where kids discover and imagine with God! I’m joining Tara for Made it Monday to show you a glimpse of our workshop-transformed church. ๐
This is the entrance of the church, where families register, get their name tags, and pick-out their neon green t-shirt for the week. We hang lanterns from Hobby Lobby (these laterns give the effect of balloon – which symbolize a party to ANY child – but are more cost/human resource effective because they can be used year-after-year and do not deflate). In the corners of the room, we hung painted tools that we made out of blue insulation from Lowes, cut with a turkey carver.
Next, we have the robot and gear-themed hallway! On the right side of the hallway, you see painted gears with the daily Bible Points, and on the left-side of the hallway are different robots. Hanging from the ceiling are gears (made from blue insulation) with silver electrical tape accents. Robots from Carson-Dellosa on the floor guide our visitors, so they aren’t lost/confused in the church!
The hallway leads to our Children’s Center. Here are all the classrooms we use during Vacation Bible School, our Bible Nook Area, and our Creation Station (for crafts)! Making great gears, we hung these colorful fans from Oriental Trading, the mural on the far wall is a contribution from a local high school art teacher, and the paintbrush mobile was my Mom’s pet project. ๐ The walls showcase a gear for each day’s Bible Point, as well as, that day’s scripture.
Using a hula hoop, fishing line, electrical tape (for the shining silver part of the brush), and painted foam-core board, this paintbrush mobile is precious and a great focal point for the room. Go, Mama Bear! ๐
Off of the children’s center, is our Bible Nook where our amazing storytellers and actors share about the Gospel! With dimmed lights, realistic backgrounds, and gung-ho actors, this is one of the best parts of the evening. Our kids have the chance to see each of the week’s Bible stories come to life!
Finally, off of the children’s center, is our worship area. Each evening all the families and volunteers gather in the room for dinner, an opening assembly, and throughout the evening, the music station! One volunteer families created this amazing workshop scene. Complete with a ridiculously large paintbrush, table-cloths used to look like paint, and silver robots, the stage area sets the tone for the week…IT’S PARTY TIME!
Well friends, what do you think?? I told you VBS was the happiest time of the year! There are so many smiles, ridiculous antics, and child-loving people in one place. Plus, with 120 kids, how can you not have a fabulous time??? Make sure to stop by Tara’s Made it Monday link-up to check out other amazing projects! Oh happy day!
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Wow! Everything is beautiful! The kiddos are so lucky to have such a great environment!!
I'm seriously IMPRESSED! What's the age cut off for VBS? Am I too old? You guys have put in a lot of hard work and dedication and it absolutely shows. I bet the kids and families are tickled pink when they walk in there! Kudos!
Alison
Rockin' and Lovin' Learnin'
Hi Catherine,
I was a VBS'er for many years as a child and then as a helper when I was older… but I never remember anything as impressive as your gorgeous set up! ๐
Lauren
Love, Laughter and Learning in Prep!
That is AWESOME! You guys did a fabulous job! I, too, grew up the daughter of a children's ministry director (my mom's not a pastor, though). I attended VBS until I was too old, and she started putting me to work that first year! I'm so sad my church now doesn't do VBS, so my son's not getting to grow up with that to look forward to every summer.
~Kristen
Teaching Trio
Chalk & Apples
These VBS decorations look fantastic!! You and your mom did a great job. I am the VBS director at our church I love seeing the kids' reactions to the decorations and how excited it gets them about the week. Our VBS starts on Sunday, so be looking for some pictures from me next week!
Courtney
I love it; so creative and fun! I definitely agree that VBS is such a fun week. I am the VBS director at our church and am looking forward to it in just a few weeks!
Kelly
Thirsty Firsties
WOW! That looks amazing!! I bet those kids had a fun week!!
Rachel
A Tall Drink of Water
Girl, you are a superstar!!! Amazing! So fun and colorful!!!!!! I love VBS…I was the children's worship leader/director for years for our VBS:) Great time and memories:) Thanks for linking up all this fun!!!
4th Grade Frolics