Resources

The Animal Mascots

VBS are usually run for a one week or 5 day period. If your VBS runs for a 4 day period, you can exclude introducing one of the animals in your plan. Each animal should be introduced one at a time on different days. They come with a bible text and key phrase each, which prompts children to remember key points, such as 'be thankful' or 'pray at all times'.

Using mascots adds an extra element of imagination for children and they love it. This improves their ability to remember the verses and/or key phrases. Animals are easy to use because you can purchase a onesie for the type of animal at a reasonable price online so you don't need to spend extra effort making the costumes. You can use any animal/object you want as long as you can convey one of its traits to a key bible verse.

The Schedule

Depending on how many children you have, you can have the same schedule everyday or have the children split up in groups and rotate schedules. Below is an example of the different schedules you could use during a VBS if you have 6 or less groups. If there is enough space, it is ideal to have a combined session at the start of the VBS where everyone is together to start off with songs and a mission story drama.

Each group should have no more than 10 children for one to two leaders per group or up to 20 children if you have more than two group leaders.

Each session should be 20 minutes long, allowing for 5 minute between session to travel and prepare the rooms for the next group. These 5 minutes can be used by group leaders to bond with the children or ask meaningful questions about what they have learnt during the sessions.