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It’s May, and you’ve just been tapped to create an awesome,
fun, educational and uplifting Vacation
Bible School Vacation Bible
School
All of our theme ideas feature some great book and Bible
resources from Zonderkidz, Bible stories to feature in your lesson plans for
the program, decorating and craft ideas to go along with each theme, and fun
activity ideas that you can do with your group. While there are lots of great
curriculum kits and VBS programs available in stores and online, these ideas
are for those who have a small budget or want to create a program from scratch
to fit the needs of their group.
Under the Sea
Theme
This summer, Finding
Dorie, the much anticipated sequel to the beloved Disney movie Finding Nemo will release. Kids
everywhere will be excited for everything under-the-sea related--- which also
makes fun theme for Vacation
Bible School
Here are some books and Bible resources for this theme:
·
The Under the Sea Bible (NIrV) http://www.zondervan.com/under-the-sea-holy-bible-nirv
·
Made by God : Sea Creatures (an I Can Read level
2 book) http://www.zondervan.com/sea-creatures
·
Jonah and the Great Big Fish by Rhonda Gowler
Greene http://www.zondervan.com/jonah-and-the-great-big-fish
·
Ocean Adventures by Peter Schreimer http://www.zondervan.com/ocean-adventures
·
Ocean Adventures DVD series:
Here are some Bible Stories that tie into an Under the Sea
Theme:
·
The Creation
·
Noah’s Ark
·
Jonah in the belly of the big fish
·
The Loaves and Fishes
·
Jesus walks on the water
·
Jesus says “I Will Make You Fishers of Men”
Here are some Under the Sea themed craft kits and décor
resources that can be purchased:
·
3D Tropical Fish Stand Ups from Oriental Trading
http://www.orientaltrading.com/d-tropical-fish-stand-ups-a2-13732228.fltr?prodCatId=90000+1319+1255
·
Inflatable Tropical Fish from Oriental Trading http://www.orientaltrading.com/inflatable-tropical-fish-a2-49_205.fltr?prodCatId=90000+1319+1255
·
Under the Sea Design a Room Pack from Oriental
Trading http://www.orientaltrading.com/inflatable-tropical-fish-a2-49_205.fltr?prodCatId=90000+1319+1255
·
Under the Sea Photo Door from Oriental Trading http://www.orientaltrading.com/under-the-sea-photo-door-banner-a2-13732949.fltr?prodCatId=90000+1319+1255
·
Under the Sea Name Tag Craft Kit from Oriental
Trading http://www.orientaltrading.com/under-the-sea-name-tag-necklace-craft-kit-a2-13732319.fltr?prodCatId=90000+1319+1255
·
Under the Sea Bracelet Craft Kit from Oriental
Trading http://www.orientaltrading.com/under-the-sea-beaded-bracelet-craft-kit-a2-13732313.fltr?prodCatId=90000+1319+1255
·
Under the Sea Bible Verse Sign Craft Kit from
Oriental Trading http://www.orientaltrading.com/under-the-sea-bible-verse-sign-craft-kit-a2-13736452.fltr?prodCatId=90000+1319+1255
·
Flower Pot Whale Craft Kit from Oriental Trading
http://www.orientaltrading.com/under-the-sea-bible-verse-sign-craft-kit-a2-13736452.fltr?prodCatId=90000+1319+1255
·
Under the Sea Foam Stickers from Hobby Lobby http://www.hobbylobby.com/Crafts-Hobbies/Basic-Crafts/Craft-Foam/Under-the-Sea-Foam-Stickers/p/27239
Here are some fun Under the Sea activities to do using items
on hand:
·
Make Cupcake Liner Fish from 4 Crazy Kings Blog http://4crazykings.blogspot.com/2009/07/cupcake-liner-fish.html
·
Paint Seashells for necklaces, paper weights and
photo frames
·
Make these adorable Scuba Diver costumes for
kids or staff using recyclables, from Parenting.com http://www.parenting.com/article/scuba-diver-21354920
·
Make Under the Sea stamps by cutting fish shapes
from clean sponges and dipping in paints
·
Create some outdoor church yard fishing games
with small wading pools and foam fishies
·
Visit the local community pool or lake/beach as
a camp group for swim time
·
Visit the local zoo or aquarium as a group. Ask
in advance for space if you plan to teach a lesson, do a craft or activity
while on site.
·
Create an Under the Sea wall mural or statue
display with recyclables, invite parents to check out your “art gallery” at the
end of VBS
·
Write your own unique VBS songs by swapping
Under the Sea terms for lyrics of popular Children’s songs
The World Builders
Theme
Online gaming is very popular with kids as young as five
years old. Almost every kid has heard of Minecraft, and many have accounts of
their own where they create worlds with their friends. There are countless
other games of a similar nature available on smartphones and tablets. For VBS,
take the kids away from their screens, but give them a fun game-inspired time
using a theme that they know and love!
Here are some World Builder books and Bible resources:
·
Minecrafters Bible (NIrV) http://www.zondervan.com/minecrafters-bible-nirv
·
Picture That! StoryBible http://www.zondervan.com/picture-that
·
The Berenstain Bears Play a Good Game http://www.zondervan.com/the-berenstain-bears-play-a-good-game
·
Faithgirlz: 101 Ways to Have Fun http://www.zondervan.com/101-ways-to-have-fun
·
Adventure Bible: God’s Great Creation (an I Can
Read book) http://www.zondervan.com/children/children-s-bibles/god-s-great-creation
·
Beginner’s Bible: David Battles Goliath http://www.zondervan.com/children/children-s-bibles/david-battles-goliath
·
Faith Builders Bible (NIrV) http://www.zondervan.com/faith-builders-bible-nirv
Here are some Bible stories that tie into online games, battles,
and world building:
·
The Creation
·
Noah’s Ark
·
Joshua at the Battle
of Jericho
·
Mighty Samson
·
David & Goliath
·
Jesus calling the 12 disciples (in online games,
players call on other players to participate in battles or group events)
·
The book of Revelations: Jesus’s return and the
new Kingdom of Heaven
Here are some crafts and décor for the World Builders Theme
that can be purchased:
·
Bright Foam Blocks from Oriental Trading http://www.orientaltrading.com/bright-foam-blocks-a2-61_102-12.fltr?prodCatId=QV
·
Pixel-8 Character Glasses Set from Oriental
Trading http://www.orientaltrading.com/pixel-character-glasses-set-a2-13687000-12.fltr?prodCatId=QV
·
DIY Pickaxes from Oriental Trading http://www.orientaltrading.com/diy-pickaxes-a2-13693530-12.fltr?prodCatId=QV
·
DIY Swords from Oriental Trading http://www.orientaltrading.com/diy-swords-pcs-a2-57_6714-12.fltr?prodCatId=QV
·
Inflatable Torches from Oriental Trading http://www.orientaltrading.com/inflatable-torches-a2-13642261-12.fltr?prodCatId=QV
·
Cobblestone Aisle Runner from Oriental Trading http://www.orientaltrading.com/cobblestone-aisle-runner-a2-3_9001-12.fltr?prodCatId=QV
·
Design-A-Room Stone Wall Background from
Oriental Trading http://www.orientaltrading.com/design-a-room-mad-scientist-wall-background-a2-70_5617-12.fltr?prodCatId=QV
·
Minecraft Creeper Head from Party City http://www.partycity.com/product/minecraft+creeper+mask.do?from=Search&navSet=minecraft&bypass_redirect=1
·
Minecraft Steve Head from Party City http://www.partycity.com/product/minecraft+player+mask.do?from=Search&navSet=minecraft&bypass_redirect=1
Here are some fun activities to do using items on hand:
·
Acquire a large number of recycled, stackable
boxes of all sizes. Paint them and allow kids to build scenes, rooms or objects
for life size world building fun.
·
Have a Learn to Code session with older kids
using the free resources on Code.org https://code.org/learn
·
Create your own game characters using graphing
paper, from Captain Nintendo Dude https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pli8O-iWDXE
·
Host a Watermelon Carving Contest for teams to
create their own edible game characters, courtesy of The Jolly Tomato http://jollytomato.com/2013/08/02/summer-watermelon-carving/
·
Be World Builders in your own community by
planting a garden or cleaning up an abandoned lot or helping elderly church
members with their yardwork.
·
Plan a scavenger hunt using GPS and Geocaching for
a fun new way for teams to discover hunt items on their list.
·
Make your own paper using a kid-friendly
activity idea from Tinkerlab http://tinkerlab.com/how-to-make-paper/
·
Play a game of Creepers versus Endermen dodge
ball
·
Borrow Lego, Duplo and other bricks and blocks
from the church community and host a “Build your favorite Bible story” activity
using examples from the Faith Builders Bible
·
Create Minecraft inspired MadLibs using this
helpful glossary from MindMum http://www.minemum.com/glossary
When I Grow Up
Theme
Kids have fun talking about what they want to be when they
grow up! Here’s a fun theme that helps kids explore what they’d like to do in
their futures and remind them that God is with them every step of the way.
Here are some When I Grow Up books and Bible resources:
·
The Plans I Have for You by Amy Parker http://www.zondervan.com/the-plans-i-have-for-you
·
The Plans I Have for You Devotional by Amy
Parker http://www.zondervan.com/the-plans-i-have-for-you-devotional
·
Baby Wren and the Great Gift by Sally
Lloyd-Jones http://www.zondervan.com/baby-wren-and-the-great-gift
·
Adventure Bible: Joseph the Dreamer (an I Can Read
book) http://www.zondervan.com/joseph-the-dreamer
·
Adventure Bible: Noah’s Voyage (an I Can Read
book) http://www.zondervan.com/children/children-s-bibles/noah-s-voyage
·
Adventure Bible: Paul Meets Jesus (an I Can Read
book) http://www.zondervan.com/paul-meets-jesus
·
Kids Quest Study Bible (NIrV) http://www.zondervan.com/nirv-kids-quest-study-bible-4
Here are Bible stories that relate to this theme:
·
God calls Noah to Build an Ark
·
God calls Moses to lead His people out of Egypt and write
the 10 Commandments
·
Joseph, the dream interpreter
·
Jesus calls His 12 Disciples to minister with Him
·
Jesus calls Paul to be a Disciple
Here are some craft and décor ideas for the When I Grow Up
theme, that can be purchased:
·
Create Your Own Puzzle from Hobby Lobby http://www.hobbylobby.com/Crafts-Hobbies/Kids-Crafts-Activities/Classroom-Supplies/Create-Your-Own-Puzzle/p/29830-PE0397
·
Jobs if you Like Career People Craft Sticks from
Oriental Trading http://www.orientaltrading.com/jobs-if-you-like-career-people-craft-idea-a2-13750051.fltr?Ntt=career
·
Police Party Hanging Swirls from Oriental
Trading http://www.orientaltrading.com/police-party-hanging-swirls-a2-13715842.fltr?Ntt=police
·
Firefighter Party Hanging Swirls from Oriental
Trading http://www.orientaltrading.com/firefighter-party-hanging-swirls-a2-13628441.fltr?prodCatId=90000+2451
·
Doctor’s Office Stickers from Hobby Lobby http://www.hobbylobby.com/Scrapbook-Paper-Crafts/Stickers/Doctors-Office-Stickers/p/18184
·
Child’s Aprons from Oriental Trading http://www.orientaltrading.com/childand-s-aprons-a2-14_358.fltr
Here are some fun activities for this theme that can be done
with items on hand:
·
Invite parents and members of the church
community to come in each day of VBS and talk about their careers
·
Have children dress up in the uniform for the
career they would like to have
·
Honor different careers each day: bake cookies
and make tasty snacks as a group in honor of those who cook and bake, using
these helpful recipes from Real Simple http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/recipe-collections-favorites/kid-friendly-recipes;
·
Have a pet visit day in honor of veterinarians;
·
Practice safety demonstrations in honor of
police, firefighters and first responders;
·
Help people in need with a group charitable
activity in honor of pastors, missionaries, and social workers;
·
Host a special lunch where kids serve their
parents to honor all that parents do for them
·
Host a “Talent Show” where children can sing a
song, recite a poem, tell a story, or do a dance that honors the career they
want to have.
Angels Everywhere
Theme
Children are very fascinated with Angels! They’re guardians
and messengers and all around interesting. Explore Angels in the Bible with
this fun theme!
Here are some books and Bible resources for the Angels
Everywhere Theme:
·
Angels: A 90-Day Devotional About God’s
Messengers by Christa Kinde http://www.zondervan.com/angels-a-90-day-devotional-about-god-s-messengers
·
Angels in the Bible Storybook by Allia Zobel
Nolan http://www.zondervan.com/angels-in-the-bible-storybook
·
Adventure Bible: Facing the Blazing Furnace (an
I Can Read book) http://www.zondervan.com/facing-the-blazing-furnace
·
Beginner’s Bible: Baby Jesus is Born (an I Can
Read book) http://www.zondervan.com/baby-jesus-is-born
·
Big Dreams, Big Prayers Bible (NIV) http://www.zondervan.com/children/children-s-bibles/big-dreams-big-prayers-bible-for-kids-niv-1
Here are some Angel Bible stories that tie into this theme:
·
Creation- God created the Angels
·
Abraham and Sarah visited by three angels
·
The 3 Youths in the Fiery Furnace
·
Jacob’s Ladder
·
The Angels Guide Isaiah Through Heaven
·
The Angel Appears to Mary
·
The Angel Appears at the Tomb of Jesus
Here are some Angels craft and décor ideas that can be purchased:
·
Jacob’s Ladders from Oriental Trading http://www.orientaltrading.com/web/browse/processProductsCatalog?mode=Searching&sku=27%2F995
·
Angel Appears to Mary Sign Craft Kit from
Oriental Trading http://www.orientaltrading.com/angel-appears-to-mary-sign-craft-kit-a2-13712601.fltr?Ntt=angel
·
Egypt Background Backdrop from Oriental Trading http://www.orientaltrading.com/egypt-backdrop-banner-a2-13732934.fltr?prodCatId=90000+2297+1255
·
Palm Trees Stand Up from Oriental Trading http://www.orientaltrading.com/palm-trees-stand-up-a2-13693015.fltr?prodCatId=90000+1652
·
Bethlehem Room Background from Oriental Trading http://www.orientaltrading.com/christmas-nativity-bethlehem-town-design-a-room-background-a2-70_5746.fltr?prodCatId=90000+1652
Here are some fun activities for the Angels Everywhere Theme
to do with items on hand:
·
Make simple Angel wings using paper plates, with
instructions from Maker Mama http://www.makermama.com/2009/10/easy-peasy-last-minute-angel-wings-no.html
·
Be angels in your community by helping people in
need with a food or clothing drive or a charitable work activity
·
Host an Angel Hair Spaghetti lunch and invite
the senior citizens of the church to be served by and dine with the children
·
Make keepsake Coffee Filter Photo Angels with
this fun craft from DLTK http://www.dltk-kids.com/crafts/m-coffeefilter-angel.htm
·
Make a simple Angel paperclip ornament or
necklace with this easy craft from The Crafty Journal http://craftyjournal.com/easy-paperclip-angel-ornament/
·
Borrow Angel Christmas cookie cutters from
people in your church and have children cut out and bake all different kinds of
angel cookies from rolled out dough
·
Form a VBS kick ball league and name your teams
after the different orders of Angels.
·
Form groups to build giant angel art figures
using recyclables and make Angel paintings for an Angel Art Gallery
·
Have an Angel Food Cake Eating Contest--- kids
eat slices of Angel Food Cake, piled high with whipped cream, using only their
mouths.
·
Sing Angel themed Christmas songs in the
Summertime
All God’s
Creatures Theme
Animals are all around us---in our homes as pets, on farms
providing us with meat, milk and eggs, in the forests, in the sea, and even in
the sky. Kids are often curious about the lives of animals and how God relates
to them. This fun theme helps kids get in touch with nature and with animals.
Here are some Animal book and Bible resources
·
7 Days of Awesome by Shawn Byous http://www.zondervan.com/7-days-of-awesome
·
The Beginners Bible: Daniel and the Lions (an I
Can Read book) http://www.zondervan.com/daniel-and-the-lions
·
The Beginners Bible: Adam and Eve in the Garden
(an I Can Read book) http://www.zondervan.com/adam-and-eve-in-the-garden
·
The Adventure Bible: Elijah, God’s Mighty
Prophet (an I Can Read book) http://www.zondervan.com/elijah-god-s-mighty-prophet
·
Made by God: Animals All Around http://www.zondervan.com/animals-all-around
·
Made by God: Curious Creatures http://www.zondervan.com/curious-creatures
·
Adventure Bible (NIV) http://www.zondervan.com/adventure-bible-niv-10
Here are some Bible stories that focus on animals
·
The Creation
·
Adam names the animals
·
Noah’s Ark
·
Daniel in the Lions’ Den
·
Elijah and the ravens
·
The Lost Sheep
·
Jesus rides the donkey on Palm Sunday
Here are some animal themed craft and décor ideas that can
be purchased:
·
Awesome African Animal Fact Cups Craft from
Oriental Trading http://www.orientaltrading.com/awesome-african-animals-fact-cups-craft-idea-a2-13750047.fltr?Ntt=animals
·
Wild Wonder Magic Scratch Color Animals from
Oriental Trading http://www.orientaltrading.com/wild-wonders-magic-color-scratch-animals-a2-13648412.fltr?Ntt=animals
·
Jungle Room Background from Oriental Trading http://www.orientaltrading.com/safari-design-a-room-background-a2-13597009.fltr?Ntt=jungle
·
Forest Plant Stand Ups from Oriental Trading http://www.orientaltrading.com/large-forest-plant-stand-ups-a2-3_9005.fltr?Ntt=forest
·
Animal Pinatas from Party City http://www.partycity.com/product/animal+pinatas.do?from=Search&navSet=animals&bypass_redirect=1
·
Animal Print Balloons from Party City http://www.partycity.com/product/animal+print+latex+balloons+12in+20ct.do?from=Search&navSet=animals&bypass_redirect=1
Here are some fun animal themed activities to do with items
on hand:
·
Invite a Vetarinarian or Zoo staff to come and
talk to your group about animals (ask if they can bring a special animal
visitor)
·
Take a trip to the local zoo as a group
·
Volunteer as a group, for a day, at a local
working farm
·
Make these adorable Handprint Hens from No Time
for Flash Cards blog http://www.notimeforflashcards.com/2009/09/hands-on-chicken-craft.html
·
Volunteer as a group, for a day, at your local
SPCA
·
Run a dog food and cat food drive to donate much
needed food supplies to your local animal shelter
·
Host a “dog wash” event as a fundraiser for your
church, children’s ministry or animal charity
·
Have an animal scavenger hunt in your church’s
neighborhood to spot signs of animal life native to your area.
·
Take a group nature walk in your local park or
forest hiking area to spot animals and explore their habitats.
·
Make Animal masks using this simple craft from
Enchanted Learning http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/Mask.shtml
3 comments:
Wow! This is a great giveaway and even if I don't win, you have included some wonderful resources for the many different themes. I would probably choose the Under the Sea Bible.
Thanks for sharing!
Connie
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
What a great list of resources! Annieban53@gmail.com
congratulations to Connie!
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