Vacation Bible School

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Summer is here, and Vacation Bible School is right around the corner! Many of us may already have our 2008 VBS curriculum and are planning the days we'll get to share Jesus with the hearts of children ages preschool through teens.

However, some may be looking for a Bible school curriculum or maybe extra ideas to go along with what you have. We'll be trying to provide you with exciting and FREE ideas including lessons, crafts, games, object lessons, and more to assist you in this very special ministry.

Why is VBS important? It is here that many children come to know Christ. Unchurched families may not attend our churches, but they may send their children to Bible school. According to the Barna Group , "Nearly half (43%) of all Americans who accept Jesus Christ as their savior do so before reaching the age of 13 (2004)."

The sad news is that the Barna Group also found that "Another shift in children’s ministry since 1997 has been the 12% decline in the percentage of churches offering Vacation Bible School (or VBS) - from 81% to 69%. That represents about 38,000 fewer churches offering VBS than eight years ago." In response to their question, "Why not offer VBS?" ,pastors' top three reasons were - a lack of teachers, a lack of time, and that they offer "other activities." I fear that another reason could be a lack of funds. If your church does not offer Vacation Bible School, I pray you will be the one God uses to get them to reconsider it. It doesn't have to be huge or expensive to touch the life of at least one child. You may even want to consider having your own Backyard Bible Club!

Whatever the case, we hope the following free Bible school resources will assist you in reaching boys and girls with the love of Christ.

Here are some "extra" VBS ideas and activities:

Christian object lessons
Bible Crafts
Bible Games
Bible Coloring
Kid Snacks

VBS Bible Lesson Themes

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"Western Theme" for Vacation Bible School This series of Bible lessons is about David's "outlaw years." It includes Western themed games and activities along with creative, printable "Wanted Posters" that outline the lessons for each day for children to take home with them.

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"Kingdom Kids"

Use this theme to teach children how they can become a child of the King! This series of Bible lessons cover four kings and a queen. Included are themed games and crafts for five days of Bible School fun!

Lesson 1: Queen Esther
More on Esther...
Lesson 2: King David
More on David...
Lesson 3: King Solomon
Lesson 4: King Josiah
More on Josiah
Lesson 5: King Jesus

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"Let's Go Fishing!"

Use a fishing theme to encourage children not only to be "caught" by Jesus, but also to follow Him in becoming a fisher of men. If you live near a lake or pond, maybe plan an actual time for fishing too!

Lesson 1: Jonah - Caught by a Great Fish
Lesson 2: 12 Disciples Become Fishers of Men More on the disciples
Lesson 3: Peter - A Great Fisher of Men
Lesson 4: Get Caught by Jesus! (Salvation)
Lesson 5: Tell Your Own Fishing Story

Fishing Bible Game
More Fishing Bible Crafts

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