VBS on a Budget - Back to Basics

I have been working in VBS for over 16 years and have been the Director for at least 7 or 8 years (I lose track after a while!) and have tried about every idea out there for having a successful VBS. We have spent close to a thousand dollars on materials and decor, spent countless hours building huge set pieces, and tried all types of gimmicks to make VBS great for the kids. A few years ago, we decided to go back to the basics for VBS. Our goal was to focus on the message to the kids and spend as little as possible on decor, games, and crafts. Let me tell you, it is so much less stressful and the kids enjoy the VBS experience just as much!

VBS Crafts on a Budget

I am partnering with Oriental Trading to share some affordable VBS crafts with you, along with some tips on how to stay on budget.

Vacation Bible School season is quickly approaching and as Director of VBS, I am in charge of coordinating our VBS program. I attend a smaller sized church so our budget is minimal as well. I have to get creative in order to pull off a fun VBS program, while working with budget constraints.

Having been the VBS Director for going on 10 years now, I have picked up some tips for making the most of your VBS on a shoestring budget.

DIY GUTSY Bear Craft For Maker Fun Factory VBS

A special thanks to Family Christian for supplying the Maker Fun Factory VBS kit for this post! All opinions are 100% my own.

Where are all my VBS organizers at? I am excited to give you a sneak peak at this year's Group VBS kit called Maker Fun Factory and share the G.U.T.S.Y. Bear craft tutorial with you. I have been the Vacation Bible School Director at my church for several years now and believe it is an important part of our children's ministry.

Even though it is only January, now is the time when I start planning for our Summer VBS. It takes months to decide on a theme; recruit workers; and come up with the crafts, games, music, and stories for each night. One way to jump start VBS planning is to attend VBS Preview events at Family Christian.

Under the Sea Themed VBS Ideas

I am the Vacation Bible School Director at my church and have been for several years now.  I enjoy looking at all the different themes and coming up with our own variation, since my church does not usually purchase the standard curriculum.  This year our theme was Finding Jesus Under the Sea and I am happy to share some of our ideas to inspire your next birthday party or VBS.

Once I decided on the theme I started pinning; check out my Pinterest board to see all the fun ideas!