Virtual Vacation Bible School (VBS) has become an increasingly popular way for churches and families to engage in faith-based activities during the summer months. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many churches are opting for virtual VBS programs to keep their communities safe. If you’re wondering how to do virtual VBS, here are some tips and ideas that can help you get started.
Choose a Theme
The first step in planning a virtual VBS is to choose a theme. This will help guide your content and activities throughout the program.
Some popular themes include “Roar: Life is Wild, God is Good,” “Rocky Railway: Jesus’ Power Pulls Us Through,” and “Rainforest Explorers: Jesus Leads the Way.” Once you have a theme, you can start planning your lessons and activities.
Plan Your Lessons
Just like with an in-person VBS, it’s important to plan out your lessons carefully. You can create videos or livestream sessions that include worship, Bible lessons, games, crafts, and other interactive activities. Make sure to keep things engaging and age-appropriate for your audience.
Worship
Start each session with a time of worship. You can pre-record songs or lead them live during your session. Encourage kids to sing along at home by providing lyrics or including actions that they can follow along with.
Bible Lessons
Teach kids about God’s love through Bible stories and verses. You can create videos or slide presentations that walk through different stories or themes throughout the week.
Games
Include interactive games that kids can play at home with their families. You can create scavenger hunts, trivia games, or even virtual escape rooms that tie into your theme.
Crafts
Provide materials for kids to do crafts at home that tie into your theme. You can create step-by-step videos or provide written instructions that families can follow along with. Make sure to include a list of materials needed so that everyone is prepared.
Engage with Families
One of the benefits of virtual VBS is that families can participate together from the comfort of their own homes. Encourage parents to get involved by providing discussion questions and activities that they can do with their kids throughout the week. You can also create a Facebook group or other online community where families can connect and share their experiences.
Wrap Up with a Virtual Celebration
At the end of your virtual VBS program, host a virtual celebration for all the participants. This could include a slideshow of pictures and videos from throughout the week, a final worship session, and even an online talent show where kids can share what they’ve learned.
In Conclusion
Virtual VBS may look a little different than in-person programs, but it’s still possible to create engaging and meaningful experiences for kids and families. By choosing a theme, planning your lessons carefully, engaging with families, and hosting a virtual celebration at the end, you can create an unforgettable virtual VBS experience that brings people closer to God.