Director's Plan BoOkWritten by

Julie Callison

Our teamEDITOR IN CHIEF:Larry E. Clements larryclements@bogardpress.org

BUSINESS MANAGER:Wayne Sewell wsewell@bogardpress.org

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ADULT EDITOR: Jim Jones

CHILDREN’S EDITOR: Libby Gill

ILLUSTRATOR: Connie Spears

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CONTENT EDITORS: Terry McKellar, Carolyn BurksDeby Turrentine, Joni Curtis

PRINT PRODUCTION: Charles Easley

Copyright © 2014

Bogard Press4605 N. State Line Ave.Texarkana, TX 75503-2928www.vbs.bogardpress.org1-800-264-2482

Julie Callison is wife to Richard, and they have one child, Camryn, who is in second grade at Drew Central School in Monticello, AR. Julie is an Intervention Specialist at Drew Central Middle School and has eighteen years of teaching experience. She also coaches Special Olympic athletes and her daughter’s softball team. She is actively involved at Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Monticello and is serving as the director of children’s church and VBS. She has also served as a Special Olympics volunteer, serving as the Area 12 Director for several years. She graduated with a BA in Special Education from the University of Arkansas in Monticello in 1995. In her spare time, Julie enjoys spending time with her family, gardening and sewing. Julie has written VBS for a number of years.

VBS Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Sample Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Terms To Know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Ordering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Planning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 VBS Director’s Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 A Day at Cross Canyon Trail VBS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Choose Your VBS Location and Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Choose Your VBS Format and Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Recruiting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 VBS Jobs and Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Begin Recruiting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Staff Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Leading a Child to Christ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Safety Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Special Needs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Publicity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Publicity Ideas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Bulletin Board Ideas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Kickoff Ideas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Round Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Registration Ideas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Registration Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Set Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Wall Banners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Cattle Trail Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Decorating Ideas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Round Up Assemblies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Daily Contest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Pledges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Campfire Circle Music . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Bible Lessons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Lesson Material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Student Activity Pages, Student Books and Live-It! Cards 59 Room Decoration Ideas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Missions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Wagon Wheel Crafts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Rodeo Games . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Chuck Wagon Snacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Video/Comic Book . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Skits Book . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Photo Spot Idea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Record Keeping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Record Keeping Items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Follow-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Follow-up Ideas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Images from Resource CD (Reproducibles) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Resource CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back Inside Cover

Resource CD Contents

Lesson Audio TracksFolder includes the lesson audio tracks (mp3 format) from the lesson videos found on the Lesson and Music DVD .

ArtworkFolder includes JPEG files of:VBS 2014 Logos in both color and black/whiteVarious pieces of artworkDaily icons in both color and black/white

PowerPoint PresentationFolder includes a PowerPoint file of the pledges and VBS song lyrics

ReproduciblesFolder includes color PDF reproducible files including:Closing Program Invitation (with fillable PDF)Confidential Volunteer Application FormDaily Attendance FormDaily Report FormsDecision for ChristEvaluation FormFamily and Staff Evaluation FormsInjury Report FormInvitation (with fillable PDF)Invitation ResponseInvitations (with fillable PDF)Jobs and Responsibilities PostersLetter to Parents (with fillable PDF)LetterheadMedical Release FormPlanning Worksheet (with fillable PDF)Prayer Reminders (with fillable PDF)Press Release Form (with fillable PDF)Record of ExpensesRecruiting WorksheetRegistration and Record FormsRoom Decorations FormSupply Request FormThank You to Parents (with fillable PDF)Thank You to Workers (with fillable PDF)Total Attendance FormVolunteer Form

VBS OvErView

Gideon Is ReadyTo Serve

Judges 6:1-16, 36-40

Students will always be ready

to serve the Lord.

Students will follow Christ who lives in

them.

Students will live

faithfully for Christ despite

difficulties.

Students will share Christ

with their unsaved family

and friends.

Students will stand with

Christ against evil and danger.

Scouting

Branding Iron

River Crossing

Round Up

Stampeding

Ridin’ Strong

Giddyup! Get Ready!

Ridin’ Strong

I Will Follow

Ridin’ Strong

Faithfully

Ridin’ Strong

Round Em’ Up

Ridin’ Strong

Ride with Jesus

Ruth Follows God

Ruth 1:17; 2:5-16; 3:10, 11; 4:13-17

Nehemiah Builds the Wall

Nehemiah 4:1-23; 6:1-9

Peter Reachesthe Lost

Acts 10:9-22, 34-43; 11:1, 2, 12-18

Esther Faces Danger

Esther 3:8-15; 4:1-17

“Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness

and fear.”1 Peter 3:15

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I

live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.”

Galatians 2:20

“Be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always

abounding in the work of the Lord.”

1 Corinthians 15:58

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ:

for it is the power of God unto salvation to every

one that believeth.”Romans 1:16

“Be strong and of a good courage; be not

afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord

thy God is with thee whitersoever thou

goest.”Joshua 1:9

Bible Account

Lesson Purpose Activity

Music(See page 56or Songbook)

Memory Verse

6

Skit Characters(See pages 72, 73, Skits Book, Comic Book or

Lesson and Music DVD)

Games(See page 69 or

Game Book)

Crafts(See page 68

or Craft Book)

Snacks(See pages 70, 71)

Daily Crafts(See page 68

or VBS Catalog)

Josie’s QuestCactus KickingTeam ScoutsScout SeatsTails a WaggingGetting the BootScout Sacks

Trail BlazingTrail Boss SaysBranding BallBranding with

DustyDusty’s Buckaroo

BaseballBrandedBrand That Ball

Collecting CactusAcross the

CanyonBridge BuildersRiver CrossingCactus for Aunt

MaettaStraight ShootingCactus Pass

Round-UpRoundupBedrollsRounding Up StraysSaddle SoccerSweeping for

StraysLooking for a

Campfire

Cattle RoundupBig Windy

StampedeSaddle PalsStampede!Stampede SafetySaddle FightsSaddle Stand

Sheep HandprintPaper Sack BootSheepBoot MagnetWooly SheepTake One MagnetCurly Sheep Note HolderBoot JournalBandana BraceletCurly Sheep

Ruth’s BasketName Branding BookmarkBarley NecklaceName Branding BannerMy Gift to GodKerchiefEmbossed NecklaceBarley MagnetBranded CupObedience Frame

Nehemiah Tool BeltPaper Sack SaddlebagSword MagnetSaddlebagEngraved SwordRiver Crossing Tic-Tac-ToeRiver RocksNehemiah’s Wall PuzzleRiver Rock NecklacePuzzle Wall

Coffee Filter WorldAccordion HorseCross Magnet To ShareHorse/Cow Craft StickCandy Bar Bible To ShareMemory Verse BookmarkBurlap Door HangerRope NameBoldness Cross ArtWestern Chalkboard

King/Queen CrownCowboy/Cowgirl GetupMemory Verse ScrollMemory Verse GamePainted PoniesWestern PouchEmbossed CrossMini Wooden SignWestern SignObedience Necklace

Trail Mix

Hats and Badges

Caramel Apples

S’mores

Cowboy Nachos

Josie

Dusty

Aunt Maetta

Red

Mr. Wade

7

Throughout the VBS curriculum, there are several terms that will be used frequently. Below is a list of the most commonly used terms.

★Setting: Cattle Trail Drive ★Assembly: Round Up ★Director: Trail Boss ★Teacher: Wagon Master ★Students: Buckaroos ★Music Director: Singing Cowboy/Cowgirl ★Leader, Guide or Helper: Wranglers ★Crafts: Wagon Wheel Crafts ★Snacks: Chuck Wagon ★Games: Rodeo ★Music: Campfire Circle

The Cross Canyon Trail setting is a cattle trail drive. Become familiar with the language of the time so that it becomes easy to speak. Below are a few words and phrases to get you started.

★Howdy – hi. “Howdy buckaroos!” ★Bang-up – first rate. “Y’all did a bang-up job!” ★Fetch – give or bring. “Go fetch your Bibles.” ★Fuss – disturbance. “It’s nothin’ to fuss over.” ★Goner – lost or dead. “Without Jesus, you’re a goner!” ★Grand – beautiful or excellent. “We will have a grand time at VBS!” ★Grub – food. “That’s some mighty good grub.” ★Heap – a lot or many. “We will have a heap of fun!” ★Pony up – hurry up. “Pony up buckaroos!” ★Stumped – confused. “Nothin’ to be stumped about.” ★Wind up – settle. “Time to wind up and head home.”

Terms to Know

10

Bible Lesson(See pages 57-59)

where kids hear the Bible account and learn how to apply it to their lives with reinforcing

Bible activity pages.

Wagon Wheel Crafts(See page 68)

where projects are made that kids will cherish and serve as a reminder of important Bible truths long after VBS is over.

Rodeo (Games)(See page 69)

where kids release energy through fun games that

reinforce the Bible truths.

Missions(See page 67)

where kids learn about a missionary and how they, too,

can be missionaries.

Chuck Wagon Snacks(See pages 70, 71)

where kids enjoy a snack that reinforces the Bible truths.

CampfireCircle Music

(See pages 56)

where kids learn enjoysinging songs that reinforce

the Bible truths.

A Day at Cross Canyon Trail VBSOpening Round Up . . . where the kids gather to begin their day. (See page 53)

During this time, the students and leaders will. . . ★ sing songs. ★ say the pledges. ★ see a skit. ★ watch the Lesson and Music DVD. ★ have a prayer for the day.

Closing Round Up . . . where everyone gathers to wrap up the day. (See pages 53)

As a whole group the students and leaders will. . . ★ sing songs. ★ discuss the important Bible truths learned and talk about how they

apply to their lives. ★ say the theme verse together. ★ announce the daily theme for the next day. (See page 54)

★ dismiss in a prayer for the day.18

Choose Your VBS Format and Schedule

Traditional VBS Format

In the traditional format of VBS, after opening assembly, each group of students goes to its own classroom where the teacher will teach the Bible lesson do activity pages or books that reinforce the Bible lesson and Live-It! Cards. The group can rotate to different locations for music, crafts, snacks, games and missions. The teacher will travel with the students and help at each location.

Traditional VBS Sample Schedule

Preschool/ Young Teen/ Kindergarten Beginner Primary Junior Teen

6:00-6:20

6:20-6:40

6:40-7:00

7:00-7:20

7:20-7:40

7:40-8:00

8:00-8:20

8:20-8:40

8:40-9:00

Opening Assembly

Bible Lesson

Live-It! Cards and Activity Pages/Student Books

Closing Assembly

Snacks

Missions

Games

Crafts

Music

Music

Snacks

Missions

Games

Crafts

Crafts

Music

Snacks

Missions

Games

Games

Crafts

Music

Snacks

Missions

Missions

Games

Crafts

Music

Snacks

20

Next...★ Decorate the foyer of the church with the theme. Post the jobs and

responsibilities posters (see posters on Resource CD). Invite people on the way to or out of church to sign up in the area they feel most comfortable to serve.

★ Put a volunteer form in the bulletin for people to fill out and return with the position they would like to work. (See form on Resource CD.)

★ Make announcements from the pulpit and in church bulletins to serve as reminders to sign up to help in VBS.

★ Make contacts by phone or in person with people you feel would serve in a certain area of need.

★ Keep at it until all jobs on your recruiting worksheet have been filled.

Now that you have chosen your location, dates, times, format, schedule and know what jobs you need to fill, start recruiting! Before you begin, pray for God’s leadership in choosing a person to fill each position. This is obviously the most important step in recruiting.

There are many ways to find the right people for the right jobs. To begin, look at last year’s roster for each position. If you feel each person did an acceptable job, ask him whether he would like to fill that position again. Use the recruiting worksheet to fill in the names of those who confirm their positions. (See worksheet on Resource CD.)

Begin Recruiting

28

Leading a Child to Christ One of the greatest privileges in life is to lead another person to salvation in Jesus Christ. To share the good news of Christ’s salvation with a spiritually hungry or sin-laden person, no matter what his age, is a great honor. There are special joys when it comes to sharing the gospel with children. As a worker in Vacation Bible School, you may have the opportunity to lead a child to the Savior. The contents of this page will help you share the gospel clearly and confidently with children.

Pray every day for each child. Pray that he may come under the Holy Spirit’s conviction and that he will come to know Christ during VBS. Present the plan of salvation every day. Some children may not attend every day of VBS. Be sure to share the gospel daily.

ADMIT to God you are a sinner. Heaven is a wonderful place with wonderful things. There is one thing that is not allowed in Heaven–SIN. Because everyone sins (“All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:23), something must be done about that sin. If the child is under conviction, explain that he must admit he has sinned and repent of his sin.

BELIEVE that Jesus died in your place and rose again for you. Encourage the child to trust that Jesus died on the cross for him. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” (Acts 16:31).

CALL upon Jesus to save you. If the child understands the effect of sin and the fact that Jesus died for him, encourage him to call on the Lord in prayer, admitting his sin and trusting Jesus to save him. God’s Word reads, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13).

Assurance —If the child prays to receive Christ as his Savior, have him read John 6:47 and ask him:

• Who gave you this promise? (Jesus) • What did He say to do? (believe on Him) • Have you done that? • What did Jesus say a person would have? (everlasting life) • What do you have? (everlasting life)

Follow-up—If a child receives Christ, encourage him to tell his parents about the decision. Give your pastor and the Sunday School teacher the child’s name and information. Be sure you follow up on the child with a visit after VBS to help him grow in Christ.

• When you share the message of the gospel, use words and phrases children will understand. Avoid the use of symbolism because most children are literal thinkers and are confused by abstract ideas.

• Avoid leading questions (questions that contain the answer). A child, eager to please, may simply give you the answer he thinks you want to hear.

• Present the gospel without pressure. It is the work of the Holy Spirit to convict the tender conscience of the child and draw him to Jesus. Avoid pressure, manipulation or scare tactics when sharing the gospel.

• Use an open Bible when sharing the gospel and let the child follow along as you read the verses.

• Let the child pray to God in his own words. Avoid the temptation to put words in his mouth. After he prays to receive Christ, encourage the child to thank God for his salvation.

1. Prepare

2. Present the Gospel—as easy as A-B-C

3. Pointers

A

BC

31

Let’s face it, the primary reason we have VBS is to share Jesus with the lost. How will people know the where, when and how of VBS if we don’t tell them? Clear publicizing of VBS is crucial for a successful VBS.

Publicize at Church

• Use Cross Canyon Trail bulletin covers or publicity flyers.

• Decorate the foyer of the church with Cross Canyon Trail theme.

• Hang posters with the VBS information around the church.

• Wear Cross Canyon Trail T-shirts in the weeks leading up to VBS.

• Hand out prayer reminders. (See Resource CD.)

• Add VBS information to the church website.

• Play Cross Canyon Trail music when people are entering church in the weeks leading to VBS.

• Recruit workers for Cross Canyon Trail Round Up to raise awareness and excitement for the upcoming VBS.

Publicize in the Community

• Announce Cross Canyon Trail to your community by hanging a vinyl banner with VBS information.

• Hang publicity posters for VBS and the Round Up at popular hangout spots, restaurants, stores and gas stations around your community.

• Send postcards inviting people to VBS.

• Hand deliver invitations (see Resource CD) and doorknob hangers to people in your neighborhood with VBS information.

• Use the local radio station, newspaper, Internet and television to promote your VBS.

• With permission, stand outside busy stores and hand out invitations with VBS information on them and invite people to VBS.

• Place VBS community yard signs in church members’ yards to promote VBS.

Publicity Ideas

36

Publicity Poster

Bulletin Cover Publicity Flyer

Community Yard Sign

See the VBS Catalog for more information.

Bulletin Board Idea

See the Resource CD for the bulletin board art.38

Kickoff IdeasHere are a couple of ideas to help get Cross Canyon Trail off to a great start.

Snappy Setup

• Invite all church members to get involved in setting up the church for VBS one or two days before VBS begins.

• Set up, move, arrange tables and chairs.

• Complete the church and room decorations.

VBS Parade

• The Sunday morning before VBS begins, have the kids and workers wear Cross Canyon Trail T-shirts and march in a parade to the theme song.

• Let the director say something about the upcoming VBS.

• Have a special prayer for VBS.

40

Tasty Treats

Consider some of these delicious snack items to serve at the round up:

• Watermelon slices• Hamburgers and hot dogs• Barbecue• Popcorn• Nachos• Beef jerky• Roasted peanuts in shell• Ice cream cones• Ice cream sundaes – with

various toppings• Canned beverages in galvanized

bucket with ice

Perfect Prizes

Have a booth set up where children turn in their tickets for prizes. Have several items for them to choose from that cost a varying number of tickets. Consider some of these prize items:

• Beads, rings, bracelets• Bubbles• Toy cars• Sunglasses• Pencils, pens, erasers• Stuffed animals• Glow in the dark items• Suckers• Rubber snakes

Additional Ideas

Have an area set up specifically for toddlers. The area can include:

• Western dress up clothes• Stuffed animals in a pen• Small plastic slide• Ride on toys• A rocking horse and stick horses• Balls—soft and easy to manage

More ideas:

• Have an area set up for adults and older children to play horseshoes outside.• Have hayrides, sack races, pony rides and an animal petting area (with hand

sanitizer) for the children.• Have a booth set up for face painting and mustache painting.• Set up a maze using bales of hay.

44

Registration Ideas The day is quickly approaching when kids will be everywhere having a great time learning God’s Word. Be prepared for this day with lots of help to meet and greet visitors and point them in the right direction.

Preregistration

The point of preregistration is to register as many people as possible before the actual first day of VBS. Consider these preregistration tips:

• Set up a registration table in the church entrance or foyer (see decorating ideas on page 47).

• Put the preregistration dates in the church bulletin.

• Mail the registration form home with the letter to parents (see Resource CD).

• Give gifts to kids that register early.

• Place a publicity flyer in the church bulletin with a preregistration reminder.

• Hold registration at Cross Can-yon Trail round up (page 41).

Registration

Have staff available throughout the week for registration. Consider these registration tips:

• Set up tables at the entrance of the church, well stocked with name tags, pens and registration forms (see forms on Resource CD) and clipboards.

• Have a welcoming team to lead visitors in the right direction.

• Make sure all registration forms are completed with vital information.

• Have signs showing kids and parents where to go.

• Inform parents of the VBS times and the drop-off or pick-up procedure.

46

Cross Canyon Cattle Trail Drive Each day of VBS will begin and end here at the Cross Canyon Trail round up. Use your imagination and your resources to make this an exciting place for kids to worship at the opening and closing assemblies and closing program (see page 53 for ideas on the assemblies). See next page for more decorating ideas. See Room Decorations Transparency Book or Resource CD for art.

51

Western Props

Use the following props as needed to liven up an area:

• Hay bales• Rubber snakes• Cactus• Cowboy boots• Cowboy hat• Plastic barbwire• Rope• Tumble weed• Horseshoes• Saddle • Chaps• Wagon wheel• Horse cut-out• Cow cut-out• Stuffed animals• Logs

Wooden Horse

To make a wooden horse, you will need someone that is handy with wood working tools. Use a wooden sawhorse as the horse body. Cut a 2 × 4 board to the desired length for the horse’s neck and then another for the horse’s head. Draw the eyes, nostrils and mouth onto the “head” to give the horse a face. Attach the “head” to the “neck” then securely attach the neck to one end of the sawhorse. Add brown or tan yarn to make “hair” for the horse’s mane and tail. Put on the saddle and your horse is ready to go.

Decorating Ideas

Campfire

To make a campfire, put a small fan in the center of where you want the campfire. Attach thin red, yellow and orange strips of material (crepe paper will also work) to the fan. Strategically place several pieces of firewood around the fan so that they conceal the fan. Add a strand of Christmas lights around the wood and fan. For an added touch, surround the campfire with rocks. Turn on the fan and watch the fire come to life. Add some sounds of a campfire (from a CD or DVD) to finish it off.

Covered Wagon

To make a covered wagon, use a rectangle table as the base. Securely attach brown butcher paper to the tabletop. Bend three 10' lengths of 1" PVC pipe, and, then, securely attach the ends of the pipes to the top of the table legs with strong tape. Put an old, white sheet over the PVC pipes. Wrap the end of the sheet over the pipes and secure with safety pins. Attach four wagon wheels (bought or made out of cardboard) to the table legs.

52

Round Up Assemblies

Opening Assembly

The opening assembly is where kids get excited about what is going to happen at VBS.

Sample Opening Assembly Schedule:

• Music is playing as kids enter

• Children meet with their teachers or guides

• Teachers or leaders give out name tags

• Welcome

• Prayer

• Pledges (See page 55)

• Theme song (See Songbook)

• Lesson video

• Skit (See Skits Book)

• Song

• Offerings

• Prayer

• Dismiss to classes

Closing Assembly

The closing assembly is where kids review what they’ve learned and get excited about coming back to VBS.

Sample Closing Assembly Schedule:

• Music is playing as kids enter

• Children sit with their teachers or guides

• Prayer

• Theme song (See Songbook)

• Review the Memory Verse

• Review the lesson

• Devotional from the pastor

• Song

• Announcements (mission offering, attendance, daily theme)

• Prayer

• Teachers or leaders take up name tags to use for the following day

• Dismiss to parents

Closing Program

The closing program is the big VBS finale where kids show their parents what they have learned. It’s also an opportunity to share the gospel with their parents.

Sample Closing Program Schedule:

• Show pictures of kids during the week while the theme music plays

• Welcome parents/prayer/pledges

• Kids sing songs/Say Memory Verses/share points from the daily lessons

• Hand out certificates

• Pastor speaks/dismisses in prayer

• Fellowship or tour the Cross Canyon Trail rooms

53

Send Closing Program invitation home (see

Resource CD.)

Campfire Circle Music

Theme Song

Lesson 1

Lesson 2

Lesson 3

Lesson 4

Lesson 5

Ridin’ Strong

Giddyup! Get Ready!

I Will Follow

Faithfully

Round ’Em Up

Ride with Jesus

Words only are on Resource CD and on the Music Transparency.See Lesson and Music DVD.

Theme SongRidin’ Strong

Ridin’, ridin’, ridin! I’m gonna keep on ridin’. Ridin’ strong with

Jesus. Yeehaw! Yeehaw!

Ridin’! I am serving. Follow all the way. Livin’ and sharing Jesus. I’m

gonna stand for Him ev’ry day.

Ridin’, ridin’, ridin! I’m gonna keep on ridin’. Ridin’ strong with

Jesus. Yeehaw! Yeehaw!

Across the plains and rivers, through cactus, heat and cold, I’m

gonna ride for Jesus. I’m gonna ride! I’m gonna be bold.

Ridin’, ridin’, ridin! I’m gonna keep on ridin’. Ridin’ strong with

Jesus. Yeehaw! Yeehaw!

Ridin’ through Cross Canyon, the ride is sometimes long. I’m gonna keep on ridin’. Yes! I’m gonna keep

on ridin’. Keep on ridin’ strong. Yeehaw!

Songbook

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Room Decoration Ideas

Outdoor Scene Decoration

See the Room Decorations Transparency Book or Resource CD.See the VBS Catalog for other VBS items with which to decorate.

Each day the buckaroos will enter the room where the teaching will take place and will be ready for an exciting atmosphere in which to learn more about God’s Word. Take the time to make the room inviting and exciting for the kids. The outdoor scene should be the same each day with only a few prop changes to go along with the activity for the day. One area of the room should be decorated to go along with the day’s Bible lesson. See the pages that follow for more ideas on decorations for the Bible lesson.

More ideas:• Consider putting down a

large colored tarp and hay bales for buckaroos to sit on.

• Use a “wagon” as a teaching table. (See page 47.)

• See instructions for making horse on page 52.

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Lesson 1 Decoration Ideas

See the Room Decorations Transparency Book or Resource CD.See the VBS Catalog for other VBS items with which to decorate.62

Missions Decorate your room with your mission projects pictures or other items. Discuss with the kids where the daily offerings will go and for what they will be used. Talk about how the kids can be missionaries every day. If possible, have the missionary you are raising money for make a video thanking the kids for their help. Create excitement with the kids giving money to missions. To make it interesting, consider having the kids bring pennies the first day, nickels the next day, then dimes, quarters and dollars. Set a goal and consider making the giving a competition between the boys and girls. Keep up with the amount raised daily on the mission’s goal (see below).

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Confidential Volunteer Application Form Volunteer Form Planning Worksheet

Recruiting WorksheetJobs and Responsibilities Posters

Press ReleaseRecord of ExpensesSupply Request FormRoom Decorations Form

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Letter to ParentsInvitation/Invitations Medical Release Form Registration and Record Forms

Prayer Reminders Letterhead Daily Report Forms Daily/Total Attendance Forms

Injury Report Form Invitation Response Decision for Christ Closing Program Invitation

Thank You to Workers/Thank You to Parents Family and Staff Evaluation Forms Evaluation Form