VBS Clearance Sale This Week

We're clearing out our warehouse and you'll save 30%-80% on leftover VBS items this week. Hurry! Quantities are extremely limited. We have Pandamania Sing and Play Music CDs, Panda Pal's Bible Play Pack, Gold Rush Super Starter Kits,   MegaSports Go the Distance Water Bottles with Gospel Balls, SonSurf Magnets, High Seas Outdoor Banners, and lots more!

These items will sell out quickly so don't miss the chance to save big.  Visit our VBS Sale to see all the items on clearance. These are available on a first-come, first-served basis. We will notify you if anything you order is out of stock.

As our blog readers, we're giving you advance notice of the sale. For you, it begins today. Visit our VBS Sale now.

New Preschool VBS: Jesus in Nazareth

Use this new Jesus in Nazareth Preschool VBS from Christian Ed. Publishers to supplement your elementary  Hometown Nazareth VBS program this summer. Written especially for 2- to 5-year-olds, this five-day preschool VBS program from Christian Ed Publishers includes Bible stories, snacks, crafts, and games with reproducible student sheets and colorful visuals on CD-ROM. Your little ones can travel to the Marketplace before the older children but can also enjoy the stories of Jesus (from birth to the resurrection) written at their own level. Crafts and games in the Preschool Leader’s Guide are preschool-friendly.

The preschool VBS program is completely flexible and makes a wonderful supplement to your elementary program. So if you want to have your preschoolers play some of the “Pyramid Playground” games planned for the elementary children, they can! (The Fun and Games Leader Manual and the Shopkeeper Leader Manual for the Marketplace are sold separately.) Jesus in Nazareth Preschool VBS is a great way to include your younger children with activities written just for them.

The Preschool VBS Leader’s Guide includes decorating ideas, tips for working with preschoolers, a suggested rotation schedule, and a reproducible preschool sign-in sheet. The CD-ROM contains separate job descriptions for your Snack Leader, Bible Story Leader, Games Leader, and Crafts Leader. You can print instructions for the leaders each day of your VBS so they can collect any needed supplies and decide which options to use. The CD-ROM also includes registration cards, safety tips, a course overview, coloring pages with NLT, NIV and KJV memory verses, “How to Lead a Child to Christ,” storytelling tips, recruiting ideas, and lots more.

Preview samples and take a look at the contents of this VBS written especially for preschoolers. Jesus in Nazareth Preschool VBS from Christian Ed. Publishers includes a Preschool Leader’s Guide plus CD-ROM...all for only $29.95! Or, if you need it tomorrow, order the download version. Bring the feel of ancient Nazareth to your preschool VBS this summer, and help your little ones understand that God sent His Son to live and die and come alive again for them. May God bless you as you begin your VBS adventure in Nazareth and teach children (and families) about God's Son, Jesus!

VBS Coloring Pages 2011

Here are some coloring pages we’ve created for the 2011 VBS programs.

For each program, there is a coloring page for every day of VBS—a total of five pages. Each coloring page has the daily memory verse and the Bible theme. If you have younger children, you can feel free to shorten the verse by whiting out (or taping over) the final phrase before copying the coloring page. Each coloring page shows a picture to complement the Bible memory verse or Bible point for that day. The coloring pages come in sets of five pages for just $4.99 per set. The best part is, you can make as many copies as you need!

For Nazareth, there is a set of coloring pages for the New Living Translation, a separate set for the New International Version, and a separate set for the King James Version. (The NLT is the version used on the Bible memory makers.) 

(Click on the images above to go to the download pages—NLT is on the left, NIV is on the right, and KJV is on the bottom.)

For your SonSurf VBS, there is a set of coloring pages for the New International Version and a separate set for the King James Version. (The NIV verses are used on the Connection Cards and other SonSurf printed materials.)

(Click on the images above to download the pages—

KJV is on the left and NIV is on the right)

For the Main Street VBS, every coloring page has a portion of the daily memory verse, I Timothy 4:12. Each day we've added a few more words to the verse so by Day 5 the entire verse is shown. There is a set of coloring pages for the New International Version and a separate set for the King James Version. (These are the versions used on the Bible memory posters.) 

(Click the images above to download the pages—

KJV is on the left and the NIV is on the right)

For the PandaMania VBS, there is a coloring page for the New International Version and one for the New Living Version. At the end of your VBS week, your students will have all five of the memory verses—a fun keepsake reminder of their week at vacation Bible school.

(Click images above to download the PandaMania coloring pages—

NLT is on the left and the NIV is on the right)

If you’d like to take a look at any of these VBS Starter Kits, visit Shop VBS for more information and to order your starter kits. Watch for more coloring pages coming soon (Gold Rush, Mega Sports Camp: Go the Distance, and Kickin' It Old School).

More 2011 VBS Themes Announced

The 2011 VBS themes are now in! It's not too soon to begin choosing your VBS for next summer, and we’re here to help! Take a look at the Bible themes and highlights from some of the 2011 programs…keep checking back for the latest information or visit Shop VBS. (Check out our June 14, 2010 Blog Post for an overview of Gospel Light's SonSurf Beach Bash VBS and Group's PandaMania VBS.)

In a world that is always searching for the “next big thing”, some things will never change and can never be improved upon. God, His promises, His Word, and the Gospel are unchangeable, which is why the Go Fish Guys invite you to KICK IT OLD SCHOOL!

With Kickin’ It Old School, the Go Fish Guys continue  their concert theme, but with an 80s, retro hip-hop influence! Once again, your leaders and kids will be “hands on” with the Bible. This program is not dependent on the theme, the music, or the Go Fish Guys. It’s all about the Bible which means that it WILL be effective!

Using classic hymns from their new CD Kickin’ It Old School, your kids will love the new songs, videos, and karaoke times! Watch the videos.

Your kids will travel through the Old Testament as well as the New Testament to learn several attributes of God. From Adam and Eve to the Passover to the building of the tabernacle to Jesus on the cross, your kids will learn how God’s holiness and separation from sin have never changed. Kids churched and unchurched alike will hear and understand the Gospel in a whole new way. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. It’s time to kick it old school!

Kickin' It Old School VBS Starter Kit: $150.00

Here's an overview of the Kickin' It Old School VBS program. Click on the image below for a larger view. 

Below is a list of the daily themes that go along with each day of the Kickin’ It Old School VBS (hi-res posters are FREE in digital format with curriculum). You can also download the Day 1 Bible Lesson for FREE by visiting our website, ChristianEdWarehouse.com.

Day 1 - This Is My Father's World - God Is Our Creator

Day 2 - Before The Throne Of God - God Is Our King

Day 3 - I Love To Tell The Story - Jesus Is Our Savior

Day 4 - I'm A Soldier In The Army Of The Lord - God Is Our Truth

Day 5 - The Solid Rock - God Is Our Rock

New for 2011, Gold Rush VBS: Discovering the Rock of Ages from Answers in Genesis helps kids learn the answer to the most important question Jesus asks: “Who do you say that I am?”

Howdy, Partner!

Grab your bandana, dust off your boots, and get ready to mine for true gold. 

Our children must decide among many “gods” every day. In media, in school, and in books, they’re taught that all roads lead to heaven. They’re told to “believe what you want and it will be true for you.” These dangerous lies are drawing our kids away from the truth—that Jesus, the Rock of Ages, is the way, the truth, and the life! Salvation is found in Jesus alone! Gold Rush VBS uses the New King James Version for Bible memory verses. A KJV Supplement with student books and posters in the King James Version (works with the Super Starter Kit and the Starter Kit) is available.

Each day, children will see more of the truth about who Jesus is—our Creator and Redeemer. They’ll hear the Gospel and will be challenged to follow Jesus. Gather your gear and join us for unforgettable discoveries!

Gold Rush VBS Super Starter Kit: $189.99
Gold Rush VBS Starter Kit: $99.99
Gold Rush KJV Supplement: $19.99
(The supplement works with both the Super Starter and Starter Kits.)
Super Starter Kits are available with your choice of contemporary or traditional music recordings.

Group's Hometown Nazareth VBS helps kids walk with Jesus. It's the Bible in motion! Welcome kids into the ultimate VBS Bible-times experience. They'll visit with Mary, Jesus' mom, and hear about Jesus' childhood adventures. Everyone will learn Bible truths that they can't wait to apply to their lives and share with others.

Nazareth VBS teaches kids to love God and His Word . . . like you do.
Hometown Nazareth VBS Starter Kit: $119.99

Take a look at the  Hometown Nazareth VBS course overview. Click on the image below for a larger version. Check back for VBS updates each week. Visit Shop VBS to see all of the 2011 VBS programs and special offers.

With Main Street VBS from Standard Publishing, kids will be drawn into stories Jesus told about everyday people in everyday situations. But His stories were anything but ordinary! Jesus turned lives upside down and hearts inside out through parables that challenged people to look at themselves and others in new and unexpected ways.

So come join us on Main Street, for an inside-out, upside-down experience like no other...and let Jesus make a difference in YOU!

Main Street VBS Power Pack: $199.99

Here are the Bible points kids will learn each day on Main Street. Click on the image below for a larger view.

New for 2011, Mega Sports Camp: Go the Distance from Gospel Publishing House encourages kids to run the race of life God's way, all the way. Five sessions focus on key character traits that help them become better athletes and followers of Jesus. Welcome kids into the ultimate sports-camp experience. Everyone will learn Bible truths and good sportsmanship as they participate in a sports camp lead by Christian mentors.

A simple Key Point each day helps kids remember the point of the day, even if they have no prior church attendance or experience. The theme verse for 2011 is "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day." — 2 Timothy 4:7-8 (NIV)

Go the Distance Mega Sports Camp can be used in addition to your traditional VBS, providing a way to reach neighborhood kids who might not attend Vacation Bible school, but who would be interested in signing up for a sports camp. It's also a great way for kids to invite their friends who wouldn't be willing to come to a weekly church event.

Go the Distance Mega Sports Camp teaches kids to run the race of life God's way, all the way.

Go the Distance Starter Kit: $129.99

Take a look at what's included in the Go the Distance Mega Sports Camp Starter Kit. Click on the image below for the themes.

Check out our VBS Tips Blog for VBS updates each week. Then visit Shop VBS to see all of the 2011 VBS programs and special offers. 

7 Steps to a Successful VBS

1. Pray

This is a big job, so meet with your Christian Education Director, Children’s Pastor, or Sunday School Superintendent. Begin with prayer, asking the Lord to direct you and give you wisdom as you plan for your vacation Bible school. You may want to organize a prayer team who will continue to pray for your program before, during, and after your VBS dates.

2. Plan

Once you have a budget, order several VBS starter kits to determine which one(s) will work best with your church and community. Return the kits you won’t need or keep an extra kit to use as an outreach program over spring break—or any time you need a special program. Your kids will enjoy the fun VBS crafts and gifts anytime. Visit Shop VBS to see a VBS Comparison Chart and print out a VBS Planning Guide and Timeline for organizing your VBS preparation.

3. Recruit

Ask the Lord to direct you to the people whom He wants to teach your precious children. Ask Him to prepare the hearts of these people to be receptive to becoming VBS leaders or helpers. Then make a list of qualified people who might be interested, and make an appointment to visit them in their homes. Explain the VBS program and the responsibilities of a VBS leader or helper. Ask him or her to pray about the decision, and if desired, leave a specific job description with him or her. To ensure your children the very best experiences in your VBS program, look for leaders and teachers with the following qualifications:

ü     Are dedicated Christians who seek to live for Christ daily, who study God’s Word, and who know the plan of salvation

ü     Are tuned in to kids, and able to build upon their natural interests

ü     Enjoy sharing in the children’s joy of discovery

ü     Are warm, outgoing, and have a genuine love and sensitivity for children

ü     Appreciate and seek to follow God’s command to teach children

ü     Have a basic understanding of children in terms of their physical, mental, and emotional development, and their spiritual needs

ü     Are reliable and disciplined to prepare for each meeting

ü     Are suitable role models for children

4. Prepare

Before you begin signing up children for VBS, print registration cards onto heavy stock. You can download free VBS Registration Cards. Design your own for VBS or use these. Give the cards to parents when they register their children. Have parents fill out a registration card for each child attending your program. The card should contain emergency information and a place to list allergies and other medical conditions of your students. For any child with allergies, create a special, brightly colored name badge with the allergies listed so all leaders and helpers are aware of the allergies and don’t inadvertently give the child something that might cause an allergic reaction.

5. Be Creative!

Creativity may not be your strong suit, but no doubt your church is full of creative talent just waiting to be put to good use. Someone who can paint backdrops, another person who can concoct inexpensive yet healthy snack options, a seamstress who can design skit costumes or theme decorations, a crafty mom who can modify the suggested VBS crafts into easy-to-prepare keepsakes made from household supplies—all of these people can play a role in kicking your VBS program up a notch. The key is to tap into their talents without giving them overwhelming responsibilities.

6. Pray (Continually!)

Each day during your VBS program, have volunteers arrive 15-20 minutes early for announcements and a time of prayer. You may want to provide coffee and juice each morning, with donuts or bagels and fruit the first day. Or provide dinner in the evening and invite your VBS families to come (have your volunteers arrive 15-20 minutes before dinner). Use your VBS theme for a brief devotion, then make announcements, share prayer requests and praises, and conclude with a time of prayer (for each other, for the children, and for God’s wisdom and discernment). Each day, let volunteers share stories of how God is working during VBS. Then take time to thank Him for the ways He is using each person to spread His Word and change lives.

7. Consider Including Preschoolers in Your VBS

VBS is a great way to introduce young families to your church. Consider including 2- to 5-year-olds in your VBS program. You may want to run a separate preschool program for your little ones. The hours can be the same as for your elementary program, but younger children can have their own learning centers, games, and age-appropriate crafts. The preschoolers can join the other children for your VBS opening and then go their own preschool rooms for the rest of the morning. If your VBS begins with everyone together for an opening song time, be prepared to have one or two helpers take younger children to your preschool classroom for free play if the large group setting becomes overwhelming. Read other blog articles for more ideas on including preschoolers in your VBS (See the article, "How to Have a Preschool-Friendly VBS"). Visit Shop VBS to take a look at Jesus in Nazareth for Preschoolers and the Preschool Summer All-in-One Kit, VBS curriculum written especially for your two- to five-year-olds.

And Finally…Evaluate!

Before your VBS ends, have thank-you notes and evaluation forms ready for your helpers. Gather feedback about what worked and what didn’t so you can make changes for next year. Make notes so if you are not involved, you can pass them on to your successor. Thank God for the ways He worked to change lives during VBS. Be sure to let your volunteers know how much they were appreciated. While they’re still excited about the great things that happened during VBS, ask if they would be willing to consider being a part of the team next year. (Just to get an idea, not for a firm commitment.) Then follow up around March or April (or just as soon as you set the next date) to have them start praying about volunteering for your next VBS program.

Visit Shop VBS for a PDF of this article to share with your coworkers (7 Steps to a Successful VBS).

VBS Coupons

Here are some Vacation Bible School coupons you can use over at Christian Ed Warehouse.com. Just type in the coupon code when you check out or mention the code when you call us at 1-800-854-1531. But hurry! These coupons expires July 31, 2010. The VBS website is found at Shop VBS. While you're online, check out the new 2011 VBS Starter Kits and free gifts with your order.

(Click image for a larger view)

VBS Registration Cards

Before the first day of your VBS program, copy the registration cards from below onto heavy paper or cardboard. If you divide your students into different age groups, use a different paper color for each age group.

Cut the cards apart and give them to parents when they register their children. Have parents fill out a registration card for each child attending your elementary VBS program and for each preschooler attending your preschool program, if you offer one. 

The card contains a place to record emergency information and has a section to list allergies and other medical conditions your students may have. For any child with allergies, create a special, brightly colored name badge with the allergies listed so all leaders and helpers are aware of the allergies and don’t inadvertently give the child something that might cause an allergic reaction.

Click on the image above for a larger view.

VBS Coloring Pages

Here are some coloring pages we’ve created for the 2010 VBS programs.

For each program, there is a coloring page for every day of VBS—a total of five pages. Each coloring page has the daily memory verse and the Bible theme. You can feel free to shorten the verse by whiting out the final phrase before copying the coloring page. Each coloring page shows a picture to complement the Bible memory verse for that day. The coloring pages come in sets of five pages for just $4.99 per set. The best part is, you can make as many copies as you need!

For Egypt, there is a set of coloring pages for the New Living Translation and a separate set for the New International Version. (The NLT is the version used on the Bible memory makers.) On most pages, we included the entire NIV verse. 

 

(Click on the images above to go to the download pages—NLT is on the left and NIV is on the right.)

For your sea-themed VBS, there is a set of coloring pages for the New Living Translation and a separate set for the  New International Version. (The NLT is the version used on the Bible memory posters.) 

(Click on the images above to download the pages—

NLT is on the left and NIV is on the right)

For the Heroes VBS, every coloring page has a portion of the daily memory verse, I Timothy 4:12. Each day we've added a few more words to the verse so by Day 5 the entire verse is shown. There is a set of coloring pages for the New International Version and a separate set for the King James Version. (These are the versions used on the Bible memory posters.) 

 

(Click the images above to download the pages—
KJV is on the left and the NIV is on the right)

For the Rainforest VBS, each coloring page has the daily memory verse (in the New International Version). Some of the verses are shortened for easier memorizing. 

(Click image above to download the Rainforest NIV coloring pages)

For your safari VBS, there is a set of coloring pages for the New International Version and a separate set for the King James Version. (The King James Version is used on the teaching visuals, bookmarks, and other Kingdom of the Son printed materials.) In addition, Gospel Light has a Coloring Poster you can print and copy for your students. It has a place for them to put their name and age and it features the Kingdom of the Son logo. You may want to make a coloring booklet for each child with the Coloring Poster on top, followed by the coloring pages for each day. 

(Click on the images above to download the
safari-themed pages—

 KJV is on the left and NIV is on the right)

For your Kids Camp VBS, there is a set of coloring pages for the New International Version and a separate set for the King James Version. Each coloring page has the daily memory verse and the lesson focus. In addition, Gospel Light has a Coloring Poster you can print and copy for your students. It has a place for them to put their name and age and it features the SonRock logo. You may want to make a coloring booklet for each child with the Coloring Poster on top, followed by the coloring pages for each day. At the end of your VBS week, your students will have a booklet with all five of the memory verses—a fun keepsake reminder of their week at vacation Bible school.

 

(Click on the images above to download the pages—

KJV is on the left and NIV is on the right)

If you’d like to take a look at any of these VBS Starter Kits, visit Shop VBS for more information and to order your starter kits.