Creating Your Own VBS or Camp

This post is part of the Children's Ministry Toolkit - a collection of resources for building strong and vibrant children's ministry, brought to you by Faith Formation Ministries.

Creating your own VBS or camp is the ultimate way to match your ministry to your unique context! Here are some pointers for creating your own content.

• Spend some time assessing the needs of your community and the resources your congregation has to offer and see if you can create a way to serve your community. Is there a way to serve the children in your community by offering literacy camps or ESL camps? Maybe you have some teachers who are on summer break and might be willing to provide tutoring assistance. Here is one idea for hosting a reading day-camp for children in need of reading assistance. 
• Small church with few children? You may be perfectly positioned to take VBS on location. Learn how one church did so here. 
• If you are looking to create a VBS alternative, take a look at this article. It helps you think through some basic questions before you start your endeavor. It also provides directions for five do-it-yourself camps including Hobby Camp, Around the World with a Missionary VBS, Skill Camp, and Local Heros VBS. 
• Maybe a camp is just too big a project for your church right now. Here are some suggestions for Taking Faith Formation Outdoors in the summertime.

Have questions? Our Children's Ministry Catalyzer would love to talk with you about faith formation in children at your church. Email [email protected].