I’ve heard of the Go Fish guys a few times, but didn’t know much about them. This year they sent me a copy of their VBS to review. What I found impressed me in many ways. “Backstage With the Bible” is a rock concert theme that will connect very well with kids in our American Idol culture.
Here are my review notes from this Vacation Bible School program. I would love to hear your comments about the theme, especially if you have used their music in your church. Just leave a comment below. For more information, be sure to check out their official website and YouTube channel.
High Energy Music
The first thing that impressed me about this VBS was the quality of the music. This program is built around several popular songs that the Go Fish Guys have been performing for years. This gives them a real advantage over other publishers who are forced to composed original VBS songs to fit a predefined theme. The music in this VBS is the same music that families flock to see at their Go Fish Guys concerts.
Excellent Supporting Media
The DVD that comes with this curriculum will bring the concert experience to your VBS. Each song video includes concert footage, fun animations, and real kids leading the choreographed dance movements.
Clear Gospel Focus
Sometimes the Gospel message gets lost in all the creative theme elements in a traditional Vacation Bible School. That is definitely not the case with this VBS. The teaching focus clearly moves the children through the basics of a Gospel outline. Here is a look at the daily themes:
- Day #1 Superstar: God made you in HIS image (Psalm 139:14)
- Day #2 Ten Commandments: Are you good enough? (Romans 3:23)
- Day #3 The Cross: Find out what Jesus did for you (John 3:16)
- Day #4 Saved: Saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8)
- Day #5 Go Fish: Share the Good News! (Matthew 4:19)
Bible Saturated Teaching
Another strong point for this VBS is the amount of biblical content contained in each lesson. They have included far more Bible teaching in their lessons than in the typical Vacation Bible School. “Putting the Bible back into Vacation Bible School” is more than a marketing phrase. If you want meaty Bible content, this one won’t disappoint.
Simplicity
This VBS curriculum has all the normal activities including music, bible lessons, snacks, crafts, and games. One major difference is the intentional focus on simplicity. They don’t load you down with dozens of options, instead it’s all focused on having fun & sharing the Gospel. The directions in their manuals are very clear and to-the-point.
Concerns
With any new or self-published VBS some aspects will not measure up to the big budget publishers. One thing that seemed lacking with this theme was the preschool curriculum. I would like to see more preschool specific learning activities included. This is a small concern if you have experienced preschool leaders, but an 11 page preschool manual may be too simple for some churches.
Other churches may be uncomfortable with this theme for cultural reasons. The style of music and emphasis on dancing may put off some culturally conservative congregations. Without qualification, this VBS is using rock & roll to connect children with the Gospel. If that fits your ministry approach you will love it. But churches that are shy about accommodating pop culture will like this curriculum.
My Video Review of this VBS Theme
In just under three minutes, I unpack the starter kit they sent to me. You can watch it below or check out my Go Fish Guys VBS review on YouTube.
Back Stage with the Bible Video
Need More Ideas? Then browse our 2010 VBS reviews or find planning tips for Vacation Bible School.
Need More VBS Help? Then read my tips for planning Vacation Bible School. You can also browse all our VBS 2010 theme reviews.
Similar Posts You May Enjoy
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- Creation Review (Preschool Bible Lesson)
- Book Review: A Bible Alphabet by Alison Brown
- Children’s Sermon About Jonah & the Big Fish (Pt. 2)
- Children’s Sermon About Jonah & the Big Fish (Pt. 1)
- Creation Coloring Sheets: God Made Animals, Birds, & Fish
- Review: VBS Curriculum from the Seventh Day Adventist Church
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks for your family’s object lesson about the coke bottle! I think that while the curriculum side of the lesson is certainly valid, the other lesson is that children’s leaders who are not FULL of Jesus, who are working from a half-empty, ragged spot in their own lives, don’t have enough personal “content” to make a difference. Been there, done that. Because “more is caught than is taught” it’s vital that WE be fully connected, fully “contented” (in both senses of the word) with JESUS so that kids (even the ones who don’t listen to the Bible story!) see HIM!
We used the Go Fish VBS last year and it was a HUGE hit! We LOVE their music and have done their songs at all of our previous VBS’. They are very down to earth and really relate to the the older kids that attend. Sometimes the “corny” characters of other VBS’ turn the 4th-6th graders off. We had yo go back to another publisher for this year but can’t wait until their next VBS in 2011! If you’re tired of doing the same-old-thing this is the VBS for you!
We have just decided to try the Go Fish VBS this year. Any suggestions? We are really pumped about the music and brining the bible back to Vacation Bible School and to the hands of our youth. I am hoping we can hear of a concert nearby.
Sue, this is the best VBS! If you need any suggestions, let me know. We had a great time with this.
We are planning a Go Fish VBS this year and are very excited to have them coming for a concert on the last night of our VBS! I am interested to hear some of what others are planning for decorations, crafts and games. Also, I’ve looked for other forums where people might be sharing their ideas and successes – has anyone seen anything like that?
Best VBS we have ever had!!!! Our kids loved the music and parents report that they still listen to it. They loved to sing and dance. The older kids really loved it. The lessons are simple and gospel centered. We loved this program and can’t wait for the next Go Fish Curriculum!
Decoration—-put black paper on walls and put cd’s on them with cut out pictures from the downloads, paint boxes to look like speakers—get blowup guitars and blow up microphones to hang up or use as props. Hang metallic stars from ceiling of rooms. Lots of fun!
We are so excited to be planning a Go Fish VBS this year. The music is awesome and I know the kids (and adults) will love it. I love the simple and so important message in the daily lesson that will help us all get back to the Bible basics. My question is for those of you who have already done this is..do you have some good ideas for crafts that were a hit with your VBS? Any advice is appreciated! Thanks and God Bless You!
We are excited to Backstage with the Bible this summer for VBS. I would love game suggestions from anyone who has done this VBS.
How/where do I as a Canadian purchase this curriculum? It sounds and looks wonderful!
I agree with the reviewer that there is simply not enough preschool content! I was just given the material for our VBS later this month and panicked!! I have spent hours online looking for preschool activities and craft and song options to go along with the Bible stories.
Has anyone who has used the material any ideas for me?
We are using the Go Fish VBS curriculum this year and I am looking for game ideas, especially for the last two nights. The whole curriculum is great, but I wish there were some game suggestions. Thanks for any help.
Here are some easy game ideas from our website. Most will work great for VBS.
Question – is there a daily student curriculum? This sounds great but am wondering how the lessons go other than music.
thanks for any help!!
There is a daily Bible lesson that lines up to basically a really solid Gospel presentation. There are not printed student workbooks.