Ministry-To-Children.com » VBS 2008 Themes

Final Round: Vote For Your Favorite VBS

Tony Kummer — Sun, 11 May 2008 04:28:12 +0000

A few weeks back, I asked you to vote for the most popular vacation Bible School. I’ve taken the top four finishers and we’re ready for the final round. Thanks for all the great comments and feedback. VBS publishers enjoy a great deal of loyalty from their customers. Here are the top four finishers from round one.

Group Power Lab (24 votes)
Answers In Genesis: Amazon Expedition (23 votes)
LifeWay’s Outrigger Island (22 votes)
Standard Publishing: God’s Big Backyard (11 votes)

I was surprize that the top three finished so close!

I’ll let this poll run through May 25th. Feel free to leave your comments below. To make it even more fun, you’re welcome to give a stump speech in support of your favorite Vacation Bible School theme.

Need More Help? You can find even more practical ideas on my Vacation Bible School resource page and my Vacation Bible School crafts page.

Spanish Vacation Bible School Curriculum – Escuela Bíblica de Vacaciones En Español

Tony Kummer — Sun, 11 May 2008 03:33:36 +0000

A reader sent me a great question asking about VBS programs in Spanish for their churches outreach to a Hispanic population in their town. I’ve done some checking and wanted to share what I’ve found with everyone.

Here was the question about VBS in Spanish:

Do you know if any of these are available in Spanish? I am from MN but work with kids and churches in Mexico. I feel that VBS packets are ideal to use for 1 week here or there as an evangelism tool to bring the kids in and get them interested! Not any churches that I’ve seen do this here but in from ones’ home it could be great for neighborhood groups!

Unfortunately, I could only find a three vacation Bible school publishers making Spanish language resources available. But the good news is that they are two of the best.

You could also use the free Spanish language Sunday School lessons from Wycliffe Bible Translators. These are designed for Sunday School, but could be adapted for use in a Spanish language Backyard Bible Club or VBS. Here’s the link to their lessons on prayer, look for the en espanol link. – “Escuela Bíblica de Vacaciones En Español”

Spanish Language Edition VBS Curriculum

LifeWay has been publishing Spanish resources for their VBS for at least several years. They have these available on their website to order or you can special order them from any store that carries the LifeWay Vacation Bible school. Here is the link for Spanish Edition of LifeWay VBS.

Group Publishing is offering a bilingual Spanish/English edition of their Avalanche Ranch VBS program. This is not their current 2008 theme, so it might not appeal to churches who are doing PowerLab VBS. But if you plan a combined Spanish and English vacation Bible school program this should meet your needs. Here is the link for the Spanish/English Bilingual edition of Group’s Avalanche Ranch VBS.

Concordia Publishing House offers a good selection of Spanish language VBS and Sunday school products. Here is the link for the Spanish and Multicultural curriculum from Concordia. Here is the reader tip and recommendation:

Concordia Publishing House publishes original Spanish and bilingual Vacation Bible School programs that are written by native speakers, not translations. They have five themes available, all of which are excellent for Spanish-speaking churches, outreach to the Latino community, or mission trips. The themes are Ambush, The Secret of the Chest, Hot Air Balloon on the Loose, Sea Odysseys, and Family Portraits.

Concordia also offers many other Spanish resources, including Sunday School and other children’s materials, theological commentaries and resource books, tracts, certificates, and more! The resources are very good and are faithful to the Bible.

Do You Know Of Any Others?

Please leave a comment below if you know of any other Spanish language Vacation Bible School curriculum.

What Was Your Favorite 2008 VBS Theme?

Tony Kummer — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 03:50:44 +0000

One of the most popular feature on Ministry-To-Children.com has been my reviews of Vacation Bible School curriculum. At first this was mostly about finding the right VBS for my church, but I was glad to help so many other children’s ministers and church volunteers find the right Vacation Bible School. favorite

Which Vacation Bible School Is The Most Popular?

I’ve been asking this question. I would guess sales figures would favor publishers that deal with the larger churches. The only democratic way to find out is to run a poll – or better yet and election!

Vacation Bible School Elections

So, for fun I thought we would make this poll an election style deal. For the 1st round (primaries) you can pick your top three choices. This round will run through Thursday May 8th. If you are reading the e-mail newsletter click here to vote.

Have fun!

[poll id="7"]

Vacation Bible School in King James (KJV)

Tony Kummer — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 21:40:55 +0000

Several reading have emailed me asking this question:

Which publishers offer the King James translation for their Vacation Bible school curriculum?

The King James Version is not an issue in my church. We typically use ESV or NIV. But, here are the few KJV bible schools that I know about. If you know more, leave a comment below.

Truth Quest VBS : Choose from five different Vacation Bible School programs. Each gives you options in several different Bible translations – including the King James Version.

Bogard Press “Sonlight Express” is offered only in King James Version.

Good News Games VBS: This curriculum is published by Bogart Press and for sale at the KJV store.

Answers In Genesis 2008 VBS Creation Theme Bible School

Tony Kummer — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 00:17:58 +0000

Update: I’ve posted my review for the 2009 Answers VBS titled Operation Space.

I spent a few hours tonight looking over the new Answers In Genesis VBS 2008. I was very pleased with what I found and wanted to share some of the highlights with you. You can check it out for yourself on their Answers VBS website. You can find information on about twenty VBS 2008 themes on my Vacation Bible School preview page.

Content: In terms of content, the Answers In Genesis VBS is definately leading the pack this year. Their ambitious program attempts to lay the entire foundations of a biblical worldview in a 5 day program. If you’ve read my website for long, you know I love content that challenges kids. The Amazon Expedition VBS 2008 explores the “7 C’s of History” while teaching them that the Bible is the true history book of the universe. The 5-Day, 7 C’s Adventure Includes:

Day 1: Creation—Destination Creation
Day 2: Corruption—The Fall of All
Day 3: Catastrophe—Water, Water Everywhere
Day 4: Confusion—The Babel Rabble
Day 5: Christ, Cross, Consummation—Sad Turns to Glad

Translation: Using the New King James should open some doors into Independent churches.

Music: You can listen to samples for each song on their website. It was better than I expected from a freshman publisher, but it several songs still sound young for the children at our church. It is definitely workable. One big drawback – no demonstration DVD is listed in the package. This could be a major hang up for smaller churches.

Testing: I like to see they tested their curriculum in a large church. But sometimes I wonder how much money they spent. Will my VBS look that great on a much, much smaller budget?

Room To Improve: The cross isn’t until the last day of their program. While I appreciate their emphasis on creation and apologetics, I still am concerned that the Gospel might get overlooked in a typical Bible school. Having an extra session to present the Gospel earlier in the week would go a long way.

I would like to see PDF downloads to preview their material. It is difficult for many churches to break with their traditional VBS publishers. If Answers In Genesis made some sample lesson plans available via PDF it would help their cause.

You can find out more about vacation bible school on my 2008 theme review page.

Group 2008 Power Lab Vacation Bible School – My First Look Preview

Tony Kummer — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 04:16:48 +0000

[ad#ad-1]Full Disclosure: I’ve never used Group’s VBS themes in my church. But every year I am more impressed with their packaging and content. I’ve even bought the outdated music DVD to use for our children’s church worship time.

My first look at the Power Lab VBS Theme left me wanting to find out more. Again, Group has put together an engaging and innovative Vacation Bible School program. This post offers my first impressions of Group 2008 Power Lab Vacation Bible School. All opinions are based off their promotional website. I’ll write a more in depth review once I see the real materials this winter. If Power Lab VBS is not your style you can seen the dozens of 2008 Bible School themes on my VBS preview page.

What I Like About Group Power Lab VBS 2008

The Power Lab VBS website delivers the WOW factor. The introduction page was cool, even though it took me a minute to figure out. I loved the video clips from their “field test” of the curriculum. Group is ahead of the curve on innovations.
The DVD led music is a winner for “wired” kids. The DVDs give you lyrics, virtual song leaders and instant atmosphere. This is a major benefit for smaller churches.
The cartoon characters are the kind of graphics that will relate will with your Cartoon Network kids.
Their VBS 2008 forum is already very active. This kind of peer support is what makes Group standout.
An online registration package is included. If you don’t do web based registration you are working too hard.
I like the focus on Jesus’ power rather than our moral abilities. As most of my readers will know I can’t stand the typical Children’s ministry message, “Be a good boy so God will love you.” Group avoids this and focuses on Jesus as the power to live right.
The music is a mix of contemporary praise songs, classic hymns and original VBS music. This means your kids will learn songs that will be around for years to come. The full track list is not available yet. But the sample videos look like they’ve picked a great mix of songs.

What I Didn’t Like About Group Power Lab VBS 2008

What’s wrong with the Old Testament? I may sound like a broken record but the whole Bible is God’s Word – even for children. The Power Lab VBS has only one 1 of 5 memory verses from OT. And none of the stories are from OT. This is not acceptable. If we end up buying this curriculum I will have to substitute at least one story from the Old Testament. Note To Group Publishing: There is plenty of Jesus’ power in the Old Testament too.
The only day that seems to focus on the Gospel is Thursday. I think this is a mistake. Even church kids need to hear the Gospel more than that. I would be afraid that unbelievers would not have enough exposure to the Gospel in only one session. I’ll wait to see more on this. But if Power Lab goes light on the Gospel then they’ve missed the “power of God for salvation.” (Romans 1:16)
The “WOW, ZAP, BAM, POW, ZING” stuff is a little weird. It would be a mistake to go overboard with it. I can just imagine my boys going into Batman mode.
The theme song will sound like the an Oldies radio station to the children. The lead song may please your church volunteers but I can’t imagine the typical kid in my church getting excited about the 50′s sound. The good news is that the other songs seem to be better. I would like to see more VBS programs exploring modern rock or hip hop sounds.

More Details About Group Power Lab VBS 2008

Starter Kit: 129.99
Day 1 – Bible Point: Jesus gives us the power to be thankful.
Bible Story: WOW! Jesus heals 10 lepers (Luke 17:11-19).
Power Verse: “Always be thankful” (Colossians 3:15).
Day 2 -Bible Point: Jesus gives us the power to help others.
Bible Story: Jesus gives sight to a blind man (John 9:1-41).
Power Verse: “When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them” (Romans 12:13).
Day 3 – Bible Point: Jesus gives us the power to be brave.
Bible Story: Jesus gives Peter courage to walk on water (Matthew 14:22-33).
Power Verse: I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me” (Psalm 23:4).
Day 4 – Bible Point: Jesus gives us the power to live forever.
Bible Story: Jesus dies and comes back to life (Luke 23:26-24:53).
Power Verse: “Since I live, you also will live” (John 14:19).
Day 5 – Bible Point: Jesus gives us the power to tell others about God.
Bible Story: The Holy Spirit comes at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-47).
Power Verse: “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone” (Mark 16:15)

I hope this short preview was helpful to you. If so, you might like all my 2008 Vacation Bible School reviews. Please leave a comment and let me know what you think.

My Preview Of LifeWay Outrigger Island VBS 2008

Tony Kummer — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 02:21:47 +0000

[ad#ad-1]The official 2008 LifeWay VBS website is still a few weeks away, but they are already leaking some information on their new Vacation Bible School themes. Tonight, I spent a few minutes listening to their music and previewing their Bible lessons. If LifeWay is not your style – you might be interested in my comprehensive guide to 2008 VBS themes.

The Bottom Line on LifeWay Outrigger Island VBS

LifeWay Outrigger Island Vacation Bible School is a well designed, fully featured theme. However, the music seems a little dated for reaching today’s children. I have serious concerns about their biblical content. If your church chooses this curriculum you will probably need to add a second teaching block to reinforce and properly teach the Gospel in context. Keep reading for my full review.

About LifeWay Outrigger Island VBS

LifeWay Outrigger Island VBS: Living God’s Unshakeable Truth is a major new Vacation Bible School for 2008. This theme takes kids to a tropical paradise. The Outrigger Island curriculum is designed for all ages and follows a traditional VBS schedule with three-hour sessions throughout a week long summer program.

Vacation Bible School Scripture:

Teach me Your way, Lord, and I will live by Your truth.
Psalm 86:11 Holman CSB

Vacation Bible School Motto:

Know the Truth!
Speak the Truth!
Live the Truth!

Outrigger Island Daily Overview

Day 1 – God is Real
Story: God spoke to Moses (Exodus)
Application: I know God is real. I can believe there is no other God.
Day 2 – Jesus Is God’s Son
Jesus is God’s Son (Luke 2)
Application: I know Jesus is God’s Son. I can celebrate who He is.
Day 3 – Truth:Jesus Is The Only Way
Jesus’ Death, Burial, and Resurrection (Mark 15, 16)
Application: I know that Jesus is the only way. I can confess Him as my Savior.
Day 4 – Truth: The Bible Is God’s Word
Jeremiah and Baruch (Jeremiah 36)
Application: I know the Bible is God’s Word. I can explore its truth.
Day 5 – Truth: My Actions Show What I Believe.
The Good Samaritan (Luke 10)
Application: I know my actions show what I believe. I can stand for truth.

My First Look Review of LifeWay VBS 2008 Outrigger Island

What LifeWay Does Well

The packaging seems very well done. When it comes to the “WOW factor,” LifeWay has become a leading publisher. The supporting materials from Outrigger Island will not disappoint.

I am pleased that LifeWay didn’t omit the Old Testament this year. 2 of 5 key stories are based in the Old Testament. This is a major improvement from last years Vacation Bible School curriculum.

The Outrigger Island Theme Song is catchy and should be well received by a large portion of children. However, the island pop genre will be a hard sell for reaching unchurched boys.

Where LifeWay VBS 2008 Falls Short

Weak Applications: This is a common problem in Children’s ministry curriculum. Consider the statement from the first day, “I know God is real. I can believe there is no other God.” The wording of this phrase is very subjective and it leave no concrete application. Why not say, “God is real and there is no other God. I will worship and obey Him.” I think this is what they were trying to say. As it is their application merely gives information about the person speaking. It does not make any real propositions about God. And it leave the children with no real application. Attention LifeWay: Always begin your applications with a big God statement!

Minimal Gospel: This is perhaps my biggest concern. Aside from day three, where is the Gospel? Where is repentance and faith? Will any child actually learn why they need a savior? This is a serious flaw in most Vacation Bible School programs. The writers assume that children need only one brief exposure to the Gospel. I believe this failure is fatal to evangelism.

LifeWay VBS 2008 Price

Super Sampler Price: $189.99
Basic Sampler Price: $59.99
Available at from LifeWay Christian Stores

I hope this short review was helpful to you. If so, you might like all my 2008 Vacation Bible School reviews. Please leave a comment and let me know what you think.

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