Ministry-to-Children.com » VBS 2010

Video: Lifeway’s 2010 VBS Overview (Saddle Ridge Ranch)

Tony Kummer — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:06:00 +0000

I’ve been watching for more information about Lifeway’s Saddle Ridge Ranch. You will remember all the great VBS hint videos they made last summer. Here are a few new videos they posted to YouTube that overview their 2010 VBS curriculum. Check back in a few months for my full review or visit their official website.

These videos offer a good look at their 2010 materials, plus they show some really helpful ideas for Saddle Ridge Ranch decorations. I’m definitely more impressed after watching these videos. Feel free to share you thoughts in the comment section below. Are you excited about this VBS theme? Maybe you have already ordered LifeWay’s Saddle Ridge Ranch.

Saddle Ridge Ranch Overview

LifeWays 2010 VBS Worship Rally Overview

Saddle Ridge Ranch Craft Idea Video

Saddle Ridge Ranch VBS Music Overview

LifeWay’s VBS Mission Rotation Overview

Bible Teaching Overview for LifeWay’s 2010 VBS

Recreation & VBS Games at Saddle Ridge Ranch

Snack Rotation Overview

Looking for more VBS ideas? Then browse my practical tips for Vacation Bible School, browse all 2010 Bible School themes or talk it over in our VBS forums.

Hero Headquaters VBS 2010 from Standard Publishing

Tony Kummer — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 15:55:01 +0000

Standard Publishing has announced their 2010 VBS Theme. Hero Headquarters will feature “five unlikely Bible heroes who are often overlooked.” The tag line is “Where kids join forces with God.” Children will discover how God can use them to make a difference any situation. The graphic design appears to be inspired by the style of classic comic books and graphic novels. At first glace, this VBS theme will have a strong appeal. I’m looking forward to learning more.

From the theme song, I am glad to hear “God is my hero” as the focus of this Bible school. Too often using Bible characters for models can miss the point that God is the real protagonist of the Bible storyline. It sounds like Standard is on the right track.

My Review of Hero Headquarters VBS theme

I’m waiting for more information, but check back later this Fall for my detailed opinion and review of this VBS curriculum.

More About Hero Headquarters

Visit the official website that features a sound clip from the theme song.

Check out all the 2010 VBS themes or read tips for Vacation Bible School.

Praise Party VBS from Abington Press for 2010

Tony Kummer — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 23:46:16 +0000

This is the first year I’ve taken a look at the VBS offering from Abington Press, which also produces the Cokesbury VBS theme. This year they offer a block party theme titled Praise Party. It has an urban feeling and serves churches from a more diverse background, especially historically black congregations. The tag line for Praise Party says, “Worshiping God with head, heart, hands, feet, and SOUL!”

Praise Party Daily Content

Willing Hands (Exodus 35: 4-10a, 22, 25-26; 36:2-3a) The Hebrews offer gifts to God.
Stomp (1 Chronicles 13:1-8) David and the Hebrews praise God by dancing.
Stand up Straight in Praise (Luke 13:10-17) Jesus heals a bent-over woman.
Breakthrough (Acts 16:25-34) When Paul and Silas pray and sing, a jailer’s household receives salvation.
Sing a Song (Ephesians 5:15-20) Instructions on a Spirit-filled life

My Review of Praise Party

Later this summer, I’ll take a closer look at this VBS theme and offer my opinion.

Resources for Praise Party VBS

In this section, I’ll add link out to resources that will help churches who are using Praise Party from Abington Press. If you know of more resources, leave a note in the comment section below.

Visit the official website from 2010 Abingron Press VBS. They will have decorating ideas, and other suggestions as VBS 2010 gets closer. You can also sign up for their email newsletter.
Follow Cokesbury VBS on Twitter
Read my interview with Michael Auliso from Cokesbury / Abington Press

Galactic Blast VBS from Cokesbury for 2010

Tony Kummer — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 23:06:04 +0000

Cokesbury has announced their VBS themes for 2010. Galactic Blast is a space themed curriculum for Vacation Bible school. The tag line says, “A Cosmic Adventure Praising God.” What sets this VBS material apart is the added environmental science elements. According to the description, cadets will “gain a new perspective on our planet Earth, and learn easy “green” earth tips they can practice at home.”

This is the first “going green” elements that I’ve seen from a major VBS publisher. Global warming, climate change and environmental awareness are issues many denominations are still ignoring. But caring for the creation is a value with good support in traditional Christian theology. I’m interested to see how they integrate these green elements into the Biblical lessons.

The official website for Galactic Blat VBS is now online. You can see daily Bible content, listen to VBS music samples, and pre-order the curriculum.

2010 Galactic Blast Preview Video

Video Announcement of Galactic Blast

Galactic Blast Daily Content

Mission 1: Creation of the Universe, Genesis 1:1-2:4
Our God is wonderful! Praise God!
Mission 2: Elijah at Mt. Horeb, 1 Kings 19:4-18
Our God is incredible! Praise God!
Mission 3: The Woman at the Well, John 4:1-42
Our God is amazing! Praise God!
Mission 4: A Blind Beggar in Jericho, Luke 18:35-43
Our God is magnificent! Praise God!
Mission 5: Two Disciples in Emmaus, Luke 24:13-32
Our God is awesome! Praise God!

My Review of Galactic Blast Vacation Bible School

First, check out the preview video above. You will get a feel for how this VBS program will work out in real life. I’m waiting for more information to write a deeper review. Cokesbury will be sending me a review copy of the Galactic Blast curriculum sometime this Fall.

Resources for Cokesbury’s Galactic Blast VBS

In this section, I’ll add link out to resources that will help churches who are using Cokesbury’s Galactic Blast. If you know of more resources, leave a note in the comment section below.

Visit the official website from Cokesbury VBS. They will have decorating ideas, and other suggestions as VBS 2010 gets closer. You can also sign up for their email newsletter.
Follow Cokesbury VBS on Twitter
Read my interview with Michael Auliso from Cokesbury / Abington Press

LifeWay’s Route 254 Club VBS Theme

Tony Kummer — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 19:20:17 +0000

LifeWay has announced their VBS materials for 2010. In addition to their main Saddle Ridge Ranch theme, they offer a simple option designed for smaller churches. Route 254 is an updated version of the popular Ramblin’ Road Trip VBS theme. It features broadly graded Bible lessons that fit well in smaller Vacation Bible School settings, or in evangelistic Backyard Bible Clubs. Churches who use Club VBS for 2010 will go on a wild cross-country adventure from the nation’s capital to Southern California on Route 254.

The VBS scripture is Psalm 2:54, “Make Your ways known to me, LORD; teach me Your paths.” (HCSB) The VBS motto is , “Know! Follow! Choose God’s Way!”

Resources For Route 254 VBS

In this section, I’ll add links and resources that will help churches who choose to use LifeWay’s Route 254 VBS theme. If you know of more resources, leave a note in the comment section below.

Official LifeWay VBS blog
LifeWay VBS community website
LifeWay’s Route 254 VBS official website

LifeWay’s Saddle Ridge Ranch VBS Theme

Tony Kummer — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 19:09:09 +0000

After several weeks of hints and teaser videos, LifeWay has announced their VBS themes for 2010. Their main theme is a Western VBS curriculum called “Saddle Ridge Range” and includes all the expected cowboy, rodeo, and Southwestern elements. The key verse is James 1:5, “Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him.” (HCSB) And the VBS motto is “Need Answers? Ask God!”

One interesting note, their website positions this as “an evangelistic VBS.” This is the first time I’ve noticed that in the marketing. This might be a good approach for LifeWay to set it’s VBS apart from others. Most curriculum publishers seem to be shying away from the evangelistic component of Vacation Bible School.

They have the official website for Saddle Ridge Ranch online. It has the theme song available for download. After my first listen, I liked it. Expect more information later this summer. You can also read the news release on LifeWay’s website.

My Review of Saddle Ridge Ranch Vacation Bible School

I’m waiting for more information, but check back later this summer for my detailed opinion and review of this Vacation Bible School curriculum.

Resources For LifeWay’s Saddle Ridge Ranch VBS

In this section, I’ll add links and resources that will help churches who choose to use LifeWay’s Saddle Ridge Ranch theme. If you know of more resources, leave a note in the comment section below.

2010 LifeWay VBS Teaser Video Now Online

Tony Kummer — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 17:10:12 +0000

This year, LifeWay is having some fun with their VBS teaser videos. Instead of just posting them on their VBS website, they have created a fictional blog with some guy named “Donny” trying to sneak around the LifeWay headquarters in Nashville. Here is the first video they’ve posted:

Update: The 2010 LifeWay VBS themes have been announced. Check out Saddle Ridge Ranch and Route 254 VBS.

LifeWay VBS 2010 Hint Video #1

LifeWay VBS Teaser #2

LifeWay 2010 VBS Teaser #3

I’m not ready to make a guess yet, but I am more excited about LifeWay’s VBS Theme than I have been in several years. The whole “release it at the convention” works well for hard core Southern Baptists, but for everyone else it doesn’t create much buzz.

What is LifeWay’s SRR?

Most of the discussion on Donnie’s blog is centered on the initials SRR and what they stand for. Right now I’m going to say Ranch or Rodeo is almost certain – and it’s Southwestern.

What LifeWay Is Doing Right With Social Media

Back when I was in Seminary, everyone dumped on LifeWay for being out-of-date and generally out-of-touch. That has really turned around and now they are the most social media savvy Christian Education publisher (at least so far). Here are few things I appreciate:

They are all over Twitter. From the top down, there are dozens of LifeWay people active on Twitter – some people give credit to Becky
Their VBS blog has some good content, not just self promotion.
They have a very strong forum for VBS (they are phasing out in favor of the next item)
They have social networking site powered by Ning (Facebook clone) dedicated to VBS.
They are putting their teaser videos on YouTube, which makes it easy for me to post them here on my blog.

Update: LifeWay people were also cool enough to Tweet about this post especially Kristen Young

This is great news if your church uses LifeWay for VBS, and it’s a good reason to check them out this year. A VBS publisher is finally serious about connecting with their customers.

Stay tuned, they are set to release their 2010 VBS Theme the week of June 22 at the SBC Annual Meeting – unless Donny can post it on his blog first.

Egypt Joseph’s Journey – Group’s 2010 Holy Land Adventure

Tony Kummer — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 05:04:17 +0000

Group Publishing has just revealed their Vacation Bible School themes for 2010. They have two curriculum options, the Holy Land Adventure for next summer is titled “Egypt: Joseph’s Journey from Prison to Palace“. This looks like a very exciting theme and is sure to bring the Bible to life for thousands of children.

The official website for Group’s Egypt VBS is now online. From what I’ve seen so far, this looks like a solid theme and a great way to teach about the story of Joseph. Like other Holy Land Adventures, you will also teach a good deal of Bible background and customs of ancient locations.

My Review of Group’s Egypt VBS

Check back later this summer and I’ll offer a more detailed review of this VBS theme. Right now they have the basics on their website, but I’m looking forward to learning more.

Resources For Egypt Joseph’s Journey Vacation Bible School

In this section, I’ll add links and resources that will help churches who choose to use Groups Holy Land Adventure in 2010. If you know of more resources, leave a note in the comment section below.

Visit the official website for Egypt VBS
Get ideas from the Group VBS forums
Find a networking event for this VBS

Group’s High Sea Expedition VBS Theme for 2010

Tony Kummer — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 04:36:01 +0000

Group Publishing has announced their Vacation Bible School theme for 2010. It’s called “High Sea Expedition: Exploring the Mighty Love of God.” This new VBS material features an adventure at sea, including sailing ships and a pelican character. Mariners and ocean lovers will want to learn more about this theme.

The official website for High Sea Expedition already has some information. You can learn about the Bible stories and Bible Buddy characters. I’m looking forward to seeing their field test videos, but for now it is exciting to see the theme.

I was reading through the Group forums and the core users of Group VBS are very excited (and relieved) that the 2010 theme has been announced. One person even said, “I am glad that this is a high sea voyage w/o being pirate.” Others were talking about fishing nets and decorations.

My Review of High Sea Expedition VBS Theme

I’m waiting for more information, but check back later this summer for my detailed opinion and review of this Vacation Bible School curriculum.

Resources For Group’s High Sea Expedition

In this section, I’ll add links and resources that will help churches who choose to use Groups VBS in 2010. If you know of more resources, leave a note in the comment section below.

Visit the official website from Group Publishing
Get ideas from the Group VBS forums

2010 Cokesbury VBS: Going Green VBS Theme

Tony Kummer — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 14:51:41 +0000

Cokebury has just posted the first hint about their new curriculum theme for 2010 vacation Bible School. It is a video clip of a person in a gorilla suit watching TV and then making a grocery list. They will release more clues leading up to the reveal on July 1, 2010. Check out the website and take a guess. You can also stay up to date with Cokesbury on Twitter.

Update: They have officially announced their 2010 VBS themes. Check out Galactic Blast and Praise Party VBS.

Cokesbury 2010 Going Green VBS Theme Teaser #1

Cokesbury VBS 2010 Going Green Theme Teaser #2

Going Green? VBS Video #3

2010 Cokesbury VBS Video Hint #4

SonQuest Rainforest VBS 2010 from Gospel Light

Tony Kummer — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 20:04:10 +0000

Gospel Light has revealed their 2010 VBS theme and set up a teaser page on their website. Next Summer, they will offer a rain forest themed Vacation Bible School curriculum. I’m looking forward to seeing the direction they go with the materials. The early reaction on their forums seems very positive about SonQuest, but I’ll hold my opinion until I see more.

I think the Rain Forest theme still captures the imagination of kids, especially with more talk about ecosystems in science education. This is a safe theme choice and should not disappoint Gospel Light fans. I’m not sure if they will win much market share, but they should be able to retain their loyal customers.

My Review of SonQuest Rainforest VBS theme

I’m waiting for more information, but check back later this summer for my detailed opinion and review of this Vacation Bible School curriculum.

More About SonQuest Rainforest VBS

You can go to the Gospel Light website and sign-up for email notice when more details are announced.
Watch the Gospel Light VBS Forums for them to add a new forum for the 2010 SonQuest VBS.
Listen to the song “Following Jesus” from the SonQuest VBS music.

Group’s 2010 VBS Theme Teaser!

Tony Kummer — Wed, 20 May 2009 17:30:05 +0000

Update: The wait is over and Group has announced their 2010 VBS theme as High Sea Expedition.

The teasers for Group’s 2010 VBS theme have started. They are adding videos to their website and stirring up theories on their forums. This is really great marketing and works like a great introduction hook on your lesson plans. The hard part is staying focused on this year’s VBS when all the rumors about 2010 VBS themes are floating out there. I expect Group will wow everyone again, especially with their latest Holy Land VBS theme.

The big 2010 VBS theme “teaser” postcard came from Group Publishing today. It didn’t have too much information, but it did say the following:

Group’s 2010 VBS Themes!

Two new programs. The best ever. Did you catch the clues?
Visit group.com/vbs on May 26 for a sneak peak.
{image of a magnifying glass}
Sign up to be the first to get clues at group.com/vbsclues

On the back side of the mailer was a full color glossy picture with the title “I SPY…” and people dressed up in costumes in what looked to be a lobby area.

I have to admit, I’m a sucker for these VBS theme teasers. I’ll be watching Group’s forums and report back if I can crack the code.