June means 2011 VBS theme announcement time for most of the Vacation Bible School developers. This year I have a front row seat for one VBS debut. My oldest son and I have flown out to Loveland, Colorado to see Group’s new VBS program in action. The name PandaMania says it all (for now until I have time to write more).
Today was the first day for their field test, but they have already posted a cool video. For more information, check out their official website. You can also connect with Group VBS on Facebook.
For you die hard readers out there, you’ll notice I appear at least three times in the video and my son twice. Leave a comment below if you can spot us along with the video time where we appear. Here’s a hint, I’m the panda shaped guy in the worker t-shirt and a black cap.
For anyone interested, I’ll upload the travel log video I made for my family. It’s way too long for anyone but my own kids, but you might get a kick out of me under extreme travel duress.
Looking for more 2011 Vacation Bible School material? Check out our coverage of all the major VBS 2011 programs. You can also find tips for planning your Church Bible School.
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{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m very new to VBS – Crocodile Dock in 2009 was my first experience, and only as a Mom so I don’t have knowledge of the materials or other publishers. I wanted to point out something that I think is unique and wonderful and that I haven’t seen mentioned here. There was a special curriculum for 2 and 3 year olds, and it was WONDERFUL. My daughter, who turned 3 this March, was able to participate in Crocodile Dock and High Seas Expedition, had a great time, and learned about God and the Bible in an amazing and age-appropriate way that has stuck with her. In fact, when she was scared at bed time tonight, she brought up Crocodile Dock and “fear not!” as well as some of the Bible points. (She also really wants Crocodile Dock to come back.) I don’t know if the other VBS publishers do something like this for the little kids, but I think it’s priceless if your church’s VBS is big enough to have a reasonable number of 2 and 3 year olds.
Used Group for 2nd year. Was VERY dissappointed with Spotlight VBS. Loved last years Spotlight. Also was not satisfied on the “Let’s Go”. “Fear Not” was way better – kids still saying it. They need a Ninja theme with Kung Fu Skeeter! Can’t take the credit, was my 8 y/o daughter’s idea. But I’m just sayin.
I’m with the others in my disappointment with smilebox. Many of the parents come in for the closing, and if the theme is not in the spotlight drama…they don’t hear it. Please drop the smilebox junk and do something like last year…or if that’s to expensive for you, just create a powerpoint with the music and talk-over so we can drop in the pictures. Please!
Dave
I will say that the most major disappointment this year with Group (and this is our 3rd year with Group) was the Spotlight Drama. The previous 2 years allowed the entire lesson of the day to be played out with the kids as actors….this year seemed to be just random shots with music in the background. No real indication of what the Bible lesson was about on any particular day. Another HUGE difficulty we had was that there was no DVD…Spotlight Drama was pulled directly from the internet on Smilebox and was incompatible with the system we use. We had to rig an outside projector instead of our usual equipment. But again, we just really didn’t care for what was basically random photos of the kids set to music. So PLEASE consider revamping the “storyline” of the Spotlight Drama, and bring back the DVD, or at least have one available for purchase!
Another struggle we have is the multi-age groups. Previously, the kids were separated into age/class groups, and we thought this would be a solution to the overcrowding classes or the exceptionally small classes. Not sure if we will continue to mix the ages…too many crew leaders not liking the mixed ages!
But we do like the way everything from games to crafts to snacks is inter-connected and reinforces the Bible teaching for that day. So many times the snacks are just cookies and juice, and crafts are lots of glue and busy work. So, “thank you”, Group for keeping the kids focused on God from start to finish!
So, this is my first time leaving a comment.
We have never used Groups at our church, because of their prices and so many churches in the area using them. That being said, looking at the main verse and the theme I might consider using them next year. I must say, Psalm 139 is my favorite verse of the Bible! And who doesn’t love pandas!
Thanks Tony, your web site is truly a blessing!
I used “High Seas” this year- marking the first time I ever went with Group Publishing. We are having good success but to be honest I am not a fan. The way it is set- up from multi-age crews to how pricey all its stuff is- major drawback. I thought if they have a good theme next year I’ll give them another try.
Now that I see the theme- more than likely wont go with them.
There are 2 themes I am not overly fond of. First is camp themes. Second is the “forest” type themes. They are both way overdone and seen every year. I like something more original, you know? Plus I like different chracters- not so much one animal.
but I will take a look and give it a fair chance.
just my 2 cents
I saw you at time 1:08! Smiling Away, must have been a blast!
It really was so much fun. This is the first time in about 5 years I’ve been to a VBS where I’m not the director (sometimes dictator). Without all the pressure I can better see how God is working.
Well, based on first impressions, I probably won’t use Group next year either.
What was your objection? I’d love to hear more feedback. I am way biased on this one because I’m already feeling loyal to the people who put it together. Being in the trenches of ministry together tends to do that!
You might wait to see the finished product. They are doing a lot of testing and reworks this week. Either way, our website welcomes any honest feedback you have.