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A reader recently emailed me asking for advice about her VBS schedule. I thought it was a good question so I wanted to share a few quick thoughts here on the website. This is not an exhaustive discussion, so please share your ideas in the comment section below. You can also check out a helpful conversation about this on the Kidology forums.
Here is what the reader wrote:
This will be my first year directing VBS and our theme this year would lend itself well to an evening VBS, but I’d like a little input from people who’ve tried it. Do you have any information on evening versus daytime VBS programs? Or can you direct me to a source of information?
This is definitely a church specific decision because so many factors will relate to your church uniquely. At my church we’ve tried both and have settled on what works best for us. Of course that may change in a few years, but for now we stick with a morning VBS.
If I was a new VBS director I would ask the church what they have done in the past or what other churches do in the area. Then take an extra step and ask why. Sometimes doing things the same way is really the best idea, sometimes a change is needed. Whatever the situation, this should give you a good starting point.
Pros and Cons of a Night VBS Schedule
In general, finding adult volunteers will be easier for a night VBS. Many parents who work during the day can make time to help with an evening schedule. This might be a downside for retired or senior adult volunteers – ours like to be home before dinner. So check with some key helpers to see what makes the most sense in your church.
Kids will sometimes have baseball or gymnastics practice conflicts in the evenings. Many sports programs run on weeknights so that parents can attend. Children may also be at the swimming pool all afternoon and not make it to VBS on time. At my church, attendance suffered when we did a night Bible school.
In my experience, kids have more energy (or wildness) with an evening schedule. This can make things more fun or out-of-control depending on the child.
From a directing standpoint, an evening VBS gives you all of the next morning and afternoon to prepare the next days activities. This can be helpful if you or your volunteers are not into early mornings.
We did try a more ‘family-integrated’ VBS with the night schedule, but few parents really bought into it. It ended up being about the same parents sticking around who would have helped in the morning either way.
Pros and Cons of a Day VBS Schedule
Senior adult workers prefer morning VBS schedules, at least that is the case at my church. For me that made the morning much easier to staff. On the downside volunteers (and kids) would sometimes miss for doctor appointments during the day.
Our attendance was stronger in the morning with parents looking to keep kids active during summer downtime. Babysitters were always glad to bring their children to our program too. You might want to be careful of daycares. I have heard stories about preschool overload when too many came without warning.
I always liked having VBS done before lunch and then using the afternoon to prepare for the next day. This was just my preference but it helped me sleep better at night.
Weather was better for us with a morning schedule. We get less thunderstorms in the AM and the outside games are better before the full heat of the afternoon. You could argue this the other way but 9 AM to Noon seems cooler to me than 6-9 PM.
What Do You Think?
Be sure to leave your feedback below. This is an issue with lots of considerations and ultimately about your church + community. What are the benefits of having a night VBS program versus a day VBS schedule? You’ve read my pros and cons. We still want to hear your opinions.
Related posts:
- How To Make A Church Nursery Schedule
- 6 Practical Ways To Find Workers For Vacation Bible School
- 9 Steps For Planning Vacation Bible School
- Example Vacation Bible School Report
- Vacation Bible School Forums
{ 19 comments… read them below or add one }
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We are an inner city parish but we serve not only the neighborhood, but our parishioners come from the suburbs as well. So we take into consideration schedules who might have a stay at home parent as well as working parent(s). We offer our VBS for 2 weeks. The first week is in the morning from 9a.m. til noon. The second week we off the program in the evening from 5:30 til 8:15. We always serve meals for the kids, because we are not sure if they eat at home. The second week is not a repeat of the first but an extension of the first week. The format is always the same and although knowing how many to expect each day would be ideal, we take who can come when they can come. We average about 20 -30 kids per day (each session)…and over the course of the 2 weeks serve about 60 different kids. The last night is a party for parents to see what we have done for the past two weeks. We feed everyone, have a concert and a slideshow of our 2 weeks of VBS. It’s very rewarding for us. Good luck with your program; but remember each community is unique so you need to know your population and do what is best to serve them. God bless!
Growing up, I attended morning/all day VBS programs and there were approximately 20 adults with the target audience preschool-6th grade. The teens helped a lot in these. Now, I attend a congregation where the tradition is evening 7-9pm VBS and all ages are taught (Preschool through Adult). I now plan/write curriculum for younger (Pre-school through Elementary), revise the curriculum for discussion style (middle/high school) and we have guest preachers each night who speak to the adults. This is certainly very different but I have found that attendance is high, the whole church is taught or is serving, and overall everyone is touched by the lessons.
We are doing a morning 9:00 to 11:30 A.M. VBS this year. Most of our children play on ball teams in the evening. They may be playing for most of the Summer if they are on a winning team, leaving them out of evening VBS. This happened last year. With the evening VBS we served a meal due to the time and to help working mothers be able to help with and attend. This year we will be having snacks making it easier prepare and serve. Also I agree with others the children are able to learn more in the morning because they are not so tired and are more attentive. Hopefully it will be cool enough in the morning for outside games, also.
Yes, I would love to see your schedule as well as know what program you used.
Our church has always done an evening VBS program. One of the major reasons is the children who come. There are a lot of single parent community children who attend VBS so their parent works during the day so no one can pickup the child (we do not let any child walk home alone) These families always are so greatful for a program their children can attend. We go from 6-8 dropping the expensive craft portion and adding an extra game station … because like mentioned the children have lots of energy in the evening. Sometimes it is a bit tight getting everything in but it works. As the director I find having the next day to get ready and spend with my family a huge help.
I really am opposed to the night VBS. When I was a kid I always loved going to VBS and they were in the daytime. Young kids are pretty much out for evening VBS. It is also harder on SAHMs to get the kids to night VBS. My kids go to bed at 7:30 because they don’t nap. They would never make it to 9pm multiple nights in a row. It would be meltdowns. Mine are 4 and could have gone this year but I can’t find any churches doing daytime VBS. I told my church I would have even volunteered to help with VBS IF it was a day time one, but no way for nightime because I am tired by then and so are my kids. My day starts at 7 am or earlier and I spend all day running after my kids. By that late at night our energy is gone!
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