[ad#kids-links]
I never got around to reviewing Standard’s VBS theme last year. But prompted by their mailings to my church, I decided to take a look for my VBS 2009 curriculum reviews. Here is my first look review of Studio GO VBS by Standard Publishing. My opinions in this review are based off their marketing materials, forums, friends who have used Standard, and their website.
If you’ve used Standard’s VBS materials, please leave a comment below this article.
First Impressions Of 2009 Studio GO Vacation Bible School
- Bible Content: I’m a little cautious from what I’ve seen.
- Theme Appeal: Most kids love game shows.
- Supporting Materials: Looks good.
- Music: Limited samples on their website (8/22/08), but the theme song seems in line with previous years quality.
- Overall grade: B-
Studio GO Theme
This Vacation Bible School has a game-show theme. They even have slick game-show host graphic on the starter kit box. Studio GO will appeal to churches who want a high energy theme. The concept is heavy on fun, but I normally prefer the VBS themes that are set in different world locations.
The theme verse is Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” I’d be interested to see how they use this verse, because it seemed a little out of place on a Game Show set.
You can learn more about Standard’s Studio Go them from their website and forums. If you are considering this theme, I suggest you read the VBS forums from their 2008 VBS God’s Big Backyard. This will give you some feedback from churches that actually used Standard’s vacation Bible school.
Standard’s Studio GO Bible Lessons
Standard is taking the typical approach to VBS curriculum. Each day’s Bible teaching is based on an application statement that is illustrated by a Bible character. Many publishers stick with this format, but I would like to see more focus on God’s character.
- GO Lead: Gideon from Judge, 7:1-22
- GO Risk: Esther from Esther 4-7
- GO Tell: Women witness to Jesus from Matthew 27
- GO Obey: Peter preaches under threat of prison Acts 5:17-32
- GO Serve: Ananias helps Paul Acts 9:1-19
Service Showcase
This is a special feature of Studio GO that continues Standard’s emphasis on volunteerism. The idea is to give kids real life examples and opportunities for serving others. This replaces the lesson time about missionaries that many traditional VBS curricula include.
Concerns About Studio GO
Application Driven Lessons: My concern is that building the whole lesson around a themed application point will distract kids from the real point of these stories – God’s Glory. (See my review of Group’s Crocodile Dock for examples of God-centered lesson titles.) This is not a issue unique to Standard, many Christian publishers default to this approach. However, churches should guard against using the Bible for moral teaching while missing the Glory of God and his loving plan to save sinners.
Volunteerism Over Gospel: Of all people, Christians should be the most dedicated to loving their neighbors. But as our culture adds volunteerism as a key feature of its social religion, we should be careful not to confuse doing good things with following Jesus. The message of Christianity is God’s plan to save sinners and remake the world through Jesus Christ. We should remember that good works are the outcome of changing lives, and changing lives are the outcome of God changing people when they hear about Jesus.
[ad#bottom-post]
What Do You Think?
Please share your opinions about Studio GO VBS in the comment selection below. My comments are just one opinion, so let me know what you think.
Need More Help? You can find even more practical ideas on my Vacation Bible School resource page and my Vacation Bible School crafts page.
Similar Posts You May Enjoy
- Hero Headquaters VBS 2010 from Standard Publishing
- Group Publishing Drops the PandaMonium Name for VBS 2011
- The Genesis Standard for Families: Ryan Rush
- 2009 VBS Trends & Reflection
- LifeWay 2009 VBS Theme Announcements
- Answers In Genesis VBS 2009: Operation Space
- Crocodile Dock: Group’s 2009 VBS Theme
{ 54 comments… read them below or add one }
We have used Standard for several years, and the one thing that I want to point out is that confusing service for the sake of service with service as a way to show Christ’s love was not an issue for us. This is exactly how our church operates. We stressed that we serve not because we should, or because of the attention, but because it is what we are commanded to do.
What version of the Bible does Standard Publishing use for their VBS?
At one time Standard Publishing only used the KJV. All literature that I have for this years VBS has referrances only… On the posters, in the CD, in the take home pages… no written scripture at all…
Is this straddling the fence? I say take a stand, keep with the “Standards” you were built on.
Standard uses KJV and NIV, the memory verse is clearly printed out and you can choose which version to use.
We do VBS on the road, so my first consideration is-will the Kids hear about law/gospel balanced with challenging their faith. In other words, we always have kids come who are regular church goers and we always have mission kids. How do you find the right balance? Then I look at how the theme can be translated for cheap and easy transport. Group often has great themes, but they are expensive and require a lot of decorating. I appreciate CPH’s very committed stance to deliever law/gospel in a week. However, I consistently chose Standard for a number of reasons-ease of application,stories matching theme of week,and very well written and concieved songs for the kids. This is the third year we have used standard. They are a joy to work with as they, as a company, seem more interested in spreading the gospel and not as concerned about how much product leaves their warehouses. If I have to spend a lot of money on materials, I have to think is the money was truly well spent. We go to mission areas where I would rather bring them a box of crayons than a sticker sheet. I am looking forward to using standard again with the game show theme because I keep thinking of ways to use game shows kids would be familiar with to “hook” them into the lessons and play ,for example, memory games.I would also like to add that the service emphasis is a bonus for us also.
This is only the 2nd year that Standard has implemented a hands-on service approach, and I applaud them for it. For one, it’s different; as a VBS director, I have researched several VBS materials, and after a while they all start to look the same. Secondly, and in my opinion, more importantly, it gets kids to think outside themselves, which is a wonderful lesson at a young age. If there is anything today’s church is struggling with, it’s an attitude of consumerism. We’re surrounded by it in the world and then a lot of us bring it into church with us. We can have the attitude ‘what can the church do for me?’ or even ‘what can God do for me?’, instead of considering what we can do for God and His church. Also, I think it’s great for kids to see that they don’t have to live on another continent to be a missionary. I am very passionate about foreign missions, so I was wary about this at first. However, I think it is a life-changing lesson for kids to learn; that you don’t have to be a Super-Christian to minister or be a missionary – you can do it in your own backyard.
I find it surprising that, after a “first look”, you could suggest that Standard is taking a “volunteerism over Gospel” approach. I think sharing the Gospel is the whole idea behind the “Go” approach, as in the Great Commission – “Therefore GO and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” I feel passionately that God has called us to “Go” and serve, not only sit and learn. I hope that you would give this material a second look. Thanks!
@Annie Double: Thanks for your feedback. I’m not down on Standard’s approach to service, it’s something that most “evangelicals” have completely thrown out – especially in teaching kids.
Helping people is a consequence of the Gospel, and we must not ignore that fact. But my concern remains.
Our church has used Standards VBS material for many years (until this year) and we have always found them to be exceptional, I do not understand your concerns. We teach servant hood in our church not in some legalistic demand to be “saved” or “keep our salvation” attitude, but as the Bible teaches it; that we are to be active servants because of the grace we have received. I have always found that Standard’s materials have faithfully pointed that out. I believe you should check out the material a little further before you judge it. This year we decided to try something new and went with Crocodile Dock from Group. So far I am very disappointed at how shallow the entire message is. You praise them for “God centered lesson titles” yet fail to see that “titles” are all they have. No real Gospel message, no call for action, no call for true love, and no real respect for God. We are headed tomorrow into our last day of VBS this year and I am already eager to get back to solid Bible teaching next year from Standard.
We used Standard Publishing last year and were impressed with the organization of the materials, what they have to offer, the website tools, etc. Last year’s theme was “God’s Big Backyard,” and while we found it to be a lot of fun, high energy, and consistent with our church’s vision, I do agree that it was lacking in terms of focusing on God and his glory. I also felt that there was so much outward focus with the service theme that it did not meet the needs of our children and community visitors who were hungry to know Christ on a deeper, more individual basis. There wasn’t much focus on salvation or leading others to Christ. What I have seen in relatin to Studio Go seems very similar in comparison. I won’t say that we won’t use Standard Publishing again because there were a lot of things that we liked about it, but I am looking for something this year that brings kids closer to Christ before sending them out to do His work.
I am a huge advocate of Standard’s approach to VBS. I have taken a lot of the suggestions that Tony has about selecting VBS curriculum to heart in choosing. I believe that Standard has a great balance of OT and NT and that they keep the Gospel at the center of the curriculum. Standard used a very effective approach w/ Big Backyard in Community Corner on teaching about serving others and sharing God’s love. I will happily use Standard again this year and am thrilled that they have added a service area. I firmly believe that my son will serve in the ministry one day and have little doubt that the emphasis Standard has on service- serving God by serving others will impact the path he takes to get there.
My church also likes Standard’s curriculum because they consistently have a KJV option in the curriculum.
Hi Heidi, Standard uses various versions of the Bible in Studio Go, I think, but don’t quote me on this, to find the version that is easiest for kids to memorize and understand. Hope that helps
2008 theme – God’s Big Backyard
i used this kit and theme for a full summer mid-week program that lasted 10 weeks ending in a bbq for the kids and their parents – we used 85% of the materials, making sure that the lessons WE taught were based on the Word and in line with the beliefs and character of our church. The theme was all about service (family all the way to Jesus), and that was wonderful. The age group that i teach is 3yr-K5 and it was big hit, we drew in many families from the community that have continued to attend our church long after the program is now over (and many parenst thanked us for the “servant’s heart” that theur children went home with!). I pulled out the music this last Wednesday in class and the kids jumped up and started to sing it word for word, motion for motion – i was very impressed…..I am not sure about this year’s theme, as i am just now in the “hunt mode”, but i can attest for the easy to use and easy to assimilate content from last year. It made for easy decorating ideas too – we constructed a tree house backdrop that took up the whole back wall of our classroom, complete with a picket fence, lawn chairs and artificial grass –it was a LOT of fun!
I can not find the music clips that allows you to listen to just a minute or two of each song in 2009 studio go vbs. It seems it is not on the main page and when i call standard they did not seem to know how to find it either.
Is It available on the site to hear this year?
Thanks
Bille
sorry…no…
We have used Standard in the past. Lately we have used Group’s VBS for ease, content and the kids LOVE Chadder. Standard is a very solid VBS and we have used God’s Big Backyard on mid-week service. I love the hands-on approach. Kids need to learn a Christian is to be actively about God’s work and love. Most are self-consumed within their own world.
Our church is one of the few remaining 2 week VBS programs. We have great success with this idea. Each year we average about 200+ and have at least 30 decisions for Christ. This is the most important number we keep track of! We have been using Standard and Lifeway for the past 3 or 4 years. Last year we did Lifeway first, and then Standard. Our theme was God’s Big Backyard. Our idea was you couldn’t serve Christ until you knew who He is. We are just now starting to look at materials. My first idea was to use the game show theme and “win” a trip to Australia, but I don’t know about it yet.
I’ve used Standard in the past. I am very excited about Studio Go. It is a fun theme. Along with the material in the kite, I format each class based on our particular congregation. I think sometimes it is good to bring something different from what we hear Sunday to Sunday or our Bible studies night. If you talior it to what you have in mind you can take the scriptures and go over how you want it to relate to the lessons you want to teach while still having loads of fun.
I always look for something new and exciting. I like to draw the minds of our children in and we are going to incorporate other things that conincide with the basic lesson. I just feel excited about the game show host theme and we are going to build a wheel and have a host. I think this will draw everyone in to really discuss our lessons.
I had the privilege of playing Nick the squirrel, one of the two theme puppets from Standard’s “God’s Big Backyard” last summer. I also was a teacher of the beginner (pre-K and kindergarten) age group. The kids really connected with the skit characters and puppets, so it was easy to make a connection between the theme and their bible lessons. The “helping hands” service idea was also a success. The kids were so excited to help out and earn a sticker, but when we gave them the stickers we reminded them of the previous day’s lesson and the bible people who helped out. I appreciate that Standard’s themes are not the “same old, same old” and teach the kids about God in exciting and new ways.
I used Standard’s 2007 VBS “Take the Plunge” and loved it. The puppet show was wonderful. The puppet show got the point across as to what we would be studying that day. I believe it was the best VBS we have ever had. Also, I used 2008 “God’s Big Backyard”, not impressed. The puppet show was not nearly as good as the year before. I barely got the point, so I know small children did not. Don’t know if I will be using Standard this year or not.
Hi Paula,
Would you be willing to loan the music CD, or preferably DVD, for Take the Plunge? We’d be able to make a donation for it’s loan. Let me know ASAP! Thanks … and blessings!
Tony,
This has nothing to do with this reveiw but I could not find out how any other way to contact you. I would be interested in your oppinion of Bogard Press’ “Passport To The Promised Land”. If you have the opportunity, could you take a look at the materials and submit a review?
Thanks for your time,
Robin
Now I am a little concerned myself. Unlike many directors, I usually look at theme first before then the “message” content. That is because I am very visual and think our younger generation is as well. In a fast growing technological society that stops at nothing to captivate the minds and hearts of our kids I prefer a VBS that is relevant to the times. Because our VBS is an outreach to the community (inner city) and not a summer program for church kids I am always looking for a theme that attracts kids or like Sarah said, “hook them” so that we can effectively share the life changing message of the Gospel. I have used Group’s VBS for over 10 years and have enjoyed their themes. I have even developed Supplemental Idea website for some of their themes (myvbshome.info). However, I decided go elsewhere this year and explore other publishers. Like I said earlier for me the visual part of the VBS is number one. Then of course I look at the content and make sure it proclaims the Gospel in a simple and meaningful way. But I must first see the whole picture and ask myself if this VBS theme will be attractive to the non-churched kids who prefer McDonalds over Wendy’s because of the “Play Place”.
Thank God I have always worked a group of very talented people who have helped me create miniature Disney Lands where kids come because of the decorations, stay because of the fun-filled activities, and go with a life changing message that have added families to the Kingdom of God. Once I am convinced that a VBS will do this then it is time to PRAY, PRAY and PRAY some more. My staff and I meet regularly to ask the Holy Spirit to help us convey the message of hope in a loving and powerful way.
I have decided to do Go Studio because I can already see the excitement as kids walk into a Game Studio with all the lights, cameras, color, games, prizes and more! However, since I have never used SP I will have to get this kit right away and review it thoroughly and prayerfully to see if the main message is not one geared mainly for church kids. Like I said earlier, our main focus, and the one I believe should be of every VBS, is to reach the community with the Good News. Thanks for this website is a truly wonderful resource! -Pastor Joe
i have used standard publishing for about 5 years now, and have always had supreme results from my students. They love to interact with the theme songs and lessons. I am not sure if i will be choosing standard publishing this year, but there always on my list!
I have been the VBS director at our Congregational Church for five years now. Based on past performance, we have used Standard for the past four years. Last year, the company completely changed the organization of the program. Grade levels were dropped. Formats were changed. The music selections were no longer marked by age level. Being pregnant while reviewing the curriculum, I did not take the time I should have to notice there were significant changes from the structure I had become accustomed to over the previous three years. Consequently, with newborn in hand, I made the deadly discoveries two weeks prior to our VBS date and had to recreate material and fill in the holes that appeared. The kids loved it, but it was a nightmare on my end of it! So, I vowed NOT to use Standard for 2009. Unfortunately, my traditional program loving church needs don’t seem to be met easily with any other curriculum out there this year. My favorite for excitement factor was Mega Sports Camp, but the limitation in age levels and the drastic change is too much for our small church.
No one has mentioned their experience with the crafts in the studio go vbs . Our Church is doing this vbs for the first time this year. We would appreciate any help.
patty
Hello everyone!
This year (2009) will be my first time “running” a VBS, I’m 17. I was set on getting the Studio GO! VBS but after reading everyones opinions and realizing what would be best for my church, I think Gods Big Backyard would be better (The emphasis on service is great!). Our church is going through deep finacial times and I was wondering if anyone had “left-over” materials from last year. That would be a great help! Keep the reviews coming, they’re very helpful!
I have used Standard Publishing’s material for over 10 years. We have always found their vacation bible school curiculum to be of the highest quality. While the themes are not always the most appealing, or the easiest to carry out, the content is exceptional. Standard has come along way in the past few years by providing great music and awesome DVDs. It is one of the few programs that still provides theme related studies for middle school, high school, and adult classes. That alone makes it my pick year after year.
My kids were in the pilot group that tested Studio Go last year. I have to tell you, they enjoyed every minute and really loved the music and the CD they received afterward. The church that hosted it did a wonderful job and it was very, very fun. I totally agree with you that I’d prefer they learn more about the Law and Gospel than service. Studio Go was really fun and I have no disagreement with anything that was taught – it was all biblical. I just like to see more about Jesus saving us from our sins.
I led the games in last years big back yard and I must say that they were a step above the rest. Standard does a great job seperating the games into age appropriate groups. The games were fun energy filled and really easy to relate to.
I have worked with both group and standard snacks and standard was better hands down. The snacks were simple and effective where as some of the group snacks seemed forced.
I would absolutely pick standard again because the service aspect is so all done. When I told a nearby church about the service station they were so impressed that asked where we got the theme. Plus our church has a big saint vincent depaul society (parish outreach) and the service theme is a great fit
I think the best idea we had was how to get volunteers. In order I recieve confirmation we require the kids do device hours. If the kids do vbs hen all their hours are done. At first they are reluctant but they really get into it.
I and to the person who asks about the crafts we always thouht they were pretty good. However review them one year we just ordered from oriental trading instead
I may be putting in my 2 cents too late for this year, but I would like to say a couple things. My small church has used SP’s VBS programs for over 10 years. Each year has been a great success. Because SP always offers a “Get started” project, a meaty “Lesson”, a “Life Application”, and “Service Project”, it seems to cover all bases for each lesson. This approach makes it easy for teachers to choose how to divide his or her 2 hour daily teaching time limitation (in our case). We pass out Pass Along CD’s to all the children, and they sing the songs for years.
A complaint I do have is that last year SP applied a “hip-hop” sound to its theme song. I don’t feel we need to cross that line and make the music sound so similar to today’s secular music. My other complaint is that SP urges the teaching of children to “accept Christ” at an age when they truly have not reached the age of accountability. That decision should come when a child is old enough to be accountable for his actions. Having said that, the SP programs certainly leave room for us to teach the lessons in a way that conforms to our church’s doctrine.
I think a game show theme would be great for kids 6 years of age or older. I’m just now sure how younger children can handle it. Again, though, any good teacher can adapt SP’s suggestions and make it work!
Last year I was craft director for our SP theme-Big Backyard. We did a different craft each day in line with “service”. One day we painted little clay pots and put a little viola in each one that had been prepotted in fiber pots. One day we filled quart jars with a soup mixture and recipe tied around lid. One day we baked cookies during class time while each child decorated a brown bag for the cookies so they could take them to someone. ( We also let each one eat a fresh one from the oven.) One day we made bead animals with lacing to share with a friend.(Many patterns on internet.) And the last day we made picture frames from CD cases and took pictures of each child so they could take it home for themselves. We encouraged the children to give their project to someone the other 4 days. This was the first year we didn’t do one big project for the entire week and I think we will do something similar again this year. We have used Standard for as long as I’ve been helping with VBS (34 years).
I just ordered this curriculum. I’m very excited about teaching children about our Savior & Servant-leader Jesus. After all, the Gospel states, “faith without works is dead”. This is all about putting our faith in to action and…God giving us the strength to carry out HIS work (will). I appreciate the comments regarding staying focused on Scripture and not letting the service element take over the teaching.
Word of caution…let us not label each other so much. I’ve seen a lot of terms mentioned for various groups of Christians in the comments I’ve been reading on this site. The definitions for terms such as liberal Christians, conservative Christians, moderate Christians, evangelicals, etc. are ever changing and very subjective. Stating that liberal Christians may not like a certain VBS curriculum is not informative. It comes across as very devisive to me. Thank you for this web site. Please keep the reviews focused on the content of the materials and personal experience with the publishers. I personally would appreciate the absence of Christian “labels”.
By the way, if I had to put a “label” on myself I’d say….conservative.
I’ve used Standard off-&-on for many years. My main concern is that I usually have to really adapt it. It takes a lot of work to get it across to the kids here. I agree that the Game Show setting is going to be a trial, but can be easier to adapt than normal.
We have used Group for many years and love it for so many different reasons, we will continue to use it again this year for our annual weekly VBS. We draw lots of kids from our church and other local area churches. We can see the results from Group’s VBS and appreciate the results. However, the Group theme does not generally bring in children from the community who do not attend church. So last year we chose to use Standard’s, God’s Big Backyard, and each Wednesday in the summer (10 weeks) we went to the local park and presented the lessons. Standard gave us the ability to gently witness to the un-churched community and through that form of witnessing we have been able to win and grow more mature christians. Therefore, both Group and Standard have a place. I hope more churches can see that by presenting 2 very different VBS’s in 2 very different formats you have the ability to present God to more people.
Being a Southern Baptist Church pastor, I stepped out of the mold and tried Studio GO. With many churches in our areas, if you are not doing (a certain publisher fond of preying on SBC Churches) VBS within the first or second week of summer then the kids are already bored. They have done the songs and know the Scripture. I was highly impressed with Standards curriculum and its implementation. I dearly loved the service projects. I hear your concerns about volunteerism, however we have created generations of believers who are consumer friendly and not going out and serving. We will always have to get people on the right motive to do what they need to do. Yes, it should be for God’s glory. That is the heart of discipleship. I have had several teachers who told me in 20 years this has been one of the best VBS curriculums ever.
we are currently doing studio-go this week at my church and it’s been very fun and has good lessons. my church has used Standard’s themes for a long time and each year is very very fun and exciting! all the kids have an amzing time and they always come back next year! it’s awesome!
This was the first year that I have used Standard curriculum for VBS. I loved it! The theme was great (I tend to use themes that are unique and I HATE seeing similar themes over and over and over again.). It was high energy, but every part had a purpose. The children received the Bible point in every area. Our church is a very missional church. Our children are taught very early about serving others out of love for God. They all loved the Service Showcase the best. They remembered the Bible points and stories, which was very encouraging. All of the volunteers said that this was one of the best put-together VBS programs they’ve ever been involved in. I think that speaks for itself.
I am the grandmother of a 6 year old who was wrapped in saran wrap (handi wrap) last evening per the direction of a game in the Studio Go program, called “Wrap It Up.” As I understand it, he was wrapped from his arms to his ankles. He then tried to hop to a location and lost his balance falling on his right temple. He suffered a mild concussion and appears to be o.k. at this time. This doesn’t sound like a safe game for children. Judy Suggs, Massillon, Ohio
I am sorry to hear that your grandchild had an accident– but we need to remember that accidents can happen anywhere, to anyone. I chose to use toilet paper for this game, more because it was cooler though.
Sorry to hear about the incident but I just received this material because our church is going to do this theme in 2010 and i was thinking how dangerous it sounded to use saran wrap but it clearly states in the directions not to wrap the childs arms up so that they can catch themselves in case of a fall.
We’ve just completed the Studio Go! VBS week at our church and I can tell you that it was the most exciting VBS we have ever been involved in (and we’ve done quite a few!) I led the Worship for the week and the songs were awesome. Excellent messages about God, about Leading, taking risks, telling about Jesus, obeying God and Serving God. The songs were very catchy and kept the children’s attention. They were very much involved in the motions and singing the songs. This was a great package. Joshua 1:9 was perfect for this. The kids loved the curriculum and had a blast on the game shows. I would recommend this to every church wanting the children to learn that we need to GO! for God….and this also emphasizes that “God is with us wherever we go”! this week was FANTASTIC!!!
I’d also like to add that the games are great games…but the participants on stage should be age appropriate. don’t let a 6 yr old in a game that should probably be played by an older child.
Our church has just finished the “Studio Go!” VBS week! We passed out evaluation forms to our adult and teen volunteers. After reading them last night, my impressions and feelings seem to match those of the volunteers. The theme was high energy and fun…….everyone loved it. The Bible story times (we chose to use the option of costumed character monologues) were wonderful. The children were on the edges of their seats as Gideon, Esther, Peter, Ananias, and the women at Jesus’s empty tomb shared their experiences “first hand”.
I have to disagree with the reviewer about this program. I thought the review was misleading, especially since the reviewer was looking at promotional material only. Our church has used several publishing houses in the past, but some seemed to be more on fun. We found that the straight forward Bible teaching offered with this program challenged the kids and provided them a way to live out their indivual walks with the Lord (through the service showcase). With the ecomony in such a state right now, many children are experiencing a parent without a job, or having to tighten their belts this year. We chose a local charity for the kids to focus their attention on. It was a very personal experience. I highly encourage other directors to take a look at Standard’s material!
As a preschool teacher I am very disappointed with the curriculum in this program. My preschool class has 3 and 4 year olds and half of them don’t even talk all the time. Also the bible stories are very hard to follow for anyone younger than 5.
We have just fininsh our Studio Go VBS. I have used Standard Publishing for over 10 years, and have always been pleased. Our Youth class (middle and high school) said this was the best VBS we have had in years. I do have two suggestions: How about more games based on an actual game shows (ex: wheel of fortune, jeopardy, family fued), and we really needed an idea for a game show for our end of the week program, not just a repeat of the same games we had played earlier. For more high energy fun, leaders should check out Standard’s “Camp” cirriculum. We have had great success with those for our midweek program.
I developed a few games on Power Point. One of them was a spin off Jeopardy which we called Shepherdy. With real buzzers, the Jeopardy theme song and all sounds.
The end of the week game show was geared for the parents not the kids. It was to show the parents some of the action and fun that the kids did during the week. We did them and the parents loved being selected to “Let’s Make a Deal!”
http://studiogogameshow.shutterfly.com/
Well, we did it and all I can say is THANK YOU! Standard Publishing. We had yet another successful and blessed VBS. Your theme was perfect and because of our years of experience with VBS (I’ve used Group Publishing for over 10 years), we were able to tailor it perfectly for our purpose, which is to reach un-churched kids with the life changing truth of Jesus Christ! I can go on an on about how great Studio G! was but will let the photos and videos do that talking.
http://studiogogameshow.shutterfly.com/
Since we will be doing this theme in 2010, could I get some input from you experienced Studio Go participants. During the opening and the closing for the game show part…did any of the children fill left out if they didn’t get to participate in a game? If you have a lot of children, how do you make sure you keep it fair? I don’t want any child going home at the end of the week and them telling their parents that they didn’t get to participate in any of the game shows on stage.
One suggestion that seemed to work well for our group was to have kids put their names into a jar when they registered the first night that they attended. We just drew names from the jar whenever we needed contestants on the stage. We always gave them the option to decine, but they rarely did. By using different colors of paper for different age groups, we were able to choose an age appropriate contestant. Once a child had participated on stage, their name was removed from the jar. The jar made a neat and colorful addition to our stage.
For a very large VBS, there are a few options for using more contestants than suggested. We modified the “Unsramble the theme” game each night to allow for more participation. One night we gave 6 contestants signs with the letters on them, amd let them put themselves in order. (this would be fun with t – shirts if budget allows) Another night, we taped letters under their seats, and instructed the kids to race to find the letters and get onstage in order. You could actually choose an older child to be your announcer for the opening by drawing a name, giving them a coat, tie, sparkle covered hat, whatever… and allowing them to be the one that reads the names of the contestants in their best “Come on Down” voice. These ideas will allow you to use at least 15 more kids. Good Luck. Our VBS went great. Be sure you have a good lights, sound, and video guy. Very important that everything flows in order to keep it high energy.
I guess it all depends on how many kids you have. We had 50 and they all went because we made sure that no kid who previously participated would come up for a new game. Also, you can try pairing them instead of one kid at a time. If you have the space do more kids than the manual suggests. Just make sure you have a prize for everyone who participates. This reinforces that at Studio Go! “everyone is a winner.”
–PJ
http://studiogogameshow.shutterfly.com/
The service part was the best part. The game show was just a wound up way to review. Little kids were exhausted. Bible Message was very clear.
Ok, well, I have read what others have put down, and I feel led to make a few comments… I have been the VBS Director for 9 years now, and I have used most of the different publishers at one point or another. We have gone through several “stages” with our children, having bigger groups in the now 12-16 year olds, and upcoming group of 1-3 graders… so it is a challenge each year to find the right program that has the message we want, but that is not BARNEYish either. I find that I can always make a program “younger” but to end up with a program that is truly geared for the Pre-K through say 2nd graders and to get the 3rd through 6th graders to want to participate, well, let’s just say that can be a real problem to the whole vbs. Been there, done that…
We used Studio Go this year, and I will just say that we did adapt the program in a few ways, one of which was the service showcase. We did NOT use that, as we have a WKFM and we usually do the same type of thing each year. We have kids bring in either canned goods or money, whichever they can, and the food goes to the local food shelf, and the money, well, we have found each year where we can send the money to either World Hope or World Vision, which usually has a program where they will triple what you send in to feed children. So… we feed children at the food shelf AND internationally. This year, we threw a twist to the children, and asked them to bring in school supplies (something different each day) and those supplies were packaged up and sent to an Indian Reservation that has NOTHING, and we made Christmas Boxes for them (the only Christmas gift they will receive).
We adapted the games, snacks, and crafts to fit our age groups, and the only complaints that I have about Standard, is that the crafts are things that will end up being thrown away or break right away. We change things up and usually find something that they can “decorate your own” but that they will use…for example, the white hats they decorated with the theme of the day, and I still see children wearing them 2 months later. Pillowcases, T-Shirts, and even socks that they can either use the fabric markers to decorate or utilize the iron on that you let them color themselves. There were other things that we “made our own” but we never change what the kids learn.
We had a ton of fun, and I am looking forward to previewing the program for next year.
Any questions, I would be willing to answer about how we changed things up. We are a very SMALL church, and we really had a great week. Let God lead you. He won’t steer you wrong!!!
)
we have used the standard publishing vbs theme for several years here in philippines… it promotes real love to God and service for men. continue your great jobs. God bless
Do you have the music DVD to Studio Go? I am trying to use last year’s curriculum to save some money, but do not have the music dvd
{ 1 trackback }