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!!! )

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.

–PJ

http://studiogogameshow.shutterfly.com/

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/

http://studiogogameshow.shutterfly.com/