Planning Checklist

Check. Check. Done.

Ready to start your Baobab Blast adventure? Check out these tips plus the enclosed Baobab Blast Planning PDF to make sure you have all of the milestones buttoned up.

Before you begin the bulk of your planning, start with the following:

  • Organization: One of the best strategies to planning is to begin a Baobab Blast notebook. A three-ring binder and loose leaf paper will allow you to start jotting notes, questions, organizing ideas, and compiling a great list of volunteers and contacts. Gather up magazine clippings, Web site ideas, newspaper articles, bits and pieces of ideas from past VBS experiences, clever sayings, and more.
  • Date/Church/Location: Put VBS on the church calendar early and reserve all needed spaces. Check with schools, community programs, and other summer camps to select a week that avoids as many conflicts as possible. Consider running two VBS options (daytime and evening) to provide flexibility. Announce the date early and often!
  • Space: If space is an issue (too many kids/not enough space or too much space/not enough kids) consider joint hosting a VBS! Share resources, ideas, space, volunteers, and kids. Turn VBS into an ecumenical outreach opportunity. This provides a great connection across faith communities and ties into this year’s theme of Community.
  • VBS format: Take a close look at your kids and age-levels and also the availability of volunteers. Aim to set up a VBS that will reach as many kids as possible. A traditional five-day morning option is a good place to start. From there, decide if you want to consider adding an extended day format to help with working parents/childcare, evening times to provide more intergenerational interaction, or something fine-tuned for your congregation. See examples of ways to Plan Your Week.
  • Volunteers/Contacts: Start a list of key people who will help lead VBS. A co-director is sometimes a great addition to the planning process, and some churches use two directors—one for preschool and another for elementary. Start lining up these key volunteers to provide a solid foundation for your VBS gathering. More great ideas on recruiting volunteers.
    • Worship Leader
    • Activity site leaders (1-2 per site)
    • Guides (1 per small group)
    • Support staff (youth and adult helpers)
    • Decorating volunteers
    • Work from home/pre-project helpers
    • Photographer (for capturing some great moments)
  • Supplies: Preview the resources in your Starter Kit, noting the supplies needed in each resource. Order supplies as early as possible to help leaders plan for VBS.
  • Costs: Work with your pastor and church council to determine the best way to fund VBS. Put together a proposed budget and keep a list of expenses. Some options to cover costs might include any of the following:
    • Fee per participant
    • Church budget item
    • Sponsorship of a child
    • Donations
    • Share VBS program/materials with another church
    • Fundraising

Remember, you will bring your own unique gifts to the planning stages of VBS. Take what works, adjust as needed, and incorporate your own pieces and know-how for a successful—and well-planned—Baobab Blast VBS week.