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Materials – Remember that all stories and songs must be in Spanish. Many of the Bible School materials from Cokesbury can be purchased in Spanish. You will need 2 or 3 Teachers Books. The materials do not have to be the current year. All the coloring and activity pages should be brought with you (check with the UMVIM Coordinator for the number you will need). Puppets are a great visual aid to stories and songs. You should bring a CD/Cassette player with you since all locations do not have one.

Supplies – Crayons, markers, pencils, glue sticks, construction paper, paper plates, paper bags, yarn, craft sticks, stickers, and all other supplies should be brought with you. Extra supplies can be left with the pastor.

Crafts – If you choose to do crafts, please choose something very simple. Pre-cut and pre-assemble all the required materials for the project in a ziplock bag for each child. This will eliminate a lot of time and confusion when you do the craft. Always have a finished example to show while you are giving directions.  TABLES or BENCHES to work on may not always be available.

Games – Soccer balls and beach balls can be packed in luggage deflated. Bring a hand pump and extra needles. Jumping rope and outdoor games are popular activities.

Snacks – Do not plan to give a snack at each session of the Bible School. It is best to do this on the last day if the pastor feels it is appropriate. Snacks should be crackers, pretzels, chips, fruit-- but no candy or soft drinks.

Gifts – If you bring gifts (pencils, stickers, small toys) to give to each child, please get the permission of the pastor at the beginning of the week and do this on the last day.

Numbers of Children – Usually the 1^st day of Bible School will have the lowest attendance with the numbers increasing each day. You must be sure you have enough snacks and/or gifts for each child who will attend the final session. This is very hard to predict so keep the gifts simple and inexpensive. Don’t plan on being able to purchase more after you arrive. Any extras can be left with the pastor for later use.

Number of Sessions, Time and Location – This will vary greatly from location to location. 2-4 Sessions are usually planned with each session lasting 1 ½ hours. Since Bible School teams are combined with construction or medical teams, you may need to use some or all of your team members in both areas.  In some locations, the sessions can be held at night. In other locations, they must be held simultaneously with construction work. Keep in mind that there must be at least one Spanish speaker working with the Bible School. Bible School should never be held on the construction worksite. Check with the UMVIM Coordinator for details about the location where you will be working.