VBS Closing Celebration & Follow-up
Closing
Take advantage of the enthusiasm generated during the week, especially if your program is an outreach to the community. Plan for a closing celebration separate from the daily activities and invite parents, community residents, and church members who could not participate in the daily program. Use this time to let the children share what they have learned. Several of the curricula offer suggestions for a closing program. Make use of their ideas but don't hesitate to adjust them for your specific needs.
Practice time for the closing celebration beyond the Music time can be obtained by taking 2-3 minutes from each activity period on the last day & using that time as a block at the end of the day.
The time of the closing program may vary.
- The worship service the first Sunday following VBS can be a time of recognizing the hard work of the staff, a time the children can share some of the music they learned, a time to extend a special invitation to families whose first contact with the church was VBS.
- Surprisingly Friday evening can work even after the children have participated all week in a morning program. Make it clear in your publicity that the Friday evening program is the celebration wrap-up. Encourage the children so they will want to attend & bring their families. (One year our 6th grade class during their song built a human pyramid while singing. ALL the kids in that class wanted to be part of the fun!)
A bulletin provided for those attending, beyond outlining the program, can provide parents the names of staff who cared for their children. A portion can be used as a quick survey to obtain feedback from parents. A form can also be included inviting parents to have their names placed on the church mailing list so that they might receive information about ongoing programs.
Refreshments following the program can provide a fellowship time. Children may use the opportunity to introduce parents to teachers. If space allows, a display of the crafts created during the week or a display relevant to the mission project can help parents understand how their children spent their time. Staff needs to be especially attentive to those families with no church affiliation. Make certain they know they are welcome to return. If there are specific events on the church schedule, extend an invitation.
Follow-up
Were photos or videos taken during the week ? Be certain to display them both at the closing celebration & in the church at least for the following Sunday. Let the congregation know how much they missed by not being involved. Sow the seeds now so that recruiting next year will be an easier process.
Be certain to have a wrap-up session with staff. A week or two after close is a good time. Particularly seek out those who were new as helpers -- their perspectives will provide fresh insight. Teachers & helpers can be given questions in advance to help them consider what to share, but the real benefit comes from the brainstorming & discussion of what worked well & what issues became problems. Take notes now and ease the planning process next spring
Make use of the registration list as a follow-up tool. Distribute the list to Sunday School teachers so that they can extend invitations to children to participate in Sunday School.
Other Ideas
Info to be added What are your suggestions? 