VBS Facilities

Examine your facilities with an open mind & a clear understanding of the types of activities planned.

• If you are tight on table space, some children enjoy the floor & lapboards for completing worksheets.
• If you have space outdoors, tables & chairs under a picnic canopy can be an inviting spot.
• Really tight on space -- do you have a narthex or vestibule that can accommodate a story-time activity?
• Space can be used efficiently if using the learning center concept. Determine which activities can be held in which areas (music but certainly not crafts might work in the sanctuary). Small children need a secure safe area with appropriately sized furniture. Create a schedule which allows the children to move from one activity to another. As one group moves out of an activity, a new group moves in -- thus maximizing space use.
• We were tight on table space for our preschoolers until one teacher made a request for child-sized picnic tables (the durable hard-plastic type). Several families were willing to loan their tables & chairs for the week & the 4 year olds loved their own special place.
• Be alert to activities which benefit from large groups and be aware of those where small grouping is more beneficial. For example, a combining of groups works great at music time; but working on worksheets or crafts requires smaller groups if space and staff support is to be successful.
• Snacktime is one activity that benefits from being moved outside as it takes on a picnic atmosphere the children enjoy. (Just watch out for bees)