VBS Games, Snacks & Crafts
Games
Need ideas to help the kids expend some of that energy that has been pent up while listening to stories? Take a look at The Games Kids Play. This site provides descriptions and rules of more than 250 games, jump-rope rhymes and activities. Good if you want guidelines for traditional games like "Mother, May I?" or hopscotch. Be aware that some games would not be appropriate for a Christian setting, or need some modification.Eldrbarry's Group Games Guide provides additional ideas for action games.
FamilyFun Magazine provides a list of activities primarily intended for families, but many would work in a VBS program.
Beyond organized games, our children enjoyed decorating our church parking lot with sidewalk chalk. The youngest had fun blowing and chasing bubbles. (A wooden board with holes the diameter of the bottle helped minimize spills.) Beanbags are a great alternative to balls for young children.
Snacks
For scripture-related snacks, check our list:- Edible landscapes
- Chariots of Cheese
- Away in a Manger
- Shipwrecked
- Tuna Schooners (Fishing boats)
- Sheep Treats
- Candles
- Jellybean prayer
- He is Risen Snack
- Graham cracker stars (Epiphany)
Crafts
While most of the publishers of VBS curricula offer craft options, the Internet is a great source of information about crafts for children. Staff interests and abilities along with time & finances must be factored in decisions about the types of crafts that will be offered to the children. Prepackaged kits are available, usually with enough supplies for several children. Other companies offer craft books providing ideas for using recyclable materials.Other ideas at this site:
For other craft ideas check out the following:
Christian Crafting offers ideas for Christian crafts with one page specifically for Sunday School/VBS crafts.
FamilyFun Magazine provides long list of craft ideas with instructions.
Lists of links
Arts & Crafts projects list from MiningCo
Kids Crafts in Yahooligans provides a list of additional links to search for ideas.
The additional resources section provides information about relevant publications.
Info to be added What are your suggestions? 