Vacation Bible School

The kids and I spent the week attending Vacation Bible School at our church. It was a big week. We were exhausted every day. But, it was a good kind of exhausted, created by having tons of fun.

I was a co-director of VBS this year. I was only CO-director this year. That was great. I had another co-director to work with, so I was not on my own. That was wonderful. She was fantastic. Very organized. Very tech savy. Very smart. She had great ideas, and kept us on schedule during the planning phase.

I was able to focus on people-pleasing. Er, well, I am not actually very good at people pleasing per se...

I was able to focus on recruiting folks to help us out, and catering to their wishes as best I could. People are quirky. Their quirks don't bother me. So, I tried to cater to their quirks as best as I could so that everyone was pleased with the work they were doing. I tried to fit workers to areas where they worked well....and worked well with others. If folks are satisfied with their working environment, they can focus on the true goal....teaching the children about Jesus.

I am a strict parent. So, I was also the strict leader who corraled the unruly children. Some of the teen helpers used me as the discipline threat...."You better sit nicely with your class, or you will have to go sit with Coach Mom!" The child would look back over their shoulder at me. Oooh, no one wants THAT punishment! I didn't mind a bit. I provide structure. Other folks provide spontaneity. It works.

I was also able to focus on an area I feel called: shuttle! Since I drive a 12-passenger van, I have 6 seats to spare. When I was praying about getting the van, I considered the extra space as a means to invite children to various activities with us. What a great outreach to be able to invite friends to Vacation Bible School and transport them too. I enjoy playing kids songs in the CD player, listening to their conversations, and laughing at their silly jokes. The noise volume does not phase me. I tend to survey, scan, and count heads as a part of life already, so I haven't lost anyone yet. On my busiest days, I transported 10 children to VBS, including my 5. On my lightest day, I transported 8 total. That was a good use of my van!

We arrived to the church a little early each day, so that I could help get things set up. The kids enjoyed some outdoor play....

We enjoyed music. Songs with motions were a huge hit....

At lesson time, we learned about being conquerors with strength from God...

Crafts were hands-on, messy fun...

Lunch time was a favorite part of the program...

Game time was a blast...especially water games on the last day....

We have a really cool Pastor who taught about the missionary we were supporting this VBS. He explained salvation to the kids, each day, at their level.

And, being in the oldest group had its privelages. Their leader spoiled them with treats...

Vacation Bible School is so much FUN!