VBS ROCKS!

I got an inside look at our Vacation Bible School this week... in two new ways... first, my two boys participated for the first time every... and second, my wife and I taught (first-graders) for the first time ever. (Griffin - frowning in the picture - did warm up to the idea after the first day).

Vacation Bible School is the biggest thing that our church does... so I thought I'd unpack a few thoughts as to why this thing blows up every summer:

buzz...Our VBS has created a buzz on our side of town. It is because they execute every year and kids (and parents love it). Months in advance people start getting VBS-crazy.... it never fails. They have perfected the art of creating buzz.

focus... They stay on their task. Make a 1-week program that will teach the bible to kids (4yrs-6th grade) in a creative, fun and
memorable way. That's it. They know their goal and they stick to it.

creativity... They do the most creative things every year to engage kids (and parents). There live drama is hilarious. Our boys favorite part this year was when "Mulligan" fell into the waterfall (yah they had a real waterfall in the set) while looking for his butterfly net. Every year they outdo themselves in drama, music, games, snacks. This year they ran a carnival at church on the Sunday after... to get families to come to church that day. Cotton Candy anyone?

basics... They keep the program simple and stick to they basics. At one level it like every other boring vbs: songs, bible lessons, memory verses, games, drama not too mention the weekly missionary offering. But at the same time it is on steroids... it is big and bright and loud and .... you get the idea.

loyalty... They create brand loyalty. Each kid leaves with a CD singing the songs and a t-shirt (covered in signatures from the week) that reminds them of the best week of their summer. Kids want to come back... and bring friends. They are kid-tested, mother-approved.

Check out some pics.