The Director is responsible for planning, recruiting staff, and overseeing all details to ensure that VBS flows smoothly. For an even easier adventure, consider recruiting a Crew Leader director who will train, encourage, and check in on other Leaders throughout VBS . (Remember, your new favorite word is delegate!)
Set a budget – Look through the entire VBS catalog to get an idea of what you’ll need for your program. Write down the cost of each item you’ll need, and then tally the total cost to set your budget. Your church may already include VBS in its budget. If so, find out what funds are available. If your church doesn’t have a VBS budget in place, don’t worry! Money for a quality VBS program needn’t be a stumbling block.There are countless ways that you can easily (and painlessly) raise the funds you need.
Recruit additional volunteers. In addition to Leaders, you may want to recruit volunteers to help with registration, transportation, and child care for the staff. Refer to the Recruiting section for more ideas.
Get your congregation excited about the Mission Project if you VBS has one. Director Guide should have easy ways to get everyone involved with the mission project. Or come up with your own.
Continue publicity. Mail invitation postcards to children in your church and community. Use the clip art on the Clip Art & Resources CD set to create your own doorknob danglers, and distribute them in your neighborhood. Include your church’s name and when your VBS will begin. Be sure to direct people to your VBS website for easy registration.
Continue preregistration. Photocopy the VBS registration form in the Director Guide. Insert copies in your church bulletins, distribute copies in Sunday school classes, and keep a supply in your church office. Encourage parents from your church to preregister their children and their children’s friends. Pregistration makes your first day more manageable.
To get more kids preregistered, you might offer incentives. For example, provide a VBS T-shirt or a Music CD for each child who registers early. Or fill a large jar with black and white jelly beans. Children who preregister can submit a “guess” as to how many candies are in the jar. (The winner gets to keep the entire jar of candy! Yum!) These incentives will build enthusiasm for your VBS, too.