Tag: VBS

An Inside Look at Our VBS Sensory Room

Kathie Phillips Leave a comment

We’ve been doing VBS at our church for a very long time, and sometimes it can be challenging to breathe new life into a beloved program. This year, I gathered our planning team for a theme brainstorming meeting before we began the planning process. We chose Group Publishing’s “Rainforest Falls” VBS program, so our meeting yielded ways to make the theme come alive.

One of the ideas that bubbled to the top was to incorporate a rainforest-themed sensory room for kids who needed a short break from the camp experience. My daughter Kennedy, who originally proposed the idea, developed it into something that blew our minds. We won’t be able to offer VBS without a sensory room ever again!

I asked her to share more about the room with all of you.

Designing the Space

During the beginning of the initial brainstorming of the room designing process, there was one thing I had in mind: create a calming place for any kids who need to rest and recharge during camp. As a teacher, I had a few general ideas in mind as to what could be included in the room that would help to achieve this mission including lights, decor, and various activities.

Setting the Boundaries

Because I wanted this space to be more of a resource instead of a distraction during the program, I put some policies into place to ensure that the room was used to the best of its ability. I anticipated some campers coming into the space and not necessarily wanting to leave, so I placed an initial boundary on how long they could spend in the room during camp hours. After observing children using the space throughout the week, I discovered that 5-10 minutes was an ideal time frame for the kids to spend there. They always had to be accompanied by one of their adult or student crew leaders for the time that they visited the room. The space was also available to families briefly before camp and after for kids who wanted more time.

Cozy Corner

A cozy corner was a must-have for this space. In order to create this area, I laid down a soft washable rug and placed two comfy folding chairs with rainforest-themed plushies and pillows. Some stackable colorful cushions were also included for comfortable seating as well. This area also included some rainforest themed books and a set of Bibles for various ages.

Writing Station

The writing station included some rainforest themed notecards for campers to write a prayer or an encouraging note to a friend.

Coloring & Sticker Station

The coloring and sticker station was one of our most popular stations in the room for the week. This station included cardstock in various colors, rainforest-themed stickers, Washi tape, coloring pages, and rainbow scratch art paper cut into butterflies and other bugs. There was also an 8-cup caddy placed on the table in between the two stations that contained crayons, colored pencils, markers, pencils, and sharpeners.

Butterfly Wall

In an attempt to give the campers an authentic rainforest experience, I decided to create a butterfly search and find wall. This wall was designed using paper chain vines and a green plastic tablecloth. I printed out some real butterflies that could be found in the rainforest and taped them to the vines at various heights for the campers to see. I included a flip book guide for them to use along with some magnifying glasses and dry erase markers.

Other Activities

Because the space was designed for campers ages K-rising 6th grade, I wanted to include some other activities that everyone could enjoy, especially for campers who prefer more hands-on activities. Some of these activities included LEGOs, Magna-Tiles, a marble run set, and a rainforest floor puzzle.

Sensory Station

The final area in the room was the sensory station. This station included a color changing ball light, pom-pom sorting, a small rainforest/jungle playset with plastic bugs, and a few sensory bottles that contained rice, water beads, pony and letter beads, and beans. 

I hope this post inspires you to create your own sensory room for your VBS.

Have you ever thought about creating a safe and quiet place for your campers to recharge and refocus during the business of VBS programming?

An Unforgettable VBS Encounter and 3 Reminders

Kathie Phillips 3 Comments
(Picture credit: Kathie Phillips, Central Presbyterian Church 2026)

Our Summer Bible Camp (what we call our VBS program) wrapped up several weeks ago and I am still reflecting on the week that it was.

As I put the finishing touches on our team debrief and event summary, there are many things that stand out to me. One camper in particular made an impact on me that has changed me and how I’ll view kids with challenging behaviors.

During our Bible rotation on the first day, I observed a camper who was quite opinionated about what they were seeing and hearing. The Bible story was about how God created the world and people. Our senior pastor was dressed in a Bible-times costume as he and his wife led the story time, which included interactive elements.

The camper I observed had feedback on the story AND the costume and vocalized that feedback. I didn’t engage them, but remembering that a good percentage of our campers were not connected to a church, I thanked God that the camper was in the room and hearing Bible truths, possibly for the first time (even if they didn’t like the costume).

On the second day of camp, one of the camper’s adult leaders grabbed me because the camper was not following any of her instructions. I spoke to the camper briefly before having them rejoin their group. About 30 minutes passed before the same leader texted me that she took the camper to our sensory room because the camper needed a break. I met them there and sent the leader back to the rest of her group.

I began a conversation with the camper by saying, “It seems like you’re having a challenging day today.” Then they tried to change the subject, but I redirected them. I asked them why they thought it was a challenging day and their response was both heartbreaking and eye-opening. They responded, “Sometimes, I’m just not a good kid.”

I am thankful for the guidance of the Holy Spirit because without hesitation, I responded with, “Oh no! That’s not true. Sometimes you may not make the best choices but that doesn’t mean you’re a bad kid.” I was then able to recount the Bible story from Day 1 about how we’re all made in God’s image and how much God loved them. We continued our conversation while they did a few of the sensory activities before (again) rejoining their group.

Did the same camper still have behavioral challenges that week? Yes. But that encounter reminded me of a few things:

God brought that child to us for a reason. If all they walked away with was learning that they’re made in the image of God and that God deeply loves them, then all of the challenges that week were worth it.

Affirmation and truths from scripture should not be downplayed. Somewhere along the way, this camper believed that they weren’t a good kid. God’s Word tells us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139). I so wanted this camper to walk away knowing that.

Taking the time to see a kid, beyond their behavioral challenges, can be life-changing for you AND them. I think about my little friend often and continue to pray for them. Who knows what seeds were planted as a result of their week with us. I think back to seeing their playful smile when I saw them after that sensory room conversation. We became friends, even though we had to have a few hard conversations later in the week. God is writing a story for this camper’s life and I trust that every detail will shape them into the person God’s created them to be.

Each child who walks through the doors of our church, even the ones who require a little more love and attention, deserves to know that they are loved, welcomed, wanted, and seen. And if that’s what they walk away with after their time with us, I count that as a win.

(And side note: stay tuned for a detailed look at our Rainforest Falls Sensory Room…can’t wait to share!)

Let me know in the comments how an interaction with a child changed you for the better.

Our Everest VBS Experience

Kathie Phillips

Everest_Logo_HR

 

It’s hard to believe that our church’s VBS wrapped up a little more than 2 weeks ago.  After months and months of planning and a week of top-notch implementation, it’s a wrap.  After much-need rest and reflection, I am so thankful that we continue to run our VBS each year.  There are a few reasons why I love what we do.

  • Many of our children come to Christ during VBS.  Every year, parents share stories about conversations they’ve had with their child and how THEY led their child to Christ as a result.
  • Children invite their friends, neighbors and family members.  Our children are excited about the week and want everyone they know to be there!
  • It truly is an all-church event.  Our entire church – from staff to the congregation – rally around our VBS efforts.  There are only a handful of events that garner all-church buy-in and participation like our VBS does.

This year, our church chose Group Publishing’s Everest VBS curriculum.  In years past, we have chosen Group’s Holy Land VBS, which we have enjoyed for various reasons.  The format of the Holy Land curriculum became familiar to us, our planning team members found their niche, and not many other local churches offered this style of VBS.  It set us apart, so to speak.

This is the first time we’ve done Group’s ‘easy’ VBS since I’ve been at my church, so leading the charge of change was a challenge I was dreading.  I tried to accentuate the positive (which is my usual tendency) and highlighted elements that were not part of our typical offering.  It worked – we had a great week!

Here’s our VBS by the numbers:

253 children

175 volunteers

18 leadership (planning) teams

26 leadership (planning) team members

1 child led a family member to Christ

7 children received their very first bible

Here are just a few snippets of what I heard during the week:

{From a parent, who served as a crew leader} “…as happens almost every year, listening to the children sing gets to me.  Today I was in tears and had to step out.  The “Faith” song.  The music is always so powerful.  I shared with [name of child] why I stepped out. The next time we sang that song [child] was also touched by the Spirit.  The Spirit was strong today.  One child in our group shared that she had lost her mother to cancer.  Then another child…..shared about a grandmother who had to be in a wheelchair that they had prayed for.  We had lots of prayer requests and loved praying under our blanket.  My [child] enjoyed hearing her friends pray with and for her.  It’s exhausting thinking about trying to top today…..tomorrow.  NOT sure we can.”

{From a parent, who served as a crew leader} “I have a [younger] crew so many of the concepts are hard for them to grasp just starting to sink in. After camp today, the lady who picked up [child in group] came back in on the verge of tears to tell me that she was a friend of [child]’s mom and [child]’s family does not attend church. Today on the way out [child] was explaining to her what the cross was and what it meant. Your hard work and planning is paying off in touching the lives of even the youngest kids.”

{From a station leader} “This year, it seemed like the kids ‘got it’ more.  Awesome!”

As a VBS Director, it’s sometimes hard for me to remember the big picture when I’m in the thick of planning, but I tell ya…these kinds of stories and being part of such an impactful week for campers and volunteers alike makes it all worth it.

To all of our hardworking, creative, innovative, passionate, all-around-awesome leadership team members – THANK YOU!  I couldn’t have done it without you!

To all of our supportive church staff who used your gifts, talents and resources with us – THANK YOU!

To all of our volunteers – crew leaders, crew assistants, station leaders, security team members, prayer warriors, supporters (item donations and/or financial) – THANK YOU!

To all of our Celebration Picnic volunteers – THANK YOU!  Because of you, hundreds of people were served a delicious meal and enjoyed a wonderful evening of fellowship!

To my husband and children who supported me by listening, praying, driving me around, lifting boxes and boxes of stuff, brainstorming, eating take-out, overlooking piles of laundry and unopened mail – THANK YOU!  I love you so much!

To God be the glory!

13 Sanity Savers for VBS Directors

Kathie Phillips

We are busy preparing for our church’s VBS (we call it Summer Bible Camp) next week.  Details – big and small – must be planned out, tweaked, and re-tweaked to welcome a few hundred campers and volunteers to our program each day.  If you are overseeing VBS, you know exactly what I mean!

This summer will mark my third year leading VBS at my church.  Each year has brought different joys, challenges and lessons.  I often give myself pep-talks throughout the weeks and days leading up to kick-off to encourage me when I start feeling overwhelmed.  Can you relate?

When it’s all said and done, I rely on tried and true strategies that keep me sane before, during, and after the madness – I mean planning. 🙂

BEFORE VBS

  • Work ahead.  VBS season falls during my busiest time of year (ministry-wise and personally) so working ahead on projects helps me not to cram at the last-minute.
  • Limit unnecessary meetings and appointments.  Doing this allows me to be available to meet with VBS leaders and help them brainstorm ideas, gather supplies, answer questions, etc.  If I’m diligent about working ahead, I can be available to them and give them my undivided attention.
  • Clearly label borrowed items.  That way, you can return things with ease once camp concludes.

DURING VBS

  • Eat breakfast every day.  Trust me, you’ll need the fuel to start each day off right.
  • Speaking of food, plan simple, easy-to-prepare meals.  I use my slow cooker almost every day during VBS because I’m too exhausted to cook.  I’ve also been known to keep the pizza delivery guy’s number on speed dial during VBS week!
  • Go to bed at a decent hour.  I don’t know about you, but I’m no good if I’m sleep deprived.  Close your computer, put the electronic devices away, turn off the TV and lights, and go to bed!

AFTER VBS

  • Accept offers of help in putting things away.  Many hands make light the load!
  • Take inventory of supplies for future reference.  Not only will this save you time down the road but it can also save you money.
  • Organize as you pack things away.  Clearly label supplies so they can be easily located for future use.
  • Celebrate the wins.  You and your team have worked incredibly hard to plan a wonderful week for the children and volunteers.  Take time to celebrate the stories you hear and the children who received Christ or took next steps in their faith journey.  Celebrate your volunteers, your planning team and all that God did during the week!
  • Debrief and evaluate with your team.  Talk about what worked well and what needs to be changed to make next year’s VBS even better.
  • Rest!  You deserve it for a job well done.

THROUGHOUT VBS

  • Power up with prayer.  As the days become busier and the details are far too many to count, spending time with the Lord in prayer helps you stay focused on what’s most important.  Encourage your team and volunteers to pray throughout also by providing a prayer list for them to pray through together.

Keep the conversation going!  What would you add to this list?  Share your ideas below!