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Vacation Bible School 2017 Manual In Partnership with Upper Missouri Ministries Camp Out Getting S’more of Jesus
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Vacation Bible School - Camp UMM · during Vacation Bible School. ... VBS utilizes Candlefire. This is a quiet time to reflect on God’s love through the use of stories and songs.

Jun 19, 2018

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Page 1: Vacation Bible School - Camp UMM · during Vacation Bible School. ... VBS utilizes Candlefire. This is a quiet time to reflect on God’s love through the use of stories and songs.

Vacation Bible School

2017 Manual

In Partnership with Upper Missouri Ministries

Camp Out Getting S’more of Jesus

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WELCOME

Welcome to Vacation Bible School in partnership with Upper Missouri Ministries. We’re excited that you have chosen this adventure that will help kids (and adults!) experience the love of God. Together as a congregation you will explore who Jesus is – the light of the world during Vacation Bible School. This program is designed to assist you in the call to pass on the faith to children. Through VBS, you will have the opportunity to engage kids in ministry at your parish. Your children & youth will experience Bible Study, Worship, Music, Games, Crafts, hand on learning & time outdoors. Our hope is that your children will experience the love and grace of God in meaningful relationships with congregational volunteers, Pastors, their peers & UMM’s leaders. In addition, this shared ministry can provide empowerment for key adults in your congregation, providing them with hands on experience in leadership and giving them the chance to invest in the ministry and outreach of your congregation. WHAT YOU WILL FIND IN THIS MANUAL

Program Activities for VBS……………………………………………………………….……...3 VBS Schedule Options…………………………………………………………………….……....4 Who Provides What…………………………………………………………………………….....5-6 VBS Planning Guide………………….……………………………………………………….…....7-8

Publicity Hints……………………………………………………………………………….………...9 Volunteer Opportunities………………………………………………………………………....10 Free Add Ons……………………………………………………………………………………..…...11 Host Family Guide……………………………….…………………………………………….…...12 VBS Price Breakdown………………………………….………………………………….……....13 About Upper Missouri Ministries…………………………………………………............14

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES INCLUDED IN PACKET

1. Final Arrangements Form (due 3 weeks prior to VBS week) 2. Registration & Health Form (required info for each VBS participant & Volunteer) 3. VBS theme and Bible verses for each day 4. Publicity Resources

Bulletin Insert

Poster

Handout 5. Volunteer Sign Up Sheet

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PROGRAM ACTIVITIES OVERIEW

Here’s what’s happening at VBS! The following activities will be included each day (with the exception of the Closing Program) & led by the UMM Team. The daily Bible point is carefully integrated into

each activity to reinforce the good news from each Bible story. Activities with require assistance from your Congregation’s ministry leaders.

MUSIC & MORE: A time at the beginning and ending of each day that will introduce the daily theme through use of scripture, songs & stories.

BIBLE EXPLORATION: The weekly theme will be developed in small groups called “Crews” led by camp staff through Bible stories, object lessons, activities and active learning opportunities.

PROJECTS WITH A PURPOSE: Through exploration and hands on activities, kids will gain a better understanding of the Biblical text. These activities offer kids a chance to explore their creative gifts & imagination.

CANDLEFIRE: Instead of campfires, VBS utilizes Candlefire. This is a quiet time to reflect on God’s love through the use of stories and songs.

CAMP GAME: Games & sports allow for physical activity in an outdoor setting. The games are designed with the Daily Bible Theme in mind and assist campers in understanding the Biblical text at a deeper level.

ARTS AND CRAFTS: The campers make something each day that ties in with the daily theme and provides them an opportunity to bring VBS home to their family.

SNACK: For 9:00-2:00 or 9:00 – 3:00 schedules, two snacks are suggested to be available for children, volunteers & UMM staff. This is the responsibility of your congregation

LUNCH: Each day the campers bring a sack lunch for the noon meal. Your congregation is responsible for UMM staff meals. May not apply to your congregation based on your specific schedule.

CLOSING CAMPFIRE: This is held at the end of the VBS week, and is a time for families to come and experience the week’s theme through music and other worship pieces.

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SCHEDULE OPTIONS The following are two of the most common VBS Schedules. Please do what best suits the needs of your congregation. Contact UMM Program Director for other scheduling options.

During Registration on the first day of VBS, UMM (with your assistance) will assign each of your kids a Crew and a Crew Leader (a UMM staff member). Each Crew will have up to 10 kids. Kids travel through each activity in their Crews.

9:00-2:00 Sample Schedule 3-6 UMM Leaders + Preschool (if applicable)

Time Crew 1 Crew 2 Crew 3 Crew 4 Preschool

9:00 Check in & Welcome Game

9:15 Music & More

9:45 Projects with a

Purpose Bible Exploration

Projects with a Purpose

Deep Bible Quest

Preschool Activity 1

10:15 Snack

10:30 Bible Exploration Projects with a

Purpose Bible Exploration

Projects with a Purpose

Preschool Activity 2

11:00 Preschool Activity 3

11:30 Candlefire

12:00 Lunch

12:30 Camp Games Art & Craft Camp Games Arts & Crafts

1:00 Art & Craft Camp Games Arts & Crafts Camp Games

1:30 Campfire Closing

2:00 Depart

9:00-2:00 Schedule available for 2 UMM member teams available upon request

1:00-5:00 Sample Schedule 3-6 UMM Leaders + Preschool (if applicable)

Time Crew 1 Crew 2 Crew 3 Preschool

1:00 Music and More

1:30 Bible Exploration Projects with a

Purpose Bible Exploration Preschool Activity 1

2:00 Projects with a

Purpose Bible Exploration Projects with a

Purpose

Preschool Activity 2

2:35 Preschool Activity 3

3:00 Candlefire

3:15 Snack

3:35 Arts & Crafts Camp Games Camp Games

4:10 Camp Games Arts & Crafts Arts & Crafts

4:40 Campfire Closing

5:00 Depart

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Upper Missouri Ministries Will Provide:

1. STAFF A team of trained, committed, and caring young adults. The maximum ratio is 10 campers to 1 UMM staff member for grades 1-6 and 8:1 for Preschool. The team is led by a VBS Leader and will be responsible for coordinating with your congregation’s VBS Contact Person.

2. CURRICULUM Includes materials for Bible studies, worship, games, arts & crafts, music, and everything needed to provide the best possible VBS week for your kids.

3. TRANSPORTATION To and from host families and Upper Missouri Ministries. Counselors are not allowed to provide transportation for campers, even host family campers.

The Congregation Will Provide:

1. SITE A facility with in/outdoor space needed for all activities and immediate access to shelter, telephone, restroom, and running water are necessary. Emergency numbers must be posted in accessible location.

2. REGISTRATION The congregation will provide and oversee participant registration. You are strongly encouraged to be proactive in recruiting participants and providing a form of registration prior to the start of VBS week. UMM provides a general form for you to use, but it is a congregation’s responsibility to distribute and collect these forms.

3. HEALTH FORMS This form is required for each VBS participant & all volunteers and must be collected immediately after registration on Monday. UMM provides a general form for you to use. 1 copy per participant is then to be turned into UMM’s VBS Leader. It is suggested that the congregation’s Contact Person keep the originals.

4. HOST FAMILIES AND MEALS

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These families can take as many counselors as they desire, with a minimum of 2 counselors per home. A Host Family Guide is provided on pg. 15. The congregation is also asked to provide all meals for the staff, which includes snacks and lunches during VBS programming.

5. VBS CONTACT PERSON The congregation needs to provide a VBS Contact Person. This person needs to be present and accessible at all times during the VBS for emergencies and questions.

6. ADDITIONAL CONGREGATION LEADERSHIP Beyond the Contact Person, various volunteers will be needed. It is strongly suggested that key adults and youth leaders be recruited to work with the UMM team. If utilizing UMM’s Pre-K programming, your congregation MUST provide specific volunteer leaders for this age group. 1 UMM staff member will be assigned to Preschool and will train & assist your volunteers to lead this group. Preschool ratio must be no greater than 8:1

See page 13 for ways to get your Congregation involved in VBS

7. INSURANCE The congregation should check their policy to make sure coverage is in place for use of facilities and potential liability for accidents during VBS. In addition, the congregation is responsible for transporting all children and adults. Counselors are not allowed to transport campers, even host family campers.

8. FEES The congregation agrees to pay all fees as laid out in the Agreement Form.

9. SNACKS

Congregation will provide morning and afternoon snacks for everyone. If programming extends over lunch time, each VBS participant should be instructed to bring a sack lunch. The Congregation will provide lunch for UMM staff.

10. PROJECTOR, TV & DVD PLAYER AND/OR CD PLAYER

We are enhancing VBS with music videos and video testimonies which include lyrics as a part of worship. If your congregation has a projector or large t.v. with DVD player this will need to be set up for use.

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PLANNING FOR VBS

Make out a VBS planning calendar to organize your thinking and preparation for VBS. Check off each item as you complete it. If you follow a plan similar to the one below, you will be ready when the first day of VBS

arrives.

2 MONTHS BEFORE VBS

Pray.

Plan dedication/commissioning service for VBS Volunteers during a Sunday worship prior to VBS week.

Plan for pre-registration. Utilize UMM provided form or create your own.

Work with Education Committee and other key children/youth leaders on ways VBS can feed into the upcoming Sunday School Year.

If needed, plan transportation for field trips.

Continue publicity.

Start Pre-Registration. Collect registration & health forms.

1 MONTH BEFORE VBS

Pray.

Continue publicity.

Check in with volunteers and host families.

Plan decorations. Utilize congregation volunteers for this task.

Organize a VBS closing event for families and participants. UMM staff will assist by recapping the week & having participants share songs and skits.

Continue Registration and collection of appropriate forms.

3 WEEKS PRIOR TO VBS

Pray.

Final Arrangements Form MUST be received by UMM. Please communicate with UMM any and all details that will affect staff and programming.

Recheck all details.

Expect a call or email from UMM Staff confirming VBS details.

2 WEEKS PRIOR TO VBS

Confirm the number of participants signed up for VBS with UMM office, 701-859-4181. Be prepared to have participants broken down by age and the grade they are just going into.

Expect a call or email from UMM Staff confirming VBS details.

1 WEEK BEFORE VBS

Pray.

Recheck all details.

Decorate and arrange facility spaces.

Continue to invite kids to VBS.

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SUNDAY OF VBS WEEK

Provide UMM’s VBS Leader with copies of ALL participants’ Health Forms and registration information (this should include at minimum: parents/guardians’ names, phone and address, emergency contact, allergies/health history, age and grade going into).

Coordinate all congregation volunteers to attend a brief (15-30 min) orientation led by UMM Staff.

Coordinate Pre-K volunteers to meet with UMM’s VBS Leader for a brief orientation/training for week (to follow regular orientation session).

Have all emergency phone numbers readily accessible to the UMM staff. Give this information to UMM VBS Coordinator.

Be sure all media resources, Projector screen, TV screen are ready for use on Monday.

Continue to invite kids to VBS.

FIRST DAY OF VBS WEEK

Pray with Camp UMM Team

Run Check-In/ Registration table (this is a new requirement for 2017)

Collect Health Forms for all campers that include contact info, allergies/health history and grade

Answer parent questions as children are dropped off for Vacation Bible School

Assist in the placing of children in correct grade group

Make copies of all health forms to be given to a Camp UMM staff member DURING VBS

Be present at all times

Pray with and for your volunteers & the UMM staff.

Maintain a spirit of enthusiasm, and encourage volunteers & UMM staff.

Check in with UMM’s VBS Leader daily.

Check in with congregation volunteers daily.

Touch base with Pre-K VBS program and volunteers.

Keep daily attendance of VBS participants (on Thursday, provide UMM’s VBS Leader the week’s final participant count).

AFTER VBS

Pray & Thank the Lord for God’s blessings!

Express appreciation to all volunteers!

See that supplies are sorted, packed, labeled, and stored for next year.

File names and addresses of volunteers to be contacted next year.

Complete UMM evaluation and return, along with any other requested forms/data.

Make written notes of all good ideas for VBS next year. Note how problems were solved and how to avoid similar problems in the future.

Expect to receive an invoice from Upper Missouri Ministries 2 weeks following your VBS.

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Send in final payment to Upper Missouri Ministries. Contact [email protected] with any questions, or 701-859-4181.

Work with Education Committee and key children/youth leader to begin follow-up program.

CELEBRATE!

Announce in church the great joys of your VBS Program. o Include stories from this year’s Program & number of kids that attended.

Write a brief summary for your newsletter sharing the story of VBS.

Thank your congregation for supporting this ministry.

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PUBLICITY

VBS may be new to your congregation or part of a long tradition. Either way, it should be promoted often and creatively. It’s not only about providing information; it is about making invitations! Consider utilizing some of the following.

As soon as dates are set, notify congregation via calendar, bulletin, newsletter, website – whatever method(s) your congregation is accustom to.

Gear publicity to BOTH parents and children. Send a letter and/or flyer containing all the needed information to prospective families. Put up posters around the church AND community. Be sure to have the name of the contact

person listed on the poster. Put an announcement in local newspapers or on radio. Invite other congregations to participate. Have 1-2 talks during Sunday worship. They need only be about three minutes long. Ask parents

and/or youth to share a story from their VBS experience or why they enjoy VBS so much. Strategically place lawn banner with dates, key activities and contact information. Host a VBS Splash Sunday prior to Sunday school’s end – Introduce the theme through music,

games and special treats. Have a special Registration Blitz that includes parents. Never underestimate the power of Personal Invitation!

Posters, Bulletin Inserts & Handouts are provided in this packet and are yours to reproduce. Contact

UMM if you would like any additional publicity resources.

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VOLUNTEER RESOURCES

VBS is a great way to empower your congregation and engage men, women and youth in relational and transformative ministry. The relationships built between your volunteers, Pastors and the VBS children will far outlast those made with our staff.

Share the Vision

Share the vision for your VBS in a creative way. Set up a bulletin board and post volunteer job descriptions with the ways volunteers can be involved. Share goals for your VBS like “Our goal is to reach 50 children with the good news of Christ at VBS.” And invite people to be a part of that vision.

Volunteer Opportunities

Preschool Leaders: UMM will provide one Crew Leader for Preschool. It is likely that you will need extra assistance with this age group (if you have more than 8 preschoolers that will attend).

Snack Coordinator: Coordinate who is bringing snack & what days

Snack Assistant: Set out snack & clean up post snack

Crew assistant: Middle school & high schoolers assisting UMM leaders in the classrooms

Game Assistant: Got youth who love games? Invite them to help set up & run game time

Media Assistant: Set up projector screens, DVD player and play music during opening & closing worship.

Publicity Coordinator: someone to plan a promotional campaign to invite kids to VBS

Decoration Coordinator: find someone with a creative, artistic flair who can highlight the theme

Photographer

PASTORAL INVOLVEMENT

Below are suggestions on ways for your Pastor to be involved without feeling the need to plan or prepare Vacation Bible School. The following are suggestions and your Pastor is invited to join in every VBS activity as they are available.

Pastor’s Table: Invite your pastor to snack or lunch time and create a special table for them that kids can sit at and ask questions as they like.

Faith Stories or Story Telling: Your Pastor can share their faith story during Candlefire one day or other stories related to the Daily Theme during Candlefire worship.

Check In: A great way for your Pastor to meet kids who are attended VBS is for them to be present at the start of VBS in the morning. They can be there to greet parents and give kids high fives as they enter the church.

Game Time: Play games with kids during Camp Games

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Free Add Ons

It is UMM’s desire that your congregation would be engaged and empowered through this ministry. The following are suggestions for how your community can be engaged during VBS. If you decide to utilize our staff beyond VBS, a congregation contact person must be present at any additional outing/event. In addition, UMM’s Program Director must be made aware prior to the VBS week. This allows us to prepare our staff appropriately.

SERVICE PROJECTS: UMM staff can paint the parsonage fence, clean up someone’s yard, help your town set up for an event, etc. Or better yet, they can work alongside an existing group, like a men’s group or a youth group, to provide an additional boost to an ongoing project. Remember, a congregation contact person must be available at all times to contact with questions or for emergencies.

CAMPFIRE WORSHIP: At UMM, leaders plan and lead campfires for youth or family events. Gather your community together for staff-led campfire worship. It’s a great time for parents to meet the counselors, and see them in action. AND for s’mores!

YOUTH GROUPS: UMM summer staff is trained to work with all ages from 1st grade through graduated senior. Involve all your kids, and plan a special event for your youth group. Utilize staff for devotions, games, and other camp-like activities, while congregational volunteers provide food and hospitality. Again, a congregation contact person must be available at all times.

NURSING HOME NIGHT Pick one night or your congregation to go to the local nursing home with the UMM Staff. Together you could do music, craft, and share about your faith.

FAMILY NIGHT: Invite families from your congregation and community to gather for an evening spent together. Staff could lead family scavenger hunts, kid friendly worship, family games and other family fun activities or camp songs while bowling.

OTHER IDEAS:

o Free Pool Night

o Games in the Park

o Your Idea ________!!

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HOST FAMILY GUIDE

Host families are vital, as they provide a place for the UMM counselors to stay, fellowship, plan, and grow together in Christ. Thanks for opening your home and providing hospitality!

1) The congregation will arrange the time counselors are to meet with host families. This typically occurs

after the Sunday worship service or at the end of the first day’s program.

2) We ask that all host homes be smoke-free. Any pet or food allergies by our staff will be made known

to the congregational VBS Contact Person before staff arrival.

3) Counselors have their own transportation to and from the church and UMM’s VBS Coordinator will be

responsible for making sure that counselors are on time.

4) Host families provide daily breakfast, sack lunch, and dinner for the staff, unless special arrangements

have been made in advance for certain meals. Congregations often arrange Host Meals, inviting

additional families and volunteers to engage UMM staff. If this will be the case, a schedule informing

the UMM staff where they will be eating should be created prior to the week of VBS.

5) Getting to know host families is one of the things most looked forward to by UMM staff, and staff are

expected to connect with the host families. There will be times, however, when staff has special

evening events/meetings. A schedule of events will be given to host families prior to VBS week.

6) Staff is expected to be courteous and helpful at all times and remember their role as guests in host

homes. They are to keep homes, bathrooms, bedrooms, etc. neat and clean and will be offering to help

with dishes and other housekeeping duties.

7) Staff will not invite guests or other staff to host homes unless the family has been asked in advance.

The family is under no obligation to allow other guests into their home. Staff has a curfew and are to

be in their assigned host home by 10:00 pm with lights out at 11:30 at the latest. If the host family

would appreciate an earlier curfew, this should be communicated to UMM’s VBS Leader and will be

respected.

8) If host families encounter any problems, they are encouraged to talk to UMM’s VBS Leader, the

Congregation Contact Person, or the UMM office. Everything will be done to address the situation.

Host families are very valuable, and UMM desires a positive experience for all involved.

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VBS PRICE BREAKDOWN

Cost per counselor: $450 each (not to exceed 1 UMM staff member per 10 kids) UMM requires congregation to work at a ratio of 10:1. If final participant numbers exceed the maximum ratio, the congregation will be charged an extra $15 per camper per day. Preschool cannot exceed 8:1 Ratio.

Final Participant Count: Both the UMM Staff and Congregation’s VBS Contact Person will be responsible for taking participant counts. They will notify the UMM camp office with final participant numbers by the end of the week.

Crafts and Materials: $10.00 flat rate fee per child attending VBS. UMM will provide all supplies minus any recyclables. If recyclables are needed, the congregation will collect and supply.

Mileage: Current IRS mileage rate at time of VBS. (Round trip per vehicle.)

Pre-K: UMM will provide Pre-K (4 & 5 year olds) Coordination upon request for $450 to train and lead your congregation’s Pre-K volunteers. Age appropriate curriculum and materials for Bible study, games and crafts will be provided and is designed for a 2-3 hour program. Any longer program needs for this age will be the responsibility of the congregation.

If you have questions, please contact the UMM office at [email protected] or 701.859.4181.

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About Upper Missouri Ministries Upper Missouri Ministries servers more than 3,500 children, youth, adults and seniors each year. We strive to provide Christ-Centered Outdoor Ministry Experiences for All Ages through retreats and summer camp opportunities offered to youth and adults. Located on Epping-Springbrook Dam, near Epping, North Dakota, UMM currently serves over 100 churches in northwest North Dakota and northeast Montana. UMM continues its dedication to year round programming that meets the needs of our local churches.

How can your Congregation Utilize UMM?

Retreats Parties Intergenerational Events Sunday school trip/ kick off or wrap up Worship space Quiet Space Volunteer Projects Faith Renewal

Upper Missouri Ministries Contact Information

Hattie Carrier Program Director [email protected] www.campumm.org PO Box 111 12601 58th St NW Epping, ND 58843 Phone: 701-859-4181 Toll Free: 1-877-859-4181 If you are interested in learning about upcoming program opportunities, contact Hattie Carrier, UMM’s Program Director at 701-859-4181 or at [email protected]

Thank you for partnering with Upper Missouri Ministries in delivering a Christ centered experience to your children, congregation and community!!