Keeping students engaged during the week of Vacation Bible School (VBS) is essential for a successful and impactful experience.

By implementing the following strategies, you can ensure that students are actively involved, utilizing their gifts and abilities, and making VBS exciting for themselves and the kids they interact with.

Setting Clear Expectations

• Clearly communicate the expectations to students regarding their involvement during VBS.
• Avoid allowing idle time or distractions, keeping students actively engaged.
• Ensure that students assisting adults are given meaningful tasks and responsibilities to keep them involved and valued.

Utilizing Their Gifts and Abilities

• Recognize that not every student may feel comfortable working directly with children. Identify their unique gifts and abilities and find suitable roles for them.
• Assign tasks behind the scenes, such as running technology or assisting those on stage.
• Employ students as runners, allowing them to help with various errands and tasks to support the smooth running of VBS.
  • i. Consider having a small team of students dedicated to running errands during each VBS session.
  • ii. This not only saves time and effort but also gives students a sense of responsibility and purpose.
  • iii. Utilize them to collect information like attendance or any other necessary data.

Allowing Them to Make VBS Exciting for the Kids

• Encourage students to actively engage with the children during worship, such as dancing or participating in energetic activities.
• Provide opportunities for students to spend time with the kids appropriately, building relationships and creating a fun atmosphere.
• If students are spiritually mature, empower them to have conversations with children about their faith and help guide them in making spiritual decisions.
• Pro Tip: Embrace student involvement and recognize that each student is uniquely created and gifted by God. When students are plugged into VBS activities, watch how God works not only in their lives but also in the lives of the kids and even the adults they assist.

By setting clear expectations, utilizing students’ gifts and abilities, and allowing them to actively contribute to VBS, you can create an engaging and transformative experience for everyone involved. Remember, involving students not only enhances their own spiritual growth but also impacts the lives of the children they interact with and the entire VBS community. Embrace the potential of student involvement and witness the incredible work of God through their willing hearts and unique talents.