Christian Retailing

[ VBS 2015 LISTING ] Supplying churches with Vacation Bible School programs Print Email
Written by Christine D. Johnson   
Tuesday, 07 October 2014 04:47 PM America/New_York

Get updated on contents and pricing of curricula available for next summer’s VBS season

ABINGDON PRESS
Shining Star: See the Jesus in Me!
Methodist; Preschool/Kindergarten, Younger Elementary, Older Elementary, Teen, Adult; five sessions; abingdonpressvbs.com

ShiningStar-Abingdon

MAIN SCRIPTURES: “You are the light of the world!” (Matt. 5:14a, CEB).

THEME/CONTENT: Utilizing African-American culture and history as a lens through which to teach biblical truths and spread the gospel of Jesus Christ, this program will help participants of all ages to hear about the importance of shining as children of God. Participants will discover the Bible as a light for life’s path; realize that each one has Star Power in Jesus Christ; have community fun shining like stars for God; and be encouraged to believe that Jesus is the light that shines in them.

STARTER KIT CONTENTS: Director Manual; Preschool/Kindergarten Leader Guide; Younger Elementary Leader Guide; Older Elementary Leader Guide; Arts & Crafts Leader Guide; Heritage & Drama Leader Guide; Music & Movement Leader Guide; Recipe Guide; Outreach/Follow-up Leader Guide; Student Books; Music CD; Worship DVD; Nametags; Nametag Holder; Leader Certificate; Student Certificate; Student Books; and more.

STARTER KIT PRICE: $79.99.

WHERE SOLD: Through retail stores and direct to churches/consumers.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Promotional materials; Leader Guides; Student Handbooks.

 

ANSWERS IN GENESIS
Camp Kilimanjaro: An Epic Expedition Through Proverbs
Nondenominational; Toddler (ages 2-4), Pre-Primary (4-6), Primary (6-9), Junior (9-12), Teen/Adult, Special Needs Supplement for ages 2-12; five sessions; answersvbs.com

MAIN SCRIPTURES: Theme verse: Prov. 9:10. Day 1: “Listen UP!” Be wise—have ears that hear, and do God’s Word! 1 Kings 3-4 (King Solomon) and various Proverbs. Day 2: “Check UP!” Be wise—have a heart that trusts in the Lord! Genesis 1-3; Romans 3, 5, 6, 10; Proverbs (Gospel Day). Day 3: “Build UP!” Be wise—have a tongue that speaks in a God-honoring way! Various proverbs (bullying, boasting, gossiping, complaining—will we choose death words or life words?). Day 4: “Wake UP!” Be wise—have hands that get to work! Prov. 6:6-11 and other proverbs. Day 5: “Wise UP!” Be wise—have feet that walk with the wise! 1 Kings 1:1-11 (King Solomon) and various proverbs.

CampKilimanjaro-AnswersInGenesis

THEME/CONTENT: At Camp Kilimanjaro, kids will have an epic expedition through Proverbs! Every day kids are faced with choices—will they choose wisely or foolishly? As they safari up Mount Kilimanjaro, trekkers learn that true wisdom comes only from the one true, all-wise God, who wants us to be wise. And He’s filled the book of Proverbs with wise sayings for us to follow. As they study Proverbs, the hikers will learn to have ears that hear and do the Word of God, hearts that trust in the Lord, tongues that are tame, hands that get to work and feet that walk with the wise.

STARTER KIT CONTENTS: Starter Kit: Director Guide; Assembly Guide; Craft Guide; Snack Guide; Game Guide; Junior Teacher Guide; Primary Teacher Guide; Pre-Primary Teacher Guide; Toddler Teacher Guide; 1 Student Guide for each age group; Promo & Recruitment DVD; Helper Handbook; Trekking Through Proverbs booklet; How Can I Become a Child of God? booklet; Trail Guide; sample tracts (4); Children’s Hunger Fund bracelet.

SUPER STARTER KIT: Starter Kit plus daily overview posters (1 set); Memory Verse posters (1 set for each age group); teaching posters (1 set for each age group); promotional posters (22-by-17 inches); promo flier (8.5-by-11 inches); promo postcards (set of 5); bulletin insert; volunteer recruitment flier; door hanger; promo business cards; Leader Music Set (music CD, song motions DVD and resource DVD); sheet music; songbook; VBS Manager unlimited access; Growing Up in God’s Family booklet; Memory Verse Songs Leader Music Set (music CD, song motions DVD and resource DVD); name tag and lanyard; sticker samples; certificate of completion; staff appreciation certificate; visitor appreciation certificate; logo button; name button; iron-on patch; bookmark; sample wristband; photo frame; rotation signs (set of 5); T-shirt; water bottle holder; carabiner; pencil; click pen; design cards; logo stamps; latex balloon; and magnet puzzle.

STARTER KIT PRICE: $99 (Starter); $189 (Super Starter).

WHERE SOLD: Through retail stores and direct to churches/consumers.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Leader Guides; Student Guides; promotional materials; student T-shirts; leader T-shirts; leader vest; hat; music resources (contemporary or traditional); station signs; student resources; tubular bandannas; decorating posters; gospel booklets; decoration aids; and King James Version resources.

PREVIOUS USERS SAY: “We just wanted to let you know that the science experiments were a huge hit with our kids! Thank you for putting out quality programs year after year” (Stephani K.); “This was our fifth year using Answers VBS. I don’t even look at the others because of your biblical content, affordability and the way it engages the children. It’s the best!” (L.M.); “We completed our 7th VBS using AIG curriculum! We have never been disappointed! Always kid friendly, teacher friendly and guaranteed to be solid biblical teaching” (Marsha C.); “I also lead the music in our VBS and really loved it this year. I especially loved the inclusion of the memory verse songs!” (Shannon S.); “I think the curriculum/teaching is fantastic. Good solid deep truth. You treat children like they are smart (which they are!)” (Salina H.); “I love the biblically sound lessons! Thank you for not shying away from teaching the Word!” (Heather R.); “I love the encouragement included in the materials to stay in the Word and in prayer as we plan. We can do nothing without God, and that constant reminder is needed while in the hustle and bustle of planning” (Corie P.).

NEW FOR 2015: Bible lesson scene setter; assembly scene setter; and theme verse banner.

 

BOGARD PRESS
Camp Courageous—Equipping for Life
Baptist; Preschool (ages 2-3), Kindergarten (ages 4-5), Beginner (Grades 1-2), Primary (Grades 3-4), Junior (Grades 5-6), Young Teen (Grades 7-9), Teen (Grades 10-12), Adult; five sessions; bogardpress-vbs.org

MAIN SCRIPTURES: Day 1: Meeting the Savior (Luke 19:1-10); Day 2: Praying like Jesus (Matt. 26:36-56); Day 3: Growing as Christians (Acts 2:41-47); Day 4: Learning to Praise (John 9:13-38); Day 5: Sharing with Others (John 4:5-42).

THEME/CONTENT: Motto: Equipping for Life! Theme Verse: “Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps” (1 Pet. 2:21).

CampCourageous-BogardPressAIM: The student will learn that following Jesus leads to the good life—the genuine Christian life. Join Junior Ranger Randy and friends as they learn from Ranger Wrightway that following Jesus leads to the good life—the genuine Christian life. They will visit five locations surrounding Camp Courageous: Decision Divide—where you receive the Savior; Prayer Pond—where you talk to the Savior; Fellowship Forest—where you meet other followers of the Savior; Glorify Geyser—where you worship the Savior; and Witness Waterfall—where you tell others about the Savior.

STARTER KIT CONTENTS: Director’s Plan Book; Activity Pages for Preschool, Kindergarten, Beginner, Primary and Junior; Student Books for Young Teen and Teen; Teacher Manuals and Visuals for Preschool-Teen; Adult Lessons; bulletin cover; doorknob hanger; theme stickers; attendance chart with stickers; publicity poster; bookmark; salvation tract; songbook; VBS music downloadable card; name tag; memory verse posters; postcard; Bible teaching posters; daily icon set; pencil; New Testament; lanyard; tote bag; appreciation certificate; achievement certificate; lesson and music DVD; vinyl banner; decoration door banners; bandanna with slider; photo frame; plastic nametag holder; publicity flyers; iron-on transfer; fun book; campsite guide with stickers; room decorations transparency book; binoculars; game book; craft book; bracelet; Junior Ranger pin; Park Ranger pin; Live-It! cards; nylon drawstring backpack; carabiner (with flashlight, compass, whistle); buttons; large VBS tote; skits book; Junior Ranger patch; Park Ranger patch; T-shirt (Adult XL).

STARTER KIT PRICE: $169.95.

WHERE SOLD: Through retail stores and direct to churches and consumers.

NEW FOR 2015: Decoration door banners; bandanna with slider; binoculars; bracelet; Junior Ranger pin; Park Ranger pin; carabiner (with flashlight, compass, whistle); buttons; large VBS tote; Junior Ranger patch; and Park Ranger patch.

 

BRENTWOOD VBS KIDZ
Jeff Slaughter VBS Fun Run
Evangelical/nondenominational; Preschool-Elementary; five sessions; brentwoodbenson.com

JeffSlaughterVBSFunRun-BrentwoodMAIN SCRIPTURES: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing” (2 Tim. 4:7-8, NIV).

THEME/CONTENT: Come run the most exciting race ever with Jeff Slaughter on this fun-filled VBS, which starts at 2 Timothy 4:7-8. Follow the race route on a Scripture-packed course through Bible studies, worship and drama, “craftivities,” games and more, all to encourage kids to finish the most important race of all—the pathway to salvation in Christ.

STARTER KIT CONTENTS: Essential Kit: Ultimate Fun Run DVD only—all 6 VBS sing-a-long videos with full lyrics; 6 choreography teaching videos; 5 daily teaching videos.

ULTIMATE KIT: VBS Fun Run Media Kit (3-disc set). Disc 1: Ultimate Fun Run DVD—all 6 VBS sing-a-long videos with full lyrics; 6 choreography teaching videos; 5 daily teaching videos. Disc 2: Digital Curriculum Disc (PDF)—Director’s Manual; Pre-School Curriculum; Bible Study Curriculum; Craftivity (fun craft ideas); Music & Drama; Games & Snacks; extras (parent take-homes, registration forms and more); Backyard Kids Club Edition (PDF). Disc 3: Media Files—QuickTime (.mov files) for sing-a-long videos; 6 choreography teaching videos; 5 daily teaching videos; ProPresenter files; PowerPoint files; text files; and worship slide backgrounds.

STARTER KIT PRICE: $69.99 (Essential Kit); $189.99 (Ultimate Kit).

WHERE SOLD: Through retail stores and direct to churches and consumers.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Daily theme posters; station and promotional posters; decorative wall poster; decorative posters; feather flag; 2-sided hanging Fun Run banner; T-shirts; name badges with lanyards; Spanish curriculum book; Spanish listening CD; Spanish sing-a-long DVD. Downloads are also available online at brentwoodbenson.com.

 

COKESBURY
G-Force: God’s Love in Action
Methodist; Preschool/Kindergarten, Younger Elementary, Older Elementary, Teen, Adult; five sessions; cokesburyvbs.com

G-Force-CokesburyMAIN SCRIPTURES: “In God we live, move, and exist” (Acts 17:28a, CEB).

THEME/CONTENT: Churches will come alive with movement at the G-Force Adventure Park! VBS will be turned into an exciting skate park or a cool bike shop or the ultimate adventure park. This theme will teach kids ways to show God’s love by moving, acting, caring, following and sharing.

STARTER KIT CONTENTS: Director Guide; Preschool/Kindergarten Leader Guide; Bible Storyteller Leader Guide; Music Leader Guide; Craft Leader Guide; Science Leader Guide; Assembly Leader Guide; Recreation Leader Guide; Decorating Leader Guide; Mission Leader Guide; Snack Leader Guide; Reflection Time Leader Guide; three age-level Student Books; complete music CD; Adventure DVD; music video DVD; decorating/publicity DVD; promotional item samples; craft samples; and more.

STARTER KIT PRICE: $159.99.

WHERE SOLD: Through retail stores and direct to churches/consumers.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Promotional materials; T-shirts; music; puppets; stickers; crafts.

PREVIOUS USERS SAY: “Through their Workshop of Wonders VBS 2014 curriculum, Cokesbury has tapped the pulse of what is happening in school classrooms nationwide” (Albert Simon, adjunct faculty, curriculum and instruction, Marshall University; VBS director, Rosemont, West Virginia).

 

NEW FOR 2015: Availability of a Super Starter Kit.

CONCORDIA PUBLISHING HOUSE
Camp Discovery
Lutheran; Preschool-Adult; five sessions; vbs.cph.org

CampDiscovery-ConcordiaPublishingHouseMAIN SCRIPTURES: “We love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19).

THEME/CONTENT: At Camp Discovery, kids learn that God has a plan for them right now, right where they are. Explore Bible truths that point to Jesus, our True North, and discover how He blesses us with courage and wisdom for our everyday journeys. God enables us to serve others through vocations. Through the unique gifts He has given us, we speak His words of love and serve our neighbors as His hands and feet.

STARTER KIT CONTENTS: Super-Duper Directors’ Guide*; Program Overview DVD; Pastor’s Overview Guide; Early Childhood Guide*; Music Guide, plus song action videos*; Opening/Closing Guide, plus skit scripts*; Bible Challenge Guide*; Storytelling Guide*; Craft Guide; Snack Guide; Games Guide; Youth & Adult Resources Flyer; Mission Project Flyer; Free Online Registration Flyer; decorating posters (3 43-by-60-inch posters); Bible story posters (5 22-by-17-inch posters); memory verse posters (5 22-by-17-inch posters); tote bag. Samples include, publicity postcard; publicity poster; Early Childhood leaflet and stickers; Elementary leaflet; pass-along CD/DVD; collectibles; cross carabiner; team identifier; nametag; offering envelope; and craft sampler pack (*These items include additional CD and/or DVD content).

STARTER KIT PRICE: $149.99.

WHERE SOLD: Through retail stores and direct to churches and consumers.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Puppet; T-shirts; iron-ons; decorating stand-ups; and wall murals.

PREVIOUS USERS SAY: “I’ve had the [VBS] songs stuck in my head all day, but it’s a good stuck” (Hannah, age 10); “Two weeks after VBS and still putting things away! All worth it! Lots of wonderful feedback from parents regarding how much children had learned, using lesson leaflets to tell the Bible story to family, going home and opening their Bible to find the day’s verse, singing the songs to everyone who will listen, telling all about the Bible storytelling and being in the boat!! A mom wanted to know what the beautiful prayer is that her first-grader was trying to teach her—Luther’s Morning Prayer! (Surprised me!) Thanks, CPH, for great resources, meaningful and upbeat music and the active Bible storytelling! May the seeds of faith planted in kids’ hearts continue to grow through God’s amazing grace!” (Ruth); “Thank you for working together to produce a VBS program which needs to be recognized as another significant accomplishment for our church programs. The 2014 VBS Team should be renamed VBS trainers extraordinaire. Our VBS this year was the best, [our] pastor said, in at least 12 or 13 years or so. We asked the students at our Closing Program what we should thank you folks for in a letter we were going to write. Slowly answers came: the music (this was repeated time and time again), crafts, Bible stories—every area was mentioned. Then one little guy said, ‘Just tell them everything was the best!’ Our team of leaders couldn’t say it better. We genuinely loved working with our 2014 VBS. Your prayers for us, your telephone call in the middle of our session, those personal touches were heartwarming and, no doubt, added to our gift of success. You helped us touch the future of our Lutheran church. Thank you. In a world full of pop culture, bad language and faulty guidance, your team helped us shine the light of Jesus on the precious faces of each child enrolled in our VBS 2014. We will, no doubt, be singing ‘Gangway to Galilee’ for months to come” (Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Scottsdale, Arizona).

 

EDITORIAL CONCORDIA
Búsqueda Submarina (Underwater Quest)
Lutheran; Ages 3-14 and Adult;
five sessions;
sites.cph.org/editorial/VBS/2015/

BusQuedaSubmarina-EditorialConcordiaMAIN SCRIPTURES: Gen. 1:1-2:4a; Gen. 2:4b-25; Luke 2:1-20; John 4:1-42; Rev. 21:9-22:5.

THEME/CONTENT: It’s time for the annual Vargas family vacation! Explore the Blue Waters Aquarium like never before with Michael, Paula and Mark. With the help of new friends Raymond and Mr. Edwards, the siblings dive into an undersea paradise where they learn firsthand that God is the Creator of all that we are and the Giver of everything that we have. Put on your snorkel and immerse yourself alongside them in five Bible stories that each point to His ultimate gift, salvation made possible through Jesus Christ.

STARTER KIT CONTENTS: Fully reproducible Teacher’s Guide (lesson plans for all age levels, lyrics and music for eight original songs in Spanish and English, invitations, flyers, attendance certificates, cut-outs, adult Bible studies, closing program); two sets of five color posters for each day’s Bible story; student worksheet samples for the three levels; one full-color promotional poster; multimedia CD (songs, accompaniment tracks, story narrations only in Spanish and PowerPoints).

STARTER KIT PRICE: $54.99, Spanish-only Leader’s Pack; $59.99 Bilingual (Spanish/English) Leader’s Pack.

WHERE SOLD: Through retail stores and direct to churches and consumers.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Student worksheets; Jesus-centered crafts; and extra promotional posters.

NEW FOR 2015: Student worksheets sold individually instead of in 5-packs.

 

GOSPEL LIGHT
SonSpark Labs
Interdenominational; Nursery to age 12, with coordinating youth and adult small group leader guides; five sessions; gospellightvbs.com/sonspark/

SonSparkLabs-GospelLightMAIN SCRIPTURES: John 14:6-7.

THEME/CONTENT: At the amazing SonSpark Labs, children will explore God’s life-changing plan as they find out the answers to life’s most important questions. They will discover that God loves them and that through Jesus they can be members of God’s family and personally experience God’s plan for each of us—GP4U=J (God’s Plan 4U=Jesus)! Session 1: The Creation Formulation (story of creation); Session 2: The Sin Separation (sin enters the world); Session 3: The Personification Revelation (Jesus performs miracles); Session 4: The Salvation Solution (Jesus’ death and resurrection): Session 5: The Infinite Implementation (the early church in Acts).

STARTER KIT CONTENTS: Deluxe Kit includes everything a director needs for VBS and now has the ShowTime! Assemblies DVD. The Deluxe Kit includes Truth Lab Bible Stories (Primary); Truth Lab Bible Stories (Middler); Truth Lab Bible Stories (Preteen); Sparky’s Lab Leader’s Guide; Lab Journal Grades 3-4 Sample; Momentum Games; Edible Experiments Snack Guide; MasterMind Crafts; Lab Décor & More Theme Guide; Bible Teaching Poster Pack; Sparky’s Lab posters and props; decorating poster pack; Director’s Planning Guide with CD; Music & More reproducible CD; preview DVD; ShowTime! Assemblies DVD; complete set of Connection Gears; director’s sample pack.ScienceProject-Z-140619-GL-1089

STARTER KIT PRICE: $199.99.

WHERE SOLD: Through retail stores and direct to churches and consumers.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Reproducible Power Pack, which features a powerhouse of digital content onto one USB flash drive for computer and select tablets. There are many resources to print and/or email to VBS team members and families.

PREVIOUS USERS SAY: “I appreciate that your company provides so many ideas that work for all age levels and VBS budgets. Thank you.” (Bill Narwold); “It’s easy to use, always has the gospel message and has the BEST music!!” (Callie Head, St. Paul’s Church, Florida); “The theme within this program was highly motivating and provided fun and excitement for all participants, including the adults. It had fantastic ideas, and the content was layered in a topic that kids found interesting and magnetic. The songs were catchy and directly dovetailed with the Bible story and verses … an excellent way to engage long-term memory. This program allowed for a lot of creativity and innovation!” (Jan Jurbert); “We loved the reproducible VBS!!! It rocks! Thank you for your continued effort in reaching children for Jesus! Thank you for allowing our partnership to make a difference!” (Beth Gray); “It is my opinion that Gospel Light VBS resources are simply the best that are available. For this reason, we have used them exclusively at FPC during each one of my 10 years of professional ministry here” (Dan Walden); “We have used Gospel Light for many years, and it is the ONE we go to, knowing the gospel will be presented clearly” (Merrigold Long, Meadowbrook Church, Alberta, Canada); “This was our first VBS in around 13 years. I had never done a VBS and was worried that I would not be able to. With a lot of prayer and thanks to your easy-to-understand formats, it was a huge success. We all had a great time, and I’m sure we will be doing one again next year. The kids loved the music, and the skits were a big hit. It was easy to work with. Our VBS was a huge success, and we all had a great time. I will be looking forward to next year’s VBS!” (Patricia Foley); “Bible content, as always, excellent! Engaging ideas to capture kids’ attention” (Sarah Taylor).

NEW FOR 2015: MEGA decorating pack; SonSpark puzzle cube; and SonSpark lab glasses.

 

GROUP PUBLISHING
Everest: Conquering Challenges With God’s Mighty Power
Interdenominational; Preschool-Youth; five sessions; group.com/Everest

Everest-GroupMAIN SCRIPTURES: God provides for Elijah (1 Kings 17); God speaks to Elijah (1 Kings 19); God heals Naaman (2 Kings 5); Jesus dies on a cross to take away our sins, then comes back to life (Luke 22:31–24:12); Jesus promises us an eternal home (John 14:1-3).

THEME/CONTENT: Embark on an icy expedition that empowers kids to overcome obstacles with God’s awesome power. Anchor kids in rock-solid Bible truths that will guide them through life’s challenges.

STARTER KIT CONTENTS: Everest Ultimate Director Go-To Guide; Base Camp Sing & Play and Summit Celebration Leader Manual; KidVid Cinema Leader Manual; Imagination Station Leader Manual; Bible Expeditions Leader Manual; Mountaintop Treats Leader Manual; Glacier Games Leader Manual; Spotlight VBS Leader Manual (No CD; software is now online); Preschool Director Manual includes information for the preschool director plus guides for Exploration Stations, Bible Adventures, Games, KidVid Cinema, Craft & Play; student materials sample pack; Imagination Station sample pack; and Operation Kid-to-Kid sample pack.

STARTER KIT PRICE: $174.99.

WHERE SOLD: Through retail stores and direct to churches and consumers.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Updates and resources available online at group.com/vbstools.

PREVIOUS USERS SAY: “The kids loved it ... such a fun, vibrant and easy-to-digest program that gets my kids actually excited about God and Jesus” (Kathleen K.).

NEW FOR 2015: KidVid Cinema; new and improved preschool.

 

GROUP PUBLISHING
Cross Culture: Thailand Trek VBS
Interdenominational; Preschool-Youth; four sessions; group.com/ThailandTrek

CrossCultureThailandTrek-GroupMAIN SCRIPTURES: Only God could create the world (Genesis 1); Jesus is born to show God’s love (Luke 2:1-20); Jesus dies to forgive our sins (Luke 23); Jesus promises us an eternal home (John 14:1-3).

THEME/CONTENT: The easy-to-do Group VBS experience that churches love—plus a fresh way to ignite kids’ faith.

STARTER KIT CONTENTS: Thailand Trek Ultimate Director Go-To Guide; Celebration Leader Manual; Thai Treats Leader Manual; Thai Games Leader Manual; Experience Thailand Leader Manual; Bible Adventures Leader Manual; Preschool Passport to Thailand Director Manual; Experience Thailand sample pack; student materials sample pack; and Operation Kid-to-Kid sample pack.

STARTER KIT PRICE: $149.99.

WHERE SOLD: Through retail stores and direct to churches and consumers.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Updates and resources available online at group.com/vbstools.

PREVIOUS USERS SAY: “This is a must-have program! The children were so intrigued by the kids in Thailand and how they lived out their faith. Fun and energizing, Group has outdone themselves once again!” (Sandra J.).

NEW FOR 2015: CrossTrek Student Magazine—an interactive magazine that works with the free CrossTrek app and puts the sights and sounds of Thailand at kids’ fingertips. The Experience Thailand station helps kids see an exciting world of faith beyond their own backyard.

 

GROUP PUBLISHING
Hometown Nazareth: Where Jesus Was a Kid
Interdenominational; Preschool-Youth; five sessions; group.com/HometownNazareth

HometownNazareth-GroupMAIN SCRIPTURES: Mary is chosen to be Jesus’ mother (Luke 1:26-38); Jesus is born and gets His name (Luke 2:1-40); Jesus’ family escapes to Egypt (Matt. 2:13-14,  and later returns to Nazareth (vv. 19-23); Jesus goes to the temple (Luke 2:41-52); Jesus does a miracle in Cana (John 2:1-12).

THEME/CONTENT: Can you imagine the kinds of stories Mary could tell about Jesus? Take your kids back to Hometown Nazareth, where they’ll stand up for their faith among people who doubt that the carpenter’s son is really God’s Son.

STARTER KIT CONTENTS: Hometown Nazareth Ultimate Director Go-To Guide; Celebration Leader Manual; Fun & Games Leader Manual; Hometown Huddle Leader Manual; Mary’s House Drama Leader Manual; Shopkeeper Manual; Daily Dramas Booklet; Marketplace sample pack; student materials sample pack.

STARTER KIT PRICE: $139.99.

WHERE SOLD: Through retail stores and direct to churches and consumers.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Updates and resources available online at group.com/vbstools

PREVIOUS USERS SAY: “Thank you for this high-quality program! We loved the Worship Music DVD, curriculum was great, and we had those amazing moments when you know children are listening to the Word and keeping the truth deep in their hearts!” (Karina L.).

 

LIFEWAY CHURCH RESOURCES
Journey Off the Map
Southern Baptist Convention; Babies-Adult; five sessions; lifeway.com/vbs

JourneyOffTheMap-LifeWayMAIN SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 30:21.

THEME/CONTENT: LifeWay’s VBS takes kids to uncharted territory where they will begin to understand that obedience to God can lead them beyond the expected. So, toss the map, stick close to your guide and prepare to listen for God’s direction in this journey that is unknown to us, but known by Him. This is the way. Walk in it. Day 1: Know Your Guide (Gal. 4:4-5; Matt. 4:23-25; 1 Cor. 15:3-5); Day 2: Follow Your Guide (Dan. 1); Day 3: Trust Your Guide (Dan. 3); Day 4: Stay on Track (Dan. 6); Keep Watching (Dan. 10:7-10, 12-13; John 14: 1-4; Rev. 22:7).

STARTER KIT CONTENTS: Kids Starter Kit includes: one each of Grades 1–2 Bible Study Leader Guide; Grades 1–2 Bible Study Leader Pack; Grades 3–4 Bible Study Leader Guide; Grades 3–4 Bible Study Leader Pack; Preteen Bible Study Leader Guide; and Preteen Bible Study Leader Pack; three Kids’ Field Kits; one Missions Rotation Leader Guide; one Music Rotation Leader Guide; one Crafts Rotation Leader Guide; craft pack samples; one set of Snack Rotation recipe cards; one set of Recreation Rotation Leader cards; samples of VBS accessories. Preschool Starter Kit includes: one Babies–2s Leader Pack; one Keepsake Book 3s–Pre-K; one 3s–Pre-K Leader Guide; one 3s–Pre-K Leader Pack; one Kindergarten Leader Guide; one Kindergarten Leader Pack; two Preschool Field Kits; one 3s–Kindergarten Rotation Pack craft pack samples; and samples of VBS accessories.

STARTER KIT PRICE: $99.99.

WHERE SOLD: Through LifeWay Christian Stores and direct to churches and consumers.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Takin’ It Home CD; worship rally resources; decorations; promotion resources; and Continuing the Connection resources.

 

LIFEWAY CHURCH RESOURCES
Zip for Kids
Southern Baptist Convention; Preschool and Elementary; 10 sessions (corresponding theme option in Old and New Testament); zipforkids.com

zipforkidsLOGOfinal2MAIN SCRIPTURE: Ephesians 2:10.

THEME/CONTENT: Create your own VBS! With Zip for Kids, you decide the theme. You decide the schedule. You decide the track options to offer. We make it easy by providing 10 sessions of Christ-centered biblical content woven through every element. The lessons are easy to customize so you can focus on your own creative touches. Session 1: I Am Created for a Reason (God’s Plan for Moses); Session 2: I Am In Need of a Savior (The Israelites Need a Savior); Session 3: I Am Loved By God (God Showed Love); Session 4: I Am Gifted with a Purpose (The Israelites Used Their Gifts); Session 5: I Am on Mission (Moses Spoke to the People); Session 6: I Am Created for a Reason (God’s Plan for John); Session 7: I Am In Need of a Savior (Matthew Needed a Savior); Session 8: I Am Loved By God (Jesus Showed Love); Session 9: I Am Gifted With a Purpose (Lydia Used Her Gifts); Session 10: I Am on Mission (Philip Spoke to the Ethiopian).

STARTER KIT CONTENTS: Zip Essentials: basic administrative helps; tools to help churches customize their Bible study sessions for large and small groups; 10 Bible study sessions with sample schedules to jump-start your Zip; 10 Bible story videos; customizable digital files on CD allow churches to create their own leader guide for a customized event. Zip Tracks: Five track options for each category—soccer, basketball, outdoor games, messy games, indoor games, drama, percussion, musical performance, cheer sign language, kitchen concoctions, duct tape creations, art works, discovery lab, construction zone, live it and a create-your-own track template. Zip Media: CD with Zip music; DVD filled with content, including intro videos, Bible story videos, application videos, countdowns, bumpers and song lyrics synced to music.OlderKids-4125

STARTER KIT PRICE: Zip Essentials: $175; Zip Tracks: $150; Zip Media: $50; Zip for Kids Preschool: $175.

WHERE SOLD: Through LifeWay Christian Stores and direct to churches and consumers.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Clip art and promotional material available for free on zipforkids.com.

 

MENNOMEDIA
Message Received: Hearing God’s Call
Mennonite; Ages 4-5, Grades Kindergarten-5; five sessions; faithandliferesources.org/curriculum/vbs/

MessageReceived-MennomediaMAIN SCRIPTURES: Samuel (1 Sam. 3:1-21): God calls us to listen and respond; Esther (Esther 4:13-17): God calls us to work together for what is right; Mary (Luke 1:26-56): We are called to trust God’s plan; Disciples (Matt. 4:18-22; Luke 5:1-11): Jesus calls us to follow Him; Lydia (Acts 16:11-15, 40): God calls us to open our hearts to Jesus.

THEME/CONTENT: God has a message for you! Can you hear it? Samuel heard it in the middle of the night. Mary heard it through an angel. The disciples were hard at work when they heard it. They all heard God’s special message just for them! Message Received: Hearing God’s Call lets children know that God continues to call all kinds of people—including them! People are called to love God and follow Jesus every day. Those who hear God’s message and respond are forever changed. Message Received is a Bible- and activity-based learning experience. Children in grades K-5 will see Bible stories come to life in the dramas during worship time and will reflect on them during three response times: Bible Response, Active Response and Creative Response. Children ages 4-5 may participate in worship with the older children or have their own worship time. They too will share in the Bible story and process it through crafts, games and other activities designed for their age and developmental levels.

STARTER KIT CONTENTS: The box kit includes two of each: Director’s Guide, Worship and Drama Guide, Active Response Guide, Bible Response Guide, Creative Response Guide, Early Childhood Leader Guide and an invitation poster. The box kit includes one of each: music CD, Bible memory DVD, Bible memory poster, songbook, invitation postcard, student participation certificate, My Book of Stories (early childhood student piece) and Message Decoder (K-5 student piece).

STARTER KIT PRICE: $159.99.

WHERE SOLD: Through Cokesbury and Ingram Content Group and direct from mennomedia.org.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Additional Bible memory DVDs are available for $8.99 each, and additional songbooks are available for $6.99 each.

PREVIOUS USERS SAY: “Leader resources are great. All the response activities had enough choices that each leader was able to find something that fit the age group they were working with. I loved the dramas. The kids that helped had a lot of fun with them” (Gretchen Yoder, West Union Mennonite Church, Parnell, Iowa); “I thought the choice of stories was great. Keep up the good work!” (Stanley Godshall, Blosson Hill Mennonite Church, Lancaster, Pennsylvania); “We have been very pleased with the variety of theme you have selected. Keep up the good work!”; “We have been happy with the themes in the years we have used MennoMedia’s VBS (the past four years).”; “We do this ministry (VBS) to build community among our children and among the adults who volunteer. Your VBS fits our theology and keeps the focus ‘real.’ Thank you for providing a solid base on which we can build a good faith experience for our children.”; “[This was] my first experience in many years as VBS director, and your material helped make our endeavor a complete success. All involved were blessed—children and adults alike. I was drawn to several features of the MennoMedia curricula: 1. solid biblical interpretation that emphasizes transformation, justice and discipleship rather than individual salvation from sin; 2. use of global music; 3. craft suggestions that involve natural materials and call for a creative response, rather than mindlessly copying an example made of prefabricated plastic junk that will end up in a landfill; 4. Overall, the curriculum is intelligent, well-crafted, creative and fosters global awareness, justice, peacemaking, stewardship—all aspects of following Jesus that we seek to emphasize in our congregation and community.”; “We love that there are various activities to choose from each night and that the ideas are simple and straightforward, easy to follow. Thanks so much for this wonderful pack of resources. The great ideas and well-thought-out connections between pieces of the material save us so much time and empower our church members to feel confident about volunteering. Thanks.”

 

MY HEALTHY CHURCH
MEGA Sports Camp: Get Ready
Nondenominational; Grades 1-6; five sessions; myhealthychurch.com/trade

MegaSportsCamp-MyHealthyChurchMAIN SCRIPTURES: “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (1 Pet. 3:15, NIV).

THEME/CONTENT: An easy, effective way to reach kids in your community, MEGA Sports Camp outreach programs find they have more than 50% guests, many who do not regularly attend church. Elementary kids sign up to practice sports skills and then learn how to “Get Ready” to be a better athlete through Bible-based character traits.

STARTER KIT CONTENTS: Director Guide; poster pack; Director DVD and CD; Art CD; Rally Guide (large group/worship time); Music & Media DVD and CD; Coach Huddle Guide (small group time); sports playbooks for cheerleading, basketball and soccer (flag football and baseball optional add-ons); Sports Flash (kids’ take-home); Theme Keepers for kids; salvation/discipleship piece; T-shirt; sports bottle; and magnetic photo frame.

STARTER KIT PRICE: $139.99.

WHERE SOLD: Through retail stores and direct to churches and consumers.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Apparel; iron-ons; nametags; Cheer Training DVD and CD; Cheer Music CD; and accessories.

PREVIOUS USERS SAY: “Our annual MEGA Sports Camp turned out to be an amazing event and community outreach. We had over 100 participants who braved the heat while cheerleading, playing basketball and soccer. But I’m beyond thrilled at the 30 first-time salvations and 27 rededications! Wow! Some amazing kingdom work was done this week. That’s what it’s all about.” (Lifepoint Church, Savannah, Texas).

NEW FOR 2015: “Get Ready” theme.

 

PIONEER CLUBS
The Wacky World of Water
Nondenominational; Preschool-Grade 6; five sessions;
pioneerclubs.org, wackyworldofwater.org

TheWackyWorldofWater-PioneerClubsMAIN SCRIPTURES: Day 1: Genesis 1:31a; Day 2: 1 John 1:9; Day 3: John 14:23a; Day 4: Romans 5:8; and Day 5: Proverbs 3:5-6.

THEME/CONTENT: The Wacky World of Water is a fun, simple and fresh look at VBS. Kids will learn from water stories throughout Scripture, including creation, the flood, Jesus’ walking on water and calming the storm. It includes crafts, games and snack ideas; Bible memory verses; calendars; and training materials—everything necessary to get started.

STARTER KIT CONTENTS: Complete curriculum: music CD with performance-track and instrumental-only options; resource CD with promotional materials, including art that can be printed locally for poster, lawn sign, postcards, door hanger, bulletin insert, logos, parent letter and outdoor banner; and promotional video. Director’s resources include job descriptions; sheet music; small-group lists; registration forms; age-characteristic charts; kids’ take-home papers; promotional and director calendars; volunteer sign-up; and supply request forms.

STARTER KIT PRICE: $149.99.

WHERE SOLD: Through retail stores and direct to churches and consumers.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: The following are included on the resource CD, but can be ordered from Pioneer Clubs if churches do not wish to print them locally: outdoor banner, lawn sign, postcards, poster, bulletin inserts. Also available is a 10-pack of music CDs.

PREVIOUS USERS SAY: “[The Wacky World of Water was] the most fantastic VBS we’ve ever done. Everyone had such a blast!” (Mitzi from New Iberia, Louisiana). This group drew 80 kids and saw 14 make decisions for Christ.

 

REGULAR BAPTIST PRESS
To the Edge: Encounter the God of the Universe
Baptist (Greater Association of Regular Baptist Churches); age 2-Adult; five sessions; rbpvbs.org

ToTheEdge-RegularBaptistPressMAIN SCRIPTURE: “Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable” (Ps. 145:3, KJV).

THEME/CONTENT: With To The Edge, students will encounter the God of the universe, seeing God’s great power as they travel beyond our solar system and explore deep space. They will learn about God’s love, holiness, forgiveness and plan of salvation, which reveal through Jesus’ life and teaching what God, the creator of all, is like. RBP is the only VBS publisher recommended by the world’s largest evangelistic outreach ministry to children—Children’s Evangelism Fellowship. Find out why at rbpvbs.org/cefrecommends. Day 1: God’s Care (Jesus Cares and Heals, Mark 1:40-2:13); Day 2: God’s Omniscience (Woman at the Well, John 4:3-42); Day 3: God’s Forgiveness (Woman Anoints Jesus’ Feet, Luke 7:36-50); Day 4: God’s Enabling (Peter Walks on Water, Matt. 14:22-33); Day 5: God’s Love (Jesus Washes Feet, John 13:1-17).

STARTER KIT CONTENTS: Director’s Materials: Director’s Guide; Director’s resource CD set (resource CD and decorating CD); thank-you card. Classroom Materials: Teacher Books (2s & 3s-Youth); Student Activity Sheets (2s & 3s-Junior); Youth Student Book; Adult Bible Study—Your Greatest Adventure. Promotions: theme poster; jumbo theme poster; invitation flyer; doorknob hanger; postcard; bulletin cover. Attendance: attendance chart; nametag; registration card; To the Edge pass. Music: To the Edge music CD. Crafts: craft ideas book; Rocket photo frame; Astro the Monkey craft. Evangelism: salvation poster; gospel bookmark; five salvation tracts; Welcome to the Family! family fun sheet; Operation Kids poster. Gifts & Awards: To the Edge backpack; To the Edge pouch; sticker sheet; logo balloon; theme button; theme sticker; iron-on transfer; sticky notepad; Galaxy windup robot, Pop Rocks Xtreme; Out-of-This-World pencil; Space Light glow stick; inflatable astronaut; space take-home bag; catalog; promotional DVD.

STARTER KIT PRICE: $89.99; net 120 and up to 40% off on package deal if ordered by Dec. 31.

WHERE SOLD: Through retail stores and direct to churches/consumers.
additional resources: Crafts, evangelistic resources; decorations; promotions; gifts; awards; snacks; attendance; puppet resources; teaching resources. Operation Kids: Reaching Boys & Girls through VBS is the 2015 VBS Mission Offering project.

Activity-2143NEW FOR 2015: To the Edge verse posters—set of three that celebrate God’s greatness (Gen. 1:1, Ps. 19:1, Ps. 145:3). Puppet scripts and CD (previously had music backgrounds with dialogue, but now, RBP offers two versions of the same puppet script CD—one with music background and one with dialogue only). More snacks, including astronaut ice cream.

 

STANDARD PUBLISHING
Bible Blast to the Past
Nondenominational; Preschool-Teen, with Adult component; five sessions; vacationbibleschool.com

BlastToThePast-StandardMAIN SCRIPTURES: Day 1: God’s Love is Incredible (Ex. 3); Day 2: God’s Love is Faithful (Josh. 2); Day 3: God’s Love is Invincible (1 Sam. 17); Day 4: God’s Love is Unconditional (John 3:16; Luke 7); Day 5: God’s Love is Real (Acts 12).

THEME/CONTENT: At Bible Blast to the Past, kids will take a time-travel journey to experience stories of the incredible, faithful, invincible, unconditional and real love of Jesus. Through fun activities, kid-friendly service projects, original and reproducible worship music, trustworthy Bible teaching and special-needs-friendly options, kids’ lives will be changed, and they will be inspired to courageously change lives around them.

STARTER KIT CONTENTS: Director’s Guide; Opening & Closing Leader’s Guide; Leader’s Cards and Leader’s Guides (preschool-teen); and reproducible worship music by Yancy.

STARTER KIT PRICE: $179.99.

WHERE SOLD: Through retail stores and direct to churches and consumers.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Web tools: My VBS; planning calendar; free downloads; Floppets Bible Pals; promotional ideas; decorating items; as well as Facebook and Pinterest.

PREVIOUS USERS SAY: “We are a small church but had 45 kids in VBS. Thank you for the work you do. Our children loved the stories and were so touched.” (Bethlehem East Baptist Church, Hanceville, Alabama); “Thank you for the beautiful and honest videos you made available through the Jungle Safari VBS curriculum. I believe many seeds were planted in hearts of children this summer.” (Wesley United Methodist Church, Grand Forks, North Dakota); Seeing how the kids connected with the music, those songs and their message will be with them for a long time.” (Experience Community Church, Murfreesboro, Tennessee); Seeing the children singing, worshipping and learning about the nature of God. The workers enjoyed it just as much. Yancy’s music is the best!” (Black Oak Heights Baptist Church, Knoxville, Tennessee); Everyone had a blast. Music stuck in the kids’ and adults’ heads; they were singing it even when they were not in Toucan Jam.” (Brenda Ricke).

NEW FOR 2015: New mission videos and reproducible worship music by Yancy; crafts and science site.

 

URBAN MINISTRIES
Jesus…The True Superhero!—Savior, Protector, Provider
All denominations; Preschool-Adult; 10 sessions; urbanministries.com/vbs

JesusTheTrueSuperhero-UrbanMinistriesMAIN SCRIPTURES: “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Eph. 6:11, KJV).

THEME/CONTENT: Charged with the theme EPH611 (Eph. 6:11, KJV), VBS participants get ready to join the team of protection, praise, boldness, work ethic and caretaker in the most memorable adventure yet!

STARTER KIT CONTENTS: Teacher Guides; Student Folders; posters; bags; accessories; games; crafts; and more.

STARTER KIT PRICE: $79.99.

WHERE SOLD: Through retail stores and direct to churches and consumers.

PREVIOUS USERS SAY: “The youth loved this year’s Vacation Bible School theme [2014]. I loved all the stories and the music.” (Leteshia Drisdom Hemmans, Rock Tabernacle Church of God in Christ, Inglewood, California).

NEW FOR 2015: Online resources and new apparel.