Shipwrecked VBS Service Project Ideas

The Shipwrecked curriculum lends itself SO WELL to helping others in the community!  What a great opportunity to make a positive impact through VBS.  I’m brainstorming now for Shipwrecked VBS, but these service projects could be integrated with ANY bible school curriculum or church event!

I’ve compiled a list of service project ideas, but I think this is a GREAT chance to get your kids involved in the decision making!  Before VBS (or now), ask your church kids the following questions.  Their answers can direct your service projects.

Conversation/brainstorming idea starters

• Who do you think feels lost or lonely in our community?
• Who is worried in our community?
• Who is struggling in our community?
• Who has done wrong in our community?
• Who is powerless in our community?

The kids’ answers to the questions above should give you a list of people that could be served through your VBS projects.  If you want further input from the kids, you could follow up with questions like:

• What do you think we could do to make these people feel less lonely/worried/powerless?
• If you felt lonely (or worried, struggling, etc), what would make you feel better?

Service project ideas – these are all projects you could do during Vacation Bible School.  If you have more time, you could plan larger or off-site projects!

• Collection drives
  • Collect items for Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes (soap, toothbrushes, etc)
  • Collect non-perishable food items for your local food pantry
  • Collect like-new stuffed animals for your local law enforcement (most give them out to kids)
  • Collect dog & cat food for your local animal shelter
• Fundraisers
  • Do a baby bottle fundraiser for your local pregnancy center – This fits perfectly with the Shipwrecked theme – you can market it as a “message in a bottle” (sending the message of help, love, hope)
  • Raise money to support local missionaries
• Craft projects
  • Paint kindness rocks and hide them around the community
  • Make suncatchers and cards for nursing home patients
  • Write letters to military members
  • Plant trees (or flowers in small pots) to pass out
  • Make fleece no-sew blankets for foster kids
• Compile kits
  • Make “Jesus rescues” packs for the homeless – lifesavers, practical needs
  • Make kits for kids in foster care (contact your local foster agency to find out what items the kids need)
  • Create busy bags for your local children’s hospital (patients and siblings need items to stay entertained)
• Miscellaneous ideas
  • Record kids reading bible stories and send the videos to a children’s hospital or nursing home
  • Bake treats (cookies, etc) for your local fire department, police department, homeless shelter, etc
  • Use chalk to write encouraging messages in the church parking lot
  • Make a small surprise for VBS volunteers and let the kids pass them out
• Search for a need in your community, then work to fill it!

What other service project ideas have you thought of for vacation bible school?  I’d love to hear your ideas!

I am a long-time Vacation Bible School lover.  I’ve lead in several capacities throughout the VBS world and am currently our church’s VBS director.  It is a joy for me to be able to share VBS ideas and resources with others!  I will continue to share VBS ideas here.  Follow Borrowed Blessings to see more of our ideas and planning!  Please let me know if there are any specific VBS items or ideas you need help with!