Shipwrecked Decorating Spaces: Sanctuary

Shipwrecked Decorating Spaces: Sanctuary

Our church sanctuary houses the opening and closing every evening of VBS.  The stage is our main VBS set and the kids are assigned to pews by their crews.  We typically spend the most time and energy on the stage decorations since they're the main set that kids will see several times each night.  Our sanctuary also houses the bible verse station.  I'll share those photos in another post!  Some of the decorations used in our sanctuary were given to us by a couple of other churches, while we made or re-purposed the…Read more …
Shipwrecked Decorating Spaces: Foyer

Shipwrecked Decorating Spaces: Foyer

Our church has now finished Shipwrecked VBS!  It was an awesome week of island adventures and sweet moments with our kiddos and adults.  This is the first of several posts where I'm going to share decorating photos from each of our Vacation Bible School spaces (watch for future posts of our other areas).  Please feel free to add your ideas in the comments below!  I'll add links in this post for the tutorials and/or supplies.  Let me know if you have any further questions about supplies or projects - I'm happy to give…Read more …
Shipwrecked Prep Party (aka the best way to get VBS decor ready!)

Shipwrecked Prep Party (aka the best way to get VBS decor ready!)

For the second year in a row, we have planned a VBS Prep Party.  This fun afternoon is a chance to get more families involved with VBS decorations and prep work.  Read on to see just how much we accomplish in one afternoon! Years ago (when I was a kid attending VBS and my parents were station leaders), most of the congregation would spend all day at church on the Sunday before VBS started.  They would spend hours and hours transforming the entire church into the VBS theme.  Over the years, involvement from…Read more …
Shipwrecked VBS – Master List of Imagination Station Craft Ideas

Shipwrecked VBS – Master List of Imagination Station Craft Ideas

Imagination Station is designed by Group for experiments and science-y gizmos.  However, this station can be used in a variety of ways.  Many churches use the Imagination Station time for crafts instead of gizmos (our church included).  I've compiled a master list of Shipwrecked VBS Imagination Station Craft Ideas below, sorted by day.  There are also ideas at the bottom that can be used for any day. If you decide to order the actual Group gizmos, read this article to see how you can get the gizmos at a discount! This post may…Read more …
DIY Activity Books – Shipwrecked VBS

DIY Activity Books – Shipwrecked VBS

Are you skipping Group's Logbooks?  Would you like a time-filler or an activity to have at the snack tables?  These DIY Activity Books are adorable and could be used anywhere during the week! This year's VBS theme is Shipwrecked {learn more about the theme here}.  The VBS kits are available now.  All of our VBS resources are designed to be used alongside any of the Group starter kits, although I HIGHLY recommend purchasing the ultimate version with digital. This post may contain affiliate links.  I earn a small percentage of anything you purchase…Read more …
DIY Jungle Vines from Plastic Tablecovers – Shipwrecked VBS Decor

DIY Jungle Vines from Plastic Tablecovers – Shipwrecked VBS Decor

These budget-friendly DIY Jungle Vines made from plastic tablecovers are perfect to hang throughout Shipwrecked VBS!  They're quick and easy to make, plus they add bright color to your space! This post may contain affiliate links.  I earn a small percentage of anything you purchase through these links but you don’t pay anything extra.  Thanks for helping to support Borrowed Blessings!  The prices referenced here are current as of publishing, but retailers change pricing often. This year's VBS theme is Shipwrecked {learn more about the theme here}.  The VBS kits are available now. …Read more …
DIY Sailboats: Pool Noodle vs Sponge

DIY Sailboats: Pool Noodle vs Sponge

Day 5's gizmo is the power paddler.  Instead of purchasing the paddle boat from Group, we're making DIY Sailboats, then having boat races!  We tried DIY Pool Noodle Sailboats and DIY Sponge Sailboats.  Today we're going to compare the two types of DIY Sailboats. This post may contain affiliate links.  I earn a small percentage of anything you purchase through these links but you don’t pay anything extra.  Thanks for helping to support Borrowed Blessings!  The prices referenced here are current as of publishing, but retailers change pricing often. This year's VBS theme…Read more …
DIY Pool Noodle Sailboats – Shipwrecked VBS Imagination Station Alternative

DIY Pool Noodle Sailboats – Shipwrecked VBS Imagination Station Alternative

Day 5's gizmo is the power paddler.  Instead of purchasing the paddle boat from Group, we're making boats, then having boat races!  Check out the tutorial below for easy and cheap DIY Pool Noodle Sailboats.  We also tried making DIY Sponge Sailboats. This post may contain affiliate links.  I earn a small percentage of anything you purchase through these links but you don’t pay anything extra.  Thanks for helping to support Borrowed Blessings!  The prices referenced here are current as of publishing, but retailers change pricing often. This year's VBS theme is Shipwrecked…Read more …
Shipwrecked VBS: DIY Advertising Magnets

Shipwrecked VBS: DIY Advertising Magnets

Many years, we design postcards and have them printed to advertise VBS.  We pass them out at church and around town, plus we mail them to kids who attended our VBS last year.  This year, we decided to make magnets instead of postcards.  Who doesn't want an island view on their fridge?! This year's VBS theme is Shipwrecked {learn more about the theme here}.  The VBS kits are available now.  All of our VBS resources are designed to be used alongside any of the Group starter kits, although I HIGHLY recommend purchasing the…Read more …
DIY Sponge Sailboats – Shipwrecked VBS Imagination Station Alternative

DIY Sponge Sailboats – Shipwrecked VBS Imagination Station Alternative

Day 5's gizmo is the power paddler.  Instead of purchasing the paddle boat from Group, we're making DIY Sponge Sailboats, then having boat races!  Check out the tutorial below for easy and cheap DIY Sponge Sailboats. This post may contain affiliate links.  I earn a small percentage of anything you purchase through these links but you don’t pay anything extra.  Thanks for helping to support Borrowed Blessings!  The prices referenced here are current as of publishing, but retailers change pricing often. This year's VBS theme is Shipwrecked {learn more about the theme here}. …Read more …
Shipwrecked Imagination Station: Day 5 – Power Paddler Alternatives

Shipwrecked Imagination Station: Day 5 – Power Paddler Alternatives

During the Imagination Station rotation, students participate in an object lesson using a small toy, or what Group calls a "gizmo".  These gizmos can be taken home by the kids each day to reinforce the lesson.  In this Imagination Station Alternative series, I'll track down similar gizmos that can be used in place of Group's gizmos.  I'll also design/find craft ideas that could be used instead of the gizmos.  Which Imagination Station activity you choose (gizmo or craft) should be dependent on the interests of your VBS kids and how you prefer to…Read more …
Shipwrecked VBS Service Project Ideas

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…Read more …
VBS Crafts: Suncatchers

VBS Crafts: Suncatchers

If you've followed this blog for long, you know that I DIY as many VBS projects as possible!  I am very frugal, plus I love the non-commercial look of a good ole homemade item.  Today's project is not at all DIY, but it IS fun and a great opportunity to share Jesus in your community! This post may contain affiliate links.  I earn a small percentage of anything you purchase through these links but you don’t pay anything extra.  Thanks for helping to support Borrowed Blessings!  The prices referenced here are current as…Read more …
Reusable VBS Station Sign Banners

Reusable VBS Station Sign Banners

Normally, I design station signs for each VBS curriculum.  I print them on cardstock, then laminate them and hang outside each VBS station in the church.  The signs I normally design and print are 8.5"x11" (you can see my Shipwrecked station signs here).  I may still use these signs in the future, but I'm also SUPER excited for these reusable VBS station sign banners! I've ordered several banners from Banners on the Cheap.  I've always been happy with the banner quality for the price.  Money-saving tip: Sign up for the Banners on the…Read more …
“I Spy” Bottles (Shipwrecked Imagination Station Alternative: Day 1)

“I Spy” Bottles (Shipwrecked Imagination Station Alternative: Day 1)

These "I Spy" bottles are such a fun, budget-friendly craft!  Clean out your craft room, dig out lost toys from the bottom of the toy box - they'll come in handy now! This post may contain affiliate links.  I earn a small percentage of anything you purchase through these links but you don’t pay anything extra.  Thanks for helping to support Borrowed Blessings!  The prices referenced here are current as of publishing, but retailers change pricing often. This year's VBS theme is Shipwrecked {learn more about the theme here}.  The VBS kits are…Read more …
Shipwrecked VBS Planning Journal

Shipwrecked VBS Planning Journal

A few weeks ago, I saw a facebook post from a Shipwrecked director who found a fun notebook for her VBS planning. The notebook, which I believe was from Walmart, had one of the Shipwrecked bible verses on the front.  I couldn't find a similar notebook at my local stores, but I was encouraged by her post to find a theme-related notebook that I could use for my VBS planning.  I keep many notes electronically, but sometimes it's nice to have a physical notebook to jot ideas down... like when you're in the…Read more …
Rescued by Jesus Canvas Painting (Shipwrecked Imagination Station Alternative: Day 2)

Rescued by Jesus Canvas Painting (Shipwrecked Imagination Station Alternative: Day 2)

I love canvas painting... it's a high-quality craft that doesn't use many materials!  These Rescued by Jesus canvas paintings are a fun craft alternative for the Shipwrecked VBS Imagination Station gizmo on day 2. This post may contain affiliate links.  I earn a small percentage of anything you purchase through these links but you don’t pay anything extra.  Thanks for helping to support Borrowed Blessings!  The prices referenced here are current as of publishing, but retailers change pricing often. This year's VBS theme is Shipwrecked {learn more about the theme here}.  The VBS…Read more …
Shipwrecked VBS Station Signs (Free Printables!)

Shipwrecked VBS Station Signs (Free Printables!)

Every year, I make station sign so that kids (and crew guides) know where they should be.  Feel free to use or share the station signs (just link back here if you're sharing)! This post may contain affiliate links.  I earn a small percentage of anything you purchase through these links but you don’t pay anything extra.  Thanks for helping to support Borrowed Blessings!  The prices referenced here are current as of publishing, but retailers change pricing often. This year's VBS theme is Shipwrecked {learn more about the theme here}.  The VBS kits…Read more …
Shipwrecked Tiki Hut (Quick, Easy & Cheap!)

Shipwrecked Tiki Hut (Quick, Easy & Cheap!)

It's not often that I have a large VBS display for little to no cost... this year, though, we can make tiki huts for little to no cost and very little time (uh, aren't those projects every VBS director's dream come true?!)! This post may contain affiliate links.  I earn a small percentage of anything you purchase through these links but you don’t pay anything extra.  Thanks for helping to support Borrowed Blessings!  The prices referenced here are current as of publishing, but retailers change pricing often. This year's Group VBS theme is…Read more …