VBS Director Series: Name Tags

Welcome to the VBS Director Series!  This is a series of blogs where I’ll share tips and resources for VBS directors & organizers.

One of the questions that comes up every year is what to do for name tags.  For the last several years, we’ve printed our own name tags and put them in ID sleeves attached to lanyards.  These are affordable and have lasted really well!  We’ve had to throw away a few lanyards, but most of them can be re-used multiple years.  The materials & instructions below are what we use for our name tags every year.

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Materials
Cardstock Paper
(Alternative) Colored Paper
Lanyards
ID Sleeves
Paper Cutter
Black Sharpie Markers

Instructions

1. Print name tag templates.  You can print these at your home/church printer or send them to a print shop (print as business cards).  Cardstock is heavier/more durable than plain paper.  You can also use colored paper (different colors for different crews).  The ID badge sleeves above are made for name tags that are up to 3.3″ x 2.2″.
2. Cut name tags. There are several name tags per sheet, so you’ll need to use a paper cutter to cut them.  (You could also use scissors, but a paper cutter will save A LOT of time.)
3. Write names & crew numbers. As you assign kids to each crew, you can write their crew name/number on the tag along with their name.  I use a fine point black sharpie to write on the tags.
4. Put each name tag in the ID sleeve.  The ID sleeves are quick and easy to use!  We tried laminating one year, but it took so much longer!  These are definitely worth the small price.
5. Attach a lanyard to the ID sleeve.  You could assign each crew a color of lanyard or let the kids each pick their lanyard.  We let the kids all pick their color last year.

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 as we prepare for this year’s VBS.  Follow the blog 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!