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 kids and adults has dropped.  As I’ve talked to other VBS directors and church leaders, I’ve found that this is a common theme.  The lack of adult participation in decorating means that (in past years) the bulk of the decorating has fallen on a small group of dedicated volunteers, who are already overworked and unpaid.  Last year (for Maker Fun Factory VBS), I planned a VBS “prep party” (aka work day) after church on Sunday about 3 weeks before VBS started.  We provided lunch and invited families to stay after church for about 3 hours to work on VBS prep/decorating projects.  It was a very successful afternoon last year, so it’s definitely something I’m planning to continue doing each year.

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Below is the list of projects we got completely finished during the Prep Party.  I am always amazed at how much work a group of people can get done in such a short time!  We worked for 2.5-3 hours with a team of about 15-18 people (ranging in age from 6 to 80ish years old).

Shipwrecked VBS Prep Party Projects
Registration Packets
Bible Buddies (laminating & hole punching)
Cargo Boxes
Jungle Paper Chains
DIY Jungle Vines from Plastic Tablecovers
Large & Small Palm Leaves
Pool Noodle Life Preservers
Pool Noodle Raft
Sea Anemones
Shipwrecked Boat
Wooden Sign Posts
Pop Up Tent Tiki Hut

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 Shipwrecked 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!