VBS Director Series: Where To Buy Your Starter Kit

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

If you’ve done a web search for Group VBS curriculum, you know that there are endless retailers from which you can purchase VBS kits!  How do you know which one you should order from?  We’re going to compare retailers today so you can make the best decision for your church!

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.  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.  The prices I’m quoting below are all for the ultimate starter kit that includes the digital copy of the materials.

There are so many retailers from which you can purchase your Group VBS starter kit!  Let’s dig in…

Order directly from Group

Pros: Group usually offers a free item when you order directly from them.  For Shipwrecked, it’s a hammock.  For Maker Fun Factory, it was a gear toy that could be used to advertise VBS.

Cons: There aren’t discount codes (other than free shipping).

Order link: https://www.group.com/product/vbskit2018dgl-shipwrecked-vbs-ultimate-starter-kit-digital.do
Current Price: $224.99 (includes free hammock)

Order from a retailer other than Group

Pros: Other retailers often give out coupons (when I ordered, I got 10% off plus free shipping).

Cons: You don’t get the free gift from Group.

Here are some of the other retailers I’ve used or trust:

Retailer: Amazon
Order link: http://amzn.to/2BjBC3f
Current Price: $214.66 plus free 2 day shipping (Amazon’s price fluctuates often, so check back.)

Retailer: Concordia Supply
Order link: https://www.concordiasupply.com/Shipwrecked-VBS-2018-Ultimate-Starter-Kit-Digital-Pack
Current Price: $202.49 plus free shipping

Retailer: Christian Book Distributors
Order link: https://www.christianbook.com/shipwrecked-ultimate-starter-digital-group-vbs/pd/138117
Current Price: $202.49

Retailer: Deeper Shopping Christian Books
Order link: http://www.deepershopping.com/item/group-publishing/vbs-shipwrecked-ultimate-starter-kit-plus-digital/7082327.html
Current Price: $168.74 (but it’s out of stock at the moment

My Pick: I ordered from Deeper Shopping last year and Concordia Supply this year.  They have the same product, so pick from the lower price or in-stock status.  The “free” gift from Group isn’t worth the higher price to me personally.

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 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!