User Guide Booklet

POCKET GUIDE

crew leader name

CONTENTS What is a Crew Leader? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 What is a Crew? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 What’s happening at VBS? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 How Does the Preschool Program Fit into VBS? . . . . . 12 What to Do During…

Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Sing & Play . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Stations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Playground Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Finale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Camper Pick-Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Clean Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 What To Do If . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Helping a Child Follow Jesus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 All About My Crew . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . 28

WHAT IS A CREW LEADER? If you’re reading this pocket guide, chances are you’re a Crew Leader! If you’ve been asked to be a crew leader, you’ve met two important qualifications: you love to Lord, and you love kids.

During VBS, you’ll shepherd a group of up to six preschool-age children or twelve elementary-age children. You’re not in charge of preparing or teaching activities – in fact, you get to be there and enjoy them as part of your Crew!

A CREW LEADER IS . . .

• A friend and helper.

• Someone who offers children choices.

• Someone who asks questions.

• Someone who encourages children.

A CREW LEADER ISN’T . . .

• The boss or the teacher.

• Someone who makes all the decisions.

• Someone who gives all the answers.

• Someone who yells at children or puts them down.

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WHAT IS A CREW? At VBS, kids aren’t placed in classrooms according to their age.

Instead, we’ll form mixed-age, family-like groups that get to experience Bible adventures, crafts, games, snacks, and other exciting activities together! Your crew may have one or more children in each of the following age levels.

ELEMENTARY

CREW

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I’VE JUST COMPLETED KINDERGARTEN. I have a great imagination. I can help my Crew dive into each adventure!

I’VE JUST COMPLETED FIRST GRADE. I like to be the best. I can help encourage my Crew to be the best it can be.

I’VE JUST COMPLETED SECOND GRADE. I want everything to be fair. I can help make sure we all take turns and treat one another fairly.

I’VE JUST COMPLETED THIRD GRADE. I like to be challenged. I can help younger members of my Crew with challenging projects.

I’VE JUST COMPLETED FOURTH GRADE. I like to ask questions. I can help my Crew ask questions to make sure we understand what we’re learning.

I’VE JUST COMPLETED FIFTH GRADE. I like to make choices. I can help younger Campers with tasks and help the Crew Leader guide everyone in showing Jesus’ love.

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WHAT IS A CREW? Preschool Crews are mixed-age, family-like groups that get to experience Bible adventures, crafts, games, snacks, and other exciting activities together! Your crew may have one or more children in each of the following age levels.

PRESCHOOL

CREW

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I’M 3 YEARS OLD We’ve just learned how to play together, and we’re still learning how to share and take turns. It may be a little hard for us to change from one activity to the next, so give us plenty of warning ahead of time. We may be a little shy about trying new things.

We enjoy playing games that involve moving and jumping around.

I’M 4 YEARS OLD We’re full of imagination and excitement. We love to use our imaginations in make believe play and art activities. We like to use loud voices and big movements. You may need to remind us to play quietly. We enjoy listening to Bible adventures and answering interesting questions.

I’M 5 YEARS OLD We love to help our Crew Leaders. If you notice us helping, please tell us thank you. We’re proud of the things we can do, but we’re also sensitive. Other children may hurt our feelings.

We’re improving in our coordination. We can cut with scissors and color between the lines. We’re also pretty good at throwing and catching balls.

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WHAT’S HAPPENING AT VBS? At Vacation Bible School, kids will get fired up about God every day. Here’s how:

DAY 1

When you’re lonely…

DAY 2

When you worry…

DAY 3

When you struggle…

DAY 4

BIBLE STORY

When you do wrong… Jesus welcomes a

DAY 5

BIBLE POINT

When you’re powerless…

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Jesus rescues!

Jesus rescues!

Jesus rescues!

Jesus rescues!

Jesus rescues!

TREASURE VERSE

Jesus tells parables about lost things.

(Luke 15)

The Lord will hold me close.

(Psalm 27:10)

Martha worries and complains.

(Luke 10:38-42)

The Lord comes to the rescue each time.

(Psalm 34:19)

Jesus’ friends try to rescue him in the garden of Gethsemane.

(Luke 22:39-54; Matthew 26:36-56)

Be still, and know that I am God! (Psalm 46:10)

criminal before dying and coming back to life.

(Luke 23:26–24:12)

Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

(John 16:33)

Peter and John heal a lame man in Jesus’ name. (Acts 3:1-26)

This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead.”

(Ephesians 1:19-20)

HOPE - We jaguars are pretty big stuff! We’re the largest cats in the Americas and third largest in the world (just behind tigers and lions). That’s grrrreat! Even though we tend to roam alone, I’ll help everyone remember that when you’re lonely…Jesus rescues!

BEACON - If you didn’t catch a peek at my fabulous feathers up in the trees, you can’t miss my voice. We toucans are some of the noisiest jungle birds! Our noises help us keep track of each other always so we don’t worry about each other. Jesus always keeps track of you, so remember that when you worry…Jesus rescues!

RAE - Because we’re so big in size, manta rays also have the biggest brains of any fish! But even with my size and smarts, I can still run into huge struggles in the giant ocean.

Hard times happen to everyone, and when you struggle…

Jesus rescues!

GUAC - Sometimes we iguanas mess up and do wrong, and it costs us our tails—yikes! But God made us so that when we mess up and lose our tails, we can grow back new ones. You’ll do wrong sometimes, but God has a plan full of forgiveness and new chances for you, too. When you do wrong…Jesus rescues!

MOE - We sloths are slooow-moving, and sometimes that gets us into trouble where we aren’t safe. There are things all of us just can’t do, but when you’re powerless…Jesus rescues!

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HOW DOES THE PRESCHOOL PROGRAM FIT INTO VBS? You may wish your little ones could experience all of the excitement and fun that the “big kids” have in their stations. In fact, the preschool program does incorporate many of the same snacks and crafts that are used in the elementary program.

However, a team of early childhood experts has developed this program to be just right for preschoolers!

Here is a sample schedule of what a day at VBS might look like:

DAY 3 9:05-9:30

ELEMENTARY

Castaway Sing & Play

9:30-9:55

Exploration Stations

Bible Discovery

9:55-10:20

KidVid Cinema/Snack

Imagination Station

10:20-10:45

Craft & Play

Tropical Treats

10:45-11:10

Bible Discovery

KidVid Cinema

11:10-11:35

Outdoor Adventures

Ship Rec Games

11:35-12:00 12

PRESCHOOL

Sail Away Sendoff

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WHAT TO DO DURING . . .

REGISTRATION • Arrive at St. Michael’s at least 30 minutes before VBS registration is scheduled to start.

• Check in at the Crew registration table to receive your Crew assignment and nametag. You may also receive a Crew Bag filled with crew necessities.

• Go to the playground and wait in a designated area. You may want to station yourself near child-friendly activities to help welcome your crew members.

• As your crew members arrive, greet them with a smile and introduce yourself. Be sure to learn – and use – the names of the kids in your crew. (What an easy way to make them feel special!)

• If you see a child without a nametag, help them find a parent to check them in. Nametags are given out each morning at the registration tables.

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SING & PLAY (OPENING) • Lead campers to your assigned seating area.

• Listen and follow the motions demonstrated by the Sing & Play Leader.

Encourage campers to do the same. If you get involved, they will, too.

• Even if you think you can’t sing, belt out each song with gusto!

Make a joyful noise to the Lord!

• Help campers focus their attention on what’s happening up front.

If needed, strategically separate campers who tend to distract each other. You may also place yourself between campers or next to a camper who needs some extra attention.

STATIONS • Keep your crew members close by, especially when transferring from one station to the next.

• Be enthusiastic! Kids will feel more comfortable getting involved if you model it for them.

• Assist and guide children as needed to complete crafts and activities.

• Be sure to write each child’s name on his or her projects.

• Cheer kids on at the game station, and be sure to take a turn yourself!

• Help children connect each activity to the Bible Point and Bible story.

• Remind kids to wash their hands before handling food.

• Perform any tasks that are specifically assigned to you by a Station Leader or other adult volunteer.

• Encourage everyone to participate in the discussion. Draw out shy kids by asking, “What do you think?”

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VACA

BIBLE S

PLAYGROUND TIME

• If your crew finishes at a station early, you may lead your crew to the playground for a short break.

• Put your Crew Bag in a safe place, out of the playing area.

• This is the perfect time for a bathroom break. Ask your campers if anyone needs to use the restroom.

FINALE

NOTE:

For safety’s sake, don’t let children go to the bathroom alone, and don’t escort a child unless someone else accompanies you.

You don’t know who might be in or around the church building during VBS.

june 25t 9:00 am -

• Lead campers to your assigned seating area.

• Be sure campers put their crafts and other items away, so they can focus on the exciting closing rotation.

• Perform any tasks the Finale Leader assigns to crew leaders.

• Participate enthusiastically in singing or other group activities.

• If kids are noisy or disruptive, remind them that other crews are trying to see and hear.

REGIST STMBTS.

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ATION

SCHOOL CAMPER PICK-UP

• Elementary crews will be released by the Finale Leader to return to the playground.

• Preschool crews will remain in the Church.

• Distribute crafts and Bible activity pages each day, just before kids leave.

• Release campers only to a parent or caregiver with a pick-up card.

For safety reasons, never let children leave on their own.

th - 29th - 12:00 pm CLEAN UP

• Leave your Crew Bag on the Registration table.

• Help with any daily tear-down (i.e. pop-up tents, playground activities, registration tables, etc.).

• Gather for the daily volunteer meeting, which will last roughly 15 minutes.

TER AT ORG/VBS

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WHAT TO DO IF . . .

A PRESCHOOL CREW MEMBER CRIES FOR HIS OR HER PARENT? For some preschoolers, this might be the first visit to our church facility, so it’s a strange place! Help children get acquainted with all the fun activities available. Involve children in playing with modeling dough or looking at books filled with bright pictures. Reassure the child that his or her parent(s) will return when VBS is over, and then set out to show them how fun it will be!

Some children don’t like close contact with strangers. Be sure to give little ones plenty of space so they don’t feel threatened or uncomfortable.

A PRESCHOOL CREW MEMBER WANTS TO BE WITH HIS OR HER OLDER SIBLING? The activities in the elementary stations have been designed for and tested with elementary

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children, not preschoolers. For the best possible experience, you’ll want preschoolers to stay in the Preschool Program, where things are just for them! Point out all the fun games, activities, and toys in your area (big kids don’t get to play with those!).

Explain that the child will have more fun here than in a program that’s hopping with big kids. Redirect the child with a “Preschool-only” toy, or let the child make a special drawing of one of the Bible Buddies for a sibling.

OLDER KIDS ARE UNHAPPY ABOUT BEING GROUPED WITH MIXED AGES? Highlight older kids’ helping roles by telling younger kids, “[Name of older child] is really good at that.

Why don’t you ask him/her to help you?” Older kids will enjoy being respected and looked up to, and younger kids won’t demand so much of your attention. Plus, older kids learn just as much – or even more – when they help lead younger kids during activities. And younger children will thrive on the special friendships they build with older kids!

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MY CREW WON’T STAY TOGETHER BETWEEN ACTIVITIES? Work with the VBS Director or a Station Leader to develop special routes and fun ways to travel between activities. Pretend to be rabbits hopping or owls flying to your next station. Be creative, and challenge children to think of a new (and cooperative) way to move from place to place.

When traveling between areas at VBS, preschoolers will hold onto a rope to help them stay together.

A CREW MEMBER NEEDS TO USE THE RESTROOM? If the restroom is outside the classroom, offer to take a few children at one time. (This is for safety reasons.) To avoid any hint of impropriety, it’s a good idea to stand outside the restroom rather than accompany children into the restroom. If your classroom has adjacent restrooms, allow the child to go, but keep an eye on the door so you know where your crew members are.

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CAMPERS WON’T ANSWER THE DISCUSSION QUESTIONS? You may need to get the ball rolling by sharing something yourself. Then ask follow-up questions to draw out shy or reluctant crew members. Use questions such as, “What do you mean by that?” or “That sounds interesting! Tell me more.”

Accept the answers kids give. Encourage participation by challenging kids to offer as many different answers as they can think of. If kids offer answers that seem off base or contrary to the church’s teaching, follow up with them between stations or after VBS. If you are not comfortable discussing their questions or concerns, refer them to the VBS Director.

If crew members don’t respond to your encouragement, don’t force them to participate. You may have introspective children in your crew who need time to think quietly about the things you’re discussing.

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A CREW MEMBER IS TOO TALKATIVE OR TOO ACTIVE? To ensure that each child has a turn to share, try having children take turns around the circle, with each child taking 15-30 seconds to share a response. Or occasionally ask children to respond with one-word answers.

A CREW MEMBER ASKS ME A QUESTION I CAN’T ANSWER? Many kids who come to VBS have never been to church before, and children are curious and like to ask questions – so you can expect lots of questions as you help kids learn about God’s love.

If a child asks you a question you can’t answer, don’t be afraid to admit you don’t know. Say something like, “That’s a good question. May the VBS Director or Priest would know the answer.

Why don’t we ask after VBS today?”

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NOTE:

Always encourage crew members to use kind words and actions toward one another. Set the example by avoiding sarcasm or put-downs. If kids do pick on or exclude a crew member, try to use the day’s Bible Point or lesson to help kids treat others in a Christ-like manner.

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VACA

BIBLE S

MY CREW FINISHES AN ACTIVITY EARLY? If your crew finishes more than a couple minutes early, lead them to the playground for free play. But be cautious! There will be preschoolers on the playground. Be sure to remind your crew members to watch where they are going and help keep the little ones safe.

june 25t 9:00 am -

If you only have a couple extra minutes, help your crew gather their things, then wait outside until you hear the bell for the next rotation. Here are some things you can do while you wait:

• Make up a new traveling chant to use on the way to your next station.

• Make up a crew cheer that kids can shout to thank their Station Leaders or greet other crews.

• See who can make the silliest animal face.

• See if you can think of Shipwreck things that start with each letter of the alphabet (anchor, boat, chest, and so on).

REGIST STMBTS.

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ATION

SCHOOL NOTE:

Many children will want to shower you with hugs, sit in your lap, or even crawl all over you! Although hugs and other signs of affection are nice, it’s important to always touch children appropriately.

A good guideline is to never touch a child where a bathing suit would cover.

th - 29th - 12:00 pm

TER AT ORG/VBS 25

HELPING A CHILD

FOLLOW JESUS If you sense that a child might like to know more about what it means to believe in Jesus, give them this simple explanation: God loves us so much that he gave his Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for us. Jesus died and rose again so we could be forgiven for all the wrong things we do. If we ask him, Jesus will come into our lives. He will always be with us and help us to make the right choices. If we believe in Jesus, someday we’ll live with him forever in heaven.

You may want to lead the child in a simple prayer, inviting Jesus to be his or her Lord. If you feel uncomfortable doing that, refer the child to another leader who will help the child understand what it means to believe in Jesus. Be sure to share the news of the child’s spiritual development with his or her parent(s).

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ABOUT MY CREW:

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