Want an easy way to get everyone involved in decorating for Illumination VBS? Try Adopt-a-Prop! It’s been a total game-changer for us the past couple of years. People love choosing a prop to “adopt,” and before you know it, the whole church will be helping turn the building into a colorful adventure full of the light of Christ!
Wondering how to roll this out at your church? There are lots of approaches, but here’s what we do at our church…
Feel free to edit any of these instruction sheets right in Canva so you make them your own!
You can also use the Canva template to create additional instruction sheets for whatever décor you need for your Illumination setting. There are so many fun ways to create an atmosphere of light throughout your building!
I want to say a huge THANK YOU to all the amazingly creative people from the Illumination Station VBS Facebook Groups who shared their fantastic ideas and creations. I’d especially like to thank Carolyn Kiddy for generously sharing her project sheets with everyone. Also, a shout out goes to Brittany Vallejo, Kelly Navarro Carey, and Shirline Burleson for sharing their ideas and pictures to help give us ideas of how to set our scene. I just love the spirit of collaboration that VBS brings!
These are the 20 projects that are already complete. Keep an eye out throughout the coming months as I am hoping to add more projects. On that note, if you have a great project already created, send me a message so we can get it added for others to use!
ADOPT-A-PROP INSTRUCTION SHEETS
PDF FILE OF ALL THE INSTRUCTION SHEETS
Need a blank template to use in another design program? Here ya go!
HOW DOES ADOPT-A-PROP WORK AT OUR CHURCH?
- We decide which projects we want to include in our Adopt-a-Prop program. In addition to scouring Pinterest and Google, we pay close attention to all the amazing ideas that the Illumination Station Facebook Group members contribute. If you aren’t familiar with these groups, search Facebook for “Illumination Station.” There are several private groups that you can join. If you aren’t a member of one of them, stop right now and ask to join! You will be blown away by all the amazing ideas and sharing that goes on there! Really…stop and join…NOW!
- We make instruction sheets for those projects. In addition to printing the pages to hand out, these instructions are compiled into a single pdf document that can be shared in a Google Drive file. This comes in handy for those who want to peruse all of the projects before selecting one.
- We create any files that are needed to go with the projects (pictures to cut out, printouts of class signs, etc.).
- We put bags together of the supplies that we need to include with any project (instructions stapled to bags). Do we supply everything needed for every craft? Nope! We used to. But we found that many folks want to use their creativity to select their own craft materials. Some projects, however, require hard-to-find materials, items that have already been donated, materials we are re-using from a previous VBS, or supplies we have on hand. Of course we include all of these materials. We also offer to supply other materials to those who want to do a project but prefer we give them what they need.
- When we are ready to invite the congregation to participate, we create a sign-up on SignUpGenius.com. In our description/instructions for the sign-up, we include a link to a Google Drive file that has all of the directions sheets. We also include the dates when we want any projects returned to the church.
- Now we begin the promotion. Our church newsletter invites the congregation to Adopt-a-Prop. There we include the link to the SignUpGenius.
- Simultaneously, we set up an inviting, thematic display in our church atrium where we have a printed sign-up sheet, the instruction sheets for each project, and any needed bags of materials.
- I usually hang out near our display before and after our services to invite people to participate. Not everyone is geared to sign up for things online, so the in-person sign up is important.
- The rest takes care of itself! Other than making myself available if anyone has questions or needs additional supplies, most of the work at this point is being done in people’s homes.
- We do ask for an email or phone number on the sign-up sheet. That way if there are any projects that don’t get turned in by the due date, we have a way to contact the volunteer to check on the progress. We’ve had great success with our volunteers keeping their promise to complete a project, but we always allow some wiggle room in the due date in case we need to finish a project that someone couldn’t complete. Life happens so we know this could always be a possibility.
Is this the only way to do Adopt-a-Prop? ABSOLUTELY NOT! You know your congregation! Make this work for you…in your setting…with your people. The main thing is that you are engaging your congregation in being a part of something amazing! You are inviting them to share in the blessing of ministering to kids through VBS…that’s pretty doggone awesome in and of itself!
Here’s my SignUpGenius.com description from 2024’s Scuba that invites people to sign up for Adopt-a-Prop. Below is an example of how I simply list each project and how many volunteers are needed.
EASY ORDER SUPPLIES FOR ADOPT-A-PROP
Full Disclosure: I don’t charge for anything on this site, but as an Amazon Associate, I may earn commission from qualifying purchases.
You can pick up inexpensive puck lights at Dollar Tree, but I cringe at the idea of walking throughout the entire set to turn on and off puck lights at the start and end of each day. For just a little bit more, these remote-controlled puck lights will make things way easier…and they have lots of color options too.
Hbaushun LED Puck Lights 12 Pack,16 Color Changeable Wireless LED Cabinet Lights,Battery Operated Night Light with Dimmer & Timmer for Bedroom,Closet, Kitchen,White
Dollar Tree is the place to go if you are looking for 20 balloons. But if you need more for all those lightbulbs, this is a good option for a quick order.
RUBFAC Yellow Balloons 65pcs, 12 Inch Party Balloon with Ribbons for Birthday Baby Shower Masquerade Party Decorations
Phinus 3000 Pieces Glue Points, Balloon Tape, Sticky Dots, Double Sided Glue Points, Balloon Sticky Dots for Craft, Wedding Decoration, Stick Photos
So many uses for neon tablecloths this year! This is an amazing deal for 32 tablecloths!
Whaline 32Pcs Neon Color Plastic Tablecloth 8 Fluorescent Colors Rectangle Table Cover Waterproof Table Cloth for Party Decoration Supplies, 54 x 108 Inch
Here’s another good option for 16 tablecloths with fewer colors.
Whaline 16Pcs Neon Color Plastic Tablecloth 4 Fluorescent Colors Rectangle Table Cover Waterproof Table Cloth for Party Table Decoration Supplies, 54 x 108 Inch
Need packing foam for making lightbulbs?
12”x12” Foam Wrap Sheets for Packing Moving Supplies, Cushion Foam Wrap Packing Foam for Dishes, China, Glassware 50 Pack
I love these poster boards! I have bought them previously. They are standard posterboards, and I love that they all stand neatly in the box until I’m ready to use them.
School Smart Railroad Poster Board Paper, 22 x 28 Inches, 6-Ply, Black, Pack of 25
School Smart Railroad Poster Board Paper, 22 x 28 Inches, 6-Ply, White, Pack of 25
This 17″ roll is great for wrapping smaller boxes…
Black Kraft Paper Roll – 100% Recyclable Black Construction and Craft Paper Roll – 17.75 Inch x 200 Feet
This 36″ roll will wrap big boxes and cover walls if you want to embellish with bright neon colors or lights…
Bryco Goods Black Kraft Paper Roll – 36 Inch x 100 Feet – Made in USA – Ideal for Packing, Shipping, Arts & Crafts, Poster, Bulletin Board, Decorations, Bouquet, Gift Wrapping
This simple tool glides through pool noodles and cardboard. It can even be used on foam boards.
CANARY Cardboard Cutter with Non-Stick Coated Blade – 7.5″ Box Cutter Utility Knife for Breaking Down Boxes & Opening Packages – Made in Japan, Yellow
If you are making cardboard decor, these are a must have! They will change your life (or at least save your fingers!)…really! I love mine and truly believe they are well worth the initial investment since I reuse them every VBS (and a whole lot of times in between).
SnapFresh Cordless Electric Scissors, 4V Electric Mini Box Cutter, Carpet & Cardboard Cutter Tool with a Replacement Blade/Charger, Rotary Cutter for Cardboard Packages Leather Plastic （Green）
This is one of the best deals out there for a large pack of bright-colored paper (although not black light reflective)…
Neenah Astrobrights® Bright Color Paper, Letter Size Paper, 24 lb, Assorted Colors, 500 Sheets
If you are using a black light, this paper is a great option for decorating (but note that it is not for the copier!)…
25 Pcs UV & Black Light Glowing Neon Cardstock Multicolor Pack – Two-Sided, Not Suitable for Printers, Glow in The Dark Paper Sheet Bulk for Party & DIY – Thick [250 GSM] Neon Paper Set with 5 Colors
Cardstock!
Colored Cardstock 8.5 in x 11 in,56 Sheet Fluorescent Neon Index Paper 250 GSM/90 LB HeavyWeight Card Stock Set of 7 Colors for Cutting DIY Art Craft
Larger cardstock (it says “construction paper, but the reviews make it clear that it’s cardstock)…
Construction Paper 9×12 in,70 Sheets,Set of 7 Colors Neon Fluorescent 178GSM/65LB Heavyweight Construction Paper,Crafts,Arts,School Classroom Art Supplies Assorted Colors Bulk Pape
Here’s bright tissue paper for lining those lighted boxes (among a plethora of other projects!)
Ocean Tides Premium Wrapping Paper – 100 Sheets (14 x 20 Inches) Colored Tissue Paper for Gift Bags, Birthday Party, Flower Decoration, Mother’s Day, Wedding, Crafting & Custom Art Projects – Assorted
I love this glitter paper for making the stars!
36 Sheets 12×12 Glitter Shining Pastel Ombre Cardstock Scrapbook Decorative Paper for Card Making Journaling Origami Scrapbook Paper Scrapbooking Supplies Spring
Sometimes you can get Home Depot or Lowes to donate the 5-gallon size paint sticks, but if not, these are a great size for the hand-held class signs.
5 Gallon Paint Stir Sticks Bulk 17 inch, 10pc Wooden Paint Stirrers Mixing Paint, Large Popsicle Sticks for Crafts
The best deal for these boxes is Dollar Tree, but they are seasonal and not always easy to find (and I can’t find them on their website). These are still a pretty good deal and come with letters if you’re looking to make light boxes that spell out “JESUS,” “SHINE,” “VBS,” etc.
12 Pcs Transparent Balloon Boxes Clear Baby Boxes with 99 Letters for Baby Shower Gender Reveal Grad Birthday Party Bridal Wedding Christmas Anniversary Valentines Backdrop Decoration (Black)
If you only need a few boxes, here’s an option …and it comes with a bunch of balloons too (the words/letters are totally optional).
OLANRUN 2026 Graduation Decorations, 4 Pcs Black Balloon Boxes with GRAD 2026 & So Proud of You Letters and 20 Pcs Balloons, Class of 2026 Graduation Party Decorations Supplies for High School College
Precut cellophane sheets are an easier option for lining light boxes…
Ahardaim 120Pcs Colored Cellophane Sheets, 12 x 12 Inch Cellophane Paper, Colored Cellophane Wrap for DIY Arts Crafts, Packaging Small Gifts, Candy Wrapping, Holidays and Parties Decoration
Gel sheets cost more than cellophane, but they are easier to work with and remain stiff and sturdy. Something to consider…
30 Pack Gel Light Filter Color Correction Colored Overlays Transparent Color Film Lighting Gel Filter Plastic Sheets Correction for Lamp, Headlight, Photo Studio Strobe, LED, Headlight Film
Prefer bigger sheets of celllophane?
SYOGUA 8 Rolls Colored Cellophane Wrap, Extra Wide (34 in x 10 ft x 8 Colors) Cellophane Roll Transparent Color Cellophane Paper for Gift Baskets, Gift Wrapping, DIY Craft, Christmas Decoration
This rainbow cellophane is pretty fun if you want multiple colors in one window…
PerkHomy Clear Cellophane Wrap Roll 16″ 3 Mil Thick Cellophane For Gift Basket Treats Goodie Wrapping Craft Flower Bouquet Plastic (Rainbow, 100ft (16in Width))
If you just need one, run to Hobby Lobby, but if you can use multiples of these holographic tablecovers, here’s a great deal!
FunnyPars 4 Pack Iridescent Plastic Tablecloths Shiny Disposable Laser Rectangle Table Covers Holographic Foil Tablecloth Iridescent Party Decoration Birthday Bridal Wedding Christmas 54″x108″(Silver)
SWRT Neon Gaffer Cloth UV Blacklight Tape for Mothers Day Decorations, 6 Rolls Multi-Color UV Fluorescent Glow in The Dark Tape for Party Decoration, Dance Floors, UV Party (0.6 inch x 16.5 feet)
This tape is wider and less expensive (but I don’t think it will reflect a blacklight).
DEART 8X Colored Masking Tape, 33 Ft x 1 inch Colored Painters Tape for Arts & Crafts Labeling or Coding, Craft Supplies Color Tape Rolls, Colorful Masking Craft Tape, Lab Tape
Here’s a fun option for the kaleidoscope wall–no need to paint these hoops!
Phinus 6 Pcs Embroidery Hoop 6 Size, Round Plastic Cross Stitch Hoop with 16 Needles (3.6In to 10.7 in), Small Embroidery Hoop, Cross Stitch Hoops, Frames, Embroidery, Craft Sewing(Multicolor)
Or here’s a nice set with a variety of sizes if you prefer they all look alike…
Caydo 6 Pieces Embroidery Hoops 3 Inch to 10 Inch Cross Stitch Hoop Small Embroidery Hoop with 16 Pieces Needles for Embroidery, Punch Needle, Craft Sewing and Ornaments
Making a Lite-Brite-style poster? Here are some nice, bright 1″ stickers…
Colored Dot Stickers 1 Inch, Circle Stickers Round Color Coding Dots Markers Sticker, 1575 PCS Removeable Sticky Labels Sticker Dots for Toddlers Students Office Classroom in 7 Assorted Colors
Making an Interactive Lite Brite?
TORACK 3-Pack 12×24 inch Metal Pegboard Panels for Garage Wall, Tools Organizer Pegboard for Workbench, Workshop, Modular Peg Board Tool Storage Board for Pegs(Black)
Disclaimer: I have not actually made one of these Lite Brites, so I can’t guarantee that these golf tees will fit in the peg holes (but lots of folks online says it works!)
Crestgolf Professional 2 1/8″ Deluxe Wood Golf Tees 100pcs
Mini Skater 140pcs 6″ Multi-Color Multi-Purpose Nylon Zip Ties (7 Colors)
We used tons of these a few years ago during our space-themed VBS. They are shiny and reflective and cover a pretty big space…perfect for backdrops and covering boxes or tables…nice and bright for Illumination Station!
Emergency Foil Thermal Blanket (Pack of 25), 210 x 160 cm (82″ x 63″) Emergency shelter Survival Reflective Blankets Perfect for Outdoors, Hiking, Survival, Marathons or First Aid
Making mirror balls? At the time of posting, these were the best deal I could find on a set of 10…
Mudra Crafts Kraft Paper Lanterns Wedding Party Decorations – 12 in 10 Round Hanging Ceiling Lanterns, 10 Pack, Decorative Lamp Shades
2 inch bird tape for making those mirror balls…
OFFO Reflective Tape for Birds, 200 Feet x 2 Inches Dual-Sided Bird Scare Tape Outdoor for Garden, Farm, Orchard or Courtyard
This pack of cups will make 2 sparkle balls…
Amazon Basics Small Disposable Clear Plastic Cups, 9oz, 100 Count
Lights for 2 sparkle balls…
2 Pack 16.4ft 50 LED Battery Operated String Lights with Remote Timer Waterproof 8 Modes String Lights for Bedroom, Garden, Easter, Party, Christmas Indoor and Outdoor Decorations -Multicolor
Full Disclosure: I don’t charge for anything on this site, but as an Amazon Associate, I may earn commission from qualifying purchases.
Leave a Reply