Hey VBS Directors! Our favorite time of year is coming up! Of course, we all know that this amazing ministry is also nothing less than incredibly time consuming. I am working to pull together a few resources that some of you may find helpful. Peruse below to see if you find anything on this page that will make your job a bit easier. Keep checking back as most items will be posted in late winter/early spring. Each of the resources below is available for download as a pdf file and/or image. In many cases, I have also provided the Canva Template Link so that you may edit the file to make it better meet your needs.
Please give me feedback regarding any issues with these resources as well as any additional resources you would find helpful.
Lifeway sells beautiful Rotation Signs on quality paper for a great price. If it is in your budget, I encourage you to purchase theirs (see the links below).
I do realize, however, that many of us have to prioritize which elements to purchase and which to make ourselves to keep costs down. In our case, we are blessed with a beautiful printer that makes printing in-house pretty affordable for us. If you’re in the same boat, feel free to use these 11″ x 17″ Rotation and Bible Study Signs. The Canva Link allows you to edit them if you call any of your rotations something different.
CLASS SIGNS Looking for some fun and easy class signs? These are kinda fun with alliterated names that pair a big word with a tiny creature! And the stink bug has just gotta be used for the nursery or toddlers! These can be used as posters outside classroom doors or as handheld signs for your teachers and crew leaders.
Sometimes organizing by color makes things easier, so I’ve included a variety of colors for the grade level signs. All the signs are ready to go in the PDF below the images. Want to tweak the names or add your own flair? Use the Canva template link to customize!
Line-Leader Signs, the Easy Way: Just print your favorite designs on cardstock, glue the Grade Level side and the Alliterated Name side back-to-back, and tape or staple them to a painted paint stick. Boom! An instant line-leader sign.
Want bigger signs? Here’s a Canva file (and pdf below) designed as 11″ x 17″ posters. Note: The pdf files are huge (I had to split the posters into 2 files), so make sure you have a good wifi connection when you download.
Here are some nametags that are designed to match the class signs above. Of course, they can also be used independently as well. You are welcome to edit them in Canva using the template link…or download the pdf or Word file below. For each design, there are 2 versions to give you the option of including the class for each kiddo.
Use the PDF file below if you would like to print the labels and then write in the names. Nametags are sized for Avery 5395 labels, but they can also be printed on cardstock and cut apart.
If you’d like to simply type in the names of the kids, just download the Word file below. Text boxes are already set up for you. All of the nametag styles are included. Nametags are sized for Avery 5395 labels, but they can also be printed on cardstock and cut apart.
This is a box of 200 sticker labels, enough for 40 kids for the week. These labels work with the Avery 5395 templates above.
Adhesive Name Tag Stickers, 8 Labels per Sheet, 3 3/8″ x 2 1/3″ – 25 Sheets / 200 Labels – White Matte Finish Printable Badges for Inkjet/Laser Printers
Prefer Lanyards? The nametags are a great fit for these name badges.
100 Pack Lanyards for ID Badges with Clear Name Tags, Reusable Lanyards Horizontal ID Card Badge Holders Plastic Name Badges for Men Women Kids Business School and Office Supplies (Green)
I love the Big Truth for each day. Here are some easy printable posters to keep them front and center in the eyes of the kiddos. The pdf is designed for 11″ x 17″ paper, but if you prefer a different size, feel free to edit them using the Canva Template Link.
When Walgreens and CVS run their 70% off poster deals, you can get a 6′ banner for under $10. This is another printing option for posters on photo quality paper that are around 22″ x 14″ (versus printing on 17″ x 11″ paper). Here’s a high-quality png image that will work for banner printing (just click to enlarge it on your screen and then right click to save it as a png on your computer).
BIBLE VERSE POSTERS
What is more important in our decor than words straight from the Bible? Here are posters for the theme verse (3 different versions). Singing birds just seemed so appropriate for Psalm 34:3! There is also a poster for each daily Bonus Verse. I opted not to go with insects for the images since I’d gone with bugs and critters for the Big Truth posters. The pdf is designed for 11″ x 17″ paper, but you can always edit the size using the Canva Template Link.
All the thematic decorating is so much fun! But in the end, what really matters is that our VBS week leads children closer in their relationship with Jesus. These posters can be printed and hung in multiple places throughout the building. I designed them with the idea that they could each stand alone, separate from the 2nd poster…OR you could hang them together for a coordinated look. There is also a handout size available if you’d like to include them in bags for the kiddos or, as we do, in a booklet you put together for each child (I like that the 2 sides of the pages look like they fit together).
Note: Depending on your region and your church’s personal preference, the color black is often replaced with purple. I have provided both options in the files below. Likewise, I’ve provided the Canva Template Link so that you can change the wording and/or add an additional color (like blue) if you prefer to present the plan of salvation differently. There are so many great ways to share Jesus!
The images below are sized for 16 x 20 posters. CVS and Walgreens sometimes run those on fabulous sales. To use them for uploading to a site like theirs, just click on the image to enlarge it. Then right click the large image and choose “save as” to save the png to your computer. This large file is high resolution so that it will print beautifully.
The images below are sized for 11″ x 17″ posters. We are blessed to have a fabulous printer at our church, so we can print these inhouse on a dime. They can also be printed at local printers or places like Staples and Office Depot. The pdf is below the images.
Kugliwa 1400 Pcs Plan of Salvation Bracelet Bulk Religious Craft Kit Wordless Faith Bracelet Clear Red Black Green Yellow White Beads for Christian Bible Teaching
Cunno 50 Pieces VBS 2025 Magnified Wristbands Religious Silicone Gospel Wristbands Decorative Reusable Bible Rubber Bracelets Bulk for VBS Events School Activities Christian Party Gifts
Here’s a flyer template to start promoting your VBS. If you aren’t used to making your own QR Codes, you can do it right in Canva or use a free site like QRCodeMonkey.com. In this day and age, it’s a nice addition to a flyer so folks can just link right to your church informational page and/or registration page.
Just click on the Canva Template Link to make this your own.
Don’t have Canva? I’ve got your back! Just click on the image below and then right click to download the jpg file. You can then insert it in a program of your own to edit. Or just download the Word document below and edit the text boxes.
Here’s one idea for a Save-the-Date postcard with a giveaway. For about 20 cents each (at the time of this posting), I think these bee keychains are adorable! You could also replace the keychain with a simple piece of candy (glue dots work great for that)…or just use the post card as is with no attachments. With the postcard printed on cardstock, I found the easiest way to attach the keychain was a mini binder clip, but you could also experiment with taping it, tying it, etc. Use this Canva Template link to make your own changes in Canva or see below for non-Canva users.
Click on the png below if you want to use this in your own program to add your details (no Canva required)…
The Word document below has these designs ready to add your own text. They are 4 to a page with a 1/4″ border around each postcard to accommodate most printer requirements.
KESYOO 120 pcs bee keychain cartoon bee metal keychain bee key chain pendant key ring creative pendant backpack pendant cartoon bee keyring decor Bee Decorations pvc spring child
Here’s another idea that would be super cute with a plastic mini magnifying glass attached (glue dots to the rescue!). Of course, the magnifying glass is just an add-on, so the post card could easily be used without one.
Right click on the png image below if you want to use this in your own program to add your details (no Canva required)…
If you prefer to work in Word, this file is ready for you to simple type in the text boxes to add your own dates, website, etc. These are designed 4-to-a-page with a 1/4″ border around each card.
As much as I love full-color printing, not everyone has an affordable option for using all that ink. Here are some options for flyers that can simply be run off on colored paper. These are sized 5″ x 8″ so that you can fit two on a page with a 1/4″ border around each flyer. The Canva link is available for those who want to edit in Canva. Below you’ll find the png files and Word document for those who don’t use Canva.
If you prefer to work in Word, this file is ready for you to simple type in the text boxes to add your own dates, website, etc. These are designed 2-to-a-page with a 1/4″ border around each card. Both designs are in the same file.
Right click on either image below to download the high-resolution png that you can use in any program of your choice.
COLORING PAGE FLYER
Here are some other versions that can simply be printed on white and used as a coloring page for the kiddos. Of course, you can always choose to print on colored paper instead.
Here’s the Word version ready for you to simple type in the text boxes to add your own dates, website, etc. These are designed 2-to-a-page with a 1/4″ border around each card. Both designs are in the same file.
Right click on either image below to download the high-resolution png that you can use in any program of your choice.
DAILY NEWSLETTER TEMPLATE
Need a quick template for sending home info each day to parents? This format can be used to print a take-home paper … OR you can use this format for an email to send home. Each day has its own template with Today’s Point, Bible Verse, and Bible Story. There are 2 versions. The first has some headings filled in for you, while the second leaves those blank so you can insert what works best for you. Edit directly in Canva using the Template Link or download the Word document and edit using the provided text boxes.
Use this Canva Template Link to edit the newsletter pages directly in Canva.
Don’t have Canva? No problem! Just Download this Word Document and you can edit directly in the provided text boxes.
Here’s a little motivator for your recruitment table. There are SO many reasons that it’s worthwhile to volunteer for VBS! This just lists a few…enough to spell out “MAGNIFIED.”
Use the Canva Link or download a blank image if you’d like to add Group’s official logo. Or you can just download one of the versions without it.
If you want a little giveaway to go with the card, a bee keychain or gel pen can so easily be attached. But the card can also stand alone. No purchase necessary, for sure!
Here are a couple gift options if you like the idea of a giveaway with the page.
These keychains can take the place of the bee graphic on the original card. If you print on cardstock, just secure the key ring to the back of the card with clear tape. Then allow the chain and bee to hang over the front of the card. If you slightly notch the top of the cardstock where you want the chain to hang over, the bee will stay put (or you can use a glue dot to secure it to the front).
24pcs Bee Keychain Bee Charm Funny Key Chain Backpack Key Chain Key Chains for Car Bee Decorations Metal Bee Pendant Bee Party Supplies Bag Hanging Decoration
These cute 7″ gel pens are another fun option to attach to the front of the card. Make sure to use the version that has the words shifted to the right so that there’s plenty of room for the pen to the left of the words.
30PCS Bees Gel Pens Bumble bee Pens Party Favors Bee Pens Great Party Supplies and School Supplies Cute Cartoon Pens Gift for Families Friends, Black Ink(0.5mm)
These cards are a lovely gift to hand out to your VBS volunteers. We like to give them out at our VBS training, but they also would work as a thank you when a new volunteer signs up or as a little gift during your VBS week. I love the scripture encouragement on them!
This version is my favorite! Amazon has butterfly pens that are just the right size to attach these cards. Just print them out on cardstock, use a couple glue dots, and you’ve got a lovely gift for the volunteers who are pouring their time into the kiddos in your church and community.
Amazon has a variety of butterfly pens, but these are the perfect size for the 8.5″ tall cards (and they are affordable!). See my note on the glue dots below.
Spakon 36 Pcs Flower and Butterfly Pens Bulk Ballpoint Pens Butterfly Office Writing Supplies Floral Party Writing Pen Gifts for Home Classroom Back to School Teacher Student
Note: Some reviewers say the butterflies fall off too easily from the pens. Glue dots will not only adhere them to the card, but they could also be used to reinforce the butterfly to the pen if you get some that are ready to fly away.
There are so many different directions to go with what kids wear during VBS! Our church has a tradition of matching t-shirts, but I also love the option of having crazy dress-up days for fun. Lifeway sells cute t-shirts, but we like to have our church name on ours. We’ve had good success with Shirtwell.com (shirts for around $5 each and we were happy with the quality). Here are some designs we’ve played with.
Here’s the Canva Template Link where you can customize designs to have your church name. Be sure to download designs in png format and check the box for the transparent background.
The designs below can be downloaded “as is” without any edits in Canva. These work as an option for those of you not looking to put your church name on your shirts. Just click on the image to enlarge it. Then right click to “save image as” to your computer.
Prefer to have a more generic design…maybe even one that can be reused year after year? Here are some other ideas (also in the Canva file above):
BANNERS
Banners make a great splash for a small buck! We have one at the road (4′ x 8′) but we also use them inside for our registration area and sometimes elements of our decor. Walgreens and CVS (no, I’m not an affiliate) run unbelievable deals on 2′ x 6′ and 2′ x 8′ vinyl banners. Most weeks a sale is running, usually ranging from 40% off to 70% off. The 70% sales are few and far between, but it’s pretty common to catch 50% or 60% off. Depending on which size you want and which sale you catch, you can typically get a banner for $15 to $25. The vinyl isn’t as thick as some of the other companies offer, but lots of churches have shared that they use the vinyl banners outside for long periods of time with great success.
Here are some banners that can be edited in Canva. For those who aren’t Canva users, drop below and you’ll see some banner starter images that you can download as a jpg and use in whatever program works best for you (InDesign, Publisher, Word, etc.).
Note: To honor Group’s copyright rules, I do not share any of Group’s clipart in my designs. If you are a Canva user, you can easily swap out my images/logo for Group’s official images. Once the Bible Buddies are released, they add a nice splash to banners!
BANNER STARTERS
Don’t have Canva? No worries! You can still use these banner starters as a background for your own designs. As png files, they can be inserted into the program that works best for you. Then you can just add text and/or images to them. Just click on the image you want, then right click on the enlarged version and choose “Save Image As” to download it to your own computer.
The backgrounds are all included in the Canva link above for anyone who might prefer one of these for a starter.
CRITTER BANNERS
When Walgreens runs their 60% and 70% off sales, I love to think outside the box with banners. A 2′ x 6′ poster banner is often less than $15. I am ordering some “banner critters” that I can mount on cardboard with spray adhesive. This is an inexpensive way to add some dimension with some 6′ and 8′ animals and insects.
Here is a Canva Template link to a file of 2′ x 6′ critters
For easy uploading to Walgreens or CVS, click on the image of your choice below. Then right click on the larger image that appears and select “Save Image As” to save it to your computer. This upload should be sized correctly for a 2′ x 6′ or 2′ x 8′ banner. If you plan to use spray adhesive to mount it to cardboard or foam board, choose the “photo banner” option, which is a nice, heavy paper that glues well. Printing on vinyl isn’t necessary unless you plan to keep them for future years.
Want to go even bigger? Here are some 2′ x 8′ banner templates!
Here is a Canva Template link to a file of 2′ x 8′ critters
DOOR BANNERS
Here is another little banner I created to highlight the daily points and verses. It is designed for a 2′ x 6′ banner, which will fit perfectly on a standard door. And on a Walgreens or CVS deal week, they are SO affordable!
Feel free to download whichever image fits your church (I realize not everyone does a M-F VBS!). You can also hop onto Canva with the provided link to change it up. If you are printing on the Walgreens or CVS site, you’ll do best to download the “sideways” image below. Since their banners are all designed to be horizontal, it’s easiest to upload the banner in the horizontal position.
VBS budgets can be tight! (Understatement, right?) Since we all look for ways to save a buck, one option is to make a vinyl banner that can be reused from year to year. These designs for 2′ x 8′ banners can be used for a sign-up table for volunteers and/or a registration table for the kiddos. Adding some adhesive Velcro to the banner will make it easy to attach and detach the details from this year’s VBS so you can reuse it again next year. Remember to watch for the 60% and 70% off banner sales at Walgreens and CVS! (Just click on the image you want and then right click the larger version to download it in a full-resolution png file.) The Canva link is to the left for those who want to change it up!
PRESCHOOL READINESS HANDOUT
What is the youngest age we should allow to come to VBS? That’s a question many a director has grappled with…prayed about…discussed with their team and pastor…and then grappled with some more! We love our little ones and want them to be exposed to the message of Jesus as young as possible. We also know that families with multiple children want their preschoolers to be able to participate. Yet volunteer force and resources are a barrier for some churches to be able to provide VBS to younger children. Further, we all know that kids that aren’t ready physically, emotionally, or socially will struggle at VBS and can also hinder other children from learning. Bottom line…there is clearly no right or wrong answer to this question. Pray…consider…pray…discuss…pray some more…decide. You’ve got your answer for what’s right for your church!
For those of us who do run a preschool VBS—especially those of us who allow 3-year-olds to come—here is a page you might consider using or modifying. This kindly sets the standards for parents, making it clear what the expectations are in terms of a child’s social and physical readiness to come to VBS. Feel free to download it as is, access the Canva Template to change it, or simply to retype what works for you, changing what doesn’t. Helping parents to think through their child’s readiness can be a win-win for everyone.
Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to share the love of Jesus AND to send out a Save-the-Date for VBS! Click on the images below for Valentine printables and Canva links.
8 responses to “Magnified Director Resources”
Anonymous
This is all amazing!! Great helps for so many things for VBS!! Much appreciated!!
Good afternoon,
Thank you for all the wonderful designs and ideas that you share with us. Last year you had a VBS newsletter, do you have one for Magnified this year?
You are welcome! I haven’t made a newsletter template for Magnified yet, but I’ll try to get one done and posted asap! Thanks for letting me know that it’s helpful.
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