Hey VBS Directors! Our favorite time of year is almost here! And while we all love VBS, we also know it takes a whole lot of time, planning, and energy.
I’m pulling together a collection of resources that I hope will make your job a little easier. Take a look below and see if anything here might help you along the way.
Be sure to check back often. Most of my resources are added in the early spring. Each one is available as a PDF and/or image, and in many cases, I’ve also included a Canva template link so you can tweak things to fit your church and your crew.
Please give me feedback regarding any issues with these resources as well as any additional resources you would find helpful.
Want an easy way to get everyone involved in decorating for Rainforest 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 rainforest adventure.
More detailed flyers are coming soon, but here are some simple Save-the-Date handouts. These are a fun reminder that summer fun is coming! Brighten the kiddos’ day even further by attaching a jumping frog or rainforest tattoo! See below for some ideas.
For all you Canva users out there, just hop on the template link and make this your own!
Don’t have Canva? I’ve got your back! You can click on one of the images below and then right click to download the jpg file. You can then insert it in a program of your own to add the date at the bottom.
Want to make your card even more memorable? These frogs can be attached to the top left corner with a little piece of clear tape over the leg (or you could keep it even simpler and just hand them out).
Fun Express – Mini Plastic Jumping Frogs (2″) – Bright Colors – 144 Pieces – Toy Characters – VBS Vacation Bible School Supplies/Décor
It doesn’t get much easier than this! You can make these treats in minutes to hand out during Sunday School, Kids Church, or at your next event. Just grab some snack bags and fill them with Froot Loops (or a store brand that looks like them). Print out the toppers (you can edit them in Canva or the Word document below…or just use the version that doesn’t require any editing). Use a paper cutter to trim them, fold them and staple them right the top of the snack bag. Voila! A sugary treat to invite kiddos back to VBS next year.
If you want to get really fancy, pick up some frog gummies and add them to the Fruit Loops (You can get those at Dollar Tree or Amazon).
Here’s a little motivator for your recruitment table. There are so many great reasons to volunteer for VBS, and this card highlights just a few of them. Bonus…they even spell out “RAINFOREST”!
You can use the Canva link if you want to tweak anything or add Group’s official logo. Or you can simply grab one of the ready-to-use versions as is.
If you’d like to pair it with a small giveaway, there are some really fun butterfly and flower pens out there. That said, the card totally works on its own too. No need to spend any of your VBS budget!
Here are a couple of fun pen options if you like the idea of a giveaway with the page.
Zuazaor 24 Pack Spring Summer Pens Black Gek Ink Butterfly Pens Bulk for Women Party Favors Adults Office School Crhistmas Valentine’s Wedding Party Supplies (Summer Butterfly)
Sayglossy 30 Pcs Summer Hawaiian Luau Ballpoint Pens with Hibiscus Flower Decor Cute Tropical Hibiscus Flower 1.0 mm Black Gel Ink Retractable Ballpoint Pens for Office School Supplies
Many churches set aside time to pray over their VBS volunteers before the week begins. Depending on your church tradition, your pastor may prefer a spontaneous prayer, a written prayer, or a responsive format. Below, you’ll find both a written and a responsive prayer option. Feel free to download and use them as they are…or customize the Word document to best fit the needs and style of your congregation.
There’s no better way to end each day of VBS than by pausing to pray. And what a beautiful moment it is when one of the kids gets to lead that prayer! Some children may feel confident praying in their own words—and that’s a wonderful, meaningful option. Others might appreciate having a written prayer to read aloud, which can be just as heartfelt and sincere.
Below, you’ll find a simple prayer for each day of the week, along with a special one for VBS Sunday. These are designed for children to lead and can be used just as they are or adjusted to fit your group.
Use the Canva Template link to easily customize the prayers, or simply download the ready-to-print PDF version below.
Banners make a big impact for the price! We use one out by the road (4′ x 8′), but we also love using banners inside…especially in our registration area and sometimes as part of the décor.
Walgreens and CVS (nope, not an affiliate 😉) run crazy good deals on 2′ x 6′ and 2′ x 8′ vinyl banners. There’s usually some kind of sale going on—often 40%–70% off. The 70% deals are rare, but 50% or 60% off pops up pretty often. Depending on the size and the sale you catch, you can usually snag a banner for around $15–$25.
The vinyl isn’t the thickest out there, but plenty of churches have shared that they’ve used these banners outdoors for long stretches with great results.
Below you’ll find banners you can edit in Canva (sized for 2′ x 6′). Not a Canva user? No worries! Scroll down for banner starter images you can download as JPGs and use in whatever program you prefer (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.
Prefer 8′ banners? Here are some 2′ x 8′ designs along with the Canva link (more designs are coming soon). Not a Canva user? The banner starter images for these are below.
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.
BANNER STARTERS
Don’t have Canva? No problem! You can still use these banner starters as backgrounds for your own designs. They’re JPG files, so you can drop them into whatever program you like, then just add your text and/or images.
To download one, click the image you want, right-click on the enlarged version, and choose “Save Image As.”
And for my Canva friends, don’t worry! I’ve still included the Canva link over on the right if you’d rather use one of these backgrounds there.
And here are the 2′ x 8′ Banner Starters (more on their way soon)…
SUMMARY DOOR BANNER
Here’s another little banner I made to showcase all the learning happening during the week! It’s sized for a 2′ x 6′ banner, so it fits perfectly on a standard door. And if you catch a Walgreens or CVS deal week, these are crazy affordable!
As a reminder, we can’t share Group’s copyrighted images, but no worries! There are three easy ways to make these banners work for you:
Use the Canva link to add Group’s clipart from your own files.
Use the version I created with shareable clipart already included.
Download the backgrounds below with no clipart. Then you can add Group’s or your own clipart in whatever program you like.
Pro tip for Free Canva users: Instead of opening my template link, upload the background-only image into your own Canva file. Then add Group’s clipart. This avoids the watermark you’d get from using my template directly.
Want to place a quick order with Walgreens or CVS? Download the sideways version below and it is ready to upload to their site and pop right into a banner design.
BOOKMARKS
These make great giveaway bookmarks too! Just print on cardstock, trim the edges, and cut to separate the bookmarks. If you want to get extra fancy, you could laminate them and punch a hole to add a ribbon.
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!
STATION SIGNS
When your crew is trekking through the rainforest, we don’t want any little adventurers to wander off! So station signs come in super handy. Group makes some beautiful signs you can purchase…usually on nice, poster-quality paper (though I haven’t seen this year’s version yet).
Sometimes our budgets don’t stretch to every single bell, whistle, and poster—and that’s totally okay! Station signs aren’t a must-have since you can easily make your own in-house.
For this year, I made some 11″ x 17″ rainforest-themed signs for our church to use. I added in a Craft station and a Nurse’s station for those of you who have one. You’re welcome to download the images or PDFs below (or just click the Canva link to customize them to fit your jungle adventure).
If it’s in your budget, Group’s Bible Buddies make a super cute take-home item to hand out during Sticky Scriptures each day. That said, a lot of churches look for options that are a little easier on the budget. Circle stickers and buttons are one great option!
If you’re a Canva user, these are an easy win and there are so many ways to use them. The Canva link includes the designs without Group’s clipart, so you can drop in the Bible Buddy or logo art from your own files and tweak things however you’d like.
And full disclosure, I may have gotten a little carried away this year and ended up with three different circle design styles (simply because I couldn’t make up my mind!). Pick your favorite or mix and match.
A few fun ways to use them:
Clear backpacks: This is my new favorite idea! With more stadiums and public venues requiring clear backpacks for entry, why not provide every kiddo with a clear string backpack on Day 1? They can keep all their goodies in it as they go through their day…AND they can add a sticker each day to decorate it. So fun!
Water bottles: Give each kid a bottle on day one and let them add a new sticker each day of VBS. Hydration plus a built-in keepsake? Win-win.
Passports: Fold half sheets of paper and staple them in the middle to make simple “passports.” Kids can add their sticker each day. If you want to level it up, let crew leaders add a stamp at each station. (If you scroll below, there’s also a template for passports that you are welcome to use.)
Bookmarks: Cut strips of cardstock and let kids add their daily sticker to create a bookmark for their Psalm books.
Buttons or keychains: Have a button maker? These designs work great for daily buttons or even a keychain a day. Such a fun souvenir.
Just stickers: Never underestimate the joy of getting a sticker. Kids love putting them on their own stuff… hopefully not Grandma’s antique buffet.
Not a Canva user? No worries. You can use the images below to make your own stickers. Right-click on the blank versions if you want to add Group’s clipart in another program like Word, InDesign, or Publisher. Or feel free to use the versions with the alternate clipart included. They may not be the official Bible Buddies, but they’re still some pretty cute rainforest friends.
For one of the least expensive options, here are some plain white printable stickers. Note: There are 1200 labels in this pack!
Colemoly Round Labels – 100 Sheets 2.5″(12 UP) Mailing Circle Sticker Paper for Laser/Inkjet Printer 1200 Blank White Matte Adhesive
Vinyl stickers are the rage with kids these days. Another option is to give kids these stickers which are waterproof and can be used on their water bottles, school binders, etc.
120 Circle Stickers 3″ Round Labels 20 Sheets Waterproof Matte White Round Stickers Vinyl Sticker Paper Dries Quickly for Inkjet Printer
I’m amazed that these are about $1 each. This is a 50-pack, but there are a variety of other quantities available with a quick search on Amazon. They also come in multi-color packs if you want to color-code your crews. Be sure to read the reviews…they are NOT all created equal.
Silkfly 50 Pcs Clear Drawstring Backpacks Bulk Stadium Approved Bags for Men Women Gym Sport Colleges Event Security(Black)
Like the idea of giving a water bottle to each child? These have pretty good reviews for a bulk option. They come in several different colors, but I love the green for this year’s theme!
Zubebe 36 Pcs Sports Water Bottles Bulk Squeeze Reusable Bpa-free Plastic Water Bottles End of the Year Gifts Summer Gifts for Students Travel Hiking Cycling Sport Event Team Gift
How about a keychain? If you have a button maker, these are on option that don’t require an additional purchase of Band-Aids for pin pokes (if you’ve used the circle buttons with pins, you get what I’m saying!). Do read the reviews on these before purchasing…they are a bit mixed. This set makes 50 keychains.
Button Maker Keychains Supplies, 200 PCS 58mm/2.25 inch Pin Making Kit for Button Maker Machine,Metal Button Badge Sets with Metal Shell Back Cover, Transparent Film and Chain Head
Don’t wanna bother with a button maker? These work with a heat press OR just as a blank that stickers could be attached to. Just make sure to get the right size sticker!
Modacraft Sublimation Keychain Blanks Bulk, 120Pcs Sublimation Keychain Blanks Set with 2 Inch Round Sublimation Blanks, Tassels, Keychain Rings, Jump Rings for DIY Crafting Sublimation Blanks
Kids love recognition that they’ve accomplished something. These little passports can be printed and stapled into a fun keepsake. The kiddos can carry them to each station where their crew leader can use a designated stamp or sticker to show they were there. One version has a spot where True North circle stickers can be added as a keepsake to remember the point/verse for each day. The 2nd version is even simpler. The Canva link will allow you to access either version and make whatever changes you like. Just keep in mind that for a booklet, you want to keep the number of pages in multiples of four.
Here’s a sample of a what the passport could look like (hopefully with some more color from the kiddos own coloring!):
OR here’s a simpler version that doesn’t have a specific spot for stickers.
If you print the file below 2-sided and then fold it vertically (hot-dog style), you can cut it in half and you’ll have 2 passport booklets.
These stampers are a great option for the passport pages. There are more stamps than you’ll need (including animals that aren’t a fit), but the set includes enough rainforest options that you can have a unique stamp for each station.
Kesote 26 Animal Stamps for Kids, Self-Inking Stamp Set, Children’s Craft Supplies Party Favors for Kids
Looking for an easy way to send daily info home to parents? This template has you covered. You can print it as a take-home page or use the same format for a quick email at the end of the day.
As usual, I’ve left out Group’s clipart to stay within copyright guidelines. You’ll find two versions here: one with alternate clipart already included, and one with open space if you’d like to add Group’s artwork yourself.
If you’re a Canva user, the Canva template link makes editing quick and painless. Not on Canva? No problem. You can download the Word document below the images and edit everything right in Word.
Not every church wants to (or can) do t-shirts for every kid. As fun as matching shirts are, they can get pricey fast. A great alternative is themed dress-up days.
Speaking as a mom, I’m always a fan of dress-up ideas that are simple—the kind that don’t require a last-minute Target run at 10 p.m. the night before camp. 😉 And of course, the goal is for the themes to add to the kids’ experience, not distract from what really matters.
Here’s a sample with some easy, kid-friendly ideas to get you started. I couldn’t make up my mind on the style, so you’ve got 2 to choose from. (And yes—these can absolutely be used alongside VBS t-shirts. There’s no rule that says kids can’t have fun with both!)
Feel free to use the Canva Template Link to make it your own and change the dress up to the themes that work best in your context! (You can update the clipart to Group’s Bible Buddies and logo while you’re at it!)
Since not everyone loves Canva like I do, here are some shareable flyers that you can download and use without the need to edit them. If these themes work for you, feel free to take the easy route and use these as is.
Take your pick! Certificates in full color or black and white to print on colored paper. Here’s an easy little memento to give to the kids at the end of your VBS week. Use the Canva link to add your church name, official VBS clipart, etc….OR just download the pdf below and print as is.
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.
Your stuff is AMAZING!!!! Thank you SO much for making these resources available.
Last year (True North) you had passports for the the kids. Any idea if those will be available again this year for Rainforest? Our church used the passports as nametags. They were in a vinyl sleeve with a lanyard and the kids needed to present them at each station to collect their stamp. The kids seemed to really be proud to display their daily station stamp collection, and took good care of their passport. And best of all, I think we only had to replace two during the entire week!
Thanks so much for your kind comments. Passports as nametags? That’s brilliant! I absolutely love that idea! Yes, I will definitely make some Rainforest-themed passports. I’ll try to get them posted soon so you have them for your planning. Thanks so much for sharing how you used them.
Tammy, thank you again for all your creative templates. I love how you share your gift with us. The canva link for the circle stickers is the same as the animal poster signs. Is there another link for the circle stickers that I somehow missed? Bless you!
Oh my! This is what happens when I upload things late at night. Thanks so much for letting me know. It is fixed now, but please be sure to let me know if you still have any trouble accessing the Canva template.
You are so welcome! I do plan to make thank you notes again, but haven’t gotten to them yet. Boy, life can get busy! I’ll keep posting as soon as I get resources finished.
You are welcome! I haven’t started working on them yet, but now that I know you’re looking for them, I’ll try to get them done soon. Thanks for letting me know what you need!
Thank you for making all of these for us. You have such great ideas!! Do you have any of the circle designs in black and white? I was thinking the kids might like colouring their own stickers?
You are so welcome! And what a great idea for the kids to color their own circle stickers! I don’t have those, but I’ll try to get some done (be patient though…I’ve got a few other projects to get to first).
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