Vacation Bible School Information for Church Youth Groups

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long is your VBS? VBS is held Monday through Friday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Our VBS typically spans 2 weeks, with the same curriculum offered each week; this way, we are able to target two different neighborhoods in our community, enabling more children to attend. We often host two youth groups per summer, using one group to help with the first week, and another group to help with the second week.

What will we do for VBS? VBS assignments and curriculum resources are mailed to you prior to your arrival in Phoenix, so that you may prepare for any teaching or drama responsibilities. We typically use a site-based curriculum, meaning that groups of students rotate to different rooms throughout the week. Based upon the size of your group, we may ask you to be site leaders (in charge of teaching or activities at a set location) and/or group leaders (in charge of overseeing a certain age group as they rotate to each site). Aim Right furnishes VBS supplies and materials.

Tell me about the children who attend your VBS. The ages of children range from Preschool (age 4) through 6th grade. The community in which our church resides is largely Hispanic, and many families receive government assistance. During one of the weeks of VBS, children are bused in from a local low-income government housing complex. During the other week, we invite children from our immediate neighborhood.

How many children come to VBS? Average attendance is around 60-65 children per evening. Throughout the course of two weeks, at least 150 different children attend at least one evening.

Do I need to know Spanish? No, but if you know some, Phoenix is a great place to practice it! Since our primary outreach is to school-aged children, the majority of the children we work with have learned English in school if theyve not learned it at home. Those who have recently moved to the States or have not yet attended school may not speak English very well, but they can likely understand you. Often, many parents English skills are lacking, but we have many teens who are willing translators if the need arises. All of our programs and outreach are done in English only.

Where will our group stay? Lodging will be at the church, which is equipped with a kitchen, classrooms, and bathrooms with showers (two for each gender). In the event that homes are available, groups may be hosted by families in the community. We are unable to provide bedding or linens and recommend that groups bring sleeping bags or air mattresses.

Do we need to rent a vehicle if we fly? Well, it depends upon the size of your group! We have one 15-passenger van available for your use while you are here, and we gladly provide transportation to and from local airports (Phoenix and Mesa). We also have a school bus, but its usage is dependent upon the availability of a driver for it. If you bring your own driver along, he or she must have a CDL with a passenger endorsement and be at least 25 years of age.

Do we need to prepare meals? Yes, you will be responsible for the planning, grocery shopping, and preparation of your meals except for the ones designated to be provided by Aim Right. We would recommend bringing along a staff person whose only job is to cook, although you may choose to share cooking responsibilities within the group. Our kitchen is equipped with two ovens and two refrigerators, and Costco, Wal-Mart, and grocery stores are nearby.

What does it cost? We request $25 per person (for the week) to assist us with utilities. Grocery and gas purchases, sightseeing expenditures, and travel to/from Phoenix are the responsibility of your group.

Can you give us some fundraising tips? Yes! Our favorite way for you to raise money doesnt really require raising money at all. The First Things First Foundation, a charitable organization begun by Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner, provides scholarships for youth groups to participate in missions trips within the U.S. In 2005, 2007, and 2011, youth groups who assisted with our VBS obtained scholarships. Amounts received are as much as $1,000 per group, and the foundation gives up to fifty scholarships per year. Applications are available online at kurtwarner.org (Click on

Outreach and then Mission:Possible!) and must be postmarked by April 1. The Foundation may be reached by phone at 1-877-FIRST-13. If VBS is in the evening, what will we do all day? Rest assured that you wont be bored! Various work projects around the church (landscaping, painting, cleaning, etc.) will be scheduled for you. Also, there will be community outreach opportunities. In the past, groups have served lunch at a soup kitchen, given out cold water at bus stops, organized a free car wash, planned water games for local children, and hosted a yard sale. We can also schedule some just-for-fun activities or free time for you. Visiting South Mountain, swimming, and doing a scavenger hunt in a Mexican grocery store have been favorites of other groups.

How will an Aim Right missions trip impact our youth group? It builds hearts for SERVICE. The night before, I was really not looking forward to going at all, but it was a really good week looking back. It wasnt a work week where you did some massive physical labor project, and it was good to just have a week in total service to others, and remember that life isnt about you. Youth participant 07 It fosters DEPENDENCE on God. It stretches you because it is a whole different setting than you are used to. Youth
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I learned how to better deal with being around different peoplealso learning different cultures and how to be accepting of them. God opened me up by taking me out of my comfort zone and showing me that change is good. Youth participant 07 It promotes LEADERSHIP development. it taught me responsibility and how to be in charge and realize that the impact the kids get from this week lies in my hands. Youth participant 07

Aim Right Ministries 1013 N. 13th Street Phoenix, AZ 85006 (602) 462-1987 VBS Coordinator: Amy Unrau E-mail: amy@aimright.org www.aimright.org Blog: aimright.blogspot.com