This post is a long time coming! Last summer, we decided to jump into writing our own VBS curriculum for the first time. At the time, I had been writing weekly curriculum for our kid’s ministry for about a year, but taking on VBS was a whole new level of writing. At first, I was a bit scared that I was biting off too much too quickly since it was my second time ever putting on a VBS, but as I got into writing the content, I realized it was totally worth the extra work and effort. I decided to go with a video game theme because I knew it would be super popular with the kids! I chose themes that would be familiar to kids and adults. I’m not sure who was more excited, the kids or the volunteers.
This VBS curriculum is written for a four night (or day) VBS with rotations the first three nights, and the last night written as a family night to include the parents. Each night builds on the previous night’s theme. On night one, kids will learn how to power up by plugging into the ultimate power source (God). Night two teaches them to pause to spend time with God. Night three encourages kids to invite their friends to church, so they have an opportunity to know Jesus (multiplayer). On night four (the family night), families are reminded that we only have one life to live and we have a choice to live it for ourselves or for God. The first three nights are written for 45 minutes-1 hour in the large group session and about 1 hour and 30 minutes in small group rotations. The first three nights’ large group sessions include a daily verse, stage game, takeaway statement, message/object lesson, and a character skit as well as four small group rotation activities. Small group rotations include a snacktivity, do-it-yourself includes verse, stage game, takeaway statement, message/object lesson, and a character skit aimed at the whole family. Graphic slides for the overall theme and for each night’s topic are included.
Power Up VBS Overview
Day 1
- Topic – Power Up (Salvation)
- Bible Story – Jesus, the Power Source (John 1:1-13)
- Today’s Takeaway – I can power up when I give God control.
- Daily Verse – “If you declare with your mouth Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9
- Snacktivity – Question Box Krispies
- Verse Game – Pop the Bob-ombs
- DIY Project – Angry Birds Ball Catch Game
- Small Group Devotion – Controller = Holy Spirit
- Game – Life-sized Angry Birds
Day 2
- Topic – Pause (Prayer/Devotions)
- Bible Story – Martha is Distracted (Luke 10:38-42)
- Today’s Takeaway – I need to pause to spend time with God.
- Daily Verse – “Do not merely listen to the Word and so deceive yourselves, do what it says.” James 1:22
- Snacktivity – Angry Birds Scenes
- Verse Game – Tetris Towers
- DIY Project – Minecraft Slime
- Small Group Devotion – Game Coins = Taking time for God’s Word and prayer
- Game – Human Pacman
Day 3
- Topic – Multiplayer (Tell others about Jesus)
- Bible Story – Many Multiplayers (Matthew 28:16-20)
- Today’s Takeaway – I can add multiplayers to God’s team.
- Daily Verse – “Therefore go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19
- Snacktivity – Minecraft Torches/Evangelism Skittles
- Verse Game – Pacman Ping Pong Ball Toss
- DIY Project – Pacman Board Game
- Small Group Devotion – Mushroom Kingdom vs. Kingdom of God
- Game – Frogger
Day 4 (Family Night)
- Topic – One Life (Live for Jesus)
- Bible Story – Life is Short (Ephesians 5:15-17)
- Today’s Takeaway – I have only one life to live and I’m not going to waste it.
- Daily Verse – “How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.” James 4:14
Additional Resources
Video Game VBS Pinterest Board – Check out my Video Game VBS Pinterest board for more great ideas for set design, crafts, and games to go along with the series.
Video Game VBS Set Design – Head over to my set design page to find ideas for decorating your environments for the theme.
VBS Verse Songs – We love using Jumpstart3 music to teach our kids the theme verses for our series. We used Romans 10:9, James 1:22, and Matthew 28:19. You will have to purchase these songs to use in your ministry, but it is worth it. Jumpstart3 offers options for hand motions and lyric videos for all their songs as well.
I hope that other ministries will be able to use this VBS curriculum to minister to many more kids and families.
Which VBS are you using in your ministry this year? What are you looking for when you are choosing a VBS for your ministry?