Summer Activities: Vacation Bible School

Vacation Bible School (VBS) is a week of fun, learning and ministry for your church’s youngest members. As you plan your music, crafts, snacks and games, take some time to review your policies and prepare your facilities to make VBS a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Staff & Volunteers

Your VBS will only be as successful as its workers. Make sure your staff and volunteers and qualified and prepared for their roles during VBS:

Utilize proper background checks for all staff and volunteers.
Develop policies to determine how to hire and approve capable VBS workers.
Develop policies for VBS workers to follow.
In your policies for workers, especially outline a no-tolerance policy for sexual misconduct and harassment.
Conduct initial training for new workers and ongoing training for employees and volunteers.

Food Preparation & Allergies

Whether your church will be providing full meals or only snacks during the day, you must consider how you prepare food, serve food and handle food allergies:

Require VBS workers to wash their hands before handling or serving food.
Check the expiration date of all products before preparing or serving the food.
Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly.
Use separate utensils for each food item when serving.
Require VBS workers to wear disposable gloves when handling ready-to-eat food without utensils.
Do not leave food out for more than two hours when served indoors.
Do not leave food out for more than one hour when served outdoors in temperatures greater than 90 degrees.

Food allergies are becoming more common in children. Be aware of these common symptoms of an allergic reaction:

Hives
Eczema
Redness of skin around the eyes
Itchy mouth or ear canal
Vomiting
Diarrhea or stomach pain
Swelling of lips, tongue or throat
Shortness of breath
Loss of consciousness

In the event of an allergic reaction, contact authorities first for proper medical attention. Consider these other factors to help prevent and prepare for allergic reactions:

Utilize a health and emergency contact information form for all participants.
Avoid foods that are most associated with allergic reactions in children, such as peanuts, tree nuts and dairy products.
Educate VBS workers on the use of an EpiPen in the event of a serious reaction.

First Aid

Taking the time to create procedures for various medical situations can mean the difference between a minor incident and a crisis. Complete these items before VBS begins:

Make sure your First Aid kit is well-stocked and up-to-date.
Prepare procedures regarding medical emergency situations and ensure all workers have access to procedures.
Consider providing First Aid and CPR training to VBS workers.
Consider electing trained volunteers with First Aid certification to work a First Aid station.

Outdoor Safety

You may host a variety of activities outdoors. When setting up outside, pay attention to these items:

Move cords (microphone, electrical, etc...) away from walkways if possible.
Hold cords down if they must stay near walkways and adequately mark them with colored tape.
Mark and protect all stakes and ropes for large, outdoor tents.
Fill in or visibly mark depressions and holes in grassy areas.
Consider moving activities away from depressions and holes in the ground.
Ensure temporary/folding chairs and tables are sturdy and free of defects.
Monitor weather reports and make alternative plans in case of bad weather.

Inflatables

Inflatable rides and entertainment are popular and bring a lot of excitement to the event’s atmosphere. However, these attractions do pose significant risks. Review these items to minimize the risks associated with inflatable rides:

Rent from a reputable, insured business.
Request a certificate of general liability insurance from the rental company and request to have your organization named as an additional insured on the rental company’s insurance.
Ask the rental company to perform installation and tear down.
Require adult supervision at all times.
Require that adult supervisors are properly trained by the rental company.
Ensure all equipment is provided with a label stating the proper age and weight of users and the maximum number of participants allowed to play in the unit at one time.
Set up the inflatable on a soft, level surface and place a tarp on the ground to protect the bottom of the unit.
Properly anchor the unit according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Consider safe electrical precautions, such as using an electrical outlet that’s ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected.
Inspect the inflatable before use to ensure it’s fully inflated and free from visible tears, rips or holes.
Do not use the inflatable if wind speeds will exceed the manufacturer’s recommendation.
Monitor weather forecasts closely if using the inflatable outdoors.
Do not operate the inflatable in wet conditions or if threatening weather is approaching.