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How to Host a Backyard Bible Club
Ever thought about doing something different and fun for your kids? Ever wanted to share Jesus with the neighbors in a fun, non-awkward way?
How about a Backyard Bible Club?!
I loved that idea, but here were my obstacles:
- I don’t have oodles of energy.
- I’m not a crafty person.
- I’m not made of money.
I wanted a fun, yet totally doable Neighborhood Backyard Bible Club…And I think it’s possible! Here’s my plan that I believe any mom can do – without being supermom, and without spending a bazillion dollars at Walmart.
Unfortunately, I had a rare, ectopic miscarriage in my abdomen a few weeks ago, so our actual club has gotten postponed. But Lord, willing, we’ll do it in a few weeks!
Here’s our plan:
Find Kids
Our group mostly 3-4 year-olds. But you can always assign older kids as “helpers” to the little ones. My theory is, if you behave, you can stay! 😉
we will have some girls, too!
Find Help
Even if there is one “primary teacher,” others can prepare crafts, make snacks, purchase supplies, lead singing, etc. etc. Every mom can help! Or, perhaps there’s a older woman in your church or neighborhood who’d love to help!
Finding help is important, because otherwise you’ll want to crawl in a hole when the week is over. And your family needs you, so don’t do that. 🙂
Curriculum
Here are my two suggestions for a curriculum:
- Use my VBS/Kids Club Curriculum for the Jesus Storybook Bible. I searched for good, free online curriculums without much success. So I wrote one! It’s super-simple, but you can add to it if you are one those crafty mommies I admire so much! 😉
2. Call local churches and see if they have extra copies of VBS curricula. A friend of mine had great success with this. It could be your church, or you could just call a church you know of and ask if they’re willing to donate some extra or old copies.
Either way, PLEASE keep this in mind: KEEP IT SIMPLE!
Forget the crafts with 389 steps, the elaborate pretzel figures of Noah and the Ark…Simple Is Best!
Repeat the same basic truth everyday, over and over. (“Jesus Loves Me,” “Jesus Takes Care of Me.”)…Use plain ole’ crayons and coloring sheets if you have to. Eat Cheerios everyday. It’s fine!
Schedule Your Time
Okay, so, if you had a kids’ Bible club, what would it actually look like?
I like the idea of four days a week, from 9-11. Here is a basic plan:
- Welcome/Play time – Most kids need about ten minutes to adjust to their new surroundings. I’ll have a few toys around for play.
- Songs – See my VBS Curriculum Using Jesus Storybook Bible for simple song choices.
- Story/Lesson Time – Again, keep it basic. Know your one truth for the day, and say it over and over.
- Craft
- Game
- Snack – See my list of Summer Snacks for Kids (allergy-friendly) – perfect for parties or Kids’ Clubs!
Have you ever helped with, or ran a Backyard Bible Club? Do you agree that simple is best?
Don’t forget to check out my curriculum for VBS/Kids Club For the Jesus Storybook Bible! You may also like… “How to Introduce Your Child To Jesus“:
We’ve hosted several things like this, and I agree — simple is best. The kids, no matter what age always enjoy the same handful of songs every day, and even the same games. (Cross my ocean and Jump the Creek have always been favorites.).
Two things I would suggest: 1) see if you can get older kids/teens to be the leaders. Younger kids love that, and it’s a great experience for those leaders. (BIG benefit to the host as well!)
2) consider having the VBS for only 4 days, and maybe do a family picnic or something for the participants at the end instead of the 5th day. I’ve found that everyone gets weary– leaders and kids — by that 4th or 5th day and then it’s not as enjoyable or productive.
Have fun!
Those are great tips, Amy! I love the picnic on the last day idea!! Did you do it at night so dads were involved, too??
Thank you Jessica! This is awesome and makes it a lot less intimidating. This would be great to do in our neighborhood!
Hi Abby! Katie had some success with this, too…I’m sure she has lots more tips! Good luck! 🙂
Thank you for this awesome idea, Jessica! This would be a perfect way for our girls to make/meet some new friends when we move next month!
This is a great idea! My Husband and I were just discussing that we wished our church held a VBS program in the summer months. This is a fantastic alternative!! Thank you for sharing!
Good luck, Danielle!! 🙂
Jessica,
This is another great idea from you! I read many of the popular Christian mama blogs, but I wanted to tell you that I enjoy reading yours the most and it makes me smile when I see a new post from you in my email. Thanks so much for sharing your life and your heart with us.
Cassie
Cassie, What kind words!! That is so sweet and thoughtful of you to share! Made my day! 🙂