The Finish Line: Follow Up After VBS

You’ve poured your heart and soul into VBS for months, preparing, decorating, and collecting, and now VBS week is over. Phew! You made it! You’re at the finish line . . . almost! Just one last thing to think about before you set aside VBS until next year. And that’s follow-up.

You put so much effort into running a successful VBS program to reach children with the gospel and the message of biblical truth, don’t forget to think about how you will follow-up with the children once VBS ends.

Here are some tips for how you can follow-up with your VBS attendees and their families:

• Pray. Don’t underestimate the value of continued prayer. And let them know you are praying for them! One easy way to do that is with our inexpensive, themed “Praying for You” postcards. Kids love getting mail, and what better mail than a reminder that they are being prayed for?
• Mail them a note to thank them for coming and remind them to save the date for next year. We also have inexpensive postcards you can send to tell attendees you’re so glad they came.
• Wish them a happy birthday. Have teachers sit down and write out a quick birthday note for each of the children in their group and address and stamp each card so that they are ready for mailing. Then have the church office mail out birthday cards each month until all the cards are gone. You can find inexpensive, themed birthday cards on our online store.
• Send out invitations to future children’s events at your church or simply send an invitation to Sunday school.
• Host a follow-up event at your church such as a picnic, movie night, games night, or back-to-school party. Invite VBS children and their families to attend.
• Consider a trip to the Creation Museum or Ark Encounter here in Northern Kentucky. This would be a fun-filled day for VBS children and their families as they learn about God’s Word and the gospel message.

Don’t Forget the Volunteers!

Don’t forget to thank your volunteers! Consider hosting a dinner or dessert night to thank everyone who helped and to recognize those who went above and beyond. Update everyone on how the week went, share answers to prayer or salvation stories, and get everyone excited to come back next year! Also use this opportunity to get feedback on what you could improve for next year to keep things running smoothly.

Once that’s all done—congratulations! You’re finished for 2019! Now, it’s time to start thinking about 2020 and Mystery Island: Tracking Down the One True God as you set your sights on reaching children again next year with the message of truth.