Frequently Asked Questions

What is unique about this VBS?

Recent surveys show that nearly 70% of “Christian” kids grow up and walk away from the church. One of the main reasons is because they have not been taught basic “apologetics.” This revolutionary new VBS is designed to answer the key questions that cause so many young people to walk away from the Lord. Kids take an Amazon Expedition that explores the “7 C’s of History” while teaching them that the Bible is the true history book of the universe.

What Bible version do you use?

Amazon Expedition uses the New King James Version (NKJV).

Can this VBS program be used in a rotational format? Or, is it set up specifically for each grade level?

We assume by “rotational format” that you’re referring to having teams of kids travel from site to site during the Vacation Bible School day (from crafts to games to lesson, etc.), so that each volunteer is responsible for a specific section. If so, then yes, this is how Amazon Expedition has been set up. Within this format, the teams are divided by age groups (“expedition teams”), so that the material is geared toward their own age (ages 2–4, 4–6, 6–9, 9–12).

However, it is also possible to use Amazon Expedition with multi-age expedition teams (i.e., expedition teams consisting of children ranging in ages from 5–12). In this case, we suggest using the teaching materials for the Explorers age group, and modifying as necessary.

Are there activities, music, etc., to accompany the lessons?

Amazon Expedition offers the fun and content-filled Jungle Jam music, with most songs written especially for this all-new VBS. Plus there are Amazon Arts & Crafts ideas, Rainforest Refreshment and Recreation activities, and age-appropriate lessons for Walkers (ages 2–4), Hikers (ages 4–6), Explorers (ages 6–9), and Trailblazers (ages 9–12). We also feature a production guide with skits for a daily drama, as well as promotional materials, suggestions for daily contests, and more!

Do you offer skits?

Yes, the Production Guide offers scripts for daily skits. We suggest performing your skit during the daily closing assembly, however the skits can also be used during your opening assembly. The Production Guide features short versions of each skit, while the Production Resource CD offers longer versions involving more actors.

Each day's skit continues the storyline from the previous day.

What is the cost per child for Amazon Expedition?

The cost for your VBS depends on a variety of factors: how much you want to publicize it, how many leaders and students you have, how much is donated toward your craft and snack times, how many “extras” you want to purchase, etc. With that in mind, we have found that the cost per child for Amazon Expedition runs between $10-$15 (this total doesn't include T-shirts and student music CDs). Again, however, this will depend on how elaborate you would like your VBS to be. We endeavored to put together a VBS that even the most budget-conscious church could afford. For example, the craft, game, and snack ideas are all comprised of relatively common, inexpensive materials (i.e., there are no elaborate “craft kits” that you'll need to purchase); the teacher resource CD-ROMs contain printable lesson illustrations; and the director's resource CD-ROM contains printable promotional materials.

Do you offer puppet scripts?

Puppet scripts are featured in the teacher guides for the younger age groups—there are several days that the guides suggest using a puppet to help tell the lesson during the guided learning time.

Is Amazon Expedition easily adaptable to my particular situation (e.g., backyard club, Sunday school, group of mostly non-churched kids)?

While we believe that Amazon Expedition can be adapted to a variety of situations, we aren’t familiar with your particular situation. However, we encourage you to check Amazon Expedition out for yourself by ordering a Starter Kit or Super Starter Kit without risk since there's a 30-day, money-back guarantee!

Will Amazon Expedition work with the size of my church?

Yes! We tested Amazon Expedition with six churches, ranging in size from 50 kids to 1,200 kids, and it worked well in each situation!

Is a template available for printing on the back of the Amazon Expedition postcards?

Yes. For your convenience, a free, downloadable template is available that will allow you to type in your church’s information and then easily print it on the back of the Amazon Expedition postcards. Download template now (108 KB, Word document).