Volunteer Positions & Cost
Special Note: In order to be on the grounds during VBS a child must be registered as one of the following: 1) a participant in the program; 2) a participant in childcare (ages 3 and under; children of volunteers only); or 3) as a teen volunteer. This is a safety and liability issue as well as a fairness issue to other volunteers.
COST: $35 per child. Full-week LEADERS receive a $50 discount. Full-week ASSISTANTS receive a $30 discount.
Preschool Classroom Leader and Assistant--8 full-leaders needed: The curriculum and supplies are provided. A small amount of pre-work is required to set up the classroom. Most activities take place in a classroom setting, and the curriculum tends to be less formal than the elementary. There are approximately 2-3 adults and 3 teens in each class, including class leader (or co-leaders). Full-week volunteers are needed in this area.
Elementary Group Leader and Assistant--12 full-week leaders needed: The curriculum and supplies are provided. You begin each day with a short introduction and prayer with the children in the tents, and then lead them from activity to activity making sure they are safe and on schedule. There is one adult leader and one teen assistant per group. A pair of experienced teens could also be co-leaders of a group. Full-week volunteers are needed in this area.
Preschool and Elementary Crafts--18 full-week volunteers needed: All the creative design, directions and supplies are provided. You familiarize yourself with the materials and how to make the craft and then help the children create masterpieces to take home to their families. We tell you how the craft connects to the Bible, and we ask you to keep telling the kids what that connection is while they work. Preschool crafts are located in the school cafeteria, while elementary crafts are outside under the large white tent. Both full and part-week volunteers are needed in this area.
Preschool and Elementary Music--6 full-week volunteers needed: Music and leadership is already provided. You just have to show up and sing with vigor!! Elementary music is a little more formal than the preschool music (singing is accompanied by instruments, and there are more rehearsals). Note that rehearsals are held before VBS for all volunteers. Full-week volunteers are needed in this area.
Childcare--4 full-week volunteers needed: Childcare is provided for volunteers’ children who are too young to attend. Children are divided up among three rooms depending upon age. This is a good area to volunteer if you are available for only a couple of days or have younger children. This has historically been a difficult area to find volunteers – please remember that working in this area will enable other parents to volunteer and ensure that we do not have to turn any kids away due to capacity constraints. Both full and part-week volunteers are needed in this area.
Snacks--2 full-week volunteers needed: All food is provided by VBS. Volunteers are needed to assist in preparing and serving the treats, i.e. popping popcorn, putting pretzels in cups, setting up and staffing food stations in different places. Both full and part-week volunteers are needed in this area.
Acting and Drama--2 full-week volunteers needed: All scripts and leadership are provided. Volunteers are needed primarily to participate in the performances, but also to assist “backstage.” There are many rehearsals prior to VBS, but your time and effort is well rewarded. A drama is performed every day, and is probably the most memorable portion of the VBS program. Full-week volunteers are needed in this area.
Pre-work: Volunteers are needed to help getting the crafts ready for the kids, as well as various administrative tasks, such as mailings. Pre-work is normally very portable and can be done in your own home when it’s convenient for you. Note this is prior to the beginning of VBS.
Special Requests: Notice on the volunteer form there is a “Special Requests” section. This gives you the opportunity to note that you would like to work with a friend, can only work on certain days, or would like to work in different areas (such as childcare for 2 days and crafts for 3; this is for part-week volunteers only, as in many areas we need full-week volunteers).