Concept
Children on summer holidays usually have a lot of free time
and parents often welcome any diversion to occupy them as the summer wears on,
especially if it is “educational” in nature, or it captures their attention.
The opportunity to conduct children's meetings outdoors is well worth trying. Summer
weather in most places is usually suitable for being outdoors, and there is no
need to transport children if there are children in the area.
Another important consideration is the development of
interest in young believers for gospel work. What better way to spend a
summer's day than to be involved in bringing the gospel to others, and it could
result in expansion of the children’s work and blessing for the assembly. Young
people should seek the fellowship and support of their elder brethren before
embarking on any gospel work, and in turn, elder brethren should encourage any
initiative shown by young people in whom they have confidence.
History
In 2010, the Victoria Drive assembly in Vancouver tried this
in an outdoor basketball court of a housing complex close to the
hall. This resulted in contact with a large family that continue to come to the
Sunday School, so it gave encouragement to try it again.
In 2011, the work expanded to two city parks, with a week in
each one. The response was encouraging, and the weather cooperated so that no
day had to be cancelled. Again, new children were acquired for the Sunday
School.
In 2012, young brethren and sisters felt they could handle
four week-long series in four parks over July and August. Three were in the
evening and one in the afternoon. It was wonderful to see some parents
listening to the gospel who had never before been in the Gospel Hall. Again,
the weather was phenomenal. Between the four efforts, some 179 new contacts
were made, with a few of these becoming regular attenders at Sunday School.
Venues
Public parks would seem to be an obvious choice for most
places. It would be wise to check with the parks department about regulations
for public gatherings in case a permit is required. It is unlikely a permit is
required for a small group as long as the area chosen does not interfere with
any scheduled event.
Choosing the location is critical. It would be wise to scout
for an area that is frequented by children. The nicest park may not necessarily
yield the best response. It may also be a consideration to go to an area where
your assembly already has contact with children. These could form a core group
of attendees who would in turn encourage friends to come.
Other venues that could be considered are school grounds, or
common areas in housing developments, both of which would likely require prior
approval.
Personnel
To make a VBS effort appealing to children it will require
some effort and creativity. If an assembly has members available during the
day, a morning or afternoon session could be possible. If not, evenings would
result in more help from those who work during the day.
Theme
It was decided that the VBS should have a theme or focus,
the same for all four efforts. This helped in the choice of verses and
messages, and also made it easier for the children to learn systematically, to
make connections and better retain what was learned.
Format
Each session was 1-1/2 hrs. in length, Monday
through Friday. Activities were organized for the children, and contrary to
usual practice, it worked well to have activities immediately after singing and
praying with the children. Once they had run off their energy, they were quite
contented to participate in the quiz, learn a verse; then listen attentively to
the message. Each session concluded with refreshment.
On the Saturday afternoon following the Friday session,
a barbecue was held to which children and parents were invited. There was no activity
planned for this day, but the opportunity was not missed to give another gospel
message.
Equipment
Whatever equipment is used should not require a moving van.
Everything should be portable or collapsible. Basic equipment to consider
is:
2. Tarp - this is used for children to sit on in case the grass is damp, but it also defines the exact place where you want the children to sit. If it is large, it can be folded to suit the size of the group (have children facing away from distractions as much as possible).
3. Folding canopy - 10 x10 or 10 x15. This is not a necessity, but the main advantage is that it provides a focal point for the event which conveys to passers-by the perception that something is happening here. However, it could have several other uses: 1) shelter for a small group in case of a shower. 2) a source of shade in the absence of trees or buildings. 3) a cover over the registration table. 4) a backdrop for the speaker - if used with one side attached, it can serve as visual barrier for the children or to attach visuals to.
4. An easel - for chorus sheets, white board, flannel graph, etc.
5. Additional equipment may be required to support whatever activities have been planned - eg. sports or crafts.
Advertising
On the Saturday that preceded each VBS week, about 600-700
small, colorful invitations were distributed in the areas immediately adjacent
to the park.
The Weather
Surprisingly, for Vancouver, a session has never had to be
cancelled for rain for three summers, although on a couple of occasions, a tarp
was erected to ward off a shower. It would be wise to keep an eye on the daily
and log-range forecast, and have a contingency plan in case of rain, or to make
it known that each session is weather permitting.
Admittedly, there may be some climates that are not
conducive to being outdoors. The weather could be too hot like Tombstone or too
cold like Tuktoyuktuk. However, most parts of North America have some part of
the day that would be pleasant enough for this kind of activity.
What Measures
Success?
Yes, it would be wonderful to see a child saved during a
week of VBS, but maybe our efforts are only part of series of things God will
use to reach a soul. Results cannot always be seen, and sometimes results are
delayed. "… that both he that soweth
and he that reapeth may rejoice together." John 4:36
Don't be unduly excited or discouraged by numbers. The
largest session this summer was over 100 children and parents, but for the last
week, there were about 12 children plus two or three adults. It may have been a
wrong choice of location, but what if one of those 12 children, or a parent, was saved as a result?
Victoria Drive Gospel Hall (click to email) Vancouver, BC
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