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Tr a i n i n gAWi t h -Twi s tWilderness Guide2020 Holy Land Adventure VBS
Greetings, VBS Groupie!Welcome, to Wilderness Escape VBS Training-With-A-Twist! No more wandering in thewilderness when it comes to VBS! This Wilderness Guide is jam-packed with step-bystep decorating instructions and other things for you to consider as you plan your VBS,no matter what that may look like.This year, the church has an opportunity to reach families like never before. Parentswill be looking for ways to engage their kids as social restrictions are lifted. We believeVBS has the potential to be the greatest face-to-face event of the year!Take a breath, pause, and pray. And don’t give up.On page 3 and 4 in the Wilderness Guide, you’ll find an activity to complete with yourteam, giving you three easy-steps on how to move forward with VBS in 2020. It mayneed to look different, but we’ve given you some ideas on how to strategize andadapt. We know how creative you are, and you’ll come up with even more ways!We’ll be hosting VBS Training Q&A on Zoom, where you can get your VBS trainingquestions answered. Join our caravan for fast-moving hour of sharing practical ideasthat will blaze the trail to make your VBS a time for life transformation. You’ll get timeto network and make connections with other VBS leaders. During weeks of physicaldistancing, this will be an uplifting encouraging time to remember you’re not in thisalone! If you’ve never Zoomed, it’s super easy and super fun! Check out the VBSTraining-With-A-Twist webpage to register. Plus, it’s FREE!Be sure to check out all the goodies in the Wilderness Escape Resource Center atGroup.com/WildernessEscapeResourceCenter. Navigate the wilderness like apro with the tons of videos filled with practical tips and tricks to keep your VBSmoseying forward.We’re thankful that this summer, fall or maybe even winter you’ll help kids explorehow God guides and provides during these uncertain times. You’ll lead kids to trustGod—not their own strength—in life’s challenges. And remember the team at Groupis with you every step of the way. Thank you for all the love and laughter you pourinto kids at VBS. You are our everyday God Sightings!Blessings!The Group VBS Team1Copyright 2020 Group Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this booklet may bereproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior written permission from the publisher.
Focus on what matters most.After watching the “Caravan & Plan” video, gather your VBS Team on a phone call,Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, or FaceTime. Take some time to discuss thequestions below so you can focus on what matters most at your VBS. Remember to be asspecific as possible, so you can make the most of the time you have with kids.What lasting image do we want to leave with kids who attend our VBS?What are some ways to stretch our budget so we can focus on what matters most?How can we use our time most effectively for maximum impact?How can we provide student resources to kids, as a way to help families stay connectedwith Jesus after VBS? (See page 22 and 23 for essential student resources.)Relationships are the difference.Tribe Leaders are key in developing lastingrelationships with the kids at your VBS.How will you intentionally develop relationshipswith your VBS volunteers, kids and parents?FPOlooking for newimage while do yourpart.2
Be Ready to adapt!There’s no doubt COVID-19 came in like a sandstorm and brought a thick haze ofuncertainty over our VBS plans, routines, and expectations. No one knows what thecoming months will look like, but with some planning, creativity, and faith you canstill do your part to make VBS happen—no matter what. Gather your VBS Team,for where two or three are gathered in Jesus’ name (even virtually) he is there withthem! (Matthew 18:20)Here’s why we should trek forward:} BS is a time-tested, proven effective outreach strategy that reaches millionsVof kids and families. We can still do VBS, it just may look a little differentthis year!} BS provides the unique chance to connect with kids who may never set footVinside your church any other time.}T ypically, 29% of the kids who go to VBS are not regular attenders of thechurch hosting the program, and 22% don’t attend church at all! VBS is a keyopportunity to introduce kids to Jesus!} ith all the things that seem to be taking kids and families away from church, kidsWare still free in the summer, and parents need stuff for kids to do. Especially now!} “ VBScan be a critical way to reconnect with the kids and families inyour church over the summer, after many months without face-to-facecontact. Your relationships with kids and parents in your church need tobe maintained.”“ Wilderness Escape explores how “God—guides and provides!” On the heelsof Covid-19, it will be so important and timely to reflect on how God sustainsus in challenging times. This year’s VBS will be important, not only for kids’spiritual growth, but also their emotional health. It will give kids an opportunityto express their feelings about the quarantine experience and to realize howGod was with them in those difficult moments.” —Dr. Joseph D. White, ChildPsychologistHere’s how to trek forward:1. PRAY2. ADAPT3. IMPLEMENTNothing can replace the face-to-face VBS experience, so we encourage you andyour team to not give up! God is up to something big this year and he’s countingon us to keep trekking and do our part.3Choose three options or add your own creative ideas. Pray, then decide ontarget dates for implementation. Begin by communicating to families and yourcommunity. Adapt plans as needed based on the current situation.
zWe Want to Stick with a Traditional VBS ScheduleStick with our current VBS date.Date:Plan B Date (a future VBS date, still as a traditionalweek-long program)Date:Plan C Date (multiple sites with smaller numbers of kids)Date:We’ll decide about moving to Plan B or Plan C byDate:Let’s Explore Some Alternative Schedules1-day for 5 weeksDate:Weekend VBSDate:Back to School VBSDate:Evening VBS (later summer or fall)Date:Fall Break VBSDate:Christmas Break VBSDate:Use VBS material on Sunday mornings, evenings ormid-weekDate:Other Options Using Student Materials (Bible Memory Makers, Student Books, Marketplace Shop projects, and Music CDs)Drive-Thru VBS (families pick up packet, parents lead theactivities with student resources)Date:Drive-In VBS (church led with families in cars, physicallydistanced by parking spaces)Date:Backyard VBS (small groups of neighborhood kids led bykey VBS volunteers or parent)Date:Online VBS (live stream led by VBS church leaders)Date:OtherDate:Implementing Our VBS PlanPlan APlan BPlan CTrust God to Make VBS Happen in 2020Although some are currently wandering in hopelessness and uncertainty, the “all things are possibleJesus” guides us to be leaders for his kingdom. With God's power, we can rise to the challenge andreach families like never before!While we don’t have clear direction at this time, we do have faith that Godis our guide and we’ll reach our destination. Trust God!through“For I can do everythinggth.”Christ who gives me stren—Philippians 4:134
DAY 1deuhlceSyliDaementscnuonnA&BIBLE POINTGod is with us, so trust God!BIBLE STORYT he Israelites cross the Red Sea.(Exodus 14:1–15:21)Group AGroup BGroup CGroup D9:00-9:20 20-9:30 a.m.Tribe TimeTribe TimeTribe TimeTribe Time9:35-9:50 a.m.Moses’ TentTimeFun & GamesVisit Israelite Camp9:55-10:10 a.m.Fun & GamesMoses’ Tent10:15-10:30a.m.Moses’ TentFun & GamesFun & GamesMoses’ TentVisit Israelite Camp10:35-10:50a.m.10:55-11:15 a.m.Tribe TimeTribe TimeTribe TimeTribe Time11:15-11:25 day’s announcements:Permission to photocopy this resource from Group’s Wilderness Escape VBS granted for local church use.Copyright 2014, 2020 Group Publishing, Inc., Loveland, CO. group.com/vbs
Compare VBS PRO Free vs. Premium VBS PROBasic (Free)Mobile-friendly registration siteXXCreate VBS or non-VBS events year-roundXXCreate multiple eventsXCreate multiple sessionsXSave past event setup and dataXClone past event setupXDrag-n-drop crew assignmentXDrag-n-drop volunteer assignmentXXXAdd custom registration fieldsHumphrey's HintsXXOne click auto crew assignmentNewfeaturesfor 2020Premium ( 34.99/yr)Export event dataXXCustomize event reportsXXXAdd custom registration website pagesOnline Payment Button for Paid EventsXXExport Job Interests Report for VolunteersXXRegistration Forms Available in SpanishXXNew Friend Request Features in“Auto-Build Crews”You will need:1. Master Supply List2. Station Leader resources Audio “Wilderness Sounds”— Day 1 Opening Celebration Marching Army” sound effect— Day 3 Opening Celebration “ “Red Sea Wind” sound effect—Day 1 Moses’ Tent Reflective Music,” “Passover Wind,” and “Egypt’s Sorrow” “sound effects—Day 4 Moses’ Tent Printables “Daily Dramas” for Opening Celebration—Days 1-5 Commands” handout for Fun & Games—Day 3 “ “Ten Commandments Tablets” printouts for Moses’ Tent—Day 5X1. Utilize the volunteer tools included in yourStarter Kit—The Ultimate Director Go-ToRecruiting & Training DVD and VBS PRO.2. Create a desert-themed lounge for yourvolunteers.3. Quickly get kids into Tribes using the autoassign feature in VBS PRO.4. If you’re a digital native, use theWilderness Escape Ultimate Starter Kit PLUSDigital Edition! Download the optional Daily Dramas booklet.3. Decorating Places Supply Lists and Step-by-Step instructions.Find these resources on your Wilderness Escape Clip Art &Resources CD: Registration Form Tribe Rosters Daily Schedules Marketplace Shop Signs Operation Kid-to-Kid Flyers Parent Newsletters Evaluation Forms Publicity HelpseseDownload thes atFREE resourcbsToolsgroup.com/vr VBS theto make youe sun!best under th6
Find more decoratingideas and videos atgroup.com/vbsTools.Create a dazzling desertwithout draining the bank!Tribe SignHoly Land HintBe sure the male adapterfits both the PVC pipe andthe floor flange.7SuppliesÁ tape measureÁ drill and drill bitsÁ safety gogglesÁ black spray paintÁ plastic gloves (optional; to protect hands while painting)Á 40'' length of ½'' PVC pipeÁ PVC pipe cuttersÁ 12''x12'' piece of ¾''-thick plywoodÁ floor flangeÁ male ½-inch PVC adapterÁ four ½-inch screwsÁ 17''x22'' sheet of foam coreÁ utility knifeÁ dropclothÁ pencilÁ two 7'' zip tiesÁ Tribe signs (from the Tribe Name Posters* or Clip Art CD)Spray paint the plywood, flange, and male adapter with blackspray paint.Cut the PVC pipe to 40 inches, if necessary, using the PVC pipecutters.Connect the flange and male adapter.Use the drill and screws to attach the flange to the center of theplywood.Press the PVC pipe into the adapter.Use the utility knife to poke two small holes the width of the PVCpipe side by side near the top center of the foam core (about 2inches from the top edge). Thread one zip tie through the holes.Hold the foam core against the top of the PVC pipe and tightenthe zip tie around the PVC pipe to secure the foam core to thePVC pipe.Use the Crew signs from the Tribe Name Posters or theClip Art CD.*Available at group.com or your VBS supplier
Palm TreeSuppliesÁ cutting matÁ utility knifeÁ 4'' diameter carpet tube, 8’ to 10’ longÁ tape measureÁ pencilÁ sandÁ rocks or gravel to hold tree uprightÁ 5-gallon paint bucket for each treeÁ 40 brown paper lunch bags per treeÁ scissorsÁ 4’ x 8’ sheet of cardboardÁ industrial hot glue gun and glue sticksÁ lengths of ½'' PVC pipe (six 3’ lengths per palm tree)Á PVC pipe cuttersÁ dropclothÁ paint trayÁ paint rollerÁ plastic gloves (optional; to protect hands while painting)Á paper plate (to pour paint on)Á paintbrushÁ heat gunÁ green paintÁ white paintÁ twelve 1½'' wood screwsÁ drill and drill bit for pilot holesÁ black markerÁ sandÁ safety glovesÁ stapler (if not using a hot glue gun)Á 24 zip ties, each 7'' (if using to attach leaves to PVC pipe)Create branchesCut PVC pipe into 3-foot lengths using PVC pipe cutters.Holy Land HintAlthough you’ll see we usean industrial hot glue gunin Decorating Places, wefound that zip ties workeven better and are easierto work with.Holy Land HintUse leftover paint from yourset build!Use the heat gun to heat about 2 inches from one end of the PVCpipe. When the pipe starts to get a little discolored, it’s gettinghot enough to bend. Bend at a 90-degree angle andhold for three to five minutes or until it cools. Heat themiddle of the PVC pipe and create a small bend, thenhold until it cools. Repeat for a third time farther downthe PVC pipe; this is to help give the appearance ofa branch.in theWatch for theinstructions—this will alertyou to steps that need tobe done ahead of time.8
Cut the cardboard into six equal pieces lengthwise. You need sixpieces, each 16 inches wide x 4 feet long.Draw a simple palm leaf shape on each piece of cardboard, andcut it out.Notch small triangle cut-outs on each side of the palm leaf to addinterest; you’ll want about five on each side.Use the utility knife to lightly score across the width of the leafevery 3 or 4 inches— be careful not to cut completely through thecardboard. Bend the cardboard at the score marks.Paint the leavesL ay the dropcloth down and paint both sides of the leaves withgreen paint. Let dry.Pour a small amount of green and white paint onto a paperplate. Swirl the two paints together with a paintbrush to create alight-green color.Dab the paintbrush into the paint and wipe off any excess. Painta thin line down the center of the leaf to create the stem. Paintlines in a downward direction from either side of the stem tocreate a leaf design. Repeat on the underside of each leaf, andlet dry.Paint the PVC pipe with green paint. Let dry.Attach leaves to branchesField TestFindingUsing zip ties to attach thePVC pipe to the leavesis a much easier way toaccomplish this!Á Using hot glueEnsure that the leaf’s bottom edge is positioned above the90-degree bend in the pipe; the pipe will not go all the way to thetip of the leaf. Use an industrial hot glue gun to glue the PVC pipedown the center of the leaf. Hold in place until it cools.Drill a hole about 1 inch away from the end of PVC pipe and goall the way through.Drill another hole about 1 inch down from the first hole.Á Using zip tiesField TestFindingAlthough the video showsus using hot glue, we foundthat using zip ties to attachthe PVC pipe to the leaves ismuch easier!Place the PVC pipe on the leaf to determine where it will sit onthe leaf. Use a utility knife to create little cuts along both sides ofthe PVC pipe to mark where the leaf will need to be positionedafter you take away the PVC pipe.Using the pre-made marks as a guide, use the utility knife to makesmall cuts all the way through the cardboard leaf.Weave the zip tie through one hole and back through the secondhole. The fat part of the zip tie should stay on the underside ofthe leaf.Repeat this process for each set of holes. You’ll use four zip ties tosecure your PVC pipe to each cardboard leaf.Once the holes are made, place the PVC pipe back in placeand secure the pipe using the zip ties. Cut off the excess zip tielength using scissors. At this point, the leaf should be securelyfastened to the PVC pipe.9Flip over the leaf and use green paint to cover the exposed zip tieon top of the leaf.
Make tree trunksCut the carpet tube to the desired height. We used a variety ofheights ranging from 4 to 8 feet to create interest.Open all the brown paper lunch bags and cut a slit in the bottomcenter of each one.Slip the brown paper lunch bags over the carpet tube, crinklingthem up to create a palm tree texture. Repeat until the carpettube is covered with brown paper lunch bags. Tuck the edges ofthe last brown paper lunch bag into the top of the carpet tube.Assemble treesAttach the PVC-pipe leaves to the carpet tube using the 1½''screws; use two screws for each palm leaf. Repeat until all sixleaves are attached to the carpet tube.Dump sand into the 5-gallon paint bucket and stick the carpettube in the bucket. Place rocks in the bucket around the tube,and fill the remainder of the bucket with sand to secure the palmtree in place.Cut 10 brown paper lunch bags down one side and across thebottom and open them up. Make sure not to cut completelyapart.Overlap the sides of the brown paper lunch bags slightly. Staplethem together at the bottom to create a row of bags.Holy Land HintUse leftover paint from yourset build!Staple another row of brown paper lunch bags to top of the firstrow of bags to create a double-layered brown bag ''skirt.''Turn the skirt so that the bottom of the bags can be tucked intothe gallon bucket. The skirt should cover the gallon bucketcompletely.Stuff extra brown paper lunch bags into the bucket andaround the trunk to hold in place the bags around the rim ofthe bucket.Use brown paper lunch bags to cover the PVC pipe wherethe pipe meets the trunk by wrapping and pressing thepaper bags into the crease.10
Rockin’ CampfireCampfire Paper RocksHoly Land HintUse leftover paint from yourset build!SuppliesÁ newsprint or large sheets of scrap paper (any color)Á gray bulletin board paper or wrapping paperÁ scissorsÁ clear packing tapeÁ black paintÁ white paintÁ paper plate (to pour paint on)Á plastic gloves (optional; to protect hands while painting)Á 2 foam paintbrushesÁ dropclothTo make each rock, crumple an approximately 4-foot length ofnewsprint to about the size of a football.Cover the crumpled paper with gray paper, and tape at thebottom with clear packing tape.Dry-brush over the gray paper using black paint, allowing thepaint to pick up the texture of the paper.A dd short brush strokes of white and black paint, and allowto dry.Campfire Logs and FlamesSuppliesÁ roll of masking paper (found in the paint department)Á clear packing tapeÁ Electric Campfire*Á split firewood (6-8 pieces)Á drill and drill bitsÁ safety gogglesÁ twelve 3'' screws (you may not need all of these)Á extension cord (optional)Arrange the firewood in a tepee around the Electric Campfire.Drill the wood together using the drill and screws.Crumple the masking paper, and tuck it around andin between the wood pieces.Tape the masking paper to the ground so it remainsin place.Place the Campfire Paper Rocks in a circle aroundthe fire and masking paper, spacing them about 1inch apart.11*Available at group.com or your VBS supplier
Desert Oasis Rocks and PoolSuppliesÁ roll of masking paper (found in the paint department)Á brown paper lunch bagsÁ small paper plate (to pour paint on)Á foam brushÁ brown and rusty-red paintÁ plastic gloves (optional; to protect hands while painting)Á staplerÁ dropclothÁ Water Fabric*Á clear packing tapeHoly Land HintUse leftover paint from yourset build!To build the oasis rocks, crumple the maskingpaper and the brown paper lunch bags.Fill the brown paper lunch bags with themasking paper.Fold over the top of each bag and staple itclosed.Dab the foam brush into the rusty-red paintand dry brush on the brown paper lunchbags. Repeat with brown paint.Lay down the Water Fabric where you wantto create your oasis, positioning it in an ovalshape to resemble a body of water.Place rocks all the way around theWater Fabric.*Available at group.com or your VBS supplier12
Foam Bible Memory MakersSuppliesÁ spray adhesiveÁ utility knifeÁ Giant Bible Memory Maker Posters*Á foam coreÁ scissorsÁ utility knifeCut out each poster, leaving an approximately 4-inchmargin around the edge of the Bible Memory Maker.Spray the foam core with spray adhesive.Place the Bible Memory Maker on the foam core.Holy Land HintRoll up the poster andthen unroll it graduallyas you stick it onto thespray adhesive.13Cut around the Bible Memory Maker with autility knife.Make a support to hold up the Bible Memory Maker by cuttingout a triangle from a foam core scrap. Score in 2 inches on oneedge, then fold it and use spray adhesive to attach it to the backof the Bible Memory Maker.*Available at group.com or your VBS supplier
Stone TabletsSuppliesÁ foam board insulation (2 pieces, each 2'' x 12'' x18'')Á Hot Knife*Á plastic gloves (optional; to protect hands while painting)Á black and white paintÁ paper plate (to pour paint on)Á paintbrushÁ dropclothÁ tapeÁ ''Ten Commandments Tablets'' printout (on vbsTools.com)Á paper towelsUsing the Hot Knife, bevel the edges of the foam board insulationby pressing the blade in a diagonal position across the edge.Carve out notches and nicks in the surface of the foam boardinsulation.Paint the notches with black paint.Pour some black and white paint onto the paper plate. Dip apaper towel in both colors, then apply to the foamboard to create a marbled effect.Holy Land HintIf you live in a climatewhere 2” thick foam boardinsulation isn’t available,you can glue two 1”pieces together.Holy Land HintBe sure to do any carvingbefore painting, as foamboard can’t be carvedafter paint is applied.A llow to dry.Tape on the Ten Commandments handout, one toeach piece of foam board.*Available at group.com or your VBS supplier14
Sand TarpSuppliesÁ fabric dropclothÁ sandÁ reddish sand-colored paintÁ paint rollerÁ paint trayÁ plastic dropclothLay the fabric dropcloth flat on top of the plastic dropcloth.Roll on the paint.While the paint is wet, spread on the sand.A llow to dry, then shake off the excess sand.15
Israelite Camp TentSuppliesÁ E-Z Up canopyÁ 3 old bedsheets (any size)Á zip tiesÁ binder clipsÁ scissorsÁ blanketsÁ rectangular folding tableÁ pillowsÁ potteryÁ basketsÁ greenerySet up the E-Z Up canopy, and use zip ties to secure the bedsheetsto three sides of the canopy frame. Small holes can be placed in thesheets to thread the zip ties through, or binder clips can be used.Set the table low on the floor, and cover it with a blanket. Spreadadditional blankets on the floor, and add pillows, pottery, baskets andgreenery to help complete the look.16
Exclusive Giveaway:Woven RugSuppliesÁ 3 rectangularplastic tablecloths(1 orange,1 black,1 tan)Á 60'' x 40'' piece ofgreen plastic meshfenceÁ scissorsÁ tape measureÁ straight edgeÁ black duct tapeHoly Land HintIf using the rug on anuncarpeted floor, use anonslip mat under the rug.Lay a 60'' x 40'' piece of green plastic mesh fenceflat on the floor.Trim any spikes off the edge so that it’s smooth.Leaving the plastic tablecloths folded, cut them each into 3-inchstrips, then unfold and separate into individual strips.Weave the strips into the plastic mesh fence with an under/overtechnique. Make sure you alternate rows with the over/under,under/over technique. Alternate strips of colors. To make theprocess go faster, pull all the way through one opening and thenpull tight.Once the entire rug is woven, trim the edges of the plastictablecloth strips so they’re even.Finishing the fringed edgeLay the black duct tape sticky side up and measure out a lengthof tape that’s the length of the fringed edge.Press the fringed edge of the rug onto the tape, then cover thefringe with a second piece of tape, sandwiching the fringededge between the two layers of tape. Make sure you line up thetop and bottom pieces of tape to finish the rug neatly.17
Wilderness Must-Haves!Tribe Name Posters(Opening & Closing Celebration)Some stations requirespecific supplies availablefrom group.com.Tribe Banduras(Opening & Closing Celebration)God Sightings Giant Maps (Tribe Time)God Sightings Footprintsngs FootGroup Publishing, Inc.bs 130276Copyright 2014,2020 Group Publishing,Inc. Printed in theUnited States ofAmerica. group.com/vprintsPrintedin the UnitedStates ofAmerica. group.com/vbs 130276001 USA0919Copyright 2014, 2020 Group Publishing, Inc. Printed in the United States of America. group.com/vbs130276Copyri ght 2014,2020God Sighti001 USA 0919001 USA 0919tprintsGod Sightings FooGod Sightings Footprint Stickers(Tribe Time)18
Mail From Moses Student Pages(Closing Tribe Time)Tribe Time Teaching Kit(Tribe Time)Bible Memory Makers(Closing Tribe Time)Carabiner and BuddiesWilderness Escape Carabiners(Closing Tribe Time)19
Israelite Camp Projects (Israelite Camp)Bitty Butter BottlesCamel Caravan BellsSimple SandalsAir-Dry ClayTiny Tapestry Loom KitsTriumphant TambourinesEgyptian Gold (Israelite Camp)Coin Pouch (Israelite Camp)20
}VBS is a time-tested, proven effective outreach strategy that reaches millions of kids and families. We can still do VBS, it just may look a little different this year!}VBS provides the unique chance to connect with kids who may never set foot inside your church any other time.}Typically, 29% of the kids who go to VBS are not regular attenders .
